Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Attractions

Moat and Fortification: surrounds the Old City - a square mile of quaint lanes, temples and teak houses. The 700-year-old moat has been maintained beautifully, set about with grassy banks and flamboyant trees, and the corner bastions were restored in 1801, adding a historical character to the town. Five gates were authentically rebuilt in the 1960s.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suithep: is on every visitors itinerary and you certainly can’t miss it, as it gazes down on the city from its perch on a 1,300 metre peak to the west of the city. It has a stunning gilded chedi in a restored marbelite courtyard. Dating from the 14th century, it is one of the most revered in all of Thailand and the views and surrounding mountain national park are rewarding.

Wat Phrasingh: is another highly regarded temple at the top of Ratchadamnoen road, noted for its classive Lanna-style and valuable Sinhalese Buddha within.

Wat Chiang Mai: of all the temples in the city, this is the oldest. It was constructed shortly after the founding of the city, in the early 14th century, and has an ancient chedi in the serene grounds.

Wat Lookmooli: is another recommended chedi, noted for its magnificently preserved chedi and beautifully reconstructed, unique viharn. It sits just outside the moat, near the northwest corner of the city. More temples are located across the city, demonstrating different styles through the centuries including Burmese styles.

Wiang Khum Kham: this remarkable collection of excavations, scattered across a neighbourhood of homes and orchards southeast of the city, is the ‘Atlantis’ remains of the first attempt to found a city on the Ping riverbanks. Abandoned after persistent flooding, it was only recently unearthed and has an ancient feel to it. There is a useful information centre and striking Burmese-styled chedi. Best explored with a bicycle.

Night Safari and Flora Expo: despite the controversy of this ambitious animal park southwest of the city, it has added a world-class attraction to the city, which can be enjoyed by night or day. As it slowly fills up with more animals, many roaming freely, this African-themed park, with its impressive facilities, is bound to become a drawcard.