Chiang Mai Attractions

Wat Chiang Man

This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai town which was built in 1296 by King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai. The temple is famous for its Lanna-style chedi supported by rows of elephant-shaped buttresses and an ancient and invaluable Buddha image named Phra Kaeo Khao.

Wat Phra Sing

This lovely temple, built in 1345, houses the North's most revered Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Sihing. Every year on April 13, Songkran Day, the image is paraded on Chiang Mai streets for local people to sprinkle scented water at. The temple compound contains a lai-kham chapel which features exquisite woodcarvings and northern style murals.

Wat U-Mong

Built in 1296 by King Mengrai, it is situated in a rustic forest setting. This famous meditation temple is unique in its large tunnel-like construction.

Wat Ku Tao

This old temple is noteworthy for its unique Burmese-style chedi (pagoda) that consists of a series of circular layers piling one above the other and decorated with coloured porcelain pieces. As this round layered pagoda resembles a water gourd, the temple is called Wat Ku Tao, which means "Temple with the Water Gourd Chedi".

Wat Suan Dok

This temple was built by command of King Kuena of Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1371.The 500-year-old bronze Buddha image, enshrined in the temple, is one of the most beautiful and largest metal images of the Buddha in Thailand. The temple ground is also a favourite spot for photographers, especially for scenes of the striking sunset.

Wat Chedi Luang

This 14th century temple, where the City Pillar Shrine is located, is famous for its enormous chedi (pagoda) measuring 282 feet high and 144 feet wide at the base. Its spire collapsed in 1545 because of an earthquake. A pair of magnificent Naga staircases at the front porch of the chapel is among the most beautiful in the North.

Night Bazaar

This popular place is an extensive night market spreading out along Chang Khlan Road. It consists of a great number of shops and street vendors, many of whom are hilltribes. The market offers a large variety of Thai and northern Thai goods, especially handicrafts and souvenirs, at attractive prices. This is a must for shopping-oriented visitors and bargain lovers.

Mae Ya Waterfall

This beautiful fall is located in Chom Thong county, 70 km. from Chiang Mai. The clear water of this 280-metre-high waterfall splashes down over 30 tiers of rocks into small pools.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Covering an area of 1,005 sq.km. and being 2,565 m. above sea level, Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain of Thailand and one of the most popular national parks. The higher hills at 1,800 m. and up are often shrouded in mist, especially in the rainy season.

Bo Sang Umbrella Village

In this village of cottage industries, visitors can view young women in traditional costumes hand-paint silk and cotton umbrellas in various animal and floral designs.

There are also craft shops selling various northern Thai handicrafts.

Chiang Mai Zoo

On a 210-acre woody land at the foot of Doi Suthep, it is home to over 7,000 animals in a wooded natural environment. Due to its plentiful animals and beautiful natural setting, the zoo is one of the popular attractions in Chiang Mai. Recently it has become a must-visit place for both Thai and foreign visitors as it received a couple of pandas - Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui - from Sichuan, China in December 2003.

• Open Zoo - Meet Spotted deer, Hog deer, Barking deer, Brow Anther deer, Alpaca, Peacock and other 200 animals in the area of 40 acres. You can walk through the Open Zoo on the sky walker for a close watch of animals.
• Nakornping Walk Through Aviary - Observe more than 800 birds of various species in 2.5 acres area.
• Fresh Water Aquarium - Here is a collection of rare fresh water fishes of more than 60 species.
• Camping area near the big reservoir with adventure station and natural trail -- ideal place for children.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Located on Mount Doi Suthep, only 15 km. from town and about 3,000 feet above sea level, this temple is an important landmark of Chiang Mai and regarded as a "must-visiting place" for all visitors to this province.

Its special feature is the 300-step naga stairway leading to the temple. The temple's golden pagoda contains holy Buddha relics.
The temple is open daily from 06.00 - 19.00 hours.