| 6 mins read
By Joseph Francis
Nestled in the shadow of the Mae Hong Son Mountains, which roll out to form the borderlands with Burma to the north and west, Chiang Mai is a real gem on Thailand’s diverse line-up of destinations. A far cry from the heady backpacker strips of Bangkok and the sun-kissed islands of the Gulf, the city has positioned itself as an artsy, creative centre, where alternative cuisine and interesting, old traditions still dominate. Throw into the mix 14.1 million yearly visitors, and there’s no question that this old stronghold of the Lan Na monarchs in the north is one of the country’s real must-sees.
This Thailand tourism guide focuses on the city of Chiang Mai and hones in on its curious temple complexes, its quirky galleries and museums, top-notch array of eateries and all the other points of interest that travellers making their way to its northern climes may be interested in.
What to see in Chiang Mai
With more than 800 years of history at its back, it’s hardly surprising that Chiang Mai is bursting with fascinating cultural and religious sites. Most of this heritage can be found lurking amidst the tight-knit streets of what’s known as the Old City (or Srivijaya ward to locals) a square, walled-off area in the heart of the town where traditional northern timber homes meet the gilded tops of temples.
Its here that visitors will find the Wat Phra Singh, perhaps the most iconic temple in all of Chiang Mai. A symphony of ancient La Na styles that bursts with golden gilding and colourful red inlaid work, the great wat (temple) here is famed as the home of the Phra Singh Buddha image, which is thought to have been transported all the way from Sri Lanka. Then there’s the Wat Chiang Man, considered the oldest complex in the city and the onetime residence of the first La Na king, Mangrai. The stupa of Wat Chedi Luang is also worth seeing, dominating the heart of the Old City in a soaring array of earthquake-rumbled walls that now stand reconstructed and awash with traditional architectural motifs.
What to see outside of Chiang Mai
Outside of the centre and the most amazing site surely has to be the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep on the hill, which lurches above the Old City to the east, its golden stupas and white marble domes glistening in the sun. This temple is the home of the so-called white elephant legend, which tells of Gautama Buddha’s shoulder bone divinely inspiring a royal elephant to locate the sacred site of Doi Suthep. There are also some interesting effigies of Hindu gods to see, spinning prayer wheels and elegant bridges formed from the shapes of ceramic-crusted dragons. What’s more, the Phu Ping Palace stands in the forests nearby, offering a glimpse at the opulence enjoyed by Thailand’s revered royals.
Another popular out-of-town attraction are the Bua Thong Waterfalls (also known as the Sticky Falls), which can be found cascading through the woods about 50 kilometers north of the city in a curious array of stepped mineral deposits. Entry is free and the surrounding woods are nothing short of beautiful.
What to do in Chiang Mai
Cultural and creative in the extreme, Chiang Mai has plenty to offer the adventurous tourist. Its Old City heart is dotted with fantastic museums like the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, which does well to chronicle the past of the town and the traditional character of the La Na peoples, and the more quirky Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders, where the exhibitions are loaded with critters of all shapes and sizes.
Nature-loving travellers here can seize the opportunity to go to an elephant sanctuary – something any Thailand tour guide will tell you is a particular speciality of this northern region. Be sure to shop around and attend a verified sanctuary for the most immersive and animal-friendly experience (the Elephant Nature Park and the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre are two of the most oft recommended in the area). Other outdoorsy pursuits abound too, with zip lining, bamboo rafting, trekking, mountain biking and other adrenaline-pumping activities all on offer in and around the Doi Suthep Park to the east of the city.
For something indelibly local, be sure to attend one of the weekly matchups at the Kalare Boxing Stadium, where the shows of Muay Thai boxing are some of the best in the country. Or, just opt to hit the night bazaar that coalesces after dark around the edges of the Old Town walls; a heady array of noodle stalls and craft sellers that teems with locals and backpackers alike.
Massages are ubiquitous too, and offer a fine spot of relaxation after a day’s sightseeing. Parlours can be found on virtually every street, while the opulent Cheeva Spa is unquestionably one of the top choices in town (if it’s within the budget that is!).
Culinary tourism is also big in Chiang Mai and traveling foodies can rest assured there’s plenty to sample here. Aside from dedicated Chiang Mai food tours and cooking lessons, visitors should be sure to weave between the roadside stalls that cluster around the canals serving curried khao soi kai noodles and the regular plates of pad Thai. Then there is the city’s quirkier kitchen to explore; a medley of vegan-friendly bakeries and burger joints that’s fuelled by Chiang Mai’s hippy subculture. Check out the Taste from Heaven Vegetarian Restaurant, a favourite with the dreadlocked backpackers, where every dish oozes fresh chilli and lime.
For some of the best coffee in town (and Chiang Mai has arguably the best coffee culture in all of Thailand), be sure to head over to Ristr8to, where the latte art makes a visit worth it on its own. Finally, the organic treats of Dada Kafe and the Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant (which is some walk away from the Old City) are also top-notch
Joseph ‘Rich’ Francis is a freelance travel writer who has travelled extensively in Asia and Europe. He particularly enjoys the jazz bars of Poland, the ski slopes of Austria and the beaches and cities of India.
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