at the beginning of Chiang Mai-Hang Dong road has an excellent collection of Lanna Thai art, and displays of traditional northern culture. A spectacular folk dance is performed while the typical northern dinner “Khan Tok” is served. The Khan Tok comprises Kaeng Hang Le, a gingery pork curry; the chilli-tomato-minced pork dip called Nam Phrik Ong; and the crunchy pieces of pork scratching, or Kaep Mu, for dipping into the rich gravy. Enjoyable tribal shows of Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Akha, Mien and Lisu are performed after dinner from 7.00 p.m.-10.00 p.m. Contact Tel. 0 5327 4540, 0 5327 5097, www.oldchiangmai.com

225 Mu 13, is the place for sophisticated shopping and dining, Handicrafts, home décor items, art, antiques, silk, cotton, jewelry, clothing, gifts and restaurants. Opens daily 10.00 a.m.-9.00 p.m Contact Tel. 0 5343 0555, 0 5343 0552-3

To get there: From Chiang Mai, use Highway No. 121 to Hang Dong district, then turn right to Namprae-Op Khan Ro Pho Cho and continue for about 10 kilometres. Note that the road is quite steep and dangerous.

is the exhibition center of antiques and woodcarving masterpieces for those who love the beauty of art. The place where rare and fine art are collected to be the everlasting priceless heritage of Lanna. Opens daily 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Contact Tel. 0 5335 5819, 0 5382 2649, 0 5382 2664

is located at 277, Mu 10, Tambon Yang Khram, Amphoe Doi Lo. Visitors will be greeted by a Ganesh’s introduction video presentation prior to their entrance. The indoor exhibition displays hand-carved wooden Ganesh family statues and replicas in different gestures, each of which depicting a particular purpose.

To get there: Follow the Chiang Mai-Hot Highway, take a U-turn at Km. 35, and turn left for another 5.5 kilometres. Free admission. Opens daily from 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m, Contact Tel. 0 5302 4287-9, 08 9855 5852

is 58 kilometres from the town in Chom Thong district and dated from the mid-1400s. The temple houses a collection of bronze Buddha images, and the secondary chapel contains a holy Buddha relic.

is in Tambon Doi Lo, Amphoe Chom Thong along Highway No.108 between Km. 43-44. The temple was built by Queen Jamathewi in 658 AD. During excavations, numerous marble Buddha images, Buddha image containers, and a chapel were discovered. The hilltop temple allows visitors to glance the scenic beauty of the Mae Ping River and surrounding hills and valleys. The temple is approachable on foot by climbing 241 steps.

is Thailand’s highest mountain 2,599 metres above sea level. Doi Inthanon is a part of the Himalayas, which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends at Northern Thailand. Complex mountain ranges and a mild climate characterise an area with a moist and dense summit forest. Doi Inthanon is very intersting for ornithologists.

To get there: Travel 58 kilometres west of Chiang Mai via Highway No. 108 to Chom Thong, then turn right into Highway No. 1009 and continue a further distance of 48 kilometres along Highway No. 1009 to the summit. A good asphalt road takes visitors up but is rather steep, thus the vehicle must be in a good condition. Visitors could pay for the entrance fee at Km. 8. Doi Inthanon can be reached by a local truck (Song Thaeo) from Phra That Chom Thong or Mae Klang Waterfall. The Song Thaeo runs to Doi Inthanon National Park Office (Km. 31) and neighbouring villages. A chartered Song Thaeo costing around 800 Baht, can make stops at other attractions around the area. Accommodation, restaurants, and camping sites are available at the park headquarters at Km. 31. Tel. 0 5328 6728-9 Bangkok Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th

is one of the most beautiful cascades in Chiang Mai. Water flows from a 280-metre steep cliff onto different rock formations in a lower basin like drapes. The well-managed waterfall is teeming with verdant forests and is best for recreation. It is located 1 kilometre from Highway No. 1009 junction, turn left for 14 kilometres and then take a 200-metre walk.

