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Home Destination Guide Chiang Mai RECOMMENDED ATTRACTION

Traditional Cotton Woven Village, Chiang Mai Traditional Cotton Woven Village The village where the unique northern style Sarong is made is located approximately 3 kilometers from Mae Chaem District Office in Tha Pha Sub-district. The uniquely woven fabric is in great demand because of its striking color and indigenous style.

Doi Inthanon Royal, Chiang Mai This is located at Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, on the way to the Doi Inthanon peak. The research station is operated under the Royal Project. The facilities are for research and development of pilot projects for cash crops, which include coffee, cold-climate fruits, and cut flowers. The research station also provides services and information regarding the application of advanced technology to help alleviate poverty, natural resource conservation etc. In addition, information on production and marketing of the products is also available. Tourists can visit the stations charming garden of temperate-climate flowers and a cut-flower nursery. The research station is located approximately 90 kilometers from the city and near Inthanon peak. The research station is ideal for flower lovers and is a recommended stopover for travelers heading up or down Doi Inthanon. Advanced contact for a group visit is recommended. Tour guide services are also available. For more information call 0 5335 5196.

Wat Thaton, Chiang Mai Wat Thaton occupies an area of more than 160 acres and spreads over several rolling hills. The temple is situated on the bank of the Mae Kok river and offers beautiful scenery. Address: Wat Thaton Vipasana Meditation Center, Tambon Thaton, Amphoe Mae Ai, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50280 Tel: 059 459-468. 053-459-309 Website : www.wat-thaton.org E-mail : meditation@wat-thaton.org Capacity : 20 persons (Reccommend booking two weeks in advance). We request new students stay for a minimum of 7 days for their frist retreat. Description : The retreat is widely open for both beginner and experienced meditatiors. On the retreat, all mediatators are requested to keep silence at all times except when giving meditation reports.

Op Luang National Park, Chiang Mai Op Luang National Park is an amazing natural attraction comprising both splendid natural charms as well as mysterious scenery. A zigzagging river flows in front of a picturesque gorge. The area is a high, steep cliff with a narrow passage, creating strong currents and powerful echoes. An area in the north of this stream is teeming with various kinds of plants that provide a pleasant ambience all year round. Magnificent views of Op Luang National Park can be seen from the bridge that links with the gorge. An interesting prehistoric archaeological site is also located in the park. How to get there: The Op Luang National Park is located 105 kilometres from Chiang Mai town along Highway No. 108 (Chiang Mai-Hot-Mae Sariang). The road stretches alongside the Mae Chaem River and zigzags along mountain ranges. Blue buses originate from the Hot-Mae Sariang roundabout. There are 3 lines of buses: Hot-Mae Sariang, Hot-Mae Chaem, Hot-Om Koi. All of them stop at Op Luang National Park.

Mae Tho National Park, Chiang Mai The park is located approximately 160 kilometers from Chiang Mai town. To get there, drive along the Hot-Mae Sariang Road to Mae Tho for 16 kilometers, at Km. 55, turn onto the unpaved roads which are steep and curved. Only vehicles in good condition are recommended. The Mae Tho National Park Office overlooks Karen highland paddy fields that resemble a flowing stream. Camping and trekking is possible by contacting the national park office.

Ban Rai Phai Ngam, Chiang Mai Located between Km.69 to 70 along Chiang Mai-Hot route, the place is famous for its high quality traditionally woven cotton. To get to the village from the main route, turn left and proceed for 1 kilometer until you seethe village sign.

Chiang Mai Night Safari, Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Night Safari was established as evening and night tourist attraction. It is the first night safari in Thailand. Chiang Mai Night Safari is committed to be a world class destination and is constantly upgrading to international tourism standard. Exhibition zone is divided in three main areas: Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl and Jaguar Trail. Chiang Mai Night Safari is located in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park area of Mae Hea and Nong-Kwaii district in Hang-Dong and Suthep district in Muang, Chiang Mai province. The total area in 131 hectares. It takes only 10 km. driving from the town central to Chiang Mai Night safari. Admisstion Rates: Child Adult Day 50 100 Night 300 500 Operation Hours: Day Time Mon.- Fri. 13.00-16.00 Sat.-Sun. 10.00-16.00 Night Time Daily 18.00-24.00 Reservation: Tel. 66 53 999050 Fax. 66 53 999079 Website: www.chiangmainightsafari.com

