Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Th Wualai; 4pm-midnight Sat)
On Saturdays, Th Wualai is closed to traffic and mobbed by
pedestrians parading past food and souvenir vendors. Come early to shop as it does get
crowded. There are additional food stalls across the street near Talat Pratu Chiang Mai.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Wat Sisuphan
(Soi 2, Th Wualai; donations appreciated; 6am-6pm)
The district's silver craftsmanship is given a
spectacular setting at this neighbourhood temple. The prime attraction is the 'silver'
ubosot
(ordination hall), covered entirely with silver, nickel and aluminium embossed
panels. The temple also hosts local silver artisans, monk chat, meditation courses and the
Poy Luang Festival (a Shan ordination in March).
The temple was founded in 1502, but little remains of the original structures except for
some teak pillars and roof beams in the
wí·hăhn
. The murals inside show an interesting
mix of Taoist, Zen and Theravada Buddhist elements.
DON'T MISS
DOKMAI GARDEN
Chiang Mai is often referred to as the rose of the north, in part because the cool highlands can grow these temper-
ate flowers and also because the city itself is regarded to be as beautiful. The north is famous for its flowers, both
native and commercially grown varieties introduced as cash crops to replace opium production. February is the
celebrated blooming season but flowers adorn gardens, forests and roadsides throughout the year.
For flower enthusiasts and plant geeks who collect floral trivia,
Dokmai Garden
( 08 7187 5787; Hang
Dong; admission 300B, tour 1200-1900B; Jan-Jun) is a private botanical garden south of Chiang Mai that
preserves and propagates native flora and floral knowledge. The garden contains over 1000 plants and their
friends, including bees, birds and butterflies. Basic admission allows visitors to wander around the garden reading
the informative signs that give the plants' scientific names and cultural applications. Guided tours offer more in-
depth discussions. Dokmai Gardens is also involved with Thailand's Orchid Ark program, a conservation effort to
protect the country's endangered orchids threatened by illegal logging in the national parks. The program propag-
ates native species in a woodland setting in order to maintain genetic diversity, fragrance and other naturally oc-
curring factors, in the hopes that these specimens can be returned to the forest when poaching is no longer a
threat. The garden is run by the Seehamongkol family, a Thai gardening team, and Eric Danell, an academic plant
researcher. Call ahead to make an appointment. The garden is about 30 minutes south of Chiang Mai airport and
can be reached by chartered transport (about 300B); you may need to contact the garden for specific directions.
