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Special Thai Project - Chaing Mai

Places Around Chiang Mai

Although Chiang Mai has lots of interesting places and things to do, such as the moat, beautiful temples, traditional markets and historical monuments, one can utilize their weekends visiting the surrounding areas.

Day trips

A trip to the temple on top of Doi Suithep, an imposing mountain to the west of the city is worth a visit. It is a 15km journey to the summit which can be covered either by local taxi or hired two wheelers. While there you can visit Phuping Palace gardens and Hmong villages, or go walking in the lovely forests of Doi Pui peak.

There are two gorgeous waterfalls, Huay Kaew falls and Monthathal falls. Close by is the Chiang Mai zoo home too a number of Asian and tropical animals.

Closer to Chiang Mai is the Mae Sa valley about 30 minutes' drive, where one can enjoy the magnificent Mae Sa waterfall, orchid farm, monkey and snake farms and botanical gardens. A ride on the back of an elephant is a thrilling experience not to be missed.

Weekends

Northern Thailand is known for its mountains and unspoilt rainforest and Chiang Mai lies at its heart. Therefore it is the starting point for hill treks into the interior. These can be arranged from the many touring companies found in Chiang Mai to explore the heart of rural Southeast Asia. They usually take up to five days, but with less time to spare, a day or overnight trip to the fabulous Doi Inthanon national park - home of Thailand's highest mountain is recommended. The treks include elephant-back rides, rafting rivers on bamboo skiffs, visits to waterfalls and nights stay in villages of the indigenous tribal people who lead a simple lifestyle and follow a unique tradition and culture.

More than a weekend trip

To the north of Chiang Mai heading towards Chiang Dao are a remarkable complex of caves beneath it. Continuing north, one will reach Doi Angkhang - one of the last wildernesses in Thailand bordering Myanmar. However, a popular option is to continue on to Tha Ton and catch an overnight raft trip to Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai sounds like a twin city of Chaing Mai but is equally historic and offers a more realistic glimpse into a Northern Thailand city. From Chiang Rai it's not far to the mighty Mekhong River and you can follow the banks of this important waterway for more than 100kms, passing through the former Lanna capital and port town of Chiang Saen.

Pai is a town situated beside a river, among the hills to the north of Chiang Mai. The three-hour drive over mountaintops to get there is spectacular and the town has become a base from which to start trekking. Live music, quaint restaurants and cheap, simple, guesthouses add to its appeal. From here to Mae Hong Son, a border town with a lake at the center and a unique Burmese temple of Wat Jong Kham is the main attraction. What is exclusive to this region are the long-necked Paduang people, who have clung to an old tradition of extending their woman's necks using brass rings, mainly as a means of attracting tourists.

Doi Inthanon National Park, is a one hour drive from Chiang Mai towards the south and is the country's highest mountain. It is possible to drive all the way to the summit, which is often shrouded in mist. On the way up there are three superb waterfalls. On the way there are chalets to rent and a campsite, and numerous points to enjoy on foot the lovely flora and gushing streams. Several hilltribes also live in the park, and visitors are encouraged to visit their villages, observe their traditional ways and buy their handicrafts.

Nan is one of Northern Thailand's most serene and peaceful provinces, providing a good escape from everything. It is roughly 320kms east of Chiang Mai. This quiet province encompasses an area of 11,500 square kilometers and is comprised of many districts, all of which give an idea of what rural Thailand was once like. Nan is home to numerous Thai Lue and other hill tribes, who are one of the most hospitable people.

If you are looking for history and architecture then 100kms south of Chiang Mai, Lampang is the right place for you. It is noted for several Burmese-style temples (including Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao and Wat Si Chum), the magnificent Wat Lampang Luang, and a Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. The centuries-old Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao used to be the place where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined (the same statue now resides in the temple of the same name in Bangkok). Interesting structures include the large chedi containing the hair of the Buddha, a Burmese-style Mondop, an ancient vihan housing a reclining Buddha.

Situated just 26kms south of Chiang Mai is Lamphung. It is well known for its beautiful women, bountiful orchards and the stunning Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a classic example of northern religious architecture. Similar to Chiang Mai, Lamphung is also surrounded by an ancient moat.