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Region: Northern Thailand> Province: Chiang Mai>Location: Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai sights and attractions
Lanna Architecture Centre - A quick peek should do it
Ratchadamnoen Road
Description
This two-storey traditional Thai wooden house has been reinvented as an art space and architectural gallery and is worth a quick look if you're in the area. The art on display varies and prices tend to be a little inflated.
Opening Hours: Daily
Wat Chiang Man - Chiang Mai's oldest wat
Ratchaphakinai Road
Description
Located inside the moat in the northeast corner of the old city, this is the oldest wat in Chiang Mai. Built in 1296 by King Mangrai, it originally served as home to the ruler but is now inhabited by monks.
The bot boasts classical Thai features, including huge ornately decorated teak columns supporting the roof. Although it contains an impressive Buddha image, the true 'prizes' of this wat -- two glass-enclosed Buddha statues -- are stored inside the smaller wihaan to the right. The larger of the two, Phra Sila, or Stone Buddha, is a stone bas relief imported from either India or Sri Lanka some 2,500 years ago. Its smaller counterpart, Phra Sae Tang Kamani, or Crystal Buddha, stands at a height of just 10cm and is thought to originate from Lopburi around 1,800 years ago.
The Crystal Buddha has a very interesting history and, like many of the revered statues in Thailand, has done plenty of travelling. According to legend, around 700 years after Buddha passed on, a disciple and hermit named Phra Su-Tae-Wa dreamed vividly of meeting a god who told him that the King of Lawoh needed Buddha relics for an image he was building. The hermit subsequently convinced the King to build such an image. Once it was completed, it was believed that whoever conquered its hometown should also possess the holy image.
Consequently, the statue moved location on a number of occasions. It initially rested in Hariphunchai, until King Mangrai destroyed the city and installed the image in his new capital of Chiang Mai. There the statue remained for 11 generations, eventually being spirited off to Ayutthaya by a monk of dubious character. When the King of Lanna found out the statue had moved there, he encircled the city with all his military might before the recalcitrant Ayutthayans agreed to return it. During the 16th century, the King of Lan Chang -- a kingdom which now comprises part of modern day Laos -- overpowered Chiang Mai and took off with the statue. It was not until King Rama I was at war with Laos 225 years later that the statue was finally returned. Since then, it has only moved for ceremonial display during the annual Songkran festivities.
Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-17:00
Wat Phra Singh - Home to the Phra Singh Buddha
End of Phra Singh Road
Description
Begun under the supervision of King Pha Vu in 1345, this large wat houses the revered yet controversial Phra Singh Buddha. Experts do not agree on whether this is the 'true' image and seemingly identical statues can be found elsewhere in Thailand. Nevertheless, this impressive effigy forms the epicentre of the Songkran festival in mid-April. Wat Phra Singh's large bot is particularly serene when not full of tour groups.
How to get there: Located at the end of Phra Singh Road in the western centre of the old city, this is one place you should keep an eye out for unscrupulous gem con artists.
Wat Chedi Luang - Mother of all chedis
Phra Pokklao Road
Description
Located in the centre of town on Phra Pokklao Road, this wat contains the ruins of what must have been a huge chedi. Partially collapsed due to either earthquake or cannon fire, the chedi was once Chiang Mai's largest; the compound's remains give an indication of its impressive former scale.
Unfortunately, attempts to restore the original structure and the new naga gates have resulted in a crass, overly modern look. The plan is for a complete restoration of the site which will hopefully look better than what's been done so far. The Lak Muang, or city guardian pillar, is also located within the grounds.
Wat Ku Tao - A unique chedi
Description
Supposedly representing the alms bowls of the Lord Buddha, this unique chedi built in 1613 still retains its original coloured porcelain decorations.
How to get there: Wat Ku Tao is located a bit out of town, near the sports stadium.
Wat Chet Yot - Based on the Mahabodhi Temple
Description
This wat was purportedly based on the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, India, although those who have seen the 'original' may be a little nonplussed by this interpretation. (The duplicate in Ubon Ratchathani is a finer copy.) Each of the seven spires represents one of the seven weeks that Buddha spent in enlightenment in Bodhgaya.
Constructed during the rule of King Tilokaratcha in 1455, the wat hosted the 8th World Buddhist Council meeting in 1477, held in order to revise the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism.
How to get there: It's a bit of a slog out to this temple which is best reached by local transport. It is towards the National Museum on the highway bypass road.
Wat Suan Dok - A massive wat
Suthep Rd
Description
Constructed by King Ku Nu in 1383, the bot in this compound contains a huge 500-year-old bronze Buddha image which is surrounded by well-preserved murals depicting Buddha's life. A variety of Buddhist amulets are sold around the wihaan, which was built in 1932.