To get there: Turn right off Highway No.1009 at Km. 21, then follow the signpost to the waterfall a further 350 metres on foot. At Km. 20 a new road is built to reduce the walk to the waterfall.

is a splendid waterfall that falls from a steep cliff in two lines and can be seen en route to Doi Inthanon. The attractive waterfall is located at Km. 31 of Highway No. 1009, take a right turn for 2 kilometres and is approachable only on foot from the base of the waterfall.

is a 100-metre one-level waterfall located 8 kilometres from Highway No. 1009 junction and turn left onto an asphalt road for 500 metres.

is a large waterfall which plummets over the edge of a high cliff into a deep pool below. When there is a large amount of water, there are large splashes in the basin, creating a cool and refreshing environment. The delightful ambience can be felt by walking on a slippery bridge that leads to the waterfall.

is in Khun Klang village close to the park headquarters. The project was initiated in 1979 to help the hill tribes to cultivate cash crops other than opium and train them on modern agricultural practices. Most produces are temperate zone plants. Flower plantations, a plant breeding research lab and flower plantations of hill tribes (Hmong) are open to visitors.

twin pagodas located at Km. 41.5, were built to commemorate the fifth cycle birthdays of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Both pagodas share the similar bases as well as a two-level walking path that surrounds them. The pagodas enshrine Lord Buddha’s ashes and Buddha images, and overlook the magnificent scenery of Doi Inthanon.

has a cool climate all year round. The Air Force Radar Station and King Inthawichayanon’s stupa located on the mountaintop. King Inthawichayanon, the last king of Chiang Mai, was concerned about the importance of forests and wanted to preserve the forests for future generations. He was so familia with Doi Inthanon that he asked that part of his ashes be kept here. The Tourist Information Centre, near the top of Doi Inthanon, exhibits a chronological background of the mountain, including its geography, biology, forests, and animals.

is the longest waterfall in Chiang Mai, which flows from a 100-metre scliff. Its charm can be enjoyed by standing some distance from the falls. From afar, the white water and the green forests around the falls make a beautiful picture. From Km. 38 of Highway No. 1009, drive along the Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem road (Highway No. 1192) for 6 kilometres and a sign to the waterfall will be seen, then drive on an unpaved road for 9 kilometres. The lovely waterfall can be reached by a ten-minute walk from a parking lot. In the rainy season, the road to Namtok Mae Pan is in a poor condition; only a four-wheel vehicle could make the journey.

is beyond Namtok Mae Pan, about 21 kilometres from Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem Road. Turn left to an unpaved road where only a four-wheel vehicle could make a trip in the rainy season. The medium-size cascade has water all year round and flows from a cliff to each level.

starts from Km. 42. This short trail, winding through pristine forest for about 2.5 kilometres, a 3-hour walk, allows the hiker to experience the natural beauty of the forest at first hand. The Rhododendrons, commonly found in the Himalayas, are found along the trail and they are in full bloom during December-February. Trekkers on this route should seek permission from the park headquarters for safety reasons. A group of not more than 15 people is recommended. Food consumption is not allowed while trekking. This nature trail is closed for reforestation from June 1 to October 30 annually.

is located next to Huai Kaeo Arboretum. It is a well-managed large zoo, which occupies the lower forested slopes of Doi Suthep Mountain. The zoo contains more than 200 types of Asian and African mammals and birds. The most popular star here is panda, the friendship Chinese ambassador. The zoo provides monorail service within the area of 2 kilometres. Additional, the twilight zoo is open 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. The newly aquarium on its area 10 rai, which housed the longest underwater automatic tunnel of Asia with 133 metres, and will accommodate both sea and river fish and animal from various areas; such as the upper mountain ranges of Northern Region, Khong River Basin, Amazon River Basin, the plain land of mangrove and from the underwater world.

