Best things to do in Chiang Mai

Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep Mountain lies some 13 miles (21km) west of Chiang Mai and is famous for the Wat Phrathat temple perched on the summit. Legend has it that in the late 14th century, King Ku Na was looking for somewhere to house a collection of holy relics. He placed them in a howdah (canopied seat) on the back of an elephant and let the animal wander. The elephant proceeded to climb Doi Suthep, on top of which it trumpeted, turned round three times and knelt to indicate that this was the spot. Within the site are bells, pagodas, statues and shrines influenced by both Buddhist and Hindu culture, including a model of the Emerald Buddha and a statue of the Hindu god Ganesh. Wat Phrathat can be reached either by a flight of about 300 steps, or by funicular, and offers breathtaking views of the countryside.

Mae Sa Waterfall

Set in the lush Doi Suithep-Pui National Park, only 10 miles (15km) out of town, the Mae Sa Waterfall is definitely worth visiting on any Thailand holiday. Travellers should follow the winding pathway to the waterfall's plummeting 10-tiered cascades. There are various little secluded areas along the trail where visitors can relax with a picnic. The jungle villages dotting the riverbanks are also fascinating to see. This popular picnic and swimming spot gets a bit over-crowded on weekends.

Chiang Mai Zoo

Boasting giant pandas from China, Chiang Mai Zoo has earned itself quite a reputation with travellers as one of the top attractions in the region. The perfect destination for a day trip with the kids, the Chiang Mai Zoo also features exhibits such as a walk through aviary, Gibbon Island, an aquarium, a Cape Fur seal exhibit and even a special Children's Zoo. With two waterfalls, plenty of space to run around and a fabulous variety of exotic residents, a trip to the zoo is a must for all animal lovers and a great way to spend the day. Seal shows and other animal shows are conducted several times a day.

Website www.chiangmaizoo.com

Pai

Located 83 miles (135km) up a coiled mountain road from Chiang Mai in the extreme northwest of Thailand, Pai is an unlikely tourist attraction. Over the course of its history, the town has transitioned from hill tribe village to hippie hideaway, and finally to tourist playground, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and peaceful mountain scenery. Pai is a popular base camp for treks into the hills, which can be arranged through hotels or travel agencies in the city. Closer waterfalls and hot springs are worth a visit too, as are the nearby elephant camps. An airport now connects Pai to Chiang Mai, but the best way to get there's by motorbike or bus in order to see the beautiful scenery on the way.

Chiang Mai Temples

Temple tours of Chiang Mai are a wonderful attraction for visitors. The old town is home to the most honoured temples and some tranquil Buddhist sanctuaries. The historic Wat Pra Singh holds the revered Phra Singh Buddha, which possibly dates from the 14th century. The oldest temple in Chiang Mai is Wat Chiang Man (established by King Mengrai), noted for its ancient bas reliefs and massive teak columns. Wat Chedi Luang boasts a gigantic ruin of a chedi (a sacred Buddhist object), which is said to be the tallest structure in the old town, and was once home to the sacred Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok).

Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center

The Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center is an interesting attraction near the Three Kings Monument (Saam Kasat). This multimedia history and cultural education centre offers English-subtitled video displays of Chiang Mai, followed by tours of the rooms documenting the region's history and culture since the pre-Muang period. There are also exhibits showcasing Buddhism and regional beliefs, as well as agricultural history, hill tribes and other regional cultures, and the royal dynasties are also represented. The guides are elegantly outfitted in traditional Thai clothing. The Center is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the rich culture and history of Chiang Mai.

Lisu Hill-Tribe Display

A worthwhile Chiang Mai attraction is the Lisu Hill-Tribe display at the Hill-Tribe Research Institute Museum. The lives and cultures of the hill-tribe people of Thailand are exhibited here through photographs, agricultural implements, religious artefacts and musical instruments. Household utensils and ethnic costumes are also displayed. The non-hill-tribe ethnic minority, the Mlabri (who are often associated with the 'spirit of the yellow leaves'), are included in this extraordinary exhibit.

