‘Must Do’ in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Highlights
- A rich and vibrant culture that dates back over 700 years.
- Over 35 Buddhist temples surround the Rachamankha within the old moated city.
- World class golf at Thai rates; 5 golf courses located less than an hour’s drive from the Rachamankha.
- Wonderful art, handicraft and antique shopping.
- Be a mahout for day; get to know the Asian elephant.
- Visit local hill-tribe villages to witness cultures and lifestyles far removed from your own.
- Take a leisurely – or strenuous if you prefer – guided trek in one of the local national parks.
- Enjoy dining of almost every style and cuisine: from 5star formality to homely traditional.
- The Night Bazaar, a night market with a superlative collection of local art and handicrafts for your bargaining pleasure.
- Enjoy Chiang Mai’s fascinating and colourful festivals and temple fairs.
A few tips to discover the real Chiang Mai
- Climb the 304 steps to Doi Suthep Temple, the most revered of Chiang Mai’s temples, for stunning views of the Chiang Mai valley.
- Wander through Chiang Mai’s China Town and enjoy the exotic sights and smells of the herbs, spices, cooked foods, fruit and flowers on sale there almost 24hours a day.
- Sip a sundowner or two at one of the city’s riverside restaurants and bars.
- Visit the handicraft villages that surround the city and marvel at the craftsmanship in woodcarving, jewellery making, fabric weaving and silversmithing.
- Browse the local art community’s work in the galleries and boutiques tucked away in Nimanhemin Soi1.
- Join the local community in giving alms to the monks every morning at 6am beside the old city moat.
- Take an evening stroll through Chiang Mai’s Sunday street market and see all walks of Chiang Mai life.
- Enjoy a lunch of true Chiang Mai cuisine at Huen Penh restaurant; delicious local food, eaten local style, with the locals.
