Chiang Mai - Top Tourist Attractions
Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Top Attractions for Every Traveler
While the rest of Thailand is becoming overdeveloped and modernized, Chiang Mai remains rooted in Thai history, culture and traditions. The capital of the old Lanna Kingdom is laidback and calm, quite the opposite of the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.
But this city doesn’t fall short when it comes to being a travel destination. In fact, many travelers who only planned to stay here for a few days have called the city their home.
Check out these top attractions to know exactly why Chiang Mai has endeared the hearts of many:
The Old City
Chiang Mai’s Old City is a destination in itself where you’ll experience the best of what Thai culture has to offer. This the living museum is home to some of the most beautiful temples in all of Thailand including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phan Tao, and it also has other historical buildings and old shops, all enclosed within ancient walls.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
The hike up the mountain where the Wat Doi Suthep is located may be long and tiring, but you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful temples in all of Chiang Mai including a massive seated Buddha on its central shrine.
Upon entering the temple, you’ll see two statues guarding the entrance and the entire complex is intricately adorned with beautiful carvings and statues showcasing the many representations of Buddha.
Wiang Kum Kam
Five kilometers south of Chiang Mai along the Ping River is Wiang Kum Kam, an ancient underground city with a history that dates back to the eighth century the Haripunchai Kingdom.
It also used to be the capital of The Lanna Kingdom until Chiang Mai replaced it in 1926. Wiang Kum Kam is filled with many artifacts including Buddhist sculptures, stone tablets and ancient pottery and earthenware.
Chiang Mai Gate Market
If exploring the many temples around Chiang Mai left you starving, there’s only one place to go for some authentic Thai street food—Chiang Mai Gate Market.
Street food vendors fill the Chiang Mai Gate every night selling everything from the famous mango sticky rice to the equally sumptuous pad kra pow.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Rising 2,565 meters above sea level, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest peak and home for over 362 species of birds, most of which can only be found in the country. Doi Inthanon National Park is filled with thick tropical forests, long rivers, and majestic waterfalls. On top of the mountain are chedis honoring the King and Queen and Their Royal Majesties.
It is also home to settlements of Northern Hilltribes where efforts are continuously made to preserve Thailand’s culture and traditions while embracing modern developments such as the Bhumibol Dam, which is used to provide electricity to thousands of locals.
Chiang Mai will not disappoint, that’s for sure. So, if you had to pick only one place to visit in Thailand aside from Bangkok, make it Chiang Mai and it will surely be the best decision you’ll make as a traveler.