The whole complex was originally constructed as a garden for the Lanna royal family while it now serves as their graveyard.
How to get there: The wat is on the west side of Suthep Road, around 1 km north of the Suan Dok Gate.
Wat U Mong - A good forest escape
Description
This forest wat was established during the reign of King Mangrai and is worth a visit, if only to escape comparatively hectic Chiang Mai. The wooded grounds are pierced by paths through the trees, which pass by the bizarre sculptures dotted about.
The art gallery by the entrance contains an exhibition of work by various resident monks and the wat also has its own small library. A limited range of English books on Buddhism is available here. Occasional teachings in English are also given by resident foreign monks.
Wat Ram Poeng - Home to the Northern Insight Meditation Centre
Description
This is the base of the Northern Insight Meditation Centre where many westerners study vipassana. The courses are taught by resident monks with either western students or English-speaking Thais acting as interpreters.
How to get there: It is located about 2km past Wat U Mong.
Chiang Mai National Museum - Chiang Mai's main museum
Super highway
Description
Chiang Mai National Museum contains a good selection of the usual Buddhist relics as well as an extensive selection of northern arts and crafts. Among the religious paraphernalia is a huge 15th century Buddha head.
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun 09:00-12:00 13:00-16:00
How to get there: The museum is located beside Wat Chet Yot on the super highway.
Chiang Mai Zoo - A pretty good zoo by Thai standards
On road to Doi Suthep
Description
Chiang Mai Zoo, while incomparable with the standard of western zoos, is pretty good compared to other zoos in Asia. There is a wide range of animals from all over the world. They are caged but not too restrictively and information about the animals is displayed in English. Currently there are two pandas on loan from China; the zoo is hopeful that the female can get pregnant after insemination, so watch this space!
The grounds are large and hilly, and pleasant to walk around. If that's a bit tiring, it's possible to hire a golf cart for around 250B an hour. The zoo in mid 2007 was undergoing extensive renovations and installing a sky train system to make moving around the park easier. The works should be completed by Christmas 2007. Bring some snacks to enjoy in the picnic areas and make a day of it.
Thai Boxing - The real thing
Near Narawat Bridge
Description
If you're interested in seeing Muay Thai Boxing, you can catch regular fights every Friday night from 20:00 at Kawila Boxing Stadium, not far from Narawat Bridge. During peak season they lay on an additional night, usually on Wednesday. These are real Muay Thai fights -- not demonstrations -- and have ten fights between local and international professionals and champion boxers. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on the day of the fight, otherwise ask at your guesthouse or any travel agency. Tickets are 400B for foreigners. Although betting is officially illegal in Thailand, you'll find plenty of sneaky locals inside who will take a bet -- beware though, as they have a much better idea of what will happen in the fight than you do!
Sunday Night Market - A great market
Old city
Description
On Sunday nights throughout almost the entire old city, a terrific market springs up that stretches from gate to gate. Different to the more touristy night market on Changklan Road, it finds a large number of local Thais coming to spend their evening. It seems to be the social event of the week as people gather to shop, eat, chat and relax with a foot massage. A wider variety of items are for sale than the other night market, with traders coming from far and wide to take advantage of the astonishingly huge crowd.
A good place to start is Tha Phae Gate, outside of which is a large gathering of stalls on the concourse. Follow the crowds into the old city where you'll find the streets lined with clothing, shoes, souvenirs, and artwork. Art lovers should make their way to Phra Pokklao Rd where the latest artists on the block are showing their works, and some of the stuff is excellent. Come with an appetite, as some of the best Thai street food is on offer in little clumps along the side of the road. Try flavoured sausages, egg and vegetable 'mok' steamed in a banana leaf, papaya salad, noodles and much more. A busy intersection on the crossroads of Ratchadamnoen and Ratchapakinai is a great place to find a cheap foot massage at the end of the night, the perfect treat for weary feet.
Stalls start to set up around 17:00, but the market hits its peak from around 20:00 to 21:00, finishing up around midnight.
Nerve-Touch Massage - Superb therapeutic massage
25-29 Ratchadamnoen Rd, Chiang Mai
Description
This no-frills place teaches massage courses and also offers 90-minute massages with herbal packs. We can't vouch for the courses but the therapeutic massage is superb and very well priced. The herbal packs smell wonderful, though it's a bit disconcerting to have the therapists constantly leaving the room to get the various towels and packs that she needs. If they had the heater thingymajig in the same room it would be a lot easier. Great range of herbal teas downstairs -- one of the few places you can buy Stevia in Thailand.
