ATTRACTIONS

Chiang Mai Attractions

Doi Suthep

Some 10 miles (15km) west of Chiang Mai lies the Doi Suthep Mountain, famous for the Wat Phrathat temple perched on the summit. Legend has it that in the late 14th century King Ku Na was looking for somewhere to house a collection of holy relics. He placed them in a howdah (canopied seat) on the back of an elephant and let the animal wander. The elephant proceeded to climb Doi Suthep, on top of which it trumpeted, turned round three times and knelt to indicate that this was the spot. Wat Phrathat can be reached either by a flight of 290 steps, or by funicular, and offers breathtaking views of the countryside.

Transport: Songthaews (red taxi trucks)leave from in front of Chaing Mai University and in front of the Chaing Mai Zoo. They cost around B 30 per person one way; Opening time: Daily 6am to 8pm; Admission: THB 30, or THB 50 including a return funicular ride

Chiang Mai Attractions

Mae Sa Waterfall

Set in the lush Soi Suithep-Pui National Park, only 10 miles (15km) out of town, the Mae Sa Waterfall is definitely worth visiting. Follow the winding pathway to the waterfall's plummeting 10-tiered cascades. There are various little secluded areas along the trail where visitors can relax with a picnic. The jungle villages dotting the riverbanks are also fascinating to see. This popular spot does get a bit over-crowded on weekends.

Address: Mae Sa Valley; Opening time: Open daily from 8am to 6pm.; Admission: THB 200 (adult), THB 100 (children) and THB 50 per vechile

Chiang Mai Attractions

Temples

Temple tours of Chiang Mai are a wonderful attraction for visitors. The old town is home to the most honored temples and some tranquil Buddhist sanctuaries. The historic Wat Pra Singh holds the revered Phra Singh Buddha, which dates from the 15th century. The oldest temple in Chiang Mai is Wat Chiang Man (establilshed by King Mengrai), noted for its ancient bas reliefs and massive teak columns. Wat Chedi Luang boasts a gigantic chedi ruin, said to be the tallest structure in the old town, and was once home to the sacred Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok).

Address: Ratchadamnoen Road

Chiang Mai Attractions

Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center

The Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center is an interesting attraction near the Three Kings Monument (Saam Kasat). This multimedia history and cultural education centre offers English-subtitled video displays of Chiang Mai, followed by tours of the rooms documenting the region's history and culture since the pre-Muang period. There are also exhibits showcasing Buddhism and regional beliefs, as well as agricultural history, hill tribes and other regional cultures. The royal dynasties are also represented. The guides are elegantly outfitted in traditional Thai clothing.

Address: Prapokklao Road; Telephone: (0)5 321 7793; Opening time: 8.30am to 5pm daily except Mondays.; Admission: THB 90

Chiang Mai Attractions

Lisu Hill-Tribe Display

A worthwhile Chiang Mai attraction is the Lisu Hill-Tribe display at the Hill-Tribe Research Institute Museum. The lives and cultures of the hill-tribe people in Thailand are exhibited here through photographs, agricultural implements, religious artefacts and musical instruments. Household utensils and ethnic costumes are also displayed. The non-hill-tribe ethnic minority, the Mlabri (who are often associated with the 'spirit of the yellow leaves'), are included in this extraordinary exhibit.

Address: Chotana Road; Telephone: (0)5 321 0872; Opening time: Weekdays, 9am to 4pm

Chiang Mai Attractions

Dokmai Garden

The Dokmai Garden (dokmai meaning flower) displays a vast range of edible fruit plants, vegetables and vascular plants. Aluminium signs in English, Japanese and Thai guide and inform guests throughout the grounds, which are surrounded by plantations of teak, bananas and longan. The Atlas moth and the Golden Birdwing butterfly can also be observed here, as well as numerous mushrooms and fish species.

Address: Near Namprae on Soi Dokmai; Telephone: (0)8 943 39045

Chiang Mai Attractions

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

A beautiful Chiang Mai attraction, the first genuine botanical garden in Thailand was the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in the Mae Sa Valley. It now also serves as a centre of botanical research and studies. The main feature of this attraction is the Glasshouse Complex, made up of four exhibition conservatories and eight display glasshouses. A lovely river runs melodically through the grounds. The Thai Orchid Nursery and Rock Garden are other highlights of the gardens, as well as various walking trails and shaded rest areas. Facilities for visitors include a restaurant, a first-aid station, souvenir shops and toilets.

Address: Mae Sa Valley; E-mail: pr@qsbg.org; Telephone: (0)5 329 8171; Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 5pm