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Chiang Mai Places To See |
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Thailand's second
largest city is Chiang Mai. It is located some 700 kilometers (438
miles) north of Bangkok. Many claimed that Chiang Mai is by far more
pleasant than Bangkok, with all the advantages of a city lifestyle
without needing to sacrifice on other disadvantageous aspects
related to city living. Here are some of the attractions found in
Chiang Mai.
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Chiang Mai Zoo |
Visitors will find
the Chiang Mai Zoo on Huay Keaw Road, about 5 kilometers from Chiang
Mai City center. The zoo had been around for the past 21 years and
currently occupies a land area of about 200 acres. This zoo located
at the foothills of Doi Sutep is the largest zoo in Thailand. You'll
find a huge variety of animals. There are about 6,819 animal living
in the forested and green grounds. The wonderful nature that
surrounds it includes two waterfalls, two lakes, various camping
sites for the night zoo and some awesome view of the city. To enter
the zoo, an entry fee of between 20 and 40 bath is charged.
Additional charges for a tuktuk (Chiang Mai's version of a taxi) is
recommended, as it is almost impossible to explore the entire zoo by
foot. This is a nice and pleasant way to spend the day.
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Chiang Mai
National Museum |
For those of you
who are keen on northern Thai arts and archaeological findings, then
head on down to the Chiang Mai National Museum. It is located on the
Superhighway road about five kilometers from the city center. The
Chiang Mai National Museum can vie for a spot with the rest of the
world for its modest collection of arts and information. Here,
you'll find interesting artifacts and pieces from the past such as
The Buddha's footprint and a large Buddha head that once belonged to
a complete statue. There are even artifacts dating all the way back
to the fourteenth to fifteenth century, such as the Kalong,
Sankampaeng, Haripunchai and other northern ceramics. On the grounds
of the museum, you'll get to see two 500-year old kilns. Those kilns
had been transported from these ancient sites.
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Huay Keaw
Waterfall |
The Huay Keaw
Waterfall is a romantic spot and is a frequent haunt for families,
young lovers and students studying for their exams. It is a quiet
spot with a legend that seemed to contradict it. Legend told of the
story of Wang Bua Ban, a lady who was spurned by her lover and thus
committed suicide at these falls. Despite that, this is a pleasant
spot to go to. It is located near the zoo, on the foothills of Doi
Sutep. It is a mere 6 kilometers from town. It is a relatively small
waterfall that flows steadily during the rainy season but tend to
trickle down to a small stream in summer. A good picnic spot!
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Montatarn
Waterfall |
Another popular
waterfall is the Montatarn Waterfall. Just 15 kilometers out of
Chiang Mai, the Montatarn Waterfall is on the road up to Doi Sutep.
It is quite hard to access this place during the wet season as there
are about 3 kilometers of dirt road to navigate before you can
arrive at the waterfall. However, the rainy season is also the best
time to be at this falls as the water then is more powerful,
cascading down from the mountain into a small pool that is
wonderfully clean and simply refreshing to swim in. For a more
rewarding time, take a brief and steep climb up the side of the
falls. It will lead you to a very private area whereby you can slide
down the shoot into the pond. It is also a good place to admire the
city below.
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Chiang Mai
University |
What does 15,000
students and 10,000 staff make up to? The answer: One Chiang Mai
University. Located 5 kilometers out of town on the Huay Keaw road,
the university occupies a vast space of land on the foothills of Doi
Sutep. It is a pretty place with its own lake, waterfall and lots of
good facilities that makes up a good university. Facilities include
a sports stadium, food centers, a late night market and an arts
center. Other lesser-known activities are like performances,
concerts, and the likes.
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Doi Sutep |
The Doi Sutep
Mountain is probably the first feature any first-time visitor to
Chiang Mai would notice. It is part of the ring of mountains that
surround Chiang Mai City. Doi Sutep is 3,051 feet high and standing
proud at the peak of the mountain is the guardian temple of the
city, the Wat Prathat Doi Sutep (holy temple of Doi Sutep). This
gleaming pagoda could be seen from virtually any point in Chiang Mai
City. This pagoda is the holiest of all Chiang Mai's temples. To
reach it, you would have to drive through 17 kilometers of the
beautiful mountainous national park. It is, without a doubt, the
most visited temple and tourist spot in the north.
Upon arrival at the temple, visitors will get to see many street
vendors trading their ware from sweet corn to Buddha replicas. Two
awesome Naga (serpents) fiercely guards the temple's entrance. To
reach it, you would have to walk up the 300 steps. It is a rather
tough climb for the elderly, but rest assured that your patience and
effort will be well rewarded when you reached the temple. Built in
the 16th century, not much of the temple's original architecture
remains today. However, the view you get from the temple is
spectacular. And the view of the gleaming pagoda in its entire
glorious splendor is even more awesome up close.
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Phuping Palace |
Phuping Palace,
the winter home to the revered monarchy is located further up the
mountain from Doi Sutep. You may view the palace during weekends and
public holidays as long as the Royal Family is not in residence. The
Royal Palace was completed in the year 1962 and the palace grounds
are gorgeously beautiful during the winter months (December -
January) for the well planned garden is in full bloom.
