Chiang Mai
Located approximately 700km north-west of Bangkok, and set at an elevation of around 300 metres, Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city. With over 300 temples and the backdrop of Doi Suthep Mountain rising to 1876 metres to the west, this is a visually striking city.
The old part of the city is a neat square surrounded by a moat. Several of Chiang Mai's most important temples are located within this area. To the east is the Ping river which cuts through the city from north to south. In recent years several luxury condominiums have been built alongside the river.
Chiang Mai has developed into a first class tourist destination, and is an excellent base from which to explore Northern Thailand.
During most of the year, thanks to its altitude, Chiang Mai is less humid and much cooler, especially at night, than elsewhere in Thailand. The present Royal Family spend a considerable portion of their time staying at Phuping Palace, set in beautiful grounds on the Buag Ha mountain, about 22 kilometres from Chiang Mai. It is possible to visit the grounds of the palace, when the Royal Family is not in residence.
Food and Drink
There are numerous food stalls serving noodles, curries, seafood and speciality dishes located with the old city walls. Just west of Chiang Mai Gate is a large night market where you can wile away an evening eating and drinking. International and Thai food buffets are available at the larger hotels.
Night Life
First class and tourist class hotels usually have a disco, and all have bars, several of which feature live music. Charoenrat Road on the east side of the Ping river also has plenty of night time entertainment.
Shopping
First port of call for bargain hunters has to be the night bazaar which is located mid way between the old city and the Ping river. The market has an extensive selection of Thai and northern Thai goods are low prices, but you will have to bargain.
Shops selling hill tribe crafts, silk, silverware, lacquer ware, carvings and beautiful paper umbrellas can be found all over the city. Chiang Mai is a good place to buy furniture, and there are several workshops which will arrange for shipping to your home country.
Sight Seeing
Photographers can get fine aerial views of Chiang Mai from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which is located near the summit of Mount Doi Suthep. A staircase in the shape of a dragon-headed serpent leads up to the Wat from the mountain road.
The daily "elephants at work" show, about one hour by bus from Chiang Mai, is strictly for tourists but still worth a visit.
More adventurous souls might prefer one of the many trekking tours. These can be arranged through most hotels and travel agents.
Wat Prahat Doi Suthep
Close by is Wat Prahat Doi Suthep. The temple contains a highly venerated relic of Lord Buddha, which was brought to Chiang Mai and presented to King Kuenna, in the fourteenth century. The story goes that the King sent out an elephant with the relics on its back, and it climbed the mountain steadily. Then, quite suddenly, it died of a heart attack, so that spot was chosen for the temple.
The temple is located about 16 kilometres from the city and can be reached by road. The final ascent to the temple is via a highly decorative Naga staircase. For those who cannot manage the steps a cable car has been installed.
In the outer courtyard anyone can wander and there is splendid collection the bronze bells. From that level there is a beautiful view down onto the city way below.
To enter the inner courtyard of the temple all must be properly dressed, which means no short trousers or bare tops. There are paintings of historical and mythical scenes all round the inner courtyard between the 4 chapels that surround the central golden stuppa.
Chiang Mai Zoo
At the foot of Doi Suthep is the Chiang Mai zoo, which is well worth a visit. The grounds are extensive and vehicles are allowed in. In fact that is the best way to get around as the individual enclosures are well spaced and often hidden from each other in a jungle type setting.
The penguin enclosure was pleasantly cool, and quite popular with the Thais for the same reason. It was a shame they do not clean the glass to give a better view of the birds.
A new building houses the Pandas that arrived from China in 2003
San Khampaeng
Crafts Following the old road to San Khampaeng leads through the craft area of Chiang Mai where factories co-exist with the shops. This gives visitors the chance to see how the items are made, before making their purchases. Products include teak and bamboo furniture; the distinctive pottery of Thai Celadon, silverware, parasols and hand held fans, to mention a few.
Moon On Caves
About 30 kilometres beyond the village of San Khampaeng, are the San Khampaeng Hot Springs. However just before the springs it is worth taking the turning to the left to visit the Moon On caves. At the foot of the hill is an attractive Chinese Temple. The road then climbs much higher up the hill to the caves.
A visit to the Moon On caves is only for the fit. Firstly there is a long climb up a Naga staircase from the car park, before reaching the entrance to the caves. The caves are well lit and there are young guides available to point out the major sites, which are also Buddhist shrines. However to reach the famous stalagmite it is necessary to climb down a long concrete staircase, which means it is along climb back up to exit the caves.
Hot Springs
Over the last few years the hot springs have been developed and are now surrounded by a very attractive and mature garden. The water comes bubbling out of the ground at a temperature of 89°C. Packs of eggs are on sale in convenient wicker baskets, and there are instructions about how long to leave the eggs in the water to cook them correctly, 11 minutes gives hard-boiled. Hooks are conveniently provided around the water tank to hang the egg baskets.
There are also two geysers spouting a continuous flow of hot water into the air.
Bath houses are available for rent by the hour, for individuals or family groups to enjoy the waters or if you prefer there is also a swimming pool that is fed with the warm water.
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