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  1. #1

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    Visiting Chiang Mai – Top 10 Attractions and Activities

    Top 10 things to see and do in Chiang Mai? Anything to add? The umbrella place perhaps?

    Visiting Chiang Mai – Top 10 Attractions and Activities


    Author: Andy Burrows

    Visitors to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand come for the quaint, unhurried pace of life, the bargain shopping and the potential to break out on retreats into the mountains and jungle with a trekking trip. Whatever your reason for coming, Chiang Mai promises plenty of opportunities for excitement, relaxation and historic journeys into the city's past.

    A trip to Mae Sa

    A 30-minute drive to Mae Sa is a fun event for the entire family, as the area is packed with activities. Tourists venture out for the orchid nurseries; the well-known Elephant Camp where visitors can ride elephants and watch performances including a football match played by elephants; a snake farm and bungee jumping. Finally, the Mae Sa Waterfall offers a place to relax or perhaps go hiking.



    Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

    Chiang Mai is well-known for its handicrafts, silk and large markets. This all comes to a focus at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a veritable shopper's dream. Stretching the entire length of Chang Klan road, this market has become more of a tourist's domain than it once was. Here you'll find an assortment of jewellery, clothing, antiques, silver, all manners of souvenirs and knock-off designer items. It's open every evening until midnight. This is where you’ll find many of Chiang Mai hotels.



    Doi Inthanon National Park

    Situated south of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a unique wildlife preserve and often makes for a comfortable cool weather retreat after spending time in the city. It's the tallest mountain in Thailand at a grand height of 8,415 feet. Camping is permitted in the park and the natural surroundings make for an excellent getaway. This is one of the best places for trekking in Northern Thailand.



    Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

    Overlooking the Old City of Chiang Mai, the mountain of Doi Suthep holds one of Thailand's most sacred temples. The 300-stair climb leads you to the large chedi and golden spire. This large temple complex dates back to the 14th century and the view of the city achieved from the marble courtyard is worth the trip alone. No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without visiting Doi Suthep. Ask the concierge at the hotels for assistance getting up there, it’s one of the most important in Thailand.



    Thai massage and spas

    Places to get a massage can literally be found on almost every street of the Old City, and prices range depending on quality and accessibility. Thai massage is world-renown, and some of the most skilled masseurs can be found in the more upscale spas, which also offer body scrubs and detox and beautification treatments. Even at these high-end facilities, the money spent is still fantastic value when compared to the superb quality of the treatment.



    Chiang Mai Zoo

    Don't be surprised if a local asks you if you've visited the zoo yet—most likely, they're wondering if you've seen the pair of pandas which are on loan from China, an endless source of pride for locals. These are only two of the more than 6,000 animals on display at the zoo which sits at the base of Suthep Mountain, from where there are wonderful views of the city.



    Courses and training

    Chiang Mai overflows with all sorts of courses in which tourists can enrol for only a few days or weeks at a time. Due to the affordable prices and the comfortable atmosphere in Chiang Mai, visitors are tempted to dig in and stay a while. So whether you're looking to learn the art of Thai massage, perfect your Thai cooking skills or study Thai boxing, you'll find it here for every level and length of time. When in Thailand this is highly recommended.

    The Old City

    A tour of the Old City is easily done on foot or by bike, and is the best way to come face-to-face with Chiang Mai's legacy. Portions of the old wall were restored in the 19th century, and the 700-year-old moat that surrounds the city has been beautifully preserved. The city gates have also been restored, and each marks an important commercial avenue in or out of the city. Temples are spread across the entire Old City, and some of the more important include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phrasingh and Wat Chiang Mai.



    Adventure sports

    Any number of adventure sports can be organised through travel agencies in Chiang Mai. Some of the more popular outings include white-water rafting on the Mae Tang River, which is 1 hour, 30 minute drive out of town; mountain biking on Doi Suthep with the added bonus of spending time at the temple if you make it all the way to the top, and rock climbing at Crazy Horse Buttress. There's also an outdoor climbing wall located to one side of the Night Bazaar. Trekking in Chiang Mai is perhaps the biggest drawcard.



    Trekking Northern Thailand

    It's impossible to list the major attractions of Chiang Mai without mentioning trekking. Tour guide operators use the city as a springboard from which to organise trips into the surrounding mountainous jungles. Expeditions are packed with a variety of activities and range from daytrips to several night journeys that include hiking, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Routes are planned around hill tribe villages, where overnight accommodation is provided. Trekking is the best way to see rural Northern Thailand.



    Remember to book your Chiang Mai hotels early in the high season.

    Article Source: Visiting Chiang Mai – Top 10 Attractions and Activities
    About the Author
    Andy Burrows is a web travel writer, he recommends: travel planning with 1stop Chiang Mai.

  2. #2
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    11. Check into The Downtown Inn


    And try to make it out alive...might be a bit of a challenge.

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    forget the night bazaar, it has become more and more boring

    a good substitute would be the two "walking street" markets, on Saturday and Sunday (different locations), late afternoon on to approx. 11pm

    these sell all the local handicrafts from small suppliers and makers, and there is lots of traditional and other foods for sale at cheap prices all around and in the temple grounds


    can be very crowded though
    I have reported your post

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    12. Baan Tawai

    Take a trip a few kilometres south on the Hang Dong Road to Baan Tawai, the handicraft village. Loads of shops and stalls selling all kinds of good stuff, but especially original art and some great wood furniture. You can easily spend 3-4 hours wandering round, and if you had unlimited funds and a very big truck, you could pick up some really nice things.
    The sleep of reason brings forth monsters.

