Doi Inthanon National to visit the waterfall, visitors can get a good view from a wooden Park platform in front of the waterfall. ATTRACTIONS Part of the Himalayan mountain • Doi Inthanon Royal Project is range, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s in Khun Klang village close to the tallest peak at 2,565m above park headquarters. The project Wat Phra That Doi sea level. Doi Inthanon National was initiated in 1979 to help the Suthep Park covers an area of 480 km2 hill tribes to cultivate cash crops On top of Doi Suthep Hill, over across three districts of Chiang (rather than opium) and train 1,000m above sea level is the Mai Province. Cool climate lovers CHIANG MAI them on modern agricultural most important temple in Chiang should visit the park during practices. The flower plantations, Chiang Mai is one of the few The old city of Chiang Mai Mai – the revered golden Phra December to February, during the a plant breeding research lab places in Thailand where it is is a showcase of the north’s That (chedi) of Wat Phra That Doi Wat Phra Sing (Temple) winter and witness the blossom of and the flower plantations of Siamese sakura flowers. possible to experience both fascinating indigenous cultural Suthep, built in 1383 to enshrine Located on Sam Lan Road, Wat hill tribes (Hmong) are open to historical and modern Thai identity that includes diverse Buddha’s relics. You can drive Phra Sing’s Wihan Lai Kham is There are many individual visitors. culture coexisting side by side: dialects, a delectable cuisine, uphill to the higher platform but home to Phra Phutthasihing, attractions in Doi Inthanon • Phra Mahathat Napha the city features centuries-old distinctive architecture, most devout Buddhists choose to Chiang Mai’s most sacred Chiang National Park. Methanidon and Phra Mahathat pagodas and temples next to traditional values, lively pilgrim by walking the 290 steps sean-style Buddha image. During • Namtok Mae Ya is one of the Naphaphon Bhumisiri are twin modern convenience stores and festivals, numerous handicrafts up to the hilltop. After praying the Songkran festival, Phra most beautiful waterfall cascades pagodas located at Km. 41.5. boutique hotels. This dichotomy workshops, northern style to the Phra That for good luck, Phutthasihing is carried in a in Chiang Mai. Water splashes They were built to commemorate is best appreciated within the massage, and classical dances. visitors should proceed to the procession around town so locals down over 30 tiers of rocks and the fifth cycle birthdays of King moat-encircled old city, which Nowadays there are innumerable terrace to absorb the panoramic can bath the image with scented boulders into small clear pools. Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen retains much of the fortified activities and attractions both views of Chiang Mai town and water which according to a Mae Ya is a beautiful, fanning Sirikit. Sitting on two nearby wall that once protected the in the city and the surrounding surrounding countryside. Open traditional belief, brings good luck. cascade, dropping down about peaks, both pagodas share similar city centre as well as the four province, including massage 6am to 5pm Open daily 8am to 5pm. 100m over an ever-widening series size, design and colour and are main gates that provided access instruction and golf. With such of steps. linked by a walking path. to the former Lanna capital city. a diverse range of attractions Wat Chedi Luang • Namtok Mae Klang is probably • Doi Inthanon Peak is where Once in Chiang Mai, however, and an equally grand selection Varavihara (Temple) Chiang Mai’s most visited King Inthawichayanon’s stupa is tourists are surprised by the fact of dining and accommodation waterfall. At 30m the waterfall ‘Luang’ means ‘large’ in the located. The last king of Chiang that there are so many things to options, Chiang Mai is a place is quite impressive and it is in northern dialect, and as the name Mai, he was concerned about the discover other than its beautiful where both backpackers and a natural setting - perfect for a suggests, Wat Chedi Luang temple importance of forests and wanted and historic temples. luxury tourists can enjoy the picnic. is home to Chiang Mai’s largest to preserve the forests for future ultimate Thailand holiday. generations. He was so attached Buddhist chedi which is 98m • Tham Bori Chinda is a large cave located near Namtok Mae Klang, to Doi Inthanon that he asked tall and 54m in diameter. The featuring dramatic stalactite and that part of his ashes be kept construction of the original chedi stalagmite formations. here. chiang mai was completed in 1481 during the reign of King Mengrai. The current • Namtok Siriphum is a splendid • Namtok Mae Pan might not be the largest waterfall in Chiang Chedi Luang is a reconstruction waterfall that falls from a steep Mia, but at 100m long from top created after the 1545 earthquake. cliff in two lines and can be