Places to visit if you are a first time visitor to the country's oldest city, Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai is one of the oldest cities in the country, boasting a rich history and a plethora of attractions that are well worth exploring.
Main Sights of the Resort
Chiang Mai's Temple Complexes
Many of these shrines have stood for over 600-700 years, offering you a unique opportunity to connect with history.
Phratat Doi Suthep
This temple was erected in 1383 on a mountain peak that soars over 1 kilometer high. You'll need to ascend the mountain from its western side, and along the way, you'll be treated to panoramic views and picturesque landscapes.
Location: 6 km from the center of Chiang Mai.
Wat Chedi Luang
This temple's history mirrors that of the town itself. Its most striking feature is the immense Chedi (stupa), which stands at a towering 98 meters high. On all four sides of the shrine, you'll find statues of Buddha. You can also engage in spiritual discussions with the monks (from 13:00 to 18:00).
Location: In the center of Chiang Mai (Old Town).
Wat Phra Sing
The shrine was established in 1345 and features numerous structures on its premises that date back to the historical Lanna period.
Inside, you'll find a magnificent Buddha statue of Pa Phuttasihinga, and it's where all the festive ceremonies during Sakran are held.
Location: The temple is situated along Samlan Street.
Wat Chiang Man
This is the very first temple built in 1296. It served as the residence for the king while the capital of Thailand was being constructed. It's known for its tower resting on a large chedi and its depiction of elephants. There are also many Buddha statues here.
Location: The shrine is located in the Old Town on Ratcha Phakinai Street.
Suan Dok
This ancient temple was constructed in 1371 and is famous for the Bronze Buddha statue created in the 16th century. It's the largest in the whole country, and beneath the chedi (stupa) lie the remains of the kings of Chiang Mai.
Location: It is situated on Soosep Road.
Bupparam
Established in 1497 under the leadership of King Muang Kaew, the temple's name translates to "Temple of the Setting Sun." It's renowned for housing the largest wooden Buddha statue.
Location: The temple is located on Thapae Road.
Wat Sri Surhanego
The exterior decoration of the temple is made of silver, which is atypical for Thailand. Before entering the shrine, you will be greeted by a statue of God Ganesha, also made of silver.
Location: The temple is located at the intersection of Raidamnern and Singharai streets.
Kuan Ka Ma
The shrine houses statues of animals representing the signs of the zodiac. Apart from the temple building, there is a stupa made of gold.
Location: The temple is located against the Chang Puak gate.
Wat Chai Phrakiat
The walls of the temple are decorated with paintings fromSacred scriptures. There is one white chedi on the premises.
Location: Ratchadarmoen Road.
Burma Temple
It was built by the Burmese in the 16th century when the city was under their rule. Inside the building is a statue of the Sitting Buddha and paintings illustrated from the scriptures.
Location: The temple is located in the southeastern part of the Old City.
Wat Phrachao Mengrai
According to history, the temple was built on the spot where Buddha's shadow fell. The main building is distinguished from the rest by the presence of a Statue of the Standing Buddha inside.
Location: The shrine is located behind the address, 7 Samlan Soi Street.
Museums of Chiang Mai
You can purchase a general ticket for 3 museums for 180 THB or pay for each individually.
Historical Museum
The museum is quite small and can be walked around in just 20 minutes. There are lots of reenactments, paintings, and photographs. There is also a video room that shows movies in English. A special feature of the museum is the ancient walls below ground level.
Admission ticket for an adult will cost 90 THB and 40 THB for a child.
Museum of Culture and Art
The museum was built in 1924. It was once a palace, so you can imagine the scale of it. Each period of history has a hall assigned to it. There are many paintings, reconstructions, models of settlements and villages, life-size structures and sculptures. There is a souvenir shop on the territory.
Opening hours from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, except Mondays. Price of admission is 90 THB. Location. It is located at the intersection of Prapokloo Road and Ratwisi Street.
Lanna Folklore Museum
This is a fairly large two-story museum dedicated to the culture and religion, clothing, music, and crafts of the Kingdom of Lanna. The building was built in colonial Thai style in 1935. It previously housed the provincial court.
Location. It is located along Prapokloa Road.
Other interesting places in Chiang Mai
Old City Walls Resort
Nowhere else in Thailand will you see such a unique phenomenon as the centuries-old moats dug under the walls of Chiang Mai city. And the history of the stone walls goes back centuries. Of course, as such a wall is no longer there, only its remnants around the perimeter. On holidays, beauty pageants, concerts, and other events are held here.
Location: The ancient main gate greets you from the east side along Tapae Road.
Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium
These two attractions are great for families and will certainly appeal to children. They are located in the western part of the Old Town.
The local zoo is the best in the entire state. And its main highlight is the pandas imported from China. Besides, the zoo has collected a large number of animals from all corners of the world. This is where they have found their home:
Australian koalas;
white tiger;
hippos;
colored parrots;
African elephants.
The conservation park is also home to the Aquatic Park, which has plenty of marine life.
Address: Huay Kaew Road (Highway 1004), near the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. Open hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Prices
The entrance fee to Zoo is 150 THB per adult and 100 THB per child;
TNV 520 for a visit to the Aquarium;
For the Panda Viewing, you'll have to pay an additional 100 THB.
Resort Viewpoints
The viewpoints are spread out away from Chiang Mai. Mount Doi Suthep is the most panoramic of them all, offering an unobstructed view of Chiang Mai and its surroundings. Just consider the fact that all the sites will be tiny due to the remoteness.
Three Kings Monument
The Three Kings Monument was unveiled in 1984. It is dedicated to three historical figures of Chiang Mai:
Founder of the city, Mengrai.
The king of Sukhothai is Ramkamhen.
The Prince of Phayo Ngam Muang.
These personalities were very much involved in the development of the city. Thanks to their efforts, the capital of the Lanna Kingdom came into being.
Location: The monument can be found at the intersection of Prapoklao Road and Ratwisi Street.
Chiang Mai Cultural Center
The center was established in 1924 to promote and preserve the history of Chiang Mai. It hosts evening performances and classical dances. After finishing, you will be tastefully fed.
Open Hours 10:00 to 22:00. Location: The center is located at Vualai Road.
White Elephant Terrace
It is a white structure that is distinguished from others by the presence of elephant sculptures in the niches of the terrace. It is not known when it was built, but it is mentioned in the late 18th century. According to legend, the White Elephant protects the town from invaders.
Location: Near the old Chang Phuak bus station.
When visiting Thailand once, be sure to take a couple of days in Chiang Mai province to thoroughly explore everything and enjoy the history.
