Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
Chiang Mai Cultural Centre at the beginning of Chiang
Mai-Hang Dong road has an excellent collection of
Lanna Thai art, and displays of traditional northern
culture. A spectacular folk dance is performed while
the typical northern dinner “Khan Tok” is served.
The Khan Tok comprises Kaeng Hang Le, a gingery pork
curry; the chilli-tomato-minced pork dip called Nam
Phrik Ong; and the crunchy pieces of pork scratching,
or Kaep Mu, for dipping into the rich gravy. Enjoyable
tribal shows of Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Akha, Mien and
Lisu are performed after dinner from 19.00 to 22.00
hrs. For more information, contact tel. 0-5327-4 540,
0-5327-5097.
Chiang Mai National Museum
Chiang Mai National Museum is located on the Chiang
Mai-Lampang Super Highway near Wat Chet Yot. The distinctive
building was built in modern Lanna Thai architecture
and features northern arts and culture. The area is
peaceful and refreshing. It is open from Wednesday
to Sunday, 09.00-16.00 hrs. and closed on Mondays,
Tuesdays and the national holidays. Contact tel. 0-5322-1308
for more information.
Chiang Mai Zoo
Chiang Mai Zoo is located next to Huai Kaeo Arboretum.
It is a well-managed large zoo, which occupies the
lower forested slopes of Doi Suthep Mountain. The
zoo contains more than 200 types of Asian and African
mammals and birds. It is open everyday from 08.00
to 19.00 hrs. Admission fee for adult is 100 baht,
and children fee is 20 baht. Restaurants and a camping
site are available. For advance booking contact tel.
0-5322-1179, 0-5322-2283.
Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park
Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park , the superb landscaped
national park covers an area of 262 square kilometres
of Amphoe Mae Rim, Amphoe Hang Dong, and Amphoe Mueang.
The park consists of verdant forests and mountain
ranges.
Major mountains include Doi Suthep, Doi Buak Ha,
and Doi Pui. This is a main source of tributaries
and streams in Chiang Mai. Sacred places, religious
attractions and historical sites are located in the
park complex.
To get to the park office, drive from Chiang Mai
town for 5 kilometres on the Huai Kaeo-Chiang Mai
University-Chiang Mai Zoo route to Wat Phra That Doi
Suthep en route to the intersection on the right,
the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park road sign will be
seen.
Attractions in the Doi Suthep-Pui National
Park :
Doi Pui Tribal Village is a Hmong tribal village
some 3 kilometres on an asphalt road from Phu Phing
Palace. The village presents the typical lifestyle
of the Hmong as well as a scenic view of Doi Inthanon,
the highest peak of Thailand. The trip takes only
an hour from Chiang Mai town and the village is easily
accessible.
Huai Kaeo Waterfall is located 6 kilometres from
Chiang Mai town. The 10-metre cascade provides a delightful
ambiance of scenic views and various plants.
Huai Kaeo Arboretum
Huai Kaeo Arboretum is next to Chiang Mai University.
The attractively landscaped garden contains many kinds
of tropical trees and lovely flowers. It is best for
recreation, exercise, and plants study.
Insect and Natural’s Wonders Museum
Insect and Natural’s Wonders Museum has fascinating
collection of domestic and foreign insects including
animal fossils. It is located at 72 Nimmanhemin, Soi
12 (Sirimangkhlalachan Soi 3), Huai Kaeo, Mueang district,
tel: 0-5321-1891, fax: 0-5341-0916, E-mail: insects_museum@hotmail.com.
Kad Suan Kaeo Art & Cultural Centre
Kad Suan Kaeo Art & Cultural Centre , located
in Kad Suan Kaeo Shopping Mall. As the name indicates,
it is a centre of art and cultural performances. The
Kad Suan Kaeo theatre is equipped with advanced technology
where numerous Thai and foreign shows are performed.
For more information contact, tel: 0 5322 4333 ext.
Kad Silpa.
Khru Ba Siwichai Monument
Khru Ba Siwichai Monument is situated at the foot
of Doi Suthep Mountain. The monument honours the devoted
Buddhist monk whose followers built the first 10-kilometre
motor road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in 1935.
