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.