More videos
Chiang Mai
Interesting places in Chiang Mai:Chiang Mai (in Thai µ¢«¡ help·info), also sometimes written as "Chiengmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand, and the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located at 18°47'20''N, 98°59'00''E, some 700 km north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.
Museums
- Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center
This fully modernised multimedia history and cultural education centre is located in the very centre of the old city on Prapokklao Road between Rajdumnern Road and Rajwithee Road. If travelling by tuk-tuk or songthaew, it's easiest to ask for the "Three Kings Monument" (Saam Kasat); it's the large, elegant white building just behind the statue.
Guides dressed in elegant traditional Thai clothing will usher you into an air-conditioned room to watch an English-subtitled orientation video about Chiang Mai and the north. Next, you will be pointed to a series of rooms documenting the region's history and culture in chronological order from the pre-Muang period (7,000-12,000 years ago) to the early river civilizations, to the early kings through the wars with the Burmese and the last dynasty, to the city today and its plans for the future. Other rooms are devoted to Buddhism and other regional beliefs, agricultural history, hill tribe peoples and other regional cultures, and a run-down of the royal dynasties. The exhibits consist of a smart visual mix of video, scale models, enlarged photos, wall murals and text in Thai and English. The museum is open 08:30-17:00 except Mondays. Admission is 90 baht. -217793
- Hilltribe Research Institute Museum
Founded in 1965 as a result of a proposal by the noted anthropologist Prof. W.R. Geddes, who was doing research with the hilltribe peoples at the time, the Institute Museum offers exhibits concerning the lives and cultures of nine hilltribe peoples in Thailand: the Akha, Lahu, Lisu, Yao, Hmong, Karen, Lua, Khamu, and H'tin. Also included are a non-hilltribe ethnic minority, the Mlabri, associated by some with the 'spirit of the yellow leaves'. The Mlabri population has dwindled to only approximately 180 individuals at present.
The daily lives of the various hilltribe peoples are illustrated through exhibits of photographs, agricultural implements, household utensils, artefacts associated with the various traditional religions, musical instruments, and ethnic costumes. Some exhibits include models dressed in complete traditional costumes depicting daily activities, such as a Hmong family having a meal or a Lisu man serenading his sweetheart.
The Institute has established a new museum in a three-story pavilion located on the attractively landscaped grounds of Ratchamangkala Park (Suan Lor Gao) on Chotana Road, just a fifteen minute drive from the city centre. At present the museum is open weekdays 09:00-16:00, with a slide and video show available daily 10:00-14:00. Special group tours at weekends are possible with advance notice. For more information contact the Hilltribe Institute Museum, Chotana Road -210872 / -211933
- Chiang Mai Numismatic Museum (Treasury Hall), 52 Ratchadamnoen Road, tel: 053-22 4237/8. M-Sa 09.00-15.30.
- Chiang Mai University Art Museum, corner of Suthep and Nimmanhaemin Roads, tel: 053-944833. Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00 (free).
- Museum of World Insects and Narural Wonders, Srimankalajarn Road, Soi 13 (midway between Suithep and Huay Kaew roads near Suan Dok Hospital); tel: 053-211891. One of Asia's most unusual museums housing butterflies, beetles and beyond. Daily 09:00-17:00 (200 baht).
- Postal Museum, at Mae Ping Post Office, (1-2km south of Wat Phra Singh). Tu-Sa 08:30-16:30 (free).
- Art Galleries and Exhibitions There are many art galleries and exhibitions in Chiang Mai, featuring contemporary artwork of both local Thai and Myanmar artists.
- CMU Art Museum & Alliance Francaise
Temples
Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai show off a mixture of architectural styles that reflect the varied heritage of Northern Thailand. Elements from Lanna Thai, Burmese, Sri Lankan and Mon temples have all been used in one form or another. Intricate woodcarvings and protective Naga serpent staircases add a flamboyance that reflects an awesome reverence for the Buddhist religion. Gilded umbrellas, guardian figures from the tales of the Ramayana and stupas trimmed with gold filigree combine to heighten the overall effect.