It is open everyday from 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Admission fee for adult is 100 Baht, and children fee is 20 Baht. Restaurants and a camping site are available. For more details or advance booking contact Tel. 0 5322 1179, 0 5322 2283 www. chiangmaizoo.com

is the most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. This temple 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 Naga staircase comprising 290 steps. The less energetic may ascend by railcars. The temple’s pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year. The temple compound offers an exhilarating view of Chiang Mai city and surrounding countryside. or take a cable car up to Doi Suthep, which operates between 5.30 a.m.-8.00 p.m. Tourists without a car can travel by Song Thaeo mini bus from in front of Chiang Mai University (on Huai Kaeo Road side) operating during 5.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m., Contact Tel. 0 5329 5001-2

the superb landscaped national park covers an area of 262 square kilometres of Amphoe Mae Rim, Amphoe Hang Dong, and Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai. The park consists of verdant forests and mountain ranges. Major mountains include Doi Suthep, Doi Buak Ha, and Doi Pui. This is a main source of tributaries and streams in Chiang Mai. Sacred places, religious attractions and historical sites are located in the park complex.

To get there: To the park office, drive from Chiang Mai town for 5 kilometres on the Huai Kaeo-Chiang Mai University-Chiang Mai Zoo route to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep en route to the intersection on the right, the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park road sign will be seen. Contact Tel. 0 5321 0244-6, 0 5329 5117-8

is located 6 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. The 10-metre cascade provides a delightful ambiance of scenic views and various plants.

is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. The monument honours the devoted Buddhist monk whose followers built the first 10 kilometres road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in 1935.

is located on the same road, 4 kilometres beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on Doi Buak Ha. The royal winter palace was built in 1961. The palace is also the royal guesthouse for prominent State visitors from abroad. The lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds are open to the general public everyday from 8.30 a.m.-3.30 p.m. Tickets are sold until 3.30 p.m. The palace is closed when the Royal Family is in residence, January to early March. Contact Tel. 0 5321 9932, 0 5321 9915 www.bhubingpalace.org

is a Hmong tribal village some 3 kilometres on an asphalt road from Bhubing Palace. The village presents the typical lifestyle of the Hmong as well as a scenic view of Doi Inthanon, the highest peak of Thailand. The trip takes only an hour from Chiang Mai town and the village is easily accessible.

After the success of the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek, a world-class horticulture expo to celebrate the auspicious occasions of HM King Bhumibol’s 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne and his 80th birthday in 2006-2007, Thai Cabinet decided to maintain the condition of the park as the newest travel destination of Chiang Mai.

The Royal Park Ratchaphruek sits in Mae Hia sub-district and covers an area of 240,000 square metres, divided into different zones you need to spend the whole day here. Perched at the center is an authentic Lanna architecture of Ho Kham Luang Royal Pavilion where a painting exhibition about the life and works King Bhumibol is displayed inside. Visitors should not miss to visit the Orchid Garden to see rare orchids and International Gardens to hop into different styles of gardens curated by different participating countries, such as South Korea, China, Japan and Bhutan, to represent their cultures. Other zones include the World of Insects, Rare Plants and Corporate Zone. Trams are provided and do bring an umbrella as it can be really hot during the day. Opens daily from, 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. Tickets for adults are 100 Baht and 50 Baht for children.

Contact Tel. 0 5311 4110-5, www.royalparkrajapruek.org

is an old community situated on the eastside of the Ping River. The community was a combination of many nationalities including Chinese, Westerners, and local people as apparent from the architectural patterns which have remained until now. A centre of the collection of historical evidence of the community is at Wat Ket Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์วัดเกตุ), located in Wat Ketukaram, where it exhibits the temple’s original treasures; such as, Cho Fa, and Bai Raka which are crafted wood decorations from its original ordination hall, crockery, and other containers.