Phu Phing Palace
Phu Phing Palace is located on the same road, 4 kilometres
beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on Doi Buak Ha. The
royal winter palace was built in 1962. The lavishly
landscaped gardens and grounds are open to the general
public on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and official
holidays, when the Thai royal family is not in residence.
Sao Inthakil or Sao Lak Muang
Sao Inthakil or Sao Lak Muang , the city pillar was
built when the founder of Chiang Mai, King Mengrai
governed the city in 1296. It is located in front
of Wat Chedi Luang and enshrined in a small Thai chapel.
The pillar is made of log and kept underground. The
Khao Inthakil or city pillar celebration is held annually
in May.
Wat Buppharam
Wat Buppharam , located on Tha Phae Road, Muang district.
The interesting attractions include the Burmese architectural
chedi, the wooden craved roof main chapel, and the
local style wooden small chapel.
Wat Chedi Chet Yot
Wat Chedi Chet Yot or Wat Photaram Viharn, located
on the Super Highway Road (Chiang Mai-Lampang), 4
kilometres from Chiang Mai town. It is one of the
oldest temples in Chiang Mai and was recently renovated.
The interesting attraction of this temple is the seven
tapering finial stupa, which is supported by lovely
divine sculptures at its base. The most interesting
of all is that the stupa possesses architecture of
the Phuttakaya stupa in India. Besides, the stupa
contains ashes of King Tilokkarat, the king of Mengrai
Dynasty who built this temple is worth a visit.
Wat Chedi Liam or Chedi Ku Kham
Wat Chedi Liam or Chedi Ku Kham ,the temple was built
in 1288 in the reign of King Mengrai after he had
authorised an administrative responsibility of Lamphun
town to his minister, Aey Fah. King Mengrai established
a town in the northeast of Chiang Mai for 5 years
and then resettled a town near the Mae Ping River
in 1277 and renamed it “Wiang Kum Kam”. In 1287, the
stupa of Wat Jamthewi, Lamphun was rebuilt in Wiang
Kum Kam for the locals to worship.
After that for hundreds years, the temple was left
abandoned. In 1908, a Burmese tycoon renovated it,
thus the temple has influences of Burmese architecture
instead of its former Khmer style. Only some parts
were rebuilt in Khmer architecture.
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang houses the largest chedi in Chiang
Mai. The temple is located right in the middle of
the city and was built in the reign of King Saen Mueang
Mak, the seventh king of Mengrai Dynasty. The 98-metre
tall and 54-metre wide chedi was built in the reign
of King Tilokkarat. The construction was completed
in 1481. In 1545 the chedi was collapsed due to an
earthquake during the reign of King Jiraprapa. The
chapel in the front was built by Chao Khun Uba Lee
Poramacharn (Sirichantathera) and Chao Kaeo Navarat
in 1928.
The magnificent methodological serpents ramble from
the entrance of the chapel to its door on both sides.
It is believed that they are the most beautiful manmade
serpents in the north of Thailand.
Wat Chiang Man
Wat Chiang Man is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple and probably
dates from 1296. King Mengrai allegedly lived here
while the new city of Chiang Mai was constructed.
The temple is located within the walled city on Ratchaphakhinai
Road. It is noteworthy for a chedi supported by rows
of elephantine buttresses and a beautiful chapel .
Enshrined in the temple are a tiny crystal Buddha
called Phra Kaeo Khao, which is thought to have the
power to bring rain. Another image, called Phra Sila
Khao, reflects the fine workmanship of Indian craftsmen
from thousands of years ago.
Wat Ku Tao
Wat Ku Tao , it was formerly called Wat Veru Vanaram.
The temple is located in Tambon Sri Phum near Chiang
Mai Satdium. It is noteworthy for an unusual watermelon
shaped pagoda, thus giving such name by the locals.
An exact period of its establishment is somewhat unknown,
but from a legend, the Ku Tao chedi contains ashes
of Prince Saravadee, the son of King Bureng Nong who
ruined Chiang Mai from 1579 to 1607.
Wat Phan Tao
Wat Phan Tao , located on Phra Pok Klao Road beside
Wat Chedi Luang. The temple was a throne hall for
King Mahotara Prateth, thus the peacock shaped doors
were built. It is believed that peacock is a symbol
of king.
