An ancient town founded by King Mengrai is located 4 kilometres on Chiang Mai-Lamphun route in the area of Amphoe Saraphi. The main historical remains are found in Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chang Kham, Wat Noi and Wat Kum Kam.

Chiang Mai-Doi Suthep Route (Road No. 1004)

This is next to Chiang Mai University. The attractively landscaped garden contains many kinds of tropical trees and lovely flowers.

Next to the Chiang Mai Arboretum, this artfully landscaped complex occupies the lower forested slopes of Doi Suthep mountain, and contains a fascinating collection of Asian and African mammals and birds.

Located near the Chiang Mai Zoo, the cascade provides a delightful ambiance for relaxation and picnics.

This is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. The monument honours the man whose followers built the first motor road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in 1935.

This temple is Chiang Mai’s most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. It 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 staircase comprising 290 steps. The less energetic may ascend by funicular railcars. The temple’s golden pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist piligrims from all over the world throughout the year.

This is located on the same road, beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, 22 kilometres from town. The royal winter palace was built in 1962. The lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds are open to the general public on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays and official holidays, when the Thai royal family is not in residence.

This Meo tribal village is some 4 kilometres from the Phu Phing Palace, and offers vignettes of modern tribal life.

Located on the road to Chom Thong, the centre stages Lanna Thai cultural performances with a Khan Tok Dinner. Objects d’art are displayed.

These are clustered together, some 4 kilometres from town, on the Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Road.

This temple is 58 kilometres from Chiang Mai and dates from the mid-1400s. The temple houses a collection of bronze Buddha images, and the secondary chapel contains a holy Buddha relic.

Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain and towers 2,565 metres above sea level. Travel 58 kilometres west of Chiang Mai via Highway 107, by regular coach to Amphoe Chom Thong and thence by minibus to the peak for a further distance of 48 kilometres.

Complex mountain ranges and a mild climate characterise an area with moist and dense summit forest which is the source of important tributaries of the Mae Ping River, one of northern Thailand’s major waterways. Various streams descend, forming beautiful waterfalls throughout the park. These include the Siriphum, Vachirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang, and, the largest of all, Mae Ya waterfalls. Meo and Karen hilltribes inhabit the park.

Visiting the Doi Inthanon National Park is possible throughout the year. The best period for viewing waterfalls is May through November. The best period for viewing wild flowers is December through February. The best period for ornithologists is November through March.

For accommodation, contact the national park office at Km.31. Food are available at local shops at Km.31.

This is a village where famous cotton cloth woven in the old style has been long produced. At present the weavers’ central gathering is the home of the late National Artist, Pa (Aunt) Sangda Bansit, who had transferred her knowledge on the weaving process to other villagers. The village is located on the left of Chiang Mai-Hot between Km. 68-69, about 4 kilometres off the main road.

This picturesque gorge is 105 kilometres from Chiang Mai provincial capital, and is framed by teak forests and mountains.

Located on Chotana Road, this contains a permanent exhibition of northern hilltribes. The museum is open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Major nurseries is located along Mae Rim-Samoeng route (Road No. 1096). These farms include Sai Nam Phung, Mountain Orchid, and Mae Ram Orchid. Each provides opportunities for visitors admire these exotic year-round blooms. Certain orchid farms also have special butterfly enclosures where in exotic species can be their natural environment.

This 8-tiered waterfall is 26 kilometres from town and occupies a natural setting among gigantic towering trees.

There are riverside enclaves north of Chiang Mai which feature daily show of elephants at work every morning. These include Mae Taman, Mae Taeng and Chiang Dao Elephant Camps on Route No. 107, and Pong Yang and Mae Sa-Elephant Camps on Route 1096 (Mae Rim-Samoeng)

This national botanic garden is located at Km.12 of Mae Rim-Samoeng route and covers an area of 560 acres. It was established in April 1992 in order to gather, to conserve, as well as to strengthen studies and research on Thai plants. More than 700 species of plants with the emphasis on Thai Flora have been collected.

Several picturesque resorts, with accommodation and dining facilities, offer bucolic rural living on the Mae Rim-Samoeng route and include Mae Sa Valley Resort and Erawan Resort, and the Samoeng-Hang Dong route which includes Lanna Resort, Krisadadoi Resort and Suan Bua Resort. Some occupy hillsides, others secluded valleys.

Sacred Buddha images occupy the caves of Wat Tham Chiang Dao at Km.72 on Highway 107. Caves are illuminated by electric lights. Deepest recesses can be explored with local guides.

Thir royal agricultural station situated among beautiful mountainous scenery, provincial capital, 163 kilometres north of Chiang Mai, is a demonstration site for planting and researching flowering plants, temperate fruit trees, vegetables and other crops under the patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Located at Ban Pin, also 163 kilometres north of Chiang Mai provincial capital, 50 hot springs occupy a 10-acre forest setting. Three boil continuously with a strong smell of sulphur. Water temperatures at the springs range from 90 to 100 degrees Celsius.

Bo Sang Umbrella/Parasol Village

The world-famous village is 9 kilometres from town, along a road lined with handicraft-producing factories. In genuine cottage industries, young women manufacture silk and cotton umbrellas and paper parasols which are subsequently hand painted in various animal and floral designs. Generations of Bo Sang families have been engaged in umbrella and parasol making for more than 200 years.

This equally famous village is located 13 kilometres from town. The village is the major source of all Thai silk and cotton produced in Chiang Mai. The fabrics are woven by local folk on traditional wooden looms, and are sold in a wide variety of plain lengths, plaids, brocades, stripes, prints and checks.

This is located 36 kilometres from town amid natural surroundings of trees and verdant hills. The water has a high sulphur content and possesses curative and restorative properties. Accommodation, a swimming pool, dining facilities and segregated mineral water bathing rooms are available. Nearby is Rung Arun Hot Spring Resort, which offers bungalows, mineral baths and a sumptuous park setting.