Popularly known as the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique indigenous cultural identity. Founded by King Mengrai the Great as the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom by merging the various city-states in the region in 1296. Today Chiang Mai is the economic, communications, cultural and tourism centre of Northern Thailand.

Wat Ku Tao , it was formerly called Wat Veru Vanaram. The temple is located in Tambon Sri Phum near Chiang Mai Satdium. It is noteworthy for an unusual watermelon shaped pagoda, thus giving such name by the locals. An exact period of its establishment is somewhat unknown, but from a legend, the Ku Tao chedi contains ashes of Prince Saravadee, the son of King Bureng Nong who ruined Chiang Mai from 1579 to 1607.

Wat Saen Fang, is located on Tha Phae Road. This is the old temple, built in the Burmese architecture. The residence of the abbot dating from more than 100 years is an interesting attraction in the temple compound. King Intavitchayanontha, the seventh king who governed Chiang Mai commanded to destroy the residence of Phra Chao Gavirorossurivongs (Chao Chevit Ao), the sixth ruler of Chiang Mai.1877, later his former residence was rebuilt in this temple. The celebration was held in 1878.

Wat Buppharam, located on Tha Phae Road, Muang district. The interesting attractions include the Burmese architectural chedi, the wooden craved roof main chapel, and the local style wooden small chapel.

Wat Chedi Liam or Chedi Ku Kham , the temple was built in 1288 in the reign of King Mengrai after he had authorised an administrative responsibility of Lamphun town to his minister, Aey Fah. King Mengrai established a town in the northeast of Chiang Mai for 5 years and then resettled a town near the Mae Ping River in 1277 and renamed it “Wing Kam”. In 1287, the stupa of Wat Jamthewi, Lamphun was rebuilt in Wieng kum Kam for the locals to worship.

After that for hundreds years, the temple was left abandoned. In 1908, a Burmese tycoon renovated it, thus the temple has influences of Burmese architecture instead of its former Khmer style. Only some parts were rebuilt in Khmer architecture.

Wat Chedi Chet Yot or Wat Photaram Vihan, located on the Super Highway Road (Chiang Mai-Lampang), 4 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. It is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai and was recently renovated. The interesting attraction of this temple is the seven tapering finial stupa, which is supported by lovely divine sculptures at its base. The most interesting of all is that the stupa possesses architecture of the Phuttakaya stupa in India. Besides, the stupa contains ashes of King Tilokkarat, the king of Mengrai Dynasty who built this temple is worth a visit.

Doi Suthep - Doi Pui National Park, the superb landscaped national park covers an area of 262 square kilometres of Amphoe Mae Rim, Amphoe Hang Dong, and Amphoe Muang. The park consists of verdant forests and mountain ranges. Major Mountains include Doi Suthep, Doi Buak Ha, and Doi Pui. This is a main source of tributaries and streams in Chiang Mai. Sacred places, religious attractions and historical sites are located in park complex.

To get to the park office, drive from Chiang Mai town for 5 kilometres on the Huai Kaeo-Chiang Mai University-Chiang Mai Zoo route to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep en route to the intersection on the right, the Doi Suthep - Pui National Park road sign will be seen.

Attractions in the Doi Suthep – Pui National Park
Huai Kaeo Waterfall is located 6 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. The 10-metre cascade provides a delightful ambiance of scenic views and various plants.

Khru Ba Siewichai Monument is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain . The monument honours the devoted Buddhist monk whose followers built the first 10-kilometre motor road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in 1935.

Phu Phing Palace is located on the same road, 4 kilometres beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on Doi Buak Ha. The royal winter palace was built in 1962. The lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds are open to the general public on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and official holidays, when the Thai royal family is not in residence.

Wat phra That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai’s 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 funicular 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.

Doi Pui Tribal Village is a Hmong tribal village some 3 kilometres on an asphalt road from Phu Phing Palace. The village presents the typical lifestyle of the Hmong as well as a scenic view of Doi Inthanon, the highest peak of Thailand. The trip takes only an hour from Chiang Mai town and the village is easily accessible.

Doi Inthanon National Park is Thailand’s highest mountain and towers 2,565 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 characterise an area with a moist and dense summit forest. Doi Inthanon is very intersting for ornithologists. Summit forest is the source of important tributaries of the Mae Ping River. Meo and Karen hilltribes inhabit the park.

Doi Inthanon Royal Project is in khun Klang village close to the park headquarters. The project was initiated in 1979 to help the hill tribes to cultivate cash crops other than opium and train them on modern agricultural practices. Most produces are temperate zone plants. Flower plantations, a plant breeding research lab and flower plantations of hill tribes (Hmong) are open to visitors.

Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Phumisiri, twin pagedas located at Km. 41.5, were built to commemorate the fifth cycle birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Both pagodas share the similar bases as well as a two-level walking path that surrounds them. The pagodas enshrine Lord Buddha’s ashes and Buddha images, and overlook the magnificent scenery of Doi Inthanon.

