Chiang Mai Cultural Centre

Chiang Mai National Museum

Topic 1: The natural and cultural background of the Lan Na Kingdom including the geology, ecology, geography and prehistoric settlement of the north.
Topic 2: 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.
Topic 3: 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.
Topic 4: Trade and economy of the Lan Na Kingdom from 1782 to 1939.
Topic 5: The modern way of life and social development: agriculture and industry, banking, international relations, education and public health.
Topic 6: 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, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (closed on National Holidays) Contact tel. 053 221328 for more information. Admission fee is 30 baht.
Chiang Mai Zoo

CMU Art Museum (Chiang Mai University Art Museum)
The Art Museum is situated on Nimmanhemin Road opposite the Chiang Mai University Auditorium. There are a lot of interesting exhibitions on display in the museum art gallery, check the schedule at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University 239 Huey Kaew Road Chiang Mai 50200. Or Tel/Fax: 66-53-211724, e-mail: pongdej@chiangmai.ac.th
Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park

Namtok Huai Kaew
This waterfall is located near the Chiang Mai Zoo and is a pleasant place for relaxation and picnics.
Doi Pui Tribal Village

Phu Phing Palace (Royal Winter Palace)

Huai Kaeo Arboretum
Situated next to the famous Chiang Mai University and the Chiang Mai Zoo, Huai Kaeo Arboretum, is a mixed blessing of landscaped gardens with many kinds of tropical trees and exquisite flowers. Locals love to relax and do morning and evening exercise in the compound.
Insect and Natural Wonders Museum

Kad Suan Kaeo Art & Cultural Centre

Khantoke Dinner

Guests are invited to sit on the floor around a Khantok, a circular tray with Northern dishes on it. They can enjoy watching traditional northern dances as well as hilltribe culture shows while their meal is being served.
The main dishes on the Khantok usually are steamed sticky rice, kaeng hang-le (northern-style pork curry), kaeng ho (spicy curry of bean vermicelli), kaeng om (spicy curry of entrails), sai ua (Chiang Mai sausage), lap (minced meat, half cooked and highly seasoned), nam phrik ong (chili paste with minced pork and tomatoes), which usually goes with khaep mu (crispy pork rinds) and khao soi (chicken/ pork /beef curry soup with noodles. Guests are encouraged to eat with their hands, as the locals do. The eating procedure is easy: take a handful of steamed sticky rice from the bamboo basket, roll, and dip it into the curry or chili paste and then taste it.
After the meal, a dessert called khao taen fried sticky rice covered with caramel is served. Also served are khiyo cigars and fermented tea, which is chewed to help digestion. The khiyo cigar is made of shredded tobacco and ground tamarind bark (khiyo), which can reduce the strong odor of tobacco.
During the Khantok Dinner, several dances and shows are performed. The most popular Northern dance is fon lep or fingernail dance. This show is impressive as female dancers are dressed in Northern Thai style, and wear long pointed brass fingernails.
Khruba Siwichai Monument

Lanna Woodcarving Art Museum
Ban Roi An Phan Yang Museum is the exhibition center of antiques and woodcarving masterpieces located at Chiang Mai-Sanpatong Road, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230.
Night Bazaar

Sao Inthakil or Sao Lak Muang

Sbun-Nga Textile Musuem

This is the largest textile museum in Thailand which is situated at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center. See over a thousand ancient and rare textiles revealing the elaborate weaving skills of both royal and local ancestors in Southeast Asia. Open daily (except Wednesdays) from 10.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m..
The Thriving Sunday Market
Located on the Ratchadamneon Rd. inside the old city of Chiang Mai the market seems to be ever expaning down more streets and alleys leading off the central road. With all traffic halted every sunday, people are free to walk without the hassle and stress of cars and motorcycles wizzing by. This makes for a pleasant and facinating day out. Walk along and bargain with the numerous sellers and listen to various buskers playing Thai and Western music.
Wat Buppharam

Wat Chedi Chet Yot

Wat Chedi Liam or Chedi Ku Kham

Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chiang Man

Wat Gate Museum
Wat Ku Tao

Wat Phan Tao

Wat Phra Sing

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

This temple is 15 kilometers from town and is 3,520 feet above sea level. It is the perfect place to get a birds eye view of the city. The temple can be reached via a steep Naga staircase comprised of 290 steps or railcars. The temple is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To get there, drive along Huay Kaew Road up the mountain. Alternatively, there are song thaew services available at the foot of the mountain. It costs 30 baht/head to go up to Doi Suthep and approximately 50 baht/head to go further to Doi Pui and Phu Phing Palace. Note that these are one-way fares. (This is the added text)
Wat Prasat

