Chiang Mai Holiday, Travel and Touring Guides.

Visitors Guide for Chiang Mai in Thailand - what to see and do, possible day trips plus Chiang Mai hotels and restaurants.

About Chiang Mai - Thailand. The City is considered as being located in Northern Thailand and was founded as the Lanna Capital in 1296.
Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city after Bangkok with a population living within the immediate city of around 160,000 people. Chiang Mai attracts around 5 million visitors a year half of whom are foreigners and therefore it's one of Thailand's busiest tourist locations. Most of the main sites of interest in Chiang Mai are located within the Old Quarter which is surrounded by a city wall (some parts of which are still quite evident - for instance at Tha Phae Gate) by the moat. Simple to walk around, the 1km square Old Quarter contains numerous temples and Wats all of which are free to enter although donations are always welcome. For visiting these Chiang Mai Temples correct dress is required in the Main Wat and shoes have to be removed as is normal in any of Thailand's Temples.

Travelling to Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Flights. Chiang Mai airport operates from 0600 to 2330 each day - it's located just 3kms from the centre of Chiang Mai. There are frequent International flights to and from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Luang Prabang (Laos), Kunming (China) - also flights twice a week to Yangon (Myanmar) and 4 flights a week direct to Taiwan. Domestic flights are available to and from Nan, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Udon Thani, Hat Yai, Phuket and Bangkok. As you get into the Arrivals you are likely to be approached by taxi-touts however there is an official airport taxi booking service desk inside the arrivals hall which seems a much safer bet - they will give you the number of your taxi - then you simply wait outside for it to turn up.
Chiang Mai Long Distance Buses. Thailand has an excellent bus service and there are frequent buses connecting all major towns within the country. The main long distance bus station is Arcade Bus Station which is on Thanon Kaeo Nawarat - around 3kms northeast from the centre of town. You can only buy tickets from the bus station - travel agencies do not sell them. Chiang Mai has VIP and First Class buses offering cheap services north to Chiang Rai and connections up to the Lao border at Chiang Khong and south for Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and of course Bangkok. The more expensive VIP buses are good for overnight travelling however the somewhat cheaper First Class are perfect for day time as they are clean and comfortable.

Chiang Mai - railways. Chiang Mai railway station is located 2kms east of the city centre at the junction Charoen Muang Road and Rat Uthit Road. The stations has left-luggage facilities and there is also an ATM available. Train services are only available for heading south of Chiang Mai and there are usually 14 services a day to and from Bangkok's Hualamphong Station, a journey which takes between 12 and 14 hours.

Getting around Chiang Mai.
One way (apart from walking) to get around is by using the City's local buses called songthaews - these are used as shared taxis and are in effect fairly large vans with rudimentary seats. The songthaews are differently coloured depending on which route they take - the red songthaews operate around the main part of the City whilst the other coloured-types go a little further afield. If you use one you may have to wait a while before it departs as they will not leave until they have filled up with enough passengers.
There are of course also plenty of tuk-tuks around and always ensure you agree a price before using one.

The best chance of negotiating a reasonable fare is by stopping one along the road. If possible try not to use any tuk-tuks which are parked together perhaps by restaurants or hotels etc as the drivers often pre-agree prices between themselves and will rarely negotiate prices - usually asking for far too much money.
Apart from wandering around the canal which borders the Old Quarter there are some quite pleasant gardens at Suan Buak Hart City Park which is located in the southwest corner of the Old Quarter. There is a largish lake and various water features, flower beds, people selling snacks and drinks and quite a few seats around - just right for a break in between sightseeing and looking at the Wats and Temples.

Chiang Mai Hotels and Restaurants. There are so many hotels and guest houses around that you are really spoiled for choice and they all advertise on the web - and also this means that room prices are pretty reasonable. We stayed at a small hotel with nice views of the Ping River and this cost UKstg35 per night with cooked breakfast. There are also quite a few restaurants and cafes especially down by the moat and also along the Ping River (these are somewhat more expensive but you often get live music).

Touring Chiang Mai Wats and Temples.

Wat Pan Waen. This is a typical Thai Temple which is set in peaceful grounds. The Wihan has beautifully carved doors. Beside the temple there is a small cafe with a garden at the back and a very helpful owner if you want some advice on how to get to your next Wat etc. - the cafe makes a shady place to stop for a while especially on a hot day.

Wat Chedi Luang and the City Pillar.
The Chedi was built on the spot where King Mengrai was killed by lightning in 1317. The enormous Chedi was originally 90 meters high but an earthquake in 1545 reduced it's height to just 60 meters. Originally covered in gold the Chedi contains the ashes of King Ku Na - it actually resembles a fort and around it's base some of the elephant stuccos can still be seen as can the naga lined staircase.
The City's Foundation Pillar (Sao Inthakin) is located near the Wat Chedi Luang and the Wihan is triple roofed, very spacious and contains panels depicting scenes and stories from the Buddha's lives.