seen en route to Doi Inthanon. to bottom it is considered the The ordination hall at the front Named by the Queen who came longest. with its carved serpents is a beautiful example of the Lanna BANGKOK Wat Phra Thai Doi Su Thep architecture. Open daily from 8am Chiang Mai Walking Street to 5pm • Wualai Walking Street – a Saturday night market. Best known for its high quality authentic northern silver and lacquer wares, unique Chiang Mai Night Safari handicrafts, Thai local food and traditional performances. Wualai Chiang Mai Night Safari comprises a trip in a 50 seat open air tram to Walking Street is one of the most popular shopping destination in meet elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, Asiatic black bears, tigers, hyenas Chiang Mai. Open daily from 4pm to 10pm. SAMUI and crocodiles amongst other animals. The Night Safari includes three • Tha Pae Walking Street – a Sunday night market. Every Sunday from different zones: the North Zone is a 25 minute trip with the carnivorous around 4pm until midnight, the famous Sunday Tha Pae Walking animals; the South Zone is a 30 minute trip with animals from the PHUKET Street runs from Tha Pae Gate along the full length of Ratchdamnoen African savanna and there is a Walking Zone entailing a leisurely walk Road. A vibrant spectrum of art, crafts, music and food – with around the lake. There are several evening tour departure times and also handmade quality goods and souvenirs that echo the spirit of day safari and accommodation options. Northern Thailand, it’s the perfect place for souvenir shopping at a (www.chiangmainightsafari.com) reasonable price. ACTIVITIES Trekking In Chiang Mai Chiang Mai is a centre for treks into the surrounding mountainous areas - home to the hill tribes. The verdant hills and forests provide the perfect natural for watching birds and wildlife. The most popular trails are in Kiu FESTIVALS Mae Pan, Ang Ka Luang, Doi Inthanon National Park, Huai Nam Dang National Park and Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. There are trek and tour companies offering single and multi-day treks requiring varying levels of Chiang Mai Flower Festival - February fitness. Venue: Suan Buak Hat Park, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Living up to the name ‘Rose of the North,’ Chiang Mai organises the Zip Line Chiang Mai Flower Festival to showcase its beautiful flowers and decorative plants which are in full bloom towards the end of the CHIANG There are many companies offering Zip Lining adventure tours throughout winter season in early February. Suan Buak Hat Park is transformed Chiang Mai. As well as a fun and adventurous experience, a Zipline ride into an open-air exhibition centre where you can find a magnificent is a great way to experience Chiang Mai’s beautiful scenery first hand. tapestry of floral splendour that blankets the land, along with It’s extreme outdoor fun for everyone! agricultural exhibitions and floral displays, contests and sales. Orchid • Eagle Track Zipline - www.eagletrackchiangmai.com lovers should not miss the opportunity to see the variety of beautiful • Flying Squirrels Chiang Mai - orchids grown by locals. The festival also features flower-decorated MAI • Flight of the Gibbon – www.treetopasia.com/thailand-holiday/chiang-mai floats that parade around the city exhibiting the vibrantly coloured • Zipline ChiangMai - http://ziplinechiangmai.com/main/ flowers, as well as dancers in traditional costumes. Natural Study Trek on Doi Inthanon Chiang Mai Songkran Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival – Mid April Festival – November There are many nature trails on Doi Inthanon, each providing different views of the diversity of plants, reforestation, the importance of Venue: Mueang Chiang Mai, The Yi Peng Festival is a lively and tributaries, the origin of caves, hill tribe agriculture and bird watching. Chiang Mai Province spirited festival which includes Walking trails range from 1 to 8km and each trip needs a trekking The Songkran – the Thai New Year the simultaneous launching of leader and approval from the Chief of the National Park. The service is Festival – originates from Chiang coloured, candle lit Lanna style lanterns to worship Phrathat obtained at the Park Office at Km. 31, Highway No. 1009. Mai, and it’s no surprise that it’s celebrated in Chiang Mai with Chulamani. There is also a Yi Peng procession, as well as Lanna Cooking Class incredible energy. Few will escape the soaking from water pistols cultural performances and various There are several places in Chiang Mai where you can attend a Thai cuisine and buckets of water thrown in other forms of entertainment. cooking class and learn the basics of Thai cuisine‚ its ingredients and method anticipation of the good luck of preparation. Courses usually includes instruction‚ demonstration and a and prosperity it will bring in the practical cooking experience in a relaxed informal setting.