To date, there have been some 300 temples constructed in Chiang Mai and its outskirts. Visitors should take the time to visit the most revered temples in the city, built during the noble Lanna Thai dynasty. The largest ones draw crowds, but it's well worth wandering off the beaten path and finding a temple not on the tour bus circuit.
The Thai patrons of Chiang Mai's temples are pleased to see that visitors take an interest in the images and traditions of Lord Buddha's teachings. All that they ask is that temple visitors show respect by wearing appropriate attire (long pants for men, modest tops and skirts for women, no bare shoulders and women must wear a brassier) so that monks and worshippers will not be offended within the sacred temple grounds.
- Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep . Established in 1383, this magnificent temple overlooks the city from its 1,073m elevation on the slopes of Doi (Mount) Suthep, which peaks at 1,685m. It is famous for its large gold-plated , visible from the city on a good clear day. Although Wat Doi Suthep is the most recently built of the temples dating from the Lanna Thai period, it is the symbol of Chiang Mai. The site was selected by sending an elephant to roam at will up the mountainside. When it reached this spot, it trumpeted, circled three times, and knelt down - which was interpreted as a sign indicating an auspicious site. Entrance to the temple is free for those who wish to climb the 300-plus steps; alternatively, there's a cable car with a 50 baht fare for foreigners. Clearly marked songthaews to Doi Suthep leave from Pratu Chang Phuak, passing Chiang Mai University and the zoo on the way. Prices are fixed at 40 baht up and 30 baht down; the drivers wait until they have sufficient (up to 8) passengers before they depart. The trip takes about 30 minutes one way. Alternatively, the 18km journey from town can be made by motorcycle or a bicycle with appropriate gearing. The final 12km from the zoo onwards is entirely uphill and will take 60-90 minutes if cycling.
- Wat Phra Singh is located in the centre of the city at the intersection of Singharaj and Rajdamnern Road and is probably Chiang Mai's best-known temple, housing the Phra Singh image, completed between 1385 and 1400. Of particular note historically is Wihaan Lai Kham in the back, featuring Lanna-style temple murals and intricate gold patterns on red lacquer behind the altar. The large chedi was built in 1345 by King Pha Yu to house the remains of his father King Kam Fu. A typical scripture repository is located at this temple as well. These repositories were designed to keep and protect the delicate sa or mulberry paper sheets used by monks and scribes to keep records and write down folklore. The high stucco-covered stone base of the repository protected the delicate scriptures from the rain, floods and pests. The walls of the chapel are covered with murals illustrating Lanna customs, dress, and scenes from daily life. The lovely Lai Kam chapel houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha image. Sadly, the head was stolen in 1922, and a reproduction is now seen.
- Wat Chiang Mun, Rajpakinai Road. The oldest temple in the city. Presumed to date from the year Chiang Mai was founded (1296), it is famed for two Buddha images, which according to legend are 1800 and 2500 years old. King Mengrai allegedly lived here while the city of Chiang Mai was being constructed. Enshrined in Wat Chiang Mun is a tiny crystal Buddha called Pra Seh-Taang Kamaneeee, which is thought to have the power to bring rain. Another image, called Phra Sila Khoa, reflects the fine workmanship of Indian craftsmen from thousands of years ago.
- Wat Chedi Luang, Prapokklao Road. Located directly in Chiang Mai centre, this is the site of a formerly massive pagoda that was unfortunately destroyed in the great earthquake of 1545. The temple was originally constructed in 1401 on the orders of King Saeng Muang Ma. In 1454, reigning King Tilo-Garaj enlarged the chedi (pronounced jedee) to a height of 86 meters. After the earthquake, the chedi lay in ruins until 1991-92, during which time it was reconstructed at a cost of several million baht. A magnificent testament to Lanna (northern Thai) architecture and art, it is now every bit as impressive as it was when it was first built, and one of Chiang Mai's top tourist attractions. Wat Chedi Luang is also home to the "Pillar of the City", a totem used in ancient Thai fertility rites.
- Wat Phra Jao Mengrai, off Ratchamankha Road . An atmospheric wooden temple away from the beaten track, quiet and gently crumbling in the absence of tourist hordes.
