Chiang Mai Attractions Travel Guide  Jump to: Attractions Galleries
From a history dating back hundreds of years to modern shopping centres displaying the latest in electronics and couture, and a lifestyle suspended somewhere in between, sightseeing in Chiang Mai is a feast for the senses, and I mean all six of them. Whether you come under the Marco Polo club of traveller or the Phileas Fogg variety, Chiang Mai will get under your skin in a pleasant sort of way. You simply can't escape it. [more]
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Buddhist Temples in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai city has over 36 active temples most of which are tranquil and beautiful places of meditation for the thousands of monks and novices that are ordained. Most temples are social centers for various small villages that still exist within the city. Many are very impressive and well w... read more. |
Chiang Mai National Museum
The National Museum in Chiang Mai has recently been renovated to provide an up-to-date and modern showcase for the heritage of Lanna.... read more. |
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is home to Thailand's highest peak, Mt. Doi Inthanon, which climbs to more than 2,500 meters and offers superb views as well as stunning waterfalls and entertaining birdwatching.... read more. |
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Doi Suthep National Park
Location: Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep National Park was declared in 1981 but it is fighting to survive in the face of increasing urban sprawl from Chiang Mai, the continuing presence of hundreds of hilltribe families living within its boundaries, and the encroachment of luxury holiday retreats. Luckily, a residents a... read more. |
Kavila Monument
Kavila, a son of the ruler of Lampang, joined with the King of Siam to fight against the Burmese and in 1775 drove them from the city of Chiang Mai and most of the other cities in the Kingdom of Lanna. It was, however twenty-nine years before the last of the Burmese were expelled from the country.... read more. |
Mae Sa Craft Village
The Mae-Sa Valley provides lazy days of quiet relaxation, plus the chances to explore unique attractions.... read more. |
Mae Sa Valley
The entrance to the Mae Sa Valley is only thirteen kilometers north of Chiang Mai City.... read more. |
Old City of Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai Old City
King Mengrai founded Chiang Mai at the location of a small Lawa settlement known as Wiang Nophaburi. The site lay between the river to the east and Doi Suthep mountain to the west. The proximity of the river was favorable to trade as well as political control of the area. Free from flooding, the site also had a... read more. |
Wat Chedi Luang
King Saen Muang Ma began building the Phra Chedi Luang to enshrine the relics of his father at the end of the 14th century, but King Tilokarat completed it.... read more. |
Wat Chiang Man
Located in the northeast corner of the old city (within the moat) this is the oldest wat in Chiang Mai. Built in 1296, by King Mengrai, Wat Chiang Man originally served as his home but is now inhabited solely by monks.... read more. |
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More Attractions articles for Chiang Mai |
Wat Jet Yod Wat Suan Dork |
Wat Doi Suthep Wat Phra Singh Wat Umong |
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Once you're there, you learn to let go a tiny bit of the original you and acquire a little bit of something new, that redefines and sends you back where you came from , a little calmer, wiser, happier, and if it's not a bad airline, not too tired either. To fully appreciate this experience it would be a good idea to read up a bit on the amazing history of Chiang Mai before you actually get here. It would make for good in-flight reading on your way. Of course, this is not mandatory because this place gives you the feeling that you have all the time in the world to slowly acclimatize, rejuvenate, absorb, and cherish the Thai life.
Tourist Information
It might come as something of a surprise to those of you who immediately associate Thailand with seks (misspelt to avoid unwanted cyber attention) tourism, that the Thai culture is basically conservative and traditional to the point of prudishness. While I would not go so far as to say that all that fabulous frivolity associated with certain aspects of tourism is unwarranted, or that it is restricted to the beaches of Phuket or Pattaya, generalisations of any sort would be as skewed as saying they have weapons of mass destruction.
The point is merely this: decorum is called for-in speech, dress, and manners. Thais have an intrinsic class system which may not be apparent to an outsider. You will be weighed in and labelled according to your appearance and the company you keep. What's worse is that you will not have an inkling of what they really think of you because it's their culture to be nice; to smile and smile and still think you're a villain. So if you're seen escorting a go-go girl while trying to ink a deal, it's no go with your Thai business counterpart. On the other hand, if it's merely a pleasure trip with no one to please but yourself, you can be as hedonistic as you want; just don't let the very low wais or the total lack of it bother you.
While entering places of worship remember to be fully clothed and to take off your footwear. All statues of Buddha, even the broken down ones, are considered sacred; so don't climb on one for a fantastic photo. Women are not supposed to touch or even make eye contact with monks. Don't even think of hugging one however adorable he looks. Don't touch anyone's head or point your foot at them unless you intend to show disrespect. Losing your temper in a show of machismo is actually considered weak. Remember this when you're bargaining ferociously with a song thaew driver, and smile, even if it's through gritted teeth. This probably explains the phenomenon of a lot of tourists coming to the Orient in search of affordable dentistry.
The emergency number you'd need to call for help is 199, 191. The IDD dialling code is 66, and the area code for Chiang Mai is 53. Tipping is an accepted way of showing appreciation for good service whether it be a good driver or a bell boy. A 10-15% tipping is customary in restaurants.
You can reach the British Council at 053-242103, the US Consulate at 053-252629, the Canadian Honorary Consulate at 053-850147, and the Australian Consulate at 053-225975-6.
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 "Everything you ever wanted to know about Chiang Mai attractions"
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