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Around Chiang Mai - Sightseeing
 Just
30 minutes outside Chiang Mai city centre the countryside
unfolds into lush valleys, sparkling rivers and towering
hills - an expanse of national parks, adventure activities,
handicraft centres and local hilltribe villages.
Overlooking the city, the mountain of Doi Suthep - Pui
is (1685 m.) believed to be the home of the guardian
spirits of the city. Right at the top sits Wat Doi Suthep
- one of Thailand's most revered temples and a pilgrimage
for Thais who visit Chiang Mai. The temple can be reached
by a staircase with over 290 steps, flanked by a balustrade
of elaborately carved Nagas (mythical serpents) The mountain
is considered a sacred place and you will see offerings
of food to the spirits at various places on the way up the
mountain.
Doi Intanon National Park
An area of outstanding natural beauty, about one hour
from Chiang Mai, Doi Intanon National Park is the
home Thailand's highest peak. Take a tour
and visit some of the many gorgeous waterfalls in the park
which is also home to Meo Hilltribe Villages.
Around Chiang Mai - Hilltribes
 Originally
from China and Burma, many ethnic
hill tribes settled in the provinces of Chiang Mai and
Chiang Rai over the last century maintaining their own customs,
beliefs, dress and languages.
Despite increasing city expansion and the pervading influence
of television, the hilltribes still follow their unique
lifestyle and dress and welcome visitors to their villages.
To get
a glimpse of these different tribal customs take a day tour which includes a visit
to a hilltribe villages (some slightly commercialised) or better still, take a
private package tour around the region including Chiang Dao, Mae Hon Son, the
Golden Triangle (where the borders of Laos, Burma and Thailand converge) and further
north Chiang Rai. (Tours) Around
Chiang Mai - Handicraft Villages
Slightly over-commercialised in recent years, but still
worth a visit. Skilled workers craft delightful and remarkably
durable umbrellas from bamboo and "Saa" (hand
made) paper at the "umbrella village" of Bosang.
Dozens of colours, and sizes available in every size,
and they will happily ship garden sized parasols to your
home address. San Kamphaeng is also a major centre
for silk where you can observe every stage of the weaving
process. (See Shopping)
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