Chiang Mai National Park
 The Quick "Must See" Guide
If you are only in Chiang Mai for a few days, then try to do some of the highlights listed below:
Doi Suthep Temple
17kms northwest of the city, this temple is a symbol of the city and has beautiful views over Chiang Mai. On a clear day you can even see as far as Lamphoon. Leading up to the temple is 300 step staircase withhuge snake heads (nagas) at the foot. You can walk up or take the cable car to the temple at Baht 20 per person for the roundtrip.
The golden stupa is at the center of the temple and is surrounded by a gallery with murals depicting the life of Buddha. The stupa can even be seen from Chiang Mai city, giving the impression the temple is floating in the sky.
Phuping Palace (Winter palace)
Next to Doi Suthep temple, this is the Winter residence of the Royal Family. The garden has an impressive display of colorful northern flowers as the cool temperature here is almost constant throughout the year. The lavishly landscape gardens and grounds are open to the general public everyday, when the Thai royal family is not in residence. The admission fee is Baht 50 for adults and Baht 10 for children, telephone 53 223-065-6,219-932
Chiang Mai National Museum
Located along the Chiang Mai - Lampang Super highway road near the Jet Yod temple, this museum houses Lanna Thai works of art, Buddha images and weapons. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm and admission is Baht 30 for adults and children are free, telephone 53 221-308
Wat Chiang Man (The oldest temple in Chiang Mai)
The Chiang Man temple was built by King Mengrai in 1296 , around the same time that the city was established. Sukhothai influences can be seen in the chedi, which is surrounded by sculpted elephants and inside the murals depict the founding of Chiang Mai.
Tribal Museum
This exhibition on northern hilltribes is located in Ratchamangkla park, Chotana road, only 5 kms from the Tha Phae gate, on highway no.107. It is open daily from 9 am - 4 pm and admission is free. Telephone 53-210-872, fax.53 222-494 or email tribal@loxin.co.th
Khantoke Dinner and Shows
Every visitor to Chiang Mai must try at least one Khantoke dinner. Diners sit on the floor around a circular pedestal tray and eat northern Thai food. During the dinner there are traditional dances and hill tribe cultural shows.
A selection of these are as follows:
Khum Khantoke
On the bank of the Kao river, Khum Khantoke is on the out-skirts of Chiang Mai city. The costumed dancers perform while typical northern food is served in an open air setting. The highlight of the show is the Monkey God drama The cost is Baht 290 for adults and Baht 145 for children and the show is perfomed daily from 7 pm to 10 pm. Free transportation can be arranged. Telephone 53 304-121-2 Fax. 260-504
Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center
The center for Lanna Thai cultural performances The Khantoke dinner costs Baht 270 for adults and Baht 150 for children and Objets d'art and handicrafts are available for sale. The centre is open daily from 7 pm to 9.30 pm and free transportation can be arranged, telephone 53 275-097, 274-093
Darapirom Museum
This Royal museum is dedicated to Princess Jao Dara Rasami, daughter of Chiang Mai's seventh king, Phara Jao Intra Wichayanon and a consort of King Chulalongkorn. She helped strengthen the relationship between the Siamese court and the Lanna Kingdom. The museum houses her personal belongings, Lanna fabric, paintings, furniture and objet d'art and provides a fascinating snap shot of history. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. Admission is Baht 50 for adults and Baht 20 for children and polite dress is required.
Other Sightseeing and Cultural Attractions
 Kru Bha Sri Vichai Monument located at foot of Doi Suthep
Kru Bha Sri Vichai was monk who built the twisting road to Phra That Doi Suthep temple on top of the hill, and is the object of much worship in Chiang Mai as a spiritual and civic leader. This is why you will hear motorists honking their horns as they go past (to show respect).
Chedi Laung Temple
Chedi Laung temple is the monastery with a great stupa, at the corner of Phra Pokklao and Ratchamankhal road. You cannot possibly miss this large stupa if you are anywhere in the Old town area, despite the fact that it was reduced in height by an earthquake in 1545.
Prasingha Temple
This temple is located on the Singharaj and Samlan Road, 10 minutes by car or local taxi from downtown. The Phara Singh image is the namesake of the temple and is believed to have been brought over from Sri Lanka. The murals in the small vihara do not depict the life of Buddha, but illustrate Thai folklore.
Suandok Temple
Located on Suthep road, this temple which was built in 1371, is also 15 minutes by car or local taxi from downtown. The groups of white chides are tombs of Lanna aristocrats and past Buddhist leaders. This temple is an ideal place to watch the sunrise.
Jet Yod Temple
Located on the Chiang Mai to Lampang super highway, this temple is 20 minutes by car or local taxi from downtown. The temple has an Indian-inspired stupa and Lanna decoration.
U-Mhon Temple
U-Mong temple was established by King Mengrai in 1296. It has been one of the most famous meditation (vipasana) centers in the North since the 14th century, and nowadays very popular among Western Buddhist monks. The Indian style chedi above the cave is a relatively recent addition, but vestiges of mural paintings dating back to the 15th century have been found in the old meditation cells underground, and are said to be the oldest ones in Lanna. Located on Suthep road, 20 minutes by car or local taxi from downtown.
Viang Kum Kam
Located east of the Ping River and southeast of Chiang Mai, Wieng KumKam is an ancient city that was built by King Mengrai in the 14th Century . Ancient chronicles note that King Mengrai wanted Wieng Kum Kam to be the capital city of the region after deciding to move residence from Lamphun province. However, since it was prone to floods annually, King Mengrai decided to establish the capital in the Chiang Mai area instead.
At least 20 archeological sites and numerous ancient temples have been found in the Wieng Kum Kam area. Today, monks still reside in some of the Chang Kham temple, Chedi Liam temple and the ruined stupa of Kum Kam temple, all of which are notable for their architecture. Another place of importance is the spirit chamber of King Mengrai. It is holy place for people of Chiang Mai because they believe that his spirit lives here. The Wieng Kum Kam is open to the public everyday and admission is free. |