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Temples |
Temples are one of
Chiang Mai City's most prominent features. The city has over 36
active temples with majority of them, a tranquil and beautiful place
where thousands of monks and novices were ordained. To many, these
temples are social centers. Here are some:
• Wat Suan Dok bears the meaning of "flower garden". It is the
resting-place for the old royal family of Chiang Mai. Their tombs
are impressive and there are cenotaphs in the shape of pagodas.
Visitors will notice that it is painted in white. This was done in
reminder of the glorious past of the Kingdom of Lanna (Chiang Mai
used to be the capital city of this Kingdom).
• Wat Umong is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. At the Wat
Umong, you'll get to see an old painting that is about 500 years
old. There are also old monastic cells found underground that was
used for meditation. Today, Wat Umong is well known as a modern
temple for many Western monks have become ordained here. You can
also take meditation and Dharma classes in English. The Wat Umong is
also unique for it is an "open zoo" where many Thais released
animals to earn merit. Although not so easily accessible, yet it is
a quiet and peaceful place to study Dharma.
• Another famous temple is the Wat Chedi Luang. Its history began
from around 1401. Its prominent feature has got to be the massive
pagoda. Once, in 1545, it was struck by lightning. The pagoda was
never restored but its sheer size is still impressive. On the temple
grounds, you'll also find a city pillar that was placed beneath a
tall gum tree. The tree was said to last as long as the city does.
• One of the most respected temples in Chiang Mai is Wat Pra Singh.
It was founded in 1345. This has got to be one of the best-preserved
buildings in Chiang Mai. Its history dates back to the 1800s.
Despite its age, there are still beautiful murals and old scrolls
found in this small building. The Wat Pra Singh is popular place
during religious holidays. You will see people walking around the
temple three times with lit candles. You may even join in if you
wish.
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The Night Bazaar |
For the shopaholic,
the Night Bazaar is a shopper's paradise. It has been around for the
past 20 years and is now the biggest shopping area in Chiang Mai.
You'll see shops contesting with street stalls and wandering
peddlers. The bazaar opens at 6 p.m. and closes between 10:30 -
12:00 p.m. However, according to all customers, there are a few
shops that are open all day. Goods and ware that you can buy are
fine Thai silk, quality and fake antiques, silver, clothes,
handicraft, arts, toys, tapes and videos, trinkets, perfume, watches
(do not take any products at face value, many are excellent
imitations and are sold at imitation prices) to name but a few.
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Huay Tung Tao |
The Huay Tung Tao
is a man-made lake located about 15 kilometers out of town on the
road beyond the 700-year old Sports Stadium. The lake is perfect for
fishing, swimming, paddling or even wind surfing. It is huge and is
generally a Thai picnic spot, therefore, don't feel upset if you do
not see any facilities in English. However, the staff are very
friendly. Around the vast lake are little bamboo rafts. You may hire
these for about 10 baht per day. Cold beer, fresh fishes and other
delights are available at reasonable prices. One important thing to
remember though: do try to dress modestly in shorts and T-shirts
while swimming as the people from the North are not too used to
seeing foreigners in their swimming costumes.
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Tha Pae Gate |
This brick gate
used to follow the design of the gate that guards the city's
entrance. It is now a small open-air venue for various events. It is
also commonly used as a political forum during elections as well as
during the Miss Chiang Mai and Mr. Muscle competitions. Here, you'll
get to see demonstrations, parades, and the likes. There will also
be something of interest throughout the year at the Pae Gate. During
the World Cup season, you can see football supporters watching and
cheering for their team at the wide screen TV there.
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The Chiengmai
Gymkhana Club |
This brick gate
used to follow the design of the gate that guards the city's
entrance. It is now a small open-air venue for various events. It is
also commonly used as a political forum during elections as well as
during the Miss Chiang Mai and Mr. Muscle competitions. Here, you'll
get to see demonstrations, parades, and the likes. There will also
be something of interest throughout the year at the Pae Gate. During
the World Cup season, you can see football supporters watching and
cheering for their team at the wide screen TV there.
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The Chiang Mai
Foreign Cemetery |
This may not be an
interest to everyone, however, the Chiang Mai Foreign Cemetery is
tucked away at the corner of the Gymkhana Club. It is a must-see for
historians and anyone who is interested in the history of foreigners
in Chiang Mai. The place is "graced" by the statue of Queen
Victoria, rafted and carried by elephants from India. It still
stands, erect and proud at the corner of the well-kept cemetery.
There is also a book available on the history and lives of its
occupants. It is an interesting insight into the lives of these
people.
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Chiang Rai |
The capital city
of Chiang Rai Province is Chiang Rai City. With an estimated
population of 37,600, Chiang Rai is famous for its tasty lychees. It
is also well known as "the gateway" to the Golden Triangle located
in Chiang Saen district. This is where the borders of Thailand, Laos
and Myanmar converge.
Chiang Rai is Thailand's most northern province. The city is located
about 785 kilometers (491 miles) from Bangkok