Wat Saen Fang

Wat Suan Dok
Another temple located on Suthep Road, Wat Suan Dok was built in the 14th century and houses the 500-year old bronze Buddha image which is one of Thailands largest metal images. Several of the white chedis around the temple contain ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family.
Wat U Mong

Wiang Kum Kam

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Amphoe Mae Rim
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 kilometers. 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.
Mae Sa Snake Farm

Mountain Orchid

This plantation has been established for over 20 years and is famous for breeding a variety of species of orchids using appropriate technology. In addition to learning about orchid breeding, it is also possible to learn about various butterfly species. Facilities for tourists include toilets, parking area and beverage and souvenir shops. A lecturer is provided upon request. Advance contact is recommended for group visits.
Mae Sa Waterfall (Nam tok Mae Sa )

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
Supha Bee Farm
Location: 779 Mu 1, Rim Tai sub-district, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180. Tel. 0 5329 7329, 0 1960 5330 or 0 29708 0258; Fax. 0 5329 9501.
Supha Bee Farm mainly deals with bee-keeping. It shares its accumulated knowledge and research results regarding bee-keeping technology to the public and the building where honey is produced is worth a visit. In addition, bee products such as honey, beehive capsules and bee pollen are also on sale in the farm. Basic tourist facilities are provided. Advanced contact is recommended.
Tribal Museum

The museum exhibits ways of life, culture, beliefs, and local wisdom of those tribes, which have been intellectually conveyed through artistic objects displayed in the museum. It is open daily to the public from 09.00 to 16.00 hrs. For more information, contact tel. 0 5321 0872.
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Amphoe Mae Taeng
Huai Nam Dang National Park

Another attraction, Doi Chang Viewpoint, is located 20 kilometers beyond the Huai Nam Dang Viewpoint and is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle. The scenic views of natural mountain ranges and early morning sea of clouds can be seen from this view point. Camping is possible provided that visitors bring their own tents and food. Nearby attractions in Mae Hong Son Province worth visiting include Tha Pai hot spring (Pong Nam Ron Tha Pai) and Mae Yen waterfall.
Mok Fa Waterfall (Namtok Mok Fa)

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Amphoe Mae Wang
Bee Conservation and Breeding Centre 1, Chiang Mai
Location: Mu 1, Ban Tong Kai, Nong Khwai sub-district, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230
Basically a research center on bee-keeps and breeding of crickets. Bee products are collected here while crickets are bred for animal food. The research findings are disseminated to farmers within the area. Visitors to the bee-keeping and cricket breeding research area are provided with a lecturer. Tourist facilities are available, however, the center does not offer accommodations. Advanced contact is required.
Royal Agricultural Research Centre, Chiang Mai

The Royal Agricultural Research Centre in Chiang Mai consists of 2 sub-stations. The first station is composed of demonstrative fields for research, collection, and breeding of various plants. The second station, located at Mae Win sub-district, mainly deals with research of temperate fruits, flowers and coffee (Arabica). The centre also serves as a source of information complete with lecturer for educational tours and training. Accommodations and basic facilities are available. Advanced contact is recommended.
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Amphoe Mae Ai
Tha Ton

Tha Ton Temple (Wat Tha Ton)

Wat Thaton Vipassana Meditation Center
Tambon Thaton, Amphoe Mae Ai, Chiangmai Thailand 50280
Wat Thaton Vipassana Meditation Center is an excellent place where meditation is taught and practiced. For more information, contact Buddhaleelamahasati Dynamic Vipassana Meditation Retreat at 0 5345 9468, 0 7817 7522 or e-mail leelamahasati@csloxinfo.com
Buddhaleelamahasati Dynamic Vipassana Meditation Retreat
The minimum number of days for each individual retreat is 7 days. Lineage: Luangpor Teean Jittasubho (1911-1988) Meditation Master: Ajahn Suthep Chinawaro, Interpreter: Phra Ratha Mahaviriyo (Vayagool). For more information, call 0 7062 1834 or email vayagool@yahoo.com
Luangpor Teean (1911-1988) was an important Thai Buddhist teacher who introduced a new technique of meditation that can be characterized as "dynamic" in contrast to the more conventional techniques of "static" meditation. Luangpor Teean's Sati (mindfulness) meditation incorporates rhythmic bodily movements as a way to stimulate, develop and strengthen a mindfulness/awareness.
This practice is regarded as a way through which the body and the mind are harmonized. This harmony is the first step to "seeing" thought and is the foundation of the path towards enlightenment. In order to overcome greed, anger, and delusion, Luangpor Teean suggested that we have to go to the roof of mental impurities. He taught that we should let thought flow freely and let awareness see thought and break through the chain of thought. If one persists in this practice, wisdom will arise in an orderly process, level by level.
Ajahn Suthep Chinawaro was ordained in 1988, one of the last disciples of Luangpor Teean Jittasubho. Ajahn Suthep intensively practiced vipassana meditation under the guidance of Luangpor Teean. He speaks Thai, English and Lao. He has developed Buddhaleela Mahasati, and extension of the traditional Luangpor Teean's technique. This technique basically follows the Luangpor movements - breathing, walking, hand movement, but adds additional movements.
The retreat is widely open for both beginner and experienced meditators. On the retreat, all meditators are expected to keep silence at all times except when giving meditation reports. All meditators must keep the eight training precepts. Meditators need only bring conservative clothing (preferably white colored clothing), personal hygiene accessories and essential medication.
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Amphoe Mae Chaem
Doi Inthanon National Park