The Former Chiang Mai-Lamphun Route, Chiang Mai This route has a connection with the history of the ancient Ping Hang River. According to a historical tale of Chiang Mai, the Ping River used to flow past the eastern side of the ancient Wiang Kumkam Town, and also flowed past the eastern side of the ancient Hariphunchai Town (present-day Lamphun). The distance was approximately 25 km. Later, during the years of Burma’s rule, the river changed its course. What used to be the Ping River, flowing from Wiang Kumkam to Hariphunchai, became the Ping Hang River, while the original Ping Hang River, flowing from Lingha Village of Lamphun Town into the present-day Ping River in Amphoe Pa Sang, is now called the Kuang River instead. The Ping Hang River is used for commuting between Chiang Mai and Lamphun Towns. The power and majesty of this river’s civilization is attested to by the many villages and more than 30 temples built along its banks. The communities along the river also created road paralleling the river. This road played an important role as a route connecting Chiang Mai and Lamphun. Later, the route was further developed. According to the recorded evidence, this road was built in 1895, during the reign of King Rama V. Construction began at Nawarat Bridge in Chiang Mai, paralleled the Ping Hang River past Ku Khao Temple, and finally reached Lamphun Town. The road resulted in reducing the importance of the Ping Hang River’s transportation. Consequently, the river faced an influx of people building accommodations. It has been developed so much that now we cannot even imagine the original scenery of this very important river of the past. This former Chiang Mai-Lamphun Route was constructed along a natural wall on the bank of the Ping Hang River. Besides, it was the first road connecting the two provinces. It has been renovated on occasion. In 1911, for instance, the government brought ‘Yang’ trees for Chiang Mai people to plant along the road, while ‘Khi Lek’ trees were given to Lamphun people to be planted. These days, about 2000 trees give shade along the road and firmly establish the ancient charm of the former Chiang Mai-Lamphun Route. The parallel rows of large trees have been a unique symbol of this scenic road for almost 100 years.

Chiang Mai Dollworks and Museum, Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Dollworks and Museum The Museum comprises a collection of homemade dolls incorporated into charming displays. Visitors will find dolls in traditional costumes from around Thailand, as well as dolls from many other countries. The Dollworks is worth visiting, particularly for doll lovers and families with children. Furthermore, the charming dolls intricately handcrafted by local artisans make impressive souvenirs and collection items. Located at 187/2 Moo 9, Ban Dong Khi Lek, Tambon Ma Kham Luang, Amphoe San Pa Tong, a district surrounded by lush green forests and famous for local handicrafts. Getting There: Take Chiang Mai - San Pa Tong Road, and turn left at km 23. Continue along Ban Rai Road for 5 km. For more information, call 0 5383 7229.

Khum Chao Burirat House, Chiang Mai Khum Chao Burirat House A 'Khum' is the traditional house of Northern Thai royalty. 'Chao Burirat', refers to one of the highest levels of government office in the Chiang Mai political system during the period from 1774 - 1932. The House is located on Phra Pok Klao Rd., on the side that meets Ratchadamnoen Rd., in Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang. The House architecture was created by combining traditional and colonial styles. A model of the first Western influence to come to Chiang Mai, it shows a perfect blend of local and western style. The first floor has thick brick walls with a round arch arcade on the north facade. The second floor and roof structure, however, were built of teak in the Thai style. This unique architecture was influenced by British merchants engaged in the teak trade. At present, it is the office of the Lanna Architecture Centre, Architecture Faculty, Chiang Mai University. The museum is open Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:30. For more information, call 0 5327 7855.

Baan Kham Un Museum, Chiang Mai Situated on the right side of km. 4, opposite Mae Sa Snake Farm in Amphoe Mae Rim, this private museum of Thai art is owned by an accomplished artist-cum collector family. True to the nature of the family, the museum presents a warm and inviting atmosphere for both families and art lovers. It contains contemporary art, as well as rare ancient objects from the Ban Chiang Era (dating back 5000 years). It also boasts old furniture such as tables, chairs, mirrors, and carved Chinese-style beds from the Ching Dynasty. In the museum, light, shadow and reflection are well utilized to produce a holistic composition of beauty and serenity. The museum building is a golden teak house built in the mid-1800 in the traditional Thai style. In fact, the house used to be situated in an art centre in Uthai Thani, but it was threatened by floods and was therefore moved. Thai wooden houses are traditionally made without nails -- they use wooden pegs instead -- and so it was saved from the impending floods by being literally disassembled and moved piece by piece to its present location. The Museum collections include works by the family members as well as others. Visitors will be treated to all manner of art, ranging from picture portraits, landscapes, and sculptures; to woodcarvings, silverwork, pottery and laquerwares. The Museum grounds are home to beautiful trees and flowers, a pavilion for guests to escape the sun, and a souvenir shop full of interesting items. The Museum is open every day 09:00-16:00. Admission is 30 baht for children, and 100 baht for adults. Call 0 5329 8068 for more information. 1/2/3/4/5