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Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
Chiang Mai Cultural Centre at the beginning of Chiang Mai-Hang Dong road
has an excellent collection of Lanna Thai art, and 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 to 22.00
hrs.
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Chiang Mai National Museum
Chiang Mai National Museum is located on the Chiang Mai - Lampang Super
Highway near Wat Chet Yot . The distinctive building was built in modern
Lanna Thai architecture and features northern arts and culture . The
area is peaceful and refreshing . It is open from Wednesday to Sunday,
09.00-16.00 hrs . and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and the national holidays
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Chiang Mai Zoo
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. It is open everyday from
08.00 to 19.00 hrs. Admission fee for adult is 100 baht, and children fee
is 20 baht. Restaurants and a camping site are available.
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Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park
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
Mueang. 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 the park complex. To get to the park office, d rive 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 :
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.
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. |
Huai Kaeo Arboretum
Huai Kaeo Arboretum is next to Chiang Mai University. The attractively
landscaped garden contains many kinds of tropical trees and lovely flowers.
It is best for recreation, exercise, and plants study.
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Insect and Natural's Wonders Museum
Insect and Natural's Wonders Museum has fascinating collection of domestic
and foreign insects including animal fossils . It is located at 72 Nimmanhemin,
Soi 12 ( Sirimangkhlalachan Soi 3 ) , Huai Kaeo, Mueang district, |
Kad Suan Kaeo Art & Cultural Centre
Kad Suan Kaeo Art & Cultural Centre , located in Kad Suan Kaeo Shopping
Mall . As the name indicates, it is a centre of art and cultural performances
. The Kad Suan Kaeo theatre is equipped with advanced technology where
numerous Thai and foreign shows are performed . |
Khru Ba Siwichai Monument
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 motor road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in 1935.
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Phu Phing Palace
Phu Phing Palace is located on the same road, 4 kilomet re s 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.
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Sao Inthakil or Sao Lak Muang
Sao Inthakil or Sao Lak Muang , the city pillar was built when the founder
of Chiang Mai, King Mengrai governed the city in 1296 . It is located
in front of Wat Chedi Luang and enshrined in a small Thai chapel . The
pillar is made of log and kept underground . The Khao Inthakil or city
pillar celebration is held annually in May .
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Wat Buppharam
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 .
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Wat Chedi Chet Yot
Wat Chedi Chet Yot or Wat Photaram Viharn , 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 .
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Wat Chedi Liam or Chedi Ku Kham
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 “Wiang Kum Kam” . In 1287 , the stupa of
Wat Jamthewi, Lamphun was rebuilt in Wiang 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 .
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Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang houses the largest chedi in Chiang Mai. The temple is located
right in the middle of the city and was built in the reign of King Saen
Mueang Mak, the seventh king of Mengrai Dynasty. The 98-metre tall and
54-metre wide chedi was built in the reign of King Tilokkarat. The construction
was completed in 1481. In 1545 the chedi was collapsed due to an earthquake
during the reign of King Jiraprapa. The chapel in the front was built
by Chao Khun Uba Lee Poramacharn (Sirichantathera) and Chao Kaeo Navarat
in 1928.
The magnificent methodological serpents ramble from the entrance of the
chapel to its door on both sides. It is believed that they are the most
beautiful manmade serpents in the north of Thailand. |
Wat Chiang Man
Wat Chiang Man is Chiang Mai's 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 chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses
and a beautiful chapel . Enshrined in the temple are a tiny crystal Buddha
called Phra Kaeo Khao , which is thought to have the power to
bring rain. Another image, c alled Phra Sila Khao , reflects
the fine workmanship of Indian craftsmen from thousands of years ago. |
Wat Ku Tao
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 .
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Wat Phan Tao
Wat Phan Tao , located on Phra Pok Klao Road beside Wat Chedi Luang . The
temple was a throne hall for King Mahotara Prateth, thus the peacock
shaped doors were built . It is believed that peacock is a symbol of
king .
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Wat Phra Sing
located on Sam
Lan Road, houses the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image
cast in Subduing Mara. The Buddha image is now enshrined
in Vihan 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 Lai Kham chapel featuring exquisite
woodcarvings and northern-style murals, a magnificent scriptural
repository with striking bas relief, and a circular stupa
(in Lankan bell shape). |
Wat Phra That Doi Noi
Wat Phra That Doi Noi is in Tambon Doi Lo, Amphoe Chom Thong 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 allows visitors
to glance the scenic beauty of the Mae Ping River and surrounding hills
and valleys. The temple is approachable on foot by climbing 241 steps. |
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
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 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. |
Wat Prasat
Wat Prasat , located on Inthawarorot Road near Wat Phra Sing. The temple
houses traditional Lanna architecture chapel, the chapel roof is decorated
in colourful glasses and wooden craved lions. Wat Prasat houses one of
the rare Lanna arts' Buddha image. |
Wat Saen Fang
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 .
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Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok is on Suthep Road. The temple was built in a 14 th century
Lanna Thai monarch's pleasure gardens and is a favourite spot for photographers,
particularly for striking sunset. Several of the white chedis contain
ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family. The 500-year-old bronze Buddha
image in a secondary chapel is one of Thailand's largest metal images.
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Wat U Mong
Wat U Mong , located on Suthep Road in the town . The spacious temple was
found in the reign in King Mengrai around 1296. It renovation was done
in the reign of King Keu Na . The large wall like building with a connected
tunnel inside is a remarkable piece of art is located in the temple compound
. A large stupa is located near the temple's wall . Wat U Mong is teemed
with various kinds of trees, thus making it an ideal meditation place
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Wiang Kum Kam
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
Koa , Wat E Kang , Wat Hua Nong , and Wat
Pu Song . The remains are dating from 21-22 Buddhist centuries .
Presently, Wiang Kum Kam is located in the south east of Chiang Mai, between
Km . 3-4 along Chiang Mai - Lamphun route, Tambon Wang Tan, Saraphi district
. It is situated near the east of the Mae Ping River .
Getting there by taking the road at Nong Hoi Police
box to the Ko Klang Pa Kluai intersection and en route to Chedi Liam Police
box . |
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