About 700 kilometers from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is situated on the Mae Ping River basin some 310 meters above sea level. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers. The terrain is mainly jungles and mountains, parts of which are within national parks which are still fertile and verdant with plentiful flora and fauna. There are many sites and locations where tourists prefer to visit to study the lifestyle of the tribal people who live on high hills.
City Attractions in Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Is Chiang Mai most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. This temple is 15 kilometres from town, 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383. The temple is approached on foot by climbing a steep Naga staircase comprising 290 steps. The less energetic may ascend by railcars. The temple’s pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year. The temple compound offers an exhilarating view of Chiang Mai city and surrounding countryside.
Khru Ba Siwichai Monument
Is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. The monument honours the devoted Buddhist monk whose followers built the first 10 kilometre road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in 1935.
Chiang Mai Zoo
Is located next to Huai Kaeo Arboretum.It is a well-managed large zoo, which occupies the lower forested slopes of Doi Suthep Mountain. The zoo contains more than 200 types of Asian and African mammals and birds.
Wat Chiang Man
Is Chiang Mai oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. King Mengrai allegedly lived here while the new city of Chiang Mai was constructed. The temple is located within the walled city on Ratchaphakhinai Road. It is noteworthy for a beautiful chapel and a chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses. Enshrined in the temple are a tiny crystal Buddha image called Phra Kaeo Khao, which is thought to have the power to bring rain. Another image, called Phra Sila Khao, reflects the fine workmanship of Indian craftsmen from thousands of years ago.
Wat Phra Sing
Is located on Sam Lan Road, houses the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image cast in Subduing Mara. The Buddha image is now enshrined in Viharn Lai Kham. During the Songkran festival, each April 13-15, people process the most sacred Buddha image around Chiang Mai town for traditional bathing. Formerly, this area was a Wat Li Chiang Market until 1345, King Pa Yu, the fifth king of Mengrai Dynasty commanded to built this temple and a 24 feet chedi containing his father’s ashes. The temple compound includes the lovely Viharn Lai Kham featuring exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals paintings, a magnificent scriptural repository with striking bas relief, and a circular stupa.
Wiang Kum Kam
Is an ancient city that was built in the reign of King Mengrai in 1286. The city was surrounded by ditches in every corner and they were used as reservoirs. From the discoveries, there are 20 ancient remains in and around Wiang Kum Kam include buildings and temples of Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chang Kham, Wat Noi, Wat Pu Pia, Wat Ku Khao, Wat E Kang, Wat Hua Nong and Wat Pu Song. The remains are dating from 21st-22nd Buddhist centuries.
Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
At the beginning of Chiang Mai-Hang Dong road has an excellent collection of Lanna Thai art, displays of traditional northern culture. A spectacular folk dance is performed while the typical northern dinner “Khan Tok” is served. The Khan Tok comprises Kaeng Hang Le, a gingery pork curry; the chilli-tomato-minced pork dip called Nam Phrik Ong; and the crunchy pieces of pork scratching, or Kaep Mu, for dipping into the rich gravy. Enjoyable tribal shows of Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Akha, Mien and Lisu are performed after dinner from 19.00-22.00 hrs.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Is Thailand’s highest mountain, 2,599 metres above sea level. Doi Inthanon is a part of the Himalayas, which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends at Northern Thailand. Complex mountain ranges and a mild climate characterize an area with a moist and dense summit forest. Doi Inthanon is very interesting for ornithologists. Summit forest is the source of important tributaries of the Mae Ping River. Meo and Karen hilltribes inhabit the park.
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