Bhubing Palace

The royal winter palace of Bhubing has beautiful, regal structures and extravagantly landscaped gardens for visitors to take in. The palace may not be entered but the gardens can be explored when the Thai royal family isn't in residence. The gardens of Bhubing Palace are known for their stunning roses, and are home to a variety of bird and insect life. Visitors can walk up to the Queen's water fountain and find some shade under a pagoda. There's a strict dress code that must be adhered to when visiting this royal site, including a ban on shorts and dresses that show the shoulders.

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

The Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in the Mae Sa Valley was the first genuine botanical garden in Thailnad, and now also serves as a centre of botanical research and studies. The main feature of this attraction is the Glasshouse Complex, which is made up of four exhibition conservatories and eight display glasshouses. A lovely river runs through the grounds, and the Thai Orchid Nursery and Rock Garden are other highlights of the gardens, as are various walking trails and shaded rest areas. Facilities for visitors include a restaurant, a first-aid station, souvenir shops and toilets.

Website www.qsbg.org

Maesa Elephant Camp

Mae Sa Elephant Camp is a popular attraction located in the Muang hills, about a half hour's drive north of Chiang Mai. The camp is home to dozens of Asian elephants, and is dedicated to conservation and breeding. Visitors to the camp will be privy to shows that include elephants playing football and even painting! There are also elephant rides available for the more adventurous. Although this is not a natural environment for these great animals, they are well cared for and very entertaining. The best time to visit Mae Sa Elephant Camp is on March 13th, which is National Thai Elephant Day and is celebrated by an enormous banquet for the pachyderms.

Website www.maesaelephantcamp.com

Museum of Insects and Natural Wonders

The Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders is a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts, particularly those who love insects and arachnids. Located near the city centre, it was started in 1999 by Manop Rattanarithikul, a renowned mosquito researcher, and his wife Rampa Rattanarithikul, a celebrated Thai entomologist. Today, showcases an extensive collection of over 2,000 species of insects, including butterflies, beetles and rare specimens from across the world. The museum also features exhibits on reptiles, fossils and other natural wonders, offering visitors an educational experience about biodiversity and the importance of conservation. With its detailed displays and informative signage, the museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the insect world up close, making it a must-visit for curious minds and families.

Chiang Rai

Nestled into the lush mountains of northernmost Thailand, Chiang Rai is a hotspot for travellers who want to get a real cultural experience from their stay in Thailand. The region is home to the remote hill tribe communities that make up about 10 percent of Thailand's population. Scattered through the mountains and valleys of the province, the tribes are descendents of nomadic peoples from Tibet and southern China. Each tribe is unique, with its own colourful culture and traditions. Many travellers arrive in Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai (a three-hour bus journey) to begin their treks to hill tribe villages, but there's plenty to see and do in Chiang Rai itself, including many beautiful temples and interesting museums. Visitors will also find good restaurants and food stalls offering a taste of northern Thai cuisine. The city has a lively, if not endless, nightlife, with a few good bars and pubs hosting live music. Chiang Rai is situated near the coming together of the three modern nations of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, a region known as the Golden Triangle, which is dissected by the mighty Mekong River.

Chiang Mai

Things to do in Chiang Mai

Doi Suthep

Mae Sa Waterfall

Chiang Mai Zoo

Pai

Chiang Mai Temples

Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center

Lisu Hill-Tribe Display

Bhubing Palace

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

Maesa Elephant Camp

Museum of Insects and Natural Wonders

Chiang Rai

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Doi Suthep

Mae Sa Waterfall

Chiang Mai Zoo

Pai

Chiang Mai Temples

Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center

Lisu Hill-Tribe Display

Bhubing Palace

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

Maesa Elephant Camp

Museum of Insects and Natural Wonders

Chiang Rai