Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
table in front of the
chedi
. Backtrack to
Wat Phan Tao
(
Click here
), a teak temple that is all looks. If it isn't
too hot, squeeze in one more temple by turning right on Th Ratchadamnoen and left on Th Ratchaphakhinai to
Wat Chiang Man
(
Click here
), the oldest in the city.
Backtrack south and turn right on Th Wiang Kaew and left on Th Phra Pokklao. Just past
Anusawari Sam
Kasat
(
Click here
) (Three Kings Monument), turn right at Th Inthawarorot. Snap a few pics of newly refurbished
Wat Inthakhin Saduemuang
, a gilded teak temple of petite proportions. Just beyond the temple is a row of
local lunch spots known for
kôw man gài
and
kôw soy
;
Kow Soy Siri Soy
(
Click here
) is great.
Backtrack on Th Phra Pokklao to the informative and air-conditioned
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural
Centre
(
Click here
). If you're feeling clever, buy a combination ticket to
Chiang Mai Historical Centre
(
Click here
)
next door and the
Lanna Folklife Museum
(
Click here
)
(across the street).
Finally, reward yourself with a Thai massage at the
Vocational Training Center of the Chiang Mai Wo-
men's Correctional Institution
(
Click here
) along Th Ratwithi. The centre provides job training in Thai massage
for the female inmates. Doing good never took so little work.
Activities
Outdoor escapes are easy in Chiang Mai: scenic countryside and lush forests are within an
hour's drive or less of the city, and a variety of outfitters tackle the byways, waterways
and jungle tracks.
The city's closest green space is Doi Suthep with
hiking
and
mountain-biking
trails. The
Mae Sa-Samoeng loop is the closest and most stunning escape into the mountains and a
popular getaway for
motorcycling
.
Rock climbers
head to Crazy Horse Buttress, an impressive set of limestone cliffs located
behind Tham Meuang On, near Sankamphaeng, 45km east of Chiang Mai. While the
scenery isn't as stunning as Krabi's seaside cliffs, the ascents reward with pastoral views.
White-water rafting
tackles the wild and frothy Mae Taeng, which carves a path through the
Doi Chiang Dao National Park and the Huai Nam Dang National Park. It has a surpris-
ingly long white-water season (roughly from July to March). The 10km rafting route
travels through grade II to grade IV, and some grade V, rapids. In one particularly thrilling
stretch, the river drops almost 60m in about 1.5km. Following a heavy rain, especially in
September, the river can become swollen and ferocious and drownings do occur. When
choosing a white-water outfitter, ask about their safety standards and training (and check
your travel insurance).
Chiang Mai is one of Thailand's most famous destinations for
elephant encounters
. In the
past, most elephant attractions were circus-like sideshows with poor animal-safety stand-
ards. But conservation-minded operations have expanded to include nature preserves and
