Here are some of Chiang Mai City attractions:
Chiang Mai National Museum
Located on the Chiang Mai-Lampang Super Highway near
Wat
Chet Yot, the museum has been designated by the Fine Arts Department
as a regional center for education and preservation of the art and culture
of Chiang Mai and upper northern
Thailand the Lanna
Kingdom. Their Majesties the King and Queen graciously presided over the
opening of the museum on 6 February 1973. The museum was built according
to traditional northern architecture, with a Lanna Thai rooftop.
Interesting exhibitions include:
- The natural and cultural background of the Lan Na Kingdom including
the geology, ecology, geography and prehistoric settlement of the north.
- The history of the Lan Na Kingdom from the establishment of Chiang
Mai city to its peak and decline under Burmese control from 1558 to
1769.
- The city of Chiang Mai under the Kingdom of Siam, from the time
Chiang Mai regained its freedom from Burma, to the reestablishment
of Chiang Mai city in 1782.
- Trade and economy of the Lan Na Kingdom from 1782 to 1939.
- The modern way of life and social development: agriculture and industry,
banking, international relations, education and public health.
- The development of the Lan Na Art Style, and the history of art
in Thailand from the Dvaravati period to the present day.
Not far away from the Chiang Mai National Museum is the Tribal Museum, which
displays information on the
history and culture of each
hill tribe as well as their traditional handicrafts. The museum is open
from Wednesday to Sunday, 09.00 am.- 05.00 pm. (closed on National Holidays)
Scorpion-Tailed River Cruise
Cruising down the Ping River going back to an earlier way of living. Since
long Scorpion-Tailed boats were served as cargo boats sailing between the
Northern region and
Bangkok. Almost
a century that they disappeared from the river when the northern railway-route
arrived at Chiang Mai. Today they brought back to life to serve tourists
cruising
along the Ping River.
River Cruise Program
Transfer tourists from their
hotel to the Wat Sri Khong’s boat landing, Then tourists are given a
brief about the
historical
background of the boat. The
river
cruise offers lively picturesque of several historical places along
the riverbanks, such as: a white chedi that locals call Gew in front of
the municipality, a girdered-footbridge sapan the river between the oldest
trader community of Wat Gate and Warorot Market, The Chiang Mai’s oldest
shopping center.
The Chang pier (where hundreds of
elephants were used to haul
logs from the river in the old days), site of the first city’s : First bridge,
First Christian church, First post office, and many more attractions including
lifestyles of the local people who lived along the both sides of the river.
During the trip, the tourists can be experience the atmosphere of the past,
learn the story of the banks of the river, hear some of the clever fishing
techniques of local fishermen, and see pictures from a century ago until
the present, all explained by staff who specialized in this field.
The trip takes between an half-hours to two hours. Delicious
desserts shall be served for free during a short break and relax at
the Scorpion-Tailed boat village set in tropical
fruits garden by riverside.
Chiang Mai Zoo
Situated next to Huai Kaew Arboretum at the foot of the mountain where Phra
That
Doi Suthep is located, the zoo houses a pair of cuddly Pandas on loan
from China. Inside the zoo, there are over 200 types of Asian and African
mammals and birds for visitors to observe.
Opening Hours:
Daily from 08.00 am. - 07.00 pm.
Admission;
for an adult is 100 baht and a child is 20 baht.
There are excellent
facilities for tourists with restaurants and a camping site. Advance booking
is required for large groups.
More Detail
Chiang Mai Night Safari
Chiang Mai Night Safari was established as evening and night tourist attraction.
It is the first night safari in
Thailand. Chiang
Mai Night Safari is committed to be a world class destination and is constantly
upgrading to international tourism standard. Exhibition zone is divided
in three main areas: Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl and Jaguar Trail. Chiang
Mai Night Safari is located in the
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park area of Mae Hea and Nong-Kwaii district
in Hang-Dong and Suthep district in Muang, Chiang Mai province. The total
area in 131 hectares. It takes only 10 km. driving from the town central
to Chiang Mai Night safari.
Bo Sang Umbrella Village
San Kamphaeng, located 13 kilometres east of Chiang Mai town, is famous
for silk and a cotton-weaving village. Most of the visitors to Chiang Mai
visit San Kamphaeng for souvenirs that are high quality but inexpensive.
The village showcases a weaving factory as well as a weaving process. On
the way from Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng, there are factories and souvenir
shops that sell woodcarving, silverware, earthenware, lacquerware, and cotton
fabrics.
Bo Sang parasols are popular decorative and gift items sought after by
visitors from all over the world. Its international appeal is confirmed
by the fact that the Bo Sang parasol won the "Best Souvenir" prize at the
International Tourism Seminar held in Los Angeles, USA.
Contact: Tel. 053 248 604, 053 248 607, 053 241 466
Orchid and Butterfly Farms
Visitors can enjoy exotic butterfly round blooms. These farms also have special butterfly enclosures where tropical
species can be seen in a natural environment.
Opening Hours:
Daily 08.00 am. - 05.00 pm.
Contact: Tel. 053
299 588, 053 299 222
Parks
• Ratchaphruek Garden
Ratchaphruek Garden is situated 10km southwest of Chiang Mai,
in Mae Hia sub-district. Nestled in a lush mountain landscape, this 400
rai (240,000m2) of land is indeed a picturesque setting -- not only the
garden itself with its many plant and flower species -- but also its unique
and delicate artwork and architecture which enriches the minds of its visitors
with its seductive natural beauty.