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    If you want to just chill out, a day at the lake Huay Tung Tao is just the ticket. Cheap food, scenic view and maybe an easy 20 minute motorbike ride from Chiang Mai.

    Another place is the San Kamphaeng hot springs.

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    Quote Originally Posted by The Muffinman View Post
    11. Check into The Downtown Inn


    And try to make it out alive...might be a bit of a challenge.

    sounds fun....more details required, AND PICS

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    Quote Originally Posted by benbaaa
    12. Baan Tawai
    Quite good this. Huge assortment of all things Thai. My understanding is most of the wares on sale in CM city markets originate here.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Norton
    My understanding is most of the wares on sale in CM city markets originate here.
    a lot of the wooden stuff does

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    Quote Originally Posted by benbaaa
    Baan Tawai
    I went there years ago, we was only supposed to be buying doors, he ended up filling the SUV up with wooden ornaments and stuff for the house, has some real nice stuff there.

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    When you've done all of the above and have a day or so to spare, consider a trip to Pia and re live your hippie years!
    Not for those with a penchant for travel sickness - some 760 turns in the mountain section of the road which is only about 90km.
    The GPS rated the trip from 300m - 1,400m above sea level.
    Locals say the road is best done on a 125cc bike as some of the hairpin turns have a 10m climb in aprox 40m of road!

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by DrAndy View Post
    forget the night bazaar, it has become more and more boring
    Amen to that. The night Bazaar died years ago when they replaced local handicrafts with chinese made tat. On the other hand, if you like exploring deserted run down street markets it could be the place for you.

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    Quote Originally Posted by DrAndy
    can be very crowded though
    Too true. I found the few times I went to be more stressful than it was worth. Didn't buy anything cos I felt too hot and harried. But at least you're not hassled as much (if at all) by the sellers. (compared to night bazaar).

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    Quote Originally Posted by DrAndy
    sounds fun....more details required, AND PICS
    Plenty of details here https://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asi...ing-death.html (NZ woman in Thailand food poisoning death)

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    Quote Originally Posted by benbaaa View Post
    12. Baan Tawai

    Take a trip a few kilometres south on the Hang Dong Road to Baan Tawai, the handicraft village. Loads of shops and stalls selling all kinds of good stuff, but especially original art and some great wood furniture. You can easily spend 3-4 hours wandering round, and if you had unlimited funds and a very big truck, you could pick up some really nice things.
    Yes, went there about 3 years ago and ended up with a truckload of furniture, artwork, garden furniture and other bits and pieces. Much cheaper than Bangkok.

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    Chiang Mai National Museum – Where Thailand's History Is Showcased

    Seems Chiang Mai has a few Museums.

    Chiang Mai National Museum – Where Thailand's History Is Showcased


    Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

    Chiang Mai is a traditional city situated in the heart of Thailand. With an array of attractive attractions for a sightseer to explore, this modern city provides a visitor with an ample of activity and other facilities to indulge in and one such attraction home to Chiang Mai is its Museum.

    The Chiang Mai National Museum located in the heart of the city is one of the country's foremost attractions. This national building houses Thailand's rich history, traditional art and a collection of cultural articles. The museum also boasts a vast list of Buddha statues, ancient artefacts, religious artwork, ceremonial structures and other statues.

    Visitors to the national museum can see a number of exhibits as they are showcased in six different sections within the vicinity. Among these are exhibits that are of cultural importance, pre-historic remains, ecology, geology, trade, economy, society and art in Thailand.

    The museum also operates as an education centre for children and young adults who are enthusiastic about history. The museum further offers in depth tours around each floor with a guide to explain each section of the building.

    The Chiang Mai National Museum designed to depict Thai traditional architecture has also been a great asset to the town's history according to Thai government. Opened to the public in 1973, the museum houses some fascinating antique collections regarded precious to the land of Thailand. Some of these are a sculptured head of the Buddha, Buddhist Banner, Bronze Buddha, Wooden Buddhist Scripture Box, The San Kamphaeng Ceramic and the Lord Buddha's Footprint is among these collections.

    Sightseers to Chiang Mai can also explore the area and seek out the many attractions such as the Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Centre, Tribal Museum Chiang Mai, Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders and the Dara Pirom Museum.

    Travellers looking for Chiang Mai hotels for accommodation requirements will find the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai an ideal choice. This Chiang Mai hotel offers guests with abundant facilities to suit his/her needs. What's more, this fine lodging option also boasts lush venues for a romantic dinner or a casual night at its many restaurants.

    Article Source: Chiang Mai National Museum – Where Thailand's History Is Showcased

    About the Author

    Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.



    Chiang Mai Ancient Car Museum.



    Museum of Elephant Wood Carvings, Sankampaeng, Chiang Mai


  16. #16
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    good one ,,thanks

  17. #17
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    I'd add a few hours exploring the old city on foot.

    And also rent a motorbike and ride the CM-Lamphun rd.

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