Wat Pan Tao. The Wat is next door to Wat Chedi Luang. The all teak Wihan was built in the 14th century and constructed from plain panels which are supported by enormous pillars - this is an excellent example of Lanna architecture.

Wat Phra Singh. This impressive Wat contains some really beautiful buildings the largest being the colourful and modern Wihan which is fronted by excellent naga balustrades. The Chedi, with it's octagonal base, was built in 1345 to contain the ashes of King Kam Fu. The rustic wooden Bot dates from the 1600s. The most impressive building is the Wihan which is called Lai Kham - a beautiful example of Lanna architecture. It is a squat, multi-tiered, carved building which contains the Golden Phra Buddha Sing the design of which is thought to have originated in Sri Lanka. Nearbye there is also a small building which contains a quite large gold reclining Buddha.

Wat Phra Singh Library Hall was built around 1497ad during the reign of Pha Muang Kaew and has since been restored first by Chao Kawiroros Sunyawong and then in 1926 during the reign of King Rama VII. The east facing rectangular shaped building has two storeys - the ground floor is made of bricks and coated with lime and the upper floor is of wood - the roof is of earthen tiles. There are many stuccos including lions, tigers, elephants, fish and deer whilst the staircase features a Magara (a created mix of crocodile, dolphin and elephant) with a lion lying down on each side. The library is used for storing Dhamma (Buddhist teachings), Buddhist holy manuscripts and palm leaf scriptures.

Wat Chiang Mun [Wat Chiang Man] was built between 1296 and 1297 a.d. by Phya Mungrai and was the first royal temple to be constructed in Chiang Mai's ancient City - it was built on the site of the Wiang Chiang Mun Palace. Several of the Temple's most valued artefacts are the white quartz Buddha image (in Lanna style) of Phra Setangkamanee (Phra Kaew Khao) and a stone Buddha statue. There is also a stone inscription written in 1581 a.d. which records the history of Wat Chiang Mun as well as the City of Chiang Mai.
Wat Chiang Mun's Chedi "Chang Lom" is over 700 years old and has elephant stuccos surrounding it - this Chedi is the most important Chedi within the temple compound.

Wat Lok Molee is located a little to the north of the City moat - it was given it's name during the reign of King Guna as a result of 10 monks from the Phra Maha Uthumphonbupha Maha Savamee committee having stayed there for a while. The temple was known to have existed around 1367 a.d. - the Chedi was built in 1527 on the orders of King Phra Muang Kaew and the main hall was built in 1545. The Maha Chedi contains the ashes of both King Phra Muang Ket Klao and Queen Wisuthidhevee. The Chedi is huge and sits on a three tiered square base and a lotus base which is decorated with two moulded torus rings. The chamber is square and has a niche for a Buddha image on each side plus stuccos showing two divinities in each corner.

Outside Chiang Mai City Wall. Below are photos of several temples located just outside the City Wall some of which are along the Tha Pae Road and the Ping River and others along the north moat.

Wat Ket Karam. Ket Karm Temple is located on the eastern side of the Mae Ping River and according to records was built in 1971 B.E.(Buddhist Era) i.e. in 1428 when the region was ruled by Phra Jao Sam Fang Kean, King of the Mung Rai dynasty. Originally the Wat Ket pagoda was called Phra Thad Ket Kaew Jula Manee - where the relic of Lord Buddha was kept. The Pagodas birth sign is of the "Dog" and it represents the original pagoda in the topmost heaven (Daowadueng) on earth - the spire was purposely tilted so that it did not point at the pagoda in heaven. Between 2121 B.E. and 2124 B.E. the temple was restored under the orders of Mung Noratha Chor (ruler of Chiang Mai 2121-2150 B.E.).

Wat Buppharam. The Buddhist Temple of Wat Buppharam is closely connected with former Chiang Mai royalty - it was built in 1496 King Phra Muang Kaeo on the site of King Thokarat's Royal Palace.
In 1819 King Thammalangka ordered the construction of the small Wihan which was built in Lanna style and the larger Wihan was built later on by King Kawiloros. The library was built in 1996 as an act of merit towards the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his reign.

There are many Temples around in Chiang Mai not only within the Old Quarter but outside of the moat as well. The following are just a few photos of particularly nice ones we came across. If you select the picture the Wat's name is shown at the bottom of the image.

Chiang Mai Tours and Trips. Chiang Mai is an ideal centre for going on organised trekking and water sports expeditions and is also well placed for the Golden Triangle and Mae Hong Son Loop - all of these tours and trips can be arranged from most hotels and travel agents. Sightseeing trips from Chiang Mai can include going to Phuping Palace and Gardens and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (easily achieved as a half day tour) and somewhat further away trips to the Doi Inthanon National Park, the King and Queen's Twin Chedi and to visit some of Thailand's Waterfalls (a full day tour).

