Places To Visit In Chiang Mai

The varied culture of Thailand and its verdant landscape attracts a lot of tourists to discover the best places here. Chiang Mai, ideally an old city, is situated on a hilly region of Thailand which was a part of the capital of Lanna Kingdom. And Lanna Kingdom, in itself, is a hit-list destination for all creed of travelers. Chiang Mai is teeming with an array of wonders to take a loot at. Although there is an endless list of places one can visit in the city, here are the top 10 places that you just cannot miss out.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - One of the most sacred temples in Thailand, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits on a mountain throne and overlooks the city from its seat. The wát is a fine specimen of the phenomenal architecture of northern Thailand. The temple has a 306-step staircase designed in the form of a snake-trail. You can climb the stairs to redeem himself, according to Buddhist ideology. Breadfruit trees, rock gardens, small shrines and monuments are found at the terrace which is again a tranquil place. You will also find a dragon statue at the entrance, named as ‘Mom’.

Wat Chedi Luang - Considered to be the largest building in ancient Chiang Mai, Wat Chedi Luang is the ruins of the destruction of time, either due to an earthquake or canon fire, reason remains obscure. The ruins were restored by UNESCO and in the year 1990, the govt of Japan prevented any further degradation. During your visit here, you can easily spot the restoration work on the naga staircase. There are five elephant structures found on the base of the stupa. The sculptures remain unfinished as the restorers could not figure out what it looked like.

Talat Warorot - Talat Warorot is the oldest public market in Chiang Mai. It is a frequent hub for tourists who look out for shopping. The aura of the place makes you feel connected to the Thai soul of the city. You will find a number of stalls selling items ranging from regular Thai households to fresh & dried meat, and little souvenirs. You will just need a half day to cover most of the stalls and then wander along the alleyways, meanwhile bargaining for goods that will actually be left unattended at home, later.

Wat Phra Singh - It is the most respected temple in Chiang Mai. The temple is equipped with a giant, mosaic-lined sanctuary known as wí·h?hn. You can easily see the lavish monastic buildings from the trimmed grounds where coffee is planted and massage pavilions find home. Tourists come in large number to Wat Phra Singh to seek blessings from the idol of Buddha which is placed inside a small chapel in the rear end of the temple. This small chapel features gilded naga gables and a gold-pattern stenciling.

Lanna Folklife Museum - This museum is located inside a Provincial Court, redolent on a Thai-colonial-style. On your visit to this place, you will find humongous dioramas that retell the stories of past, starting from lai·krahm pottery stencilling to the complex symbolism of various elements of Lanna-style monasteries.You can stop here once before continuing further with your tour. Wat

Sri Suphan - The professional silversmiths have painstakingly decorated the Wat Sri Suphan with their excellent skills of craftsmanship. The main ordination hall is bejeweled with silver, nickel and aluminium panels. The metal works are then adorned with intricate repoussé-work designs. You will be amazed to find that it looks just like a large jewelry box illuminated by colorful lights, especially in the dark. The temple was founded in the year 1502 and has been preserved with much care. You will find certain images that show the confluence of Zen, Taoist and Theravada Buddhist elements. Also, you shall come across a gold and silver statue of Ganesha here.

Wat U Mong - It is a scrub forest which is scattered along the platform containing images of Buddha along it. Wat U Mong is located just 600 m away from Th Suthep near the Chiang Mai university. There are signs that guide you to the right monastery or you can also ask the driver to directly take you there. The monks who look after the place raise farm animals around a pristine, artificial lake here.

Talat Ton LamYai - Lately converted into an animated flower market from a congested household market, Talat Ton LamYai is located just adjacent to the Talat Warorot. It is a mesmerising flower market where a lot of tourists come every year. You will be delighted to see the fresh flowers weaved along with banana leaves to form elaborate sculptures and home decors. During your day tour, you will find fresh & wet markets in Talat Ton LamYai also features fresh and wet market with items such as dried goods, Buddhist decorations, toys, clothing and more.

Bhubing Palace - The palace is open only during those times when the royals are not visiting it. The interesting thing about the Palace is the uniform code. You will be asked to put on bottoms that fall below mid-calf and the shoulders should be covered without any scarves. The climate remains pleasantly soothing as it is located on the mountains.

Wiang Kum Kam - It was the capital of Lanna Kingdom for nearly ten years from the year 1286. The city is founded on the banks of the Mae Ping which encircles a wonderful view. The city is now an excavated ruin where you will find the lanes winding up on a small village, some 5km away from Chiang Mai.