How to Get There: Travel 58 kilometers west of Chiang Mai via Highway No. 107 to Chom Thong, then turn right into Highway No. 1009 and continue a further distance of 48 kilometers along Highway No. 1009 to the summit. A good but rather steep asphalt road takes visitors up, thus the vehicle must be in a good condition. Visitors could pay for the entrance fee at Km. 8.
Doi Inthanon Royal Project Research Station

Traditional Cotton Woven Village
The village where the unique northern style Sarong is made is located approximately 3 kilometers from Mae Chaem District Office in Tha Pha Sub-district. The uniquely woven fabric is in great demand because of its striking color and indigenous style.
Phutha Oen Temple (Wat Phutha Oen)

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Amphoe San Kamphaeng
San Kamphaeng

Located in San Kamphaeng is Bo Sang a village that produces handmade umbrellas. In addition to umbrellas, visitors will also be able to find various woodcarving and Thai silk products here.
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

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Amphoe San Pa Tong
Phra Borom That Saen Hai
This temple is situated in Wiang Haeng, San Pa Tong District, which can be dated back to the early Buddhist times, was renovated in 1914. The pagoda is a unique blend of Myanmar and Lanna Thai architecture. According to the legend, King Naresuan the Great rested his troops here and built a pool at the foot of the hill for his use and that of his elephants.
Wiang Tha Kan

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Amphoe San Sai
Maejo University
Location: Nong Han sub-district, San Sai District, Chiang Mai 50120. Tel. 053 498148-9. Fax. 053 498151
The research and studies area in Maejo University which is open to visitors include the orchid garden, flower plots, flowering plant research plots, non-chemical vegetable plots, mushroom shed, experimental field crop plots, aquatic animal breeding, etc. Lecturing services along a touring route is provided upon advanced request. A shop selling agricultural produce is also available.
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Amphoe Saraphi
Chiang Mai Healthy Products Company Limited
Location: 193 Mu 2, Chiang Mai Lampang Road, Saraphi sub-district, Chiang Mai 50140. Tel. 053 420568 69; Fax. 053 420570.
This company is a well-known honey-product producer. While spending time here, visit a demonstration apiary and see bee-keeping equipment as well as observe the honey processing and packaging procedures.
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Amphoe Chai Prakan

This temple is situated in Chai Prakan Sub-district along the Chiang Mai-Fang route between Km.120 and Km.121. Temple attractions include a scripture hall located in the middle of a pond and Tap Tao cave which houses several unique Buddha images.
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Amphoe Chiang Dao
Doi Luang Chiang Dao


Descending the mountain is possible on the trail near Ban Tham, which is located near Chiang Dao cave. The trail is rather steep; nevertheless, it could shorten the walking distance upon descending. It is quite difficult to climb up.
Huai Luek Royal Project Development Centre
Location: Ban Huai Luek, Bueng Khong sub-district, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Tel. 0 5345 1116 Fax. 0 5322 9635
The center serves as a demonstrative development model for the hill tribe people based on the philosophy of promoting proper agricultural technology to hill tribe farmers. The site is open for the public to explore pilot plots of vegetables, flowers, fruits, Hmongs plantation and the Poi River. In addition, the Royal Project Foundation has its own shop selling daily fresh produce. Tours complete with a lecturer can be arranged in advance and advanced reservation is recommended for group visits. Toilets and parking areas are also available.
King Naresuan Stupa
Located at Mueang Ngai Village. The locals built the stupa to mark the stay of King Naresuan the Great before he led his troop to invade Angwa in Myanmar in 1604.
Chiang Dao Cave (Tham Chiang Dao)

Touring in and around Tham Chiang Dao with a local guide is possible by contacting local guides in front of the cave. A service fee is charged.
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Amphoe Chom Thong
Doi Tao Lake

Op Luang

Phra That Doi Noi Temple (Wat Phra That Doi Noi)

Phra That Si Chom Thong Temple (Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong)
This temple is situated approximately 58 kilometers from the town in Chom Thong District. The temple can be dated back to the mid-1400s and houses a collection of bronze Buddha images while the secondary chapel contains a holy Buddha relic.
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Amphoe Fang

Location: Ban Khum, Mae Ngon sub-district, Fang District, Chiang Mai. Tel. 0 5345 0107-9; Fax. 0 5345 0106
Located in the valley of Doi Ang Khang, the station is designated for conducting experiments on possible temperate plants to be grown in Thailand. The experiment is aimed at promoting the cultivation of cash crops to replace hill tribes' opium plantations. Inside the station, there are beautiful landscaped flower gardens, a restaurant and plantations. Advanced contact is recommended for a group visit with lecturers available upon request. Facilities include guesthouses (inside the station), food and beverage, parking space, toilets, etc.

Doi Ang Khang National Park
Famous for its cool climate all year round, visitors can explore the Royal Angkhang Station Project and visit hill tribe villages to learn more about their daily life. To get there, take Highway No. 107 (Chiang Mai-Fang), turn left at an intersection around Km. 137 (Mae Kha Market) and proceed for another 25 kilometers to Doi Ang Khang. As the route is filled with steep s-curves, an experienced driver and vehicles in good condition is required. The local truck (song taew) from Mae Kha Market offers chartered service to the mountain.
Fang Hot Springs

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Amphoe Hang Dong
Chiang Mai Night Safari

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.
Admisstion Rates:
Child Adult
Day 50 100
Night 300 500
Operation Hours:
Day Time
Mon.- Fri. 13.00-16.00
Sat.-Sun. 10.00-16.00
Night Time
Daily 18.00-24.00
Reservation: Tel. 66 53 999050
Fax. 66 53 999079
Website: www.chiangmainightsafari.com
Huai Phak Phai Royal Project
This is at Ban Mae Ha, tambon Ban Pong along the Samoeng-Hang Dong route. It is approximately 300 metres from Km. 17. From Chiang Mai, it can be reached via 2 routes: Chiang Mai-Mae Rim-Samoeng-Hang Dong route which is 32 kilometers in length and Chiang Mai-Hang Dong-Samoeng route that is 43 kilometers in length. The project is responsible for collecting, researching, and breeding roses. One of the highlighted attractions in this project is the Royal Rose Garden, which covers an area of 8.4 acres where various kinds of roses have been planted along the mountain ranges. The best time to visit is from October to February.
A number of pretty resorts decorated with highland flowers are located along the route to Huai Phak Phai Royal Project and are open to the public and for camping. Accommodations are available at Kritsada Doi and Lanna Garden. Please refer to the accommodation sheet for more information.
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Amphoe Hot
Ban Rai Phai Ngam
Located between Km.69 to 70 along Chiang Mai-Hot route, the place is famous for its high quality traditionally woven cotton. To get to the village from the main route, turn left and proceed for 1 kilometer until you seethe village sign.
Mae Tho National Park
Op Luang National Park
Op Luang National Park is an amazing natural attraction comprising both splendid natural charms as well as mysterious scenery. A zigzagging river flows in front of a picturesque gorge. The area is a high, steep cliff with a narrow passage, creating strong currents and powerful echoes. An area in the north of this stream is teeming with various kinds of plants that provide a pleasant ambience all year round. Magnificent views of Op Luang National Park can be seen from the bridge that links with the gorge. An interesting prehistoric archaeological site is also located in the park.
How to get there: The Op Luang National Park is located 105 kilometres from Chiang Mai town along Highway No. 108 (Chiang Mai-Hot-Mae Sariang). The road stretches alongside the Mae Chaem River and zigzags along mountain ranges. Blue buses originate from the Hot-Mae Sariang roundabout. There are 3 lines of buses: Hot-Mae Sariang, Hot-Mae Chaem, Hot-Om Koi. All of them stop at Op Luang National Park.
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Amphoe Phrao
Si Lanna National Park
Amphoe Samoeng
Bo Kaeo Botanic Research Station
This station, which plants pine and eucalyptus on an area of 828 acres, has a cool and moist climate throughout the year.
Credit:
- Tourism Authority of Thailand
- www.oldchiangmai.com
- www.thailandmuseum.com
- www.tatchiangmai.org
- www.dnp.go.th
- www.tourthai.com
- www.thai-tour.com
- www.travelblog.org
- www.kanchanapisek.or.th
- www.circleofasia.com
- www.muangboranjournal.com
- www.srinawaratt.com
- www.yupparaj.ac.th
- www.dhammathai.org
- www.doa.go.th
- www.thaitambon.com
- www.saranair.com
- www.bkktravel.com
- www.photoontour.com
- www.unseentourthailand.com