Phuping Palace and Gardens. [also known as Bhubing Palace]. Visiting the Royal Palace can easily be combined with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep as the Palace has restricted opening hours which currently are 08:30-11:30 and 13:00-15:30 whilst the always open Wat can be visited at any time.

The Royal Palace acts as a winter residence for the Thai Royal family so may well be closed between January and March - it's also used for State visits at which time it is of course closed. There is a small entrance fee and you need to wear correct dress in the grounds. The beautifully landscaped gardens are built on several different levels.

Therefore there are quite a few quite steep climbs involved if you walk right round however from the car park you can use there trolley car/buggy service for those who really cannot manage the steep bits. There is quite a lot to look at around Palace grounds including rose and fern gardens, the Royal Palace itself (you cannot go inside the Palace), various pavilions and shrines.

The reservoir is up on the hillside and overlooked by more gardens and a gazebo - there is a quite powerful -musical- fountain there called the "Fountain of Celestial Water of People". Quite close to the reservoir are toilets, several picnic tables and benches plus a cafe offering a limited choice of food and drink.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Around 15kms from Chiang Mai the Temple complex is located on Doi Suthep Mountain and dominates the hillside - you reach the Wat by either climbing a flight of 300 naga-lined steps or you can use the vernacular for a small fee. This is a very busy and colourful complex and one of Chiang Mai's and Thailand's most sacred sites.

The bell tower is beautifully decorated and has a distinctive layer multi-coloured roof. The main Wihan contains the Gold Buddha image from the 16th century. The impressive central Chedi is gold plated and of Lanna design with 4 multi tiered umbrellas at it's corners.

The whole temple complex is surrounded by cloisters depicting scenes from the Buddha's life and around the outside of the cloisters are numerous bells. Originally used to call the monks and people to worship the bells are now mostly rung by the visitors to the temple (despite "please do not ring the bells" notices everywhere!) The surrounding courtyard contains quite a few small colourful temples, a library and the monks living quarters. This complex is quite high up on the hillside and on a clear day there are beautiful views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside.

Doi Inthanon National Park - Thailand. The Park makes a good day out from Chiang Mai though if you use a car and driver it's not too cheap - perhaps around 5000 Baht but this should include a guide as well as entrance fees to both the Park and the Twin Chedi. The entrance to the Park is 58kms from Chiang Mai at Chom Thong - the drive from there up to the summit just keeps climbing and climbing through beautiful forests and countryside. The main features of the Park apart from the summit are the twin Chedi, the many waterfalls plus lots of wildlife and at the correct time of year (November) the orchids. Doi Inthanon is the highest point in Thailand at 2565 meters and sat right on top you will find the usual military golf ball.
A short walk from the parking area takes you through trees to a shrine - in March 1915 Chao Dara Rasmi (who was the royal consort of King Chulalongkorn) visited the peak of Doi Inthanon and order the construction of a memorial shrine into which were placed the ashes of her father King Inthanon (1870-1897). The Thai Air Force subsequently built a small Chedi next to the shrine to commemorate and honour the King and then in in May 1986 a combination of northern Thai Princes, monks, Air Force personnel and Thai people jointly built a new shrine to replace the broken original. Just below the car park you can take a short but in places fairly steep walk into the forest using wooden walkways and steps - this circuits through woodland and shrubbery and at the right time of year there are masses of orchids covering the moss covered tree trunks.

The Twin Chedi.
A little way back down from the summit there are two large Chedi which were built to commemorate the King and Queen's 60th birthdays. The King's Chedi is coloured brown and the Queen's Chedi is in lilac and they are both set opposite each other within beautifully manicured gardens. The area is very steep and the notices about being careful and walking slowly because of the altitude should be considered. There is transport from the car park up the hill to the steps of the Chedi and from there you can either walk up the wide but steep steps or use the (at time of writing) free escalators.

Thailand Waterfalls to Visit. There are several waterfalls within the Park but which you get to visit will obviously depend on your itinerary as there is probably not time to visit all of them. Two of the most well known are:

Vachiratham Waterfalls seem to be one of the main visitor attractions for tourists - you can be dropped off along the road above the waterfalls and then walk down on a reasonable path through woods to the top of the falls, then go on down beside them down to eventually reach the bottom car park. There are a few facilities there plus wooden seats and tables - so perhaps taking a picnic along would be a good idea.

Mae Klang Waterfalls are just outside the Park entrance - the parking area is by a small village and next to a very picturesque river - you have to walk a few hundred meters to reach the falls themselves. There are some facilities by the car park including fairly basic toilets, also you can get a drink and lovely (and very inexpensive) ice cream. The area by the river is widely used as a picnic site and is usually very busy - you can hire one of the platforms built alongside the river if you wish.

Please take a look at our other Thailand Touring and Holidays topics - Bangkok Holiday Guide,  Bangkok Tours, Ayutthaya Tours and Sukhothai Tours