The area was the site for the Royal Flora Expo 2006, the world most beautiful
international horticultural exposition. This exhibition commemorated the
auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of the crowning of His Majesty
King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Association of International Horticultural
Producers (AIPH) gave the expo A1 status, its highest honor. Ratchaphruek
Garden is truly the fruit of this special event. The garden has been carefully
maintained and developed, and is a splendid resource for agrotourism, as
well as being a learning and research centre for the public and a meeting-place
for farmers to share knowledge.
Opening Hours: Daily Tuesday - Sunday
10.00 am. - 06.00 pm.
Contact: Mae Hia sub-district, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang
Mai; Tel. 053 114 110-5
• Tweechol Botanical Garden
Tweechol Botanical garden is a place to visit, relax, rejuvenate,
and experience the beauty of nature. The garden was founded in 1997 (BE
2522). It has one of the largest plant collections in Thailand.
The purpose of the garden is for display, education, research, conservation
and enjoyment. Tweechol Botanical Garden consists of 114 acres (285 rai)
of outdoor display gardens and recreation areas.
The garden is located 10Km NE of Chiang Mai near the village of Doi Saket
in Chiang Mai province Thailand. Huen Chaiharn Museum There are 4 rooms
in the collection house. The Buddha room has a display of Buddha images
for viewing and prayer. Visitors can also pay respect to the late wife of
King Rama V in the Chaodara room. The Chaiham room displays a collection
of ancient Lanna weapons. In the Tamsin room are a large number of artifacts
from Mr. Sesaweech’s personal collection.
Opening Hours: Daily 08.30 am. – 04.30 pm.
Contact: 118 M.7, Cheng Doi, Amphur Doi Saket, Chiang Mai 50220;
Tel. 0 5329 7343, 0 5329 9853
• Queen Sirikit Botanical
GardenQueen Sirikit Botanic Garden covers a mountainous area
of 560 acres. It is located around Km. 12 along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route.
This international botanical garden was established to honor Queen Sirikit
in 1992. It has a fine collection of Thai and foreign plants. The garden
is set up to exhibit plants according to species and climate. Visitors can
drive around the area. Places to see include the Tourist Information Centre,
the Thai Orchid Breeding Centre, Herbs Museum and Research Centre.
The garden offers 3 walking trails:
- Rock Garden-Thai Orchid Nursery, takes around 30-60 minutes on foot;
- Arboreta (plant study trail), showing more than 10 species of plants
including banana, palm, fern, and ginger. This trail takes around 45-60
minutes;
- Climb takes around 1-2 hours to climb the mountain.
Opening Hours: Daily 08.30 am. – 05.30 pm.
Contact:
Tel. 053 841 000 Fax. 053 299 754 ; Website: www.qsbg.org
• Rama IX Park (Rajamangkala
Park)is located on Route 107. This park feature lush green playing
areas. Rama IX Park (Rajamangkala Park), Chiang Mai is an ideal place to
enjoy holidays with family and friends. Numerous food outlets lie in the
proximity of this park, if you are feeling hungry you just cross Rama IX
Park (Rajamangkala Park), Chiang Mai and enjoy your meal.
Most of the restaurants
in the area serves a wide variety of snacks, beer and soft drinks.
The park has a lot of shady areas; you can just sit and relax at Rama
IX Park (Rajamangkala Park), Chiang Mai
• Dokmai Garden
aims at providing knowledge about monsoon plants, rather than displaying
fields of bright colours. This private garden has collected nearly 900 plant
species, of which 500 are labeled with scientific names and interesting
facts in English, Japanese and Thai. The signs are made of aluminium, as
wood and plastic usually quickly deteriorates.
In addition to fruit trees, vegetables, exotic ornamentals and native
forest trees, the garden is the home to 70 species of wild free-living birds,
25 species of Mekong fish, water buffaloes, lizards and many wild and free-living
butterflies which enjoy the nectar plants. A European PhD in biology is
often around to guide you, and to answer questions.
Dokmai Garden aims at low numbers of visitors, to be able to meet each visitor
as a personal guest. If the heat troubles you, please enjoy the air-conditioned
shop with botanical literature, western toilets, a guest shower, free wireless
internet, drinks and Thai food in an outdoor restaurant.
Opening Hours: Daily on Tuesday-Sunday 10.00 am. - 05.00 pm.
Contact: 386 Mu.10 Nampare district, Amphoe Hang Dong,
Chiang Mai 50230; Tel. 089 433 9045
Hilltribe Village
• Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai
This Hmong village has preserved their simple but splendid traditions and
lifestyles. The village can be reached by taking a left turn at Km.12 and
proceeding for 7 kilometres. Only four-wheel vehicles in good condition
can make the trip. Along the route, you can visit resorts which are open
to visitors, including Mae Sa Valley, Mae Sa Resort (offers a 9-hole golf
course), and Kangsadan Farm.
Opening Hours: Daily 08.00 am. - 05.00 pm.
Contact: 1 Mu.1, Sutep district,
Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai 50200; Tel. 081 706 6572
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