Living Space - Gorgeous souvenirs
276-278 Thaphae Rd, Chiang Mai
Description
Set in a lovely restored teak house, Living Space stocks the homeware designs and regional buys of Jennifer Dyson, who presides over a gorgeous collection perfect for picking up a really special and unusual souvenir. Get chatting and she's apt to bring out all sorts of items from out the back. While some items are expensive by Thai standards, it's a fraction of what you'd pay in the west. We were seduced by a beautiful lamb's leather handbag that we thought was going to be triple the price that was charged.
Thai cooking classes - Lots to choose from
All over and around Chiang Mai
Description
Cooking classes are extremely popular in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand in general, with a plethora of places in Chiang Mai offering more or less the same thing.
Most courses kick off with a trip to the market to peruse and learn about fresh ingredients. The teacher will then give a demonstration, after which students prepare the dishes themselves, usually ones you've chosen yourself from a list. Some courses cook then immediately eat their produce throughout the whole day, but most save all dishes for mealtimes. In one day, you will generally cook around six to seven dishes, and some teachers will also cook up a few extra for you to taste. Course price usually includes a cookbook.
Instead of the market tour, some schools offer to teach either vegetable carving or how to make curry paste. This is usually done by group consensus or when the course runs for two or more days.
The cost is generally 700B to 900B per day, depending on the course and where you booked. Booking directly through the company itself is often a little cheaper than through an agent or guesthouse. Transport is usually included to and from your guesthouse.
Reputable and well known companies include:
Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School
Tel: (053) 206 388
Fax: (053) 206 387
Email: nabnian@loxinfo.co.th
Website: http://www.thaicookeryschool.com
Smart Cook
Tel: (053) 418 309
Email: smartcook@yahoo.com
Gap's House
Tel: (053) 278 140
Website: http://thai-culinary-art.infothai.com , http://www.gaps-house.com
The Master
Tel: (053) 277 823
Email: snabnian@hotmail.com
Thai Kitchen Cookery Centre
Tel: (053) 276 886
Fax: (053) 272 569
Email: thaikitchen5@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.geocities.com/thaikitchencentre
A Lot of Thai
Their brochure doubles as a city map, and includes some great information and eating suggestions. Contact them directly on T:(053)800724 , Mobile: (089)853 9680 or by email for more information.
Email: lothome@hotmail.com,
Website: http://www.alotofthai.com
Baan Thai Cookery School
Tel: (053) 357 339
Email: baanthai@cookinthai.com
Website: http://www.cookinthai.com
Pad Thai Cookery School
Tel: (053) 380 151
Fax: (053) 207 017
Email: padthaicookery@hotmail.com
Smile Cookery School
Email: smile208@loxinfo.co.th
Website: http://www.smilehousechiangmai.com
Classic Home Cooking
Tel: (053) 806 392
Email: vane@poppymail.com
Three cooking classes differ from the rest:
Jungle Survival Cooking Class
(Run by Smile Cookery School) teaches how to cook using equipment that can be found in the jungle such as banana leaves and bamboo. Email: smile208@loxinfo.co.th
Website: http://www.smilehousechiangmai.com
The Indian Cookery School
The Indian Cookery School teaches Vegetarian Indian Cooking, where you'll learn to cook 10 dishes and also eat others. One day costs 700 baht.
27/3 Moon Muang Rd, Soi 9
Tel: (053) 223 396.
Thai Farm Cooking School
Thai Farm Cooking School does a similar class to the others, with a local market tour, but the class is held on an organic farm 17 kilometres out of Chiang Mai. You pick your own fresh ingredients from the herbs and vegetables grown there. The cost is 900 baht a day.
Tel: (053) 419 125
Email: thaifarmcooking@rediffmail.com
Website: http://www.thaifarmcooking.com
Bamboo rafting - Very popular
Through any travel agent
Description
A relaxing way to see the river and local countryside, bamboo rafting takes you at a slow pace downriver on rafts made of bamboo poles lashed together. Between two and four passengers travel with a guide who propels the raft along with a long bamboo pole.
Guides can be cheeky, splashing water on their passengers and generally making fun. Even without splashing it is highly likely that you will get wet up to the ankles at the very least. Luggage should be left behind, and any valuables should be securely sealed up in plastic bags.
Bamboo rafting is often offered as an extra in combination with elephant riding on a trek or day tour. The cost varies from place to place, and depends on the size of the rafts, how many passengers and how long the journey lasts, among other factors.
See any travel agency in Chiang Mai, and most guesthouses can organise a trip for you.