Doi Inthanon Peak has a cool climate all year round. The Air Force Radar Station as well as King Inthawichayanon’s stupa are located on the moutaintop. King Inthawichayanon, the last king of Chiang Mai, was concerned about the importance of forests and wanted to preserve the forests for future generations. He was so attached to the area that he asked that part of his ashes be kept here.

The Tourist Information Centre near the top of Doi Inthanon exhibits a chronological background of the mountain, including its geography, biology, forests, and animals.

Namtok Mae Pan is the longest waterfall in Chiang Mai, which flows from a 100-metre cliff. . Its charm can be enjoyed by standing some distance from the falls. From afar, the white water and the green forests around the falls make for a lovely picture. From Km. 38 of Highway No. 1009, drive along the Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem road (Highway No. 1192) for 6 kilometres and a sign to the waterfall will be seen, then drive on an unpaved road for 9 kilometres. The lovely waterfall can be reached by a ten-minute walk from a parking lot. In the rainy season, the road to Namtok Mae Phan is in a poor condition; only a four – wheel vehicle could make the journey.

Namtok huai Sai Luang is beyond Namtok Mae Pan, about 21 kilometres from Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem Road. Turn left to an unpaved road where only a four wheel vehicle could make a trip in the rainy season. The medium size cascade has water all year round and flows from a cliff to each level.

Natural Study trek on Doi Inthanon

Doi Tao Lake is located 133 kilometres from Chiang Mai town along the Chiang Mai-Hot-Doi Tao route. The large reservoir with lush green trees is situated beyond the Bhumibol Dam in Tak province. It was used for agriculture and fishery irrigation. This great body of water offers many recreational opportunities during the rainy and cool seasons, from July to December. Rafting lodge prices range from 1,000 to 1,500 baht. Cruise services to Bhumibol Dam is available during this period.

Tha Phae Mae Taman is along Highway No. 107 (Chiang Mai - Fang) for 43 kilometres, t urn left for 7 kilometres.

Pang Chang Mae Taeng is on the same route to Tha Phae Mae Taman. It is 9 kilometres from the entrance and is opposite to Mae Taman temple.

Chiang Dao Elephant Training Centre is ar ound Km. 56. Coming from Chiang Mai, it is on the right. The center trains young elephants on forestry skills and is open to the public daily at 09.00 and 10.00 hrs.

Pang Chang Mae Sa is at Km. 10 to the Mae Rim – Samoeng route.

Pang Chang Pong Yaeng is located at Km. 18.5 of the Mae Rim – Samoeng route. Take the same route that leads to Kangsadan Farm.

A major advantage of shopping in Chiang Mai is that the visitor may watch artisans working the city and in several outlying villages, particularly along the Bo Sang – San Kamphaeng Road where, in genuine cottage industries, parasols, silk and cotton weaving, jewellery, woodcarving, silverware, celadon, and lacquerware are manufactured, and number among popular purchases.

Major Chiang Mai products include :
Cottons & Silks – First – class Chiang Mai cottons and siks are of incomparable quality. Cottons and siks have innumerable fashion and furnishing applications. The largest possible selection is available in San Kamphaeng.

Umbrellas/ Parasols - These are inextricably associated with Bo Sang where villagers have been engaged in their manfacture for at least 200 years. All materials, silks, cottons, Sa paper (manufactured from the bark of the mulberry tree) and bamboo are produced or found locally. Visitors to Bo Sang will see literally hundreds of designs and sizes ranging from the miniature to the gigantic.

Silverware - The finest Thai silverware is exquisite, and is made in Chiang Mai, where certain certain families have practised their art for several generations. Traditional skills and a guaranteed content of at least 92.5% pure silver invest bowls, receptacles and decorative items with authentic value. Silver shops are concentrated on Wua Lai road, where silverware artisans and their families live.

Lacquerware - Striking black and gold designs give lacquerware its visual appeal and sheen. This decorative are enhances items made of wood, bamboo, metal, paper and baked clay, in the form of receptacles, ornaments and various souvenirs.

Furniture/Woodcarving – Chiang Mai’s Ban Thawai village in Hang Dong district, is a major centre of furniture making. Major woods and materials include teak, rosewood and rattan. Items may be unadorned or, especially with teak and rosewood, artfully carved in traditional or modern designs. Woodcarving is a traditional northern Thai art featured in numerous temples. In recent years, wood carving has increasingly embellished furniture, gracing screens, chairs, tables, beds, indeed anything bearing a wooden surface large enough to be carved. Carved elephants, figurines and tableware number among other popular purchases.

Hilltribe Products – These include silver ornaments, such as bracelets, necklace, pendants and pipes of intricate design, and embroidered items including tunics, jackets, bags, purse, caps and dress lengths.

Gold Plated Orchids & Butterflies - Orchids and butterflies are preserved and plated with 24 – carat gold to create unusual gift items such as necklace pendants, hairpins and earrings.

Pottery – Chiang Mai is the major centre of Thailand’s pottery industry. Prized items include high – fired celadon which is produced in many forms, including dinner sets, lamp bases and decorative items.