1. Stroll Around the Old City
The old city is the most interesting and historic part of
Chiang Mai and where many important temples are located.
Back in the 13th century, Old Chiang Mai City was the capital
of the powerful Lanna Thai kingdom which ruled the entire
region, plus parts of Laos, until the Burmese intervened
in the mid 16th century. Remnants of the walls still remain
along with city gates and the old moat which was restored
in 1800.
Start at Tapae Gate, traditionally considered the main entrance
to the ancient moated city. Tha Pae Gate restored
to its former glory, forms the entrance to an area which
has become the place for top end handicraft boutiques,
antique shops, restaurants, bars and secondhand bookstores.
A great place to browse.
The Pae is also the backpacker area of Chiang Mai with
small guesthouses, inexpensive restaurants and charming
old timber residences hiding behind screens of frangipani.
(see map)
Sunday
street festivals have now become established around
Tha Pae with concerts, buskers, stalls, and general street
entertainment attracting over 100,000 visitors in high season,
reaching a peak in April for the annual Songkran festival.
(See festivals).
2. Discover
Doi Suthep
Dominating the skyline rising 1,668m above sea level, Doi
Suthep mountain west of Chiang Mai city can be seen from
almost everywhere in the city. A winding road (157 bends!)
snakes up through the Doi Suthep National Park, considered
a sacred area and a lovely place to enjoy the forest and
cool air.
Right
at the top, sits Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - one of
the region's most revered temples and a place of pilgrimage
for many Thais. To reach the temple is a hefty climb
up 290 steps flanked on each side by a balustrade of impressive
nagas (mythical dragon-headed serpents) but its worth it
for the views, the beauty of the temple and the cool breeze.
Chiang Mai has hundreds of temples, one of the most contemplative
and peaceful is Wat Mahawan, shaded by leafy trees
and guarded by the fearsome nagas. Other notable wats to
explore should include Phra Singh and Wat Jet Yot. (See
other temples)
3. Go Shopping
- Head for the Night Bazaar
For jewellry shop along Wulai Road (southwest from the moat)
- the traditional Silversmiths area where the metal has
been crafted for generations. In the grounds of Wat Sri
Suphan temple, craftsmen hammer on sheets of pure silver,
tracing out intricate filigree designs. Inexpensive and
reasonably priced.
Even if you're not a shopaholic, you'll be hard pressed
not to buy at the famed Night Bazaar. Sandwiched
between the east side of the Old City and the Ping River,
this sprawling market is filled with handicrafts, souvenirs
and general arts and crafts. At night it's also a great
place to simply people watch. (Hotels
in Night Bazaar) Located Chang Klan Road: 5pm until
late.
4 Take a Thai Cooking Class
Chiang
Mai cuisine is quite distinctive from other Thai food. Although
the same ingredients are used, influences from Burma and
Laos result in a different style. Learn how to cook real
Thai food in a traditional Thai setting, with skilled and
friendly teachers in a fun atmosphere. Cooking
classes
5. Sample a traditional Khantoke
Dinner
Sample some of the north's unique cuisine with a traditional
Kantoke Dinner - ultimate dining seated on cushions around
a low table (Khantoke) filled with mouthwatering dishes.
Mmmm!
6. Be enchanted by the Mae
Rim Valley
About 20 kilometres north east from the city centre lies
the beautiful Mae Rim Valley - picture perfect with green
rice fields backed by impressive forested hills. Stop off
at a waterfall (Mae Sa waterfall) visit a snake farm, look
at rare orchids and pop into the Mae Sa Elephant Project.
It's here you'll find top notch hotels like the spectacular
Four
Seasons Chiang Mai Resort and the utterly stylish new
Chedi Chiang Mai. (Hotels
in Mae Rim)
7. See an authentic Thai Boxing
Match
While you're wandering...take the opportunity to see an
authentic Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) tournament. An amazing
spectacle and adrenaline rush if you like martial arts.
Kawila Boxing Stadium, just across the river from the night
market (7.30pm till midnight, most nights, $10 entrance
fee). Occasionally, one bout with a kateoy (ladyboy) boxer
is featured.
8. Get some cultural appreciation
While
slightly touristy, the Chiang Mai Arts & Cultural Centre
offers an insight into the history and culture of this fascinating
area. Located on the original site of the "navel of
the city" there's a modern multi-media museum and cultural
education centre plus evening shows and traditional Khantoke
Dinners. (More)
9. Find a gift at the Handicraft
Villages
On the outskirts of the city where you can see the artisans
at work A must for visitors interested in hand painted umbrellas,
hand made paper, teak furniture and paintings. (See shopping)
10. Take a tour around the
countryside.
You
can hire a car and drive yourself, tours take away the hassle
and save precious holiday time. You can trek, go rafting
and take a elephant ride, all in one day.
Visit Doi Intanon National Park - a beautiful area
brimming with waterfalls and also home to several hilltribes.
Or visit Mae Rim, elephant camps at Chiang Dao. Further
north, tour Chiang Rai province and the more remote hilltribes.
Day Tours
Explore the region with a 2-5 day package
which includes walks, elephant trekking, sightseeing, village
visits and rafting
While
the sights along the river Ping are not what they used to
be when the river held more importance, you can still get
an alternative perspective from the river. A long-tail (local
style) boat trip provides views of old teak riverside mansions
against the hi-rise skyline of the modern city. On the outskirts
of town, villages offer placid scenes of suburban and rural
life beyond the city limits.
Regular
exhibitions of contemporary and traditional painting and
sculpture from local and overseas artists. Faculty of Fine
Arts, Chiang Mai University 239 Huey Kaew Road Chiang Mai
50200. Tel/Fax: 66-53-211724 
