Chiang Mai / Places of Interest
Wat Phra Singh
This temple on Sam Lan Road dates from 1345 and is one of the focal points of Songkran festivities each April 13-15 when people bathe the revered Phra Buddha Singh image. Also on the temple compound is the Lai Kham chapel with exquisite wood carvings and murals and a scripture repository with striking reliefs.
Wat Suan Dok
This temple on Suthep Road, built in the 14th century, is a favorite spot for photographers, particularly during sunset. Several of the white Chedis contain ashes of local royals. The 500 year old bronze Buddha in a secondary chapels is one of northern Thailand’s largest metal images.
Wat Chiang Man
This Wat on Ratchaphakhinai Road is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. It first served as residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai. It is noteworthy for a Chedi supported by rows of elephant buttresses, and a small, ancient Buddha image, Phra Kaeo Khao.
Wat Chedi Luang
The temple on Phra Pokklao Road is the site of an enormous destroyed pagoda, originally 85m (280ft) high, which collapsed during an earthquake in 1545. At one time, Wat Chedi Luang housed the revered Emerald Buddha image now found in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaeo. One of Wat Chedi Luang’s most striking architectural features is a Naga staircase adorning the main chapel’s front porch.
Wat Ku Tao
The Chedi near Chiang Mai Stadium was built in 1613. The structure is colored with porcelain chips.
Wat Chet Yot
This temple on the Super Highway, north of Doi Suthep - Nimmanhemin Road, dates from 1453. The seven-spired square Chedi was inspired by designs at Buddhagaya, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment in northern India over 2,500 years ago, and was built by Lannatai masters who had recently returned from Buddhagaya.
This temple on the Super Highway, north of Doi Suthep - Nimmanhemin Road, dates from 1453. The seven-spired square Chedi was inspired by designs at Buddhagaya, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment in northern India over 2,500 years ago, and was built by Lannatai masters who had recently returned from Buddhagaya.
Chiang Mai National Museum
The Chiang Mai museum beside Wat Chet Yot contains Lannatai works of art, ancient Buddha images and war weapons. The museum is open daily, except Mondays and Tuesdays, from 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00.
Attractions to the West
Tribal Research Institute
The Institute on the Chiang Mai University campus, 5km (3mi) from the city, has a permanent exhibition of artifacts which is open is open Mon-Fri 8:30-12:00 and 13:00-16:30.
Chiang Mai Arboretum
The attractively landscaped garden near Chiang Mai University, 6km (4mi) from the city, contains many kinds of tropical trees and flowers.
Chiang Mai Zoo
The zoological gardens, next to the Chiang Mai Arboretum, 6km (4mi) from town, occupies the lower forested slopes of Suthep Mountain. On display is a collection of Asian and African mammals and birds.
Huai Kaeo Falls
The area around the falls near Chiang Mai Zoo, 7km (4mi) from the city, is a popular spot for picnics.
Khruba Sivichai Monument
The Khruba Sivichai monument near the Huai Kaeo Falls, 7km (4mi) from the city, was built to commemorate Khruba Sivichai who initiated a plan to construct a hillside road for cars and people to the monastery on Suthep Mountain.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
15km (9mi) west of the city, this temple, 1,156m (3,520ft) above sea level on Suthep Mountain, overlooking the city from its forested backdrop, is one of Chiang Mai’s most important landmarks. It dates from 1383 and has holy Buddha relics in its golden pagoda. Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world come throughout the year. To reach it one can chose the hard way and climb a steep Naga staircase comprising around 300 steps; the less energetic may ascend by funicular cars.
Phu Phing Palace
Phu Phing palace on Doi Buak Ha, 7km (4mi) further on the road passing Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, was built in 1962. The nicely landscaped grounds are open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, provided members of the Thai Royal family are not staying there at that time.
Doi Pui Tribal Village
The Meo tribal village, some 4km (3mi) from Phu Phing Palace, offers vignettes of modern tribal life.
Phu Dam (Black Cliff)
This scenic spot near Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is popular for picnics.
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