Wat Phra Sing
located on Sam Lan Road, houses the revered Phra Phutthasihing
Buddha image cast in Subduing Mara. The Buddha image
is now enshrined in Vihan Lai Kham. During the Songkran
festival, each April 13-15, people process the most
sacred Buddha image around Chiang Mai town for traditional
bathing. Formerly, this area was a Wat Li Chiang Market
until 1345, King Pa Yu, the fifth king of Mengrai
Dynasty commanded to built this temple and a 24-feet
chedi containing his father’s ashes. The temple compound
includes the lovely Lai Kham chapel featuring exquisite
woodcarvings and northern-style murals, a magnificent
scriptural repository with striking bas relief, and
a circular stupa (in Lankan bell shape).
Wat Phra That Doi Noi
Wat Phra That Doi Noi is in Tambon Doi Lo, Amphoe
Chom Thong along Highway No.108 between Km. 43 and
44. The temple was built by Queen Jamathewi in 658
AD. During excavations, numerous marble Buddha images,
Buddha image containers, and a chapel were discovered.
The hilltop temple allows visitors to glance the scenic
beauty of the Mae Ping River and surrounding hills
and valleys. The temple is approachable on foot by
climbing 241 steps.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai’ most important
and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from
its forested mountain backdrop. This temple is 15
kilometres from town , 3,520 feet above sea level,
and dates from 1383. The temple is approached on foot
by climbing a steep Naga staircase comprising 290
steps.
The less energetic may ascend by funicular railcars.
The temple’s pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and
attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world
throughout the year. The temple compound offers an
exhilarating view of Chiang Mai city and surrounding
countryside.
Wat Prasat
Wat Prasat , located on Inthawarorot Road near Wat
Phra Sing. The temple houses traditional Lanna architecture
chapel, the chapel roof is decorated in colourful
glasses and wooden craved lions. Wat Prasat houses
one of the rare Lanna arts’ Buddha image.
Wat Saen Fang
Wat Saen Fang is located on Tha Phae Road. This is
the old temple, built in the Burmese architecture.
The residence of the abbot dating from more than 100
years is an interesting attraction in the temple compound.
King Intavitchayanontha, the seventh king who governed
Chiang Mai commanded to destroy the residence of Phra
Chao Gavirorossurivongs (Chao Chevit Ao), the sixth
ruler of Chiang Mai. 1877, later his former residence
was rebuilt in this temple. The celebration was held
in 1878.
Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok is on Suthep Road. The temple was built
in a 14th century Lanna Thai monarch’s pleasure gardens
and is a favourite spot for photographers, particularly
for striking sunset. Several of the white chedis contain
ashes of Chiang Mai’s former royal family. The 500-year-old
bronze Buddha image in a secondary chapel is one of
Thailand’s largest metal images.
Wat U Mong
Wat U Mong , located on Suthep Road in the town. The
spacious temple was found in the reign in King Mengrai
around 1296. It renovation was done in the reign of
King Keu Na. The large wall like building with a connected
tunnel inside is a remarkable piece of art is located
in the temple compound. A large stupa is located near
the temple’s wall. Wat U Mong is teemed with various
kinds of trees, thus making it an ideal meditation
place.
Wiang Kum Kam
Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city that was built in
the reign of King Mengrai in 1286. The city was surrounded
by ditches in every corner and they were used as reservoirs.
From the discoveries, there are 20 ancient remains
in and around Wiang Kum Kam include buildings and
temples of Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chang Kham, Wat Noi,
Wat Pu Pia, Wat Ku Koa, Wat E Kang, Wat Hua Nong,
and Wat Pu Song. The remains are dating from 21-22
Buddhist centuries.
Presently, Wiang Kum Kam is located in the south
east of Chiang Mai, between Km. 3-4 along Chiang Mai-Lamphun
route, Tambon Wang Tan, Saraphi district. It is situated
near the east of the Mae Ping River.
Getting there by taking the road at Nong Hoi Police
box to the Ko Klang Pa Kluai intersection and en route
to Chedi Liam Police box.