Phra Pok Klao Road across Ratchadamnoen Road, Tambon Si Phum. Chao Burirat is an official title. This royal residence was built approximately during 1889-1893. Nowadays, it belongs to the families of Kitibut and Thipmonthon, and was donated to Chiang Mai University to be established as a Lanna architectural centre under the management of the Faculty of Architecture with the purposes of data collection, study, and research for further appropriate conservation. Open Monday-Friday from 9.00 a.m.-5.30 p.m. Contact Tel. 0 5327 7855

Located on Prapoklao Road, Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center stands on the location of the former royal hall. Built in 1924 with elegant architectural design, the building was first used as the central administrative offices of Monthon Phayap, later as the Provincial Hall of Chiang Mai until the municipality renovated it for the cultural center in 1997. The restoration of the center has earned the municipality the award from the Royal Society of Siamese Architects in 1999. The center is created to promote the understanding of Chiang Mai’s roots, a sense of pride in local identity, and to preserve the beauty of local culture. The center has been divided into 2 sections, front side and rare section. The front side is all for permanent exhibit showing the development of the region from the pre-history to its rise and decline as an independent capital until the present time through variety of media and presentation. And the rare side is the enclosed open-air courtyard reserved for cultural activities, temporary exhibition, a souvenir shop, a lecture theatre, an exhibition hall for Lanna arts and an archive. It is open from Tuesday-Sunday, 8.30 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Contact Tel. 0 5321 7793, 0 5321 9833 www.cmocity.com

is located on the Chiang Mai-Lampang Super Highway near Wat Chet Yot. The distinctive building was built in modern Lanna Thai architecture and features northern arts and culture. The area is peaceful and refreshing. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and the national holidays. Admission fee is 100 Baht. Contact Tel. 0 5322 1308

Located on Chang Khlan Road, this 3D art museum features award-winning illusion paintings of Korean artists. Opens daily from 9.00 a.m.-9.00 p.m. The entrance fee is 300 and 200 Baht for adults and children, Contact Tel. 0 5327 4100, 0 5327 4291

Located at 72 Nimmanhemin, Soi 12 (Sirimang khlalachan Soi 3), Huai Kaeo, Mueang Chiang Mai. It has fascinating collection of domestic and foreign insects including animal fossils.

Opens daily from 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. Contact Tel. 0 5321 1891, Fax 0 5341 0916

A collection of rare 50 up to a century year-old cars, some of which were owned by famous Thai celebrities. It is located at No. 12, Mu 3, Ban Pa Chi, and opens daily from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. The entrance fee is 200 Baht,

Contact Tel. 0 5311 6000, 08 1952 3483,
Fax 0 5311 6182 www.cmcarmuseum.com

was built by art enthusiast Mr. Khem Maruekkhaphithak at 79/7 Soi 2, Suthep Road. The prominent landmark includes the biggest hand-carved iron wood three-headed standing Ganesh or Trimukha Ganesha statue (approximately 60 metres in height and weighing 5 tons) that took over a year and a half to complete-the work of the outstanding Sala or artisans from Amphoe San Pa Tong Mr. O-Ros Lamul and 4 of his crew members. In addition, visitors will find a collection of 100 door panels, each carved and painted with colossal figures of Dvarapala guardians, as well as, a giant glass panel engraved with a Garuda clasping Naga figure. Opens daily from 8.00 a.m.-7.00 p.m., Contact Tel. 08 9433 5380

is on Wualai Road every Saturday, and the other point starts from Tha Phae Gate through Ratchadamnoen Road every Sunday from 7.00 p.m. until midnight. There are variety kinds of local products on a reasonable price along both side of the street where Thai and foreign tourists are enjoy walking & shopping without exhaustion.

The most common means of transport is a “See Lor” (literally “four wheel”) or “Song Theao”. They all are red-coloured and look like pick-up trucks but with a roof over the back. They pick up as many passengers as they can and drop them off as the drivers reach their destinations. To go by “See Lor”, simply tell the driver your destination. Fares range from 20-30 Baht according to the distance.