- Wat Oo-Mong, off Suthep Road. An ancient temple in the forest just outside Chiang Mai. King Mengrai built this temple for a highly respected forest monk who liked to wander in the countryside, hence the isolated location where the monk could stay quietly and meditate. It is unusual in that it has tunnel-like chambers in the ground, some of the walls of which still have the original paintings of birds and animals visible.
Elephants
- Elephant Nature Park . Approximately 60km north of Chiang Mai. This is a sanctuary for rescued and distressed elephants. They are not here to perform or do tricks but people visiting here will leave with a whole new understanding of these magnificent creatures.
- Maesa Elephant Camp, 119/9 Tapae Road, Muang District, -206247 or -206248. An elephant camp in the hills about a half hour's drive north of the city center. It has an elephant show, which includes elephants playing football and painting. You can also take half hour or one hour elephant rides. Not exactly a place to bring a PETA activist, but many do enjoy the performances.
Other
- Bhuping Palace is located on the same road beyond Doi Suthep (22km from town). This royal winter palace has lavishly landscaped gardens and is open to the public daily 08:30-11:30 & 13:00-15:00 when the Thai royal family is not in residence. 50 baht for foreigners, 20 baht for locals, 10 baht for children.
- Chiangmai Zoo, at the foot of Doi Suthep. Home to over 7,000 animals in a wooded natural environment. Its popularity was boosted recently when it received a pair of Giant Pandas from .
- Simon Cabaret. Take in a drag show of Chiang Mai's 'Guys as Dolls.' In good taste and family oriented.
- caves
- hot springs
- night safari
- orchid and butterfly farms
- puppet shows
- waterfalls
Top photos chosen by u all:
The Mae Ping river.
Made by grantthai
Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. The Mae Ping River flows through the city of Chiangmai and provides the surrounding rural countryside with its much needed water for irrigation of rice paddies, gardens and crops. The Mae Ping is known to locals as the Lifeline of the Province. The river is 569 Km long, and has its source in the mountains near Chiang Dao, in the northernmost part of Chiangmai Province. It flows southward, creating the agriculturally rich Maesa Valley that leads to the northern edges of Chiangmai. As it flows through Chiangmai, you can readily see how the city was carefully built up along the river, in the Thai tradition, and how it has developed over the past 700 years. From Chiangmai, the Mae Ping flows further southward and gradually widens as it passes through the ancient northern town of Lamphun (pronounced Lumpoon), a Mon center established in the ninth century. Beyond Lamphun, it flows southwestward to the town of Hord, from where it takes a more direct southerly route to Tak and Khamphaengphet, and ultimately to Nakon Sawan where it empties into Thailand's largest river, the Chao Phraya. For over 700 years, the Mae Ping River has been a major source of water for Chiangmai. Historically, the Mae Ping provided the people in and around Chiangmai with water for washing, bathing, and irrigating their gardens and rice paddies; the river was also a source of food and was used for the transport of people and goods. At the turn of the century, it was estimated that more than a thousand boats moved along its course between Chiangmai and Tak. Boats still ply its waters, although the number of boats has diminished greatly over the last century, and the river itself is shallower and less swift than formerly. Though physically less of a river than it was a hundred years ago, it still plays a vital role in the lives of thousands of Thais who live on its banks. [courtesy: chiangmai-chiangrai.com]
Last Rays of Light
Made by Araleya
Before sunset last rays of light diffused through thick cloud and fog over the hills. It's color film but exposure capturing last light made it become balck and white photo. I took this shot during trip of photography group. However, no one noticed this beautiful serenity scene which appeared for some short moment Mountain in Chieng Mai, Thailand NIKON FM10
Peaceful Path
Made by Araleya
By chance, these Buddhist monks just walked on small path along the hill top. Beside is deep down valley covered with white cloud. Using full manual camera, I nearly stopped my breathe to take this shot before losing this scene. I just love this moment Doi Inthanon, Chieng Mai, Thailand NIKONFM10
Definite WTF?
Made by Boots in the Oven
There were big cartoon characters all over the grounds of this wat. I have no idea why! Or why Donald's eating a bowl of noodles, though that's awesome. Watstravaganza '07!
Shoe-less Kathy
Made by Kalabird
Kathy steadies herself in the rushing water as she forges our first river (shoes in hand - we left them on the other side of the bank for the remaining hike) during our trek in northern Thailand, outside of Chiang Mai.
Video tour of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai Thai
Everyone who comes to Chiang Mai Thailand visits Doi Suthep Temple. This beautiful temple overlooks the city of Chiang Mai. Here is a video with my wife and
Life Styles of Living in Chiang Mai, Thailand
of living and hopefully this video, taken here in the northern region (Chiang Mai), will render some insights into both the middle and upper classes of
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai - March 2005. Thailand's 2nd largest city Chiang Mai is the most famous place to visit for real culture, enjoy elephant riding, bamboo riding,
Chiang Mai Preview: Night Bazaar
The Amazing Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai, full of surprises and goodies, and it's cheap :)...Travel Thailand chiangmai nightbazaar
Fast Food - Thai Style, in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai has its share of both exotic Thai and foreign restaurants, but here's a look at how the average working person dines during the day and evening for
Family fun in Chiang Mai Thailand
camp, Huai Tung Tao lake, Chiang Mai Zoo and the weekend walking market in Chiang Mai Thailand....Thailand Chiangmai family elephants market fun travel tour
Chiang Mai Preview: Mae Hong Son
We have a half day tour visiting temple, Karen long neck village and waterfall....Travel Thailand chiangmai chiangrai maehongson goldenpai longneck Temple fishcave Waterfall
Songkran festival or Thai New Year in Chiang Mai Thailand
the streets to join the water fight mostly concentrated along the moat in the city center....Chiangmai Thailand Songkran Thai New Year parade festival waterfight
7 Levels of Relationships in Chiang Mai
Relationship levels in the Chiang Mai Internship: 7-The general population in Chiang Mai; 6-The Church; 5-The Campus Ministry; 4-
OPENCHIANGMAI.COM Chiang Mai Spa Mantra
Mantra : The Miracle of Lanna Spa Experience. Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, Spa Mantra's contemporary design will suit you very moment of privacy. Treatments
A Dinner Cabaret Show here in Chiang Mai Thailand
Chiang Mai. http://www.tda-digital.com/TDA-Digital/index.html...Thailand Thai Chaingmai Asia Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk ride in Chiang Mai, passing the Tha Phae gate on the right side just before the middle of the movie...chiang mai tuktuk thailand
Chiang Mai Thailand Night Safari Video
Here is a video of the Chiang Mai Night Safari. We went early to see some of the animals before dark on the Jackel Trail around the Lake.
Visiting Doi Suthep Temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand
www.tda-digital.com/TDA-Digital/index.html...Thailand Thai Chiangmai Chiang Mai Asia Temple Buddhism Buda Religion mythailand
Water Festival-Chang Mai
Songkran Festival water fights in Chang Mai Thailand...Thailand Songkran Festival Chang Mai
Thailand - jungle trekking Chiang Mai
Jungle Trekking, Chiang Mai, Thailand, june 2006...thailand jungle trekking chiang mai
Loi Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai Thailand
anywhere in the Kingdom. In the small town of Mae Jo north of Chiang Mai they started the festival on Saturday night by launching hot air balloons calld "
3 days Trekking in Thailand
3 Day trekking tour in Chiang Mai - North of thailand - Aug 2006 Vacations. Great time!...vacations thailand chiang mai trekking trip travel elephant jungle
Chiang Mai on Motorbike
Jan 2007 Chiang Mai north Thailand. Hired a Honda 200 Phantom for a few days at 500bht a day. Just a clip of a tootle round town.
Nearest places of interest:
| Anoobahn Chiang Mai สุสานประตูหายยา Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Chiang Mai night bazar | Moat Ridges Hotel Wat Pahn Tao Wat / Temple |
Popular places:
|
Bangkok Thailand Khon Kaen Ayutthaya Pr.. |
Chiang Rai Hua Hin Kanchanaburi Surat Thani |
