Things To See And Do In Chiang Mai

Temples

    With hundreds of temples spread throughout the city, you’re never very far from one. The highest concentration of the most significant ones are right in the center of town. Chiang Mai was once fortified with a moat and wall. Within the confines of the moat are some of the cities more spectacular temples, including the town’s most famous temple Wat Phra Singh, which is host to the Lion Buddha image.

However, one special temple resides high above the city in nearby hills over looking the city. Wat Phra Thai Doi Suthep is very holy indeed, and some say it is the most sacred of northern temples. It’s an easy drive of some 14 kilometers from the center of Chiang Mai.

It is also within easy reach of the nearby Hmong Village. A bit touristy, the Hmong Village houses shops and eateries. In the early morning, you can get some hot soi milk along the entrance to the village shops.

Trekking On Foot And On Elephants

Hill tribe treks are popular among tourists in Thailand. For many city folk, a day hike or a week hike in the hills are a real adventure. Breathtaking scenery and dense forest brush await trekkers in many mountainous regions of the north.

Living in many northern provinces in Thailand are indigenous tribes that make much of their living on what travelers spend on their way through the villages. Tribes-people craft many products such as jewelry, purses, wallets and other small handicrafts.

Treks are easily organized from Chiang Mai. Travel offices dot the center city. Just stop in any one of them for details. Many display photos and maps outside with facts and costs. All provide transportation, food, camping equipment or lodging. Almost any length of trek can be put together. You organize your own group or join another. Some treks include lengthy river boat trips as part of the itinerary.

But if all you really want to do is hop on something big and comfy and let it do all the trekking for you, then maybe an elephant ride is the ticket. This also can be arranged easily in Chiang Mai. Mind you, Chiang Mai is only one of many provinces where you can ride an elephant in Thailand. Elephants have become a major tourist attraction throughout the land of smiles. Usually, they are a couple of hours long and involve plowing through a river and an adjoining forest. Don’t miss this opportunity to ride with beasts. Again, check out some of the travel shops and agents around Chiang Mai for details.