Chiang Mai Attractions

Attractions

Loi Kratong: (known locally as Yi Peng): Held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. Every year thousands of people assemble floating banana-leaf containers (krathong) decorated with flowers and candles onto the waterways of the city to worship the Goddess of Water. Lanna-style sky lanterns (khom fai) are launched into the air. These are believed to help rid the locals of troubles and are also taken to decorate houses and streets.

Its a spectacular view into the sky and will be something to remember for a long time, If you are in the area around this time, you can’t miss it for the world.

Songkran: held in mid-April to celebrate the traditional Thai new year. Chiang Mai has become one of the most popular locations to visit for this festival. A variety of religious and fun-related activities (notably the good-natured city-wide water-fight) take place each year, along with parades and a Miss Songkran beauty competition. You can experience this all over Thailand but Chiang Mai is the place to be for the biggest Songkran celebrations. Its a must do if you are in Thailand during Thai New year.

Shopping: Chiang Mai has a large and famous nightly bazaar or Kad Luang as it is know by locals for arts, handicrafts, and counterfeit products of all descriptions, and a number of large, well-appointed modern shopping centers. The night bazaar alone sprawls along several city blocks along sidewalks, inside buildings, and in open squares. In addition a handicraft and food market is held every Sunday evening on Rachadamnoen road (the main street in the historical center) which is then closed down for motorized traffic, attracting many local residents and tourists. This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Chiang Mai,

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 chedi, 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. 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  passengers before they depart. Most guidebooks advise picking up a sawngthaew from Th Mani Nopharat, but these seem to have increased in price from a reasonable 40b to a ludicrous 500b. Don’t encourage these charlatans to milk the tourist cash-cow any further – if you are going from the centre take a regular sawngthaew to the zoo and change there. 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. 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.

Rafting: Rafting down the Maetang river is offered by several companies and can often be combined with elephant riding or mountain biking. During the dry season (Jan-Feb) water levels are relatively low with only grade 2-3 rapids, but during the rainy season (Jun-Oct) higher water levels make for a more exciting grade 4-5 trip.

Elephant Rides: Many tour companies in Chiang Mai offer elephant rides alone or as part of a larger package. If you’re uncomfortable seeing trainers guide them by hitting their heads with pointed barbs (which doesn’t hurt an elephant), you’d probably prefer Elephant Nature Park. The Park is a sanctuary for abused animals, and while you can’t ride the elephants, you can spend a day or a few days bathing and feeding them. The Park’s director was named an Asian Hero by Time Magazine in 2005 for her work to save these giant and friendly creatures. Information and tour arrangements can be found online or at Taste from Heaven restaurant, 237 Thapae Rd, where the proceeds go to supporting the park.

Trekking: Is a great experience but you will need to be reasonable fit. May tour companies offer trekking packages to suit most. You can stay a night or 2 with the hill tribes living on very basic accommodation, its an experience and a must do, it is a highlight for many people when traveling to Thailand.