AUA Library - For bookworms
73 Ratchadamnoen Rd, Chiang Mai
Description
The American University Alumni (AUA) has a library of books, magazines, tapes, videos, DVDs and more in a beautiful building within the old city walls. The library can be accessed by members only. To join costs 400Ba year, or 100B for students of their Thai or English language programs. Temporary membership of one month is available for 150B, but materials are only to be used inside the library itself.
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 08:30-18:00; Sat 09:00-13:00.
Learn Thai - A few official schools teach Thai Language
Description
The American University Alumni (AUA) has courses in both spoken and written Thai. Their first two beginner classes focus on spoken Thai, while more advanced classes introduce the writing system and develop reading skills. Classroom work is demanding and rigorous, and is recommended for those with a serious interest in learning the language. Classes meet two hours per day from Monday to Friday (either morning or afternoon courses), totalling approximately 60 hours. It costs 3,900 baht and text books cost 250 baht each.
They can also organise private tuition for up to four students either at the centre or your place. Price varies depending on the number of students, but home lessons for one person start at 310 baht per hour. Call (053) 278 407 or Fax (053) 211 973 (Attn: AUA Thai Department) or email cm-thai@auathailand.org, aualanna@loxinfo.co.th (attn: AUA Thai Department).
The YMCA has course of 30 hours duration for 1600 baht. Classes are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Speaking is studied between 10:00-12:00, and writing is studied from 13:30. Private tuition costs 5500 baht for a 20 hour programme. For more information call (053) 221 819.
Payap University has five-week, 60-hour courses that combine reading and writing for 6000 baht which includes course materials, handouts and language lab fees. Continuing through the courses entitles students to consecutive discounts. Phone (053) 243 164 extension 7230 and 7238, fax (053) 245 353 or email gsis@payap.ac.th, www.payap.ac.th for more information.
Private organisations and individuals are also available, which can be more flexible. Major Thai offer classes to learn Thai for tourists and everyday life. Private lessons for one cost 150 baht an hour or group classes 100 baht an hour. Contact them on (09) 4299872 (Ting) , (06) 6594532 (Yai) or email majorthai@hotmail.com. Lah has a bachelors degree in Thai and takes all levels of private and group lessons for 150 baht an hour. Contact her on (06) 19387687 or peenong71@hotmail.com.
Rock climbing - Growing in popularity
Description
Rock climbing is becoming a very popular pastime in northern Thailand. Outside of town stunning cliffs and rock formations have become regular climbing locations. Two organisations run climbing trips and courses.
The Peak has a 15-metre climbing wall in the night market (near Burger King) where you can practise your skills and give the sport a try. The wall is open from 15:00-24:00, and costs 300 baht an hour (or 200 baht just for a trial) and for kids under 15 years, 200 baht an hour (100 baht trial). There are 6 spaces for climbers, including 3 sets for advanced lead rope climbing. Experienced staff man safety ropes to avoid falls. Harnesses and shoes are supplied.
The wall is the site of training classes for their courses which run for three days and include a day's climbing at 'Crazy Horse', 45 kilometres out of town. The course costs 5,800 baht. To do just the day trip to Crazy Horse without the extra training costs 1500 baht. They also do a range of other trips around northern Thailand, with and without rock climbing.
The Peak Adventure Tour
28/2 Changklan Rd, Muang Chiang Mai
Tel: (053) 800 567, (01) 7164032
Email: smile208@loxinfo.co.th,
Website: www.thepeakadventure.com
Chiang Mai Climbing Club have a small bouldering wall out the back of their office on Ratchapakhinai Rd. It costs 150 baht per day (plus 100 baht for shoes) and is open Monday to Friday 16:30-21:30, Saturday and Sunday 13:00-18:00. They offer one day climbing courses out at Crazy Horse, for 1500 to 1800 baht, three day courses cost 5500 baht and five day courses cost 9500 baht. They can also organise private guides and custom trips. At their office there is a small library of climbing books, DVDs and magazines which it is possible to view on site.
Chiang Mai Climbing Club
55/3 Ratchapakhinai Road
Phone 06 911 1470.
Website: www.thailandclimbing.com.
Sunshine Massage School - Learn to do it yourself
159/2 Kaew Nawarat Soi 4, Chiang Mai
http://www.sunshine-massage-school.com/
Description
Beginners require a minimum of ten days to learn the fundamentals of Thai massage. This gives the teacher time to provide the depth and quality of instruction and allows the student ample time to interact with the teacher. Courses are held Mon to Fri 9.00 to 12.00 and from 13.00 to 16.00.