Chiang Mai Attractions
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
You could easily be spoilt for choice with the many Chiang Mai attractions to see and explore in this northern part of the country. There are loads of temples for you to visit for which I shall discuss a few of some of the most important ones. I have also provided you with a few photos of these truly amazing temples. Once you have arrived in
Chiang Mai
you will also have the opportunity to view other wonderful sites including elephant farms, botanical gardens, parks and forests with waterfalls, museums, arts and craft markets and a whole lot more. Also this is your chance to see some of
Thailand's Hill Tribe people.
Doi Suthep Temple
Chiang MaiA Special PlaceThis is one special getaway place to escape all the pollution, noise and chaos of Bangkok and the crowded beach resorts of the south. Chaing Mai is quite unlike that of the more popular tourist destinations that you see in most Thailand tour brochures. If you have the time then this would be an excellent place to visit.When I first arrived in the city I remember thinking that this seemed like a sleepy village but I soon had a change of heart as many events unfolded. Arriving here in the north, I got the impression that I was in a very different country. The air is fresher and cooler as well as the pollution being far less than further south. This is a good place to rest and gather your thoughts. The pace here also seems to be slower than in Bangkok but then again you be the judge. Chiang Mai is very much noted for it's many temples scattered in and around the city.
Golden Statues at Doi Suthep Temple
Chiang Mai AttractionsWat Phrathat Doi SuthepWat Phrathat Doi Suthep is the most famous and best loved temple of them all. You can take a leisurely drive up a winding road and pass a couple of waterfalls before arriving at a large car park beneath the site. This temple is an important symbol of Chiang Mai as well as being a holy site for pilgrims to come and pray.Legion says that during the mid 1300's an elephant with a Buddha relic strapped to it's back was set loose up the mountain. Unfortunately the elephant could only manage to go up halfway before it stopped exhausted. As the elephant could go no further, it was decided to build Doi Suthep on this particular spot. Once you arrive at this site and in order to get to the temple from the car park, you can either walk up the 290 steps or take the funicular. From the top you will have a magnificent view over-looking the city. This beautiful temple is open daily from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm with an admission fee of just 30 Baht.
290 Steps to Doi Suthep Temple
Chiang Mai AttractionsPhuphing Palace and National ParkPhuphing Palace and National Park is not very far from Doi Suthep. This site was originally constructed in 1972 as a winter residence for the royal family. The highlight here is the magnificent gardens with it's beautiful exotic flowers.The park is open daily between 8:30 am until 4:00 pm when the royal family are absent between mid December and early February. Admission is around 50 Baht.
Wat Doi Kham Buddhist Temple
Chiang Mai AttractionsWat Doi Kham TempleWat Doi Kham is a temple situated behind the royal flora gardens and not very far from the city center. This is an important place of worship and the highlight for any visitor is the giant seated Buddha as seen above. Unfortunately there is not much else to see here but then I shall leave that up to you to decide.Wat Suan Dok Temple
Chiang Mai AttractionsWat Suan Dok TempleWat Suan Dok can be found just west of the old city walls on Doi Suthep Road. It's a 14th century temple complex and one of the most impressive in Chiang Mai.The large central golden spire or chedi as they are called, that you see in the photo is believed to hold eight relics of Buddha. Ashes belonging to Chiang Mai's royal family are housed in the white washed chedis seen in the north-western corner of the complex. The grounds are open daily from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm.
Wat Chedi Luang Temple
Chiang Mai AttractionsWat Chedi Luang TempleCalamity surrounds the construction of Wat Chedi Luang which was started in the late 14th century by King Saen Muang Ma, who wanted to bury his fathers ashes here. Ten years on and still not completed, the king passed away. Due to various other problems the temple was only completed in the mid 15th century.Unfortunately in 1545, it was partly destroyed during a violent earthquake and the 86 meter high pagoda was then reduced to almost half of it's original size. Only the base and reliquary of this monument were then restored, but even in it's damaged state it is still an impressive site. Close to the temple entrance stands a tall ancient gum tree and legend suggests that when it falls, so too will the city of Chiang Mai. Now would be a good time to visit this site as the tree still stands.
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