Beyond high forested hills and idyllic river valleys, lies Chiang Mai a veritable shopper’s paradise. Come discover this treasure trove of venerable temples featuring the distinctive northern Thai architectural style and rich decorative detail on the banks of the Ping River.
Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs.
Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.
Attractions
Doi Inthanon National Park
This national park which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain which is 2,565 meters above sea level. Located between Mae Chaem and Chom Thong, the park is comprised of the largest tract of upper mountain forest which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in Northern Thailand.
The mountain ranges gave birth to the main tributaries of the Ping river and formed the beautiful waterfalls, namely Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang and Mae Ya. The moist and dense evergreen forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers.
The Thriving Sunday Market
Located on the Ratchadamneon Rd. inside the old city of Chiang Mai the market seems to be ever expaning down more streets and alleys leading off the central road. With all traffic halted every sunday, people are free to walk without the hassle and stress of cars and motorcycles wizzing by. This makes for a pleasant and facinating day out. Walk along and bargain with the numerous sellers and listen to various buskers playing Thai and Western music.
Phra That Doi Noi Temple
Situated in Doi Lo, Chom Thong District along Highway No.108 between Km. 43 and 44, the temple was built by Queen Jamathewi in 658 AD. During excavations, numerous marble Buddha images, Buddha image containers, and a chapel were discovered. The hilltop temple provides visitors with a panoramic view of the scenic beauty of the Mae Ping River and surrounding hills and valleys. The temple can be reached on foot by climbing 241 steps.
Chiang Dao Cave
Tham Chiang Dao is a charming cave located in Amphoe Chiang Dao. It is situated 72 kilometres from Chiang Mai town, turn left at the entrance route and proceed for 5 kilometres on an asphalt road. Convenient parking is available. Climb a staircase with a zinc roof to reach the cave. The lovely cave greets visitors with various kinds of fish swimming in a stream in front of the cave.
Touring in and around Tham Chiang Dao with a local guide is possible by contacting local guides in front of the cave. A service fee is charged.
Mok Fa Waterfall
This one-level waterfall is located on the Mae Malai-Pai road. To get there, take a left turn at 20 km onto a dirt road and proceed for 2 kilometers. The waterfall, which is surrounded with lush green trees, is full of water all year round.
Local Product
Silverware
Visitors can stroll along Wua Lai Road to discover exquisite silverware made with traditional skills, which have been passed on from generation to generation.
Silk, Cotton & Textiles
First-class Chiang Mai silk, cotton and other hand-woven fabrics (hill tribe products) are famous for its uniqueness and classic quality that shines over time.
Sa (Mulberry) Paper Products
Chiang Mai is also famous for its Sa paper products, a handmade, multi-purpose natural fiber.
Pottery/Celadon (Ceramics)
Celadon, the unique Thai ceramic in soft green and blue tones is produced locally in many forms.
Local Food Product
Chile paste made from minced pork and tomatoes. Normally it is eaten with soft-boiled vegetables, crispy pork rinds (Khaep Mu) or deep-fried crunchy rice cakes.
Lacquer ware
Products are interestingly made by decorating wooden, bamboo, metal, paper and baked clay items with layers of black lacquer and then finishing with golden designs.
Hill tribe Products
Exotic, traditional and unique, products are sold by hill tribe people dressed in traditional costumes.
Gold Plated Orchids & Butterflies
Orchids and butterflies are preserved and plated in 24 carat gold to create unusual gift items such as necklace pendants, hairpins and earrings.
Activities
Flight of the Gibbon
It is located at Mae On District, about an hour from Chiang Mai. For about three hours, you will be taken on an adventure, winging above and soaring across the forest tracks and streams far, far below. Glide through an ingenious system of platforms, sky bridges and cables spanning hundreds of meters between towering timbers in a rainforest as old as 1500 years. Each group goes with two specially trained guides. Each flyer wears a certified harness and is never unclipped from a cable. The cables are so strong that coupes can even swing together. You will be taken on a short trek to a nearby waterfall, which flows year round, but especially cascades with frothy force during the rainy season. After the excitement, enjoy a delightful meal of local cuisine in a small wooden restaurant set above a fast flowing stream. You should definitely make reservations before heading up. This is quickly becoming one of Chiang Mai’s highlight attractions and the number of flyers per day is limited.
For more information, please contact Tree Top Asia, Tel: 08 9970 5511, E-mail: info@treetopasia.com, www.treetopasia.com.
Elephant Life Experience E.L.E.
Elephant Life Experience or ELE in Mae Taman Valle, Mae Tang District. It takes about an hour to reach the site from Chiang Mai.
It is the tailor-made boutique elephant farm situated delightful, secluded riverside setting. Tourist can learn how to feed your own elephant and be the Mahout. The first task will be to get to know your elephant, by bathing them in the river. Continue with a basic lesson of elephant training techniques including elephant commands in a special dialect of the Karen Language. Once this has been mastered. You are off for Ride through the Jungle with your own elephant to practice your skills. On your return to the lodge, you can relax with refreshments on the balcony, during which time there is a demonstration of elephant artists creating their own masterpieces.
You also have the opportunity to visit the Mahout’s living area (to your interest) before saying farewell to your elephant and returning to the resort.
For visiting, please contact in advance at Tel: 0 5385 1877 or E-mail: nopawank@gmail.com
Bungy jumping
For an adrenaline rush, try Bungy jumping. The company in Chiang Mai operates in accordance with New Zealand standards. It is a fully licensed and insured company. Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Call 0 5329 8442 or 08 1885 1912.
Rock Climbing
Take a course in rock climbing on the best rock climbing wall in Thailand under the care of expert instructors. For further information please contact any licensed travel agent or TAT Northern Office: Region 1 Tel. 0 5324 8604 or 0 5324 8607
Wellness and Spa
An increasing number of people today are health conscious. To cater for them a number of wellness centers and spas have sprung up both in city and in the surrounding countryside. There are stress relief services such as traditional Thai massage, Swedish, shiatsu and aromatherapy massages, in spas in the city and in resorts.
For further information please contact TAT Northern Office: Region 1 Tel. 0 5324 8604 or 0 5324 8607 or the Thai Lanna Spa Association Tel. 0 5329 8220 – 3 ext. 302 or 216 www.thailannaspa.org email: info@thailannaspa.org.
Trip Guide
Recommended 1 Day Tour Program
1 day Safari
08.00 - 08.30 Pick up at the hotel by air conditioned van.
Elephant show 45 minutes.
Elephant Ridding and visit Hill tribe Village. (Takes about 40 minutes or more)
Ox Cart Ridding (takes about 30 minutes or more)
Buffet Lunch (included Tea or Coffee and Fruit)
Bamboo rafting (takes about 35 minutes or more)
Visit orchid farm and butterfly farm (takes about 30 minutes or more)
Transfer to hotel by air condition van.
1 day Trekking
08.00 - 08.30 Pick up at the hotel by air conditioned van.
Elephant Riding (Takes about 45 minutes or more)
Visit Meo & Karen Hilltribe Village and Waterfall. Lunch (Thai menu 1 set)
Bamboo rafting (Takes about 45 minutes or more depend the water’s level)
Transfer to hotel by air condition van.
1 day in Chiang Rai
07.00 - 07.30 Pick up at the hotel by air conditioned van.
Visit Mae ka jan Hot spring for a half an hour.
Visit Chiang Sean Old City for a half an hour.
Visit the Golden Triangle for a half an hour. Buffet Lunch (included Tea or Coffee and Fruit)
Enjoy shopping at Mae Sai for 45 min Visit Yao & Akha Village for 45 minutes.
Arrive Chiang Mai by air condition van.
1 day for Inthanon National Park
08.00- 08.30 Pick up at the hotel by air conditioned van.
Visit Wachiratarn waterfall for a half an hour.
Visit Karen Village for a half an hour.
Visit Inthanon Royal Project for 40 minutes.
Lunch (Thai menu 1 set)
Visit the Twin Pagodas "Pra Mahathat Napametaneedon and Pra Mahathat Noppapol Phumisiri" for 40 minutes.
The Peak of Doi Inthanon; Thailand’s highest peak for 20 minutes.
Visit Siritarn Waterfall for a half an hour.
Arrive Chiang Mai by air condition van.
Note:
Please contact your licensed travel agent for above programs. To check the registered travel agents please call Registration Office Northern Provinces, Tourism Authority of Thailand at 0 5320 4602 or 0 5320 4485 (Mon.-Fri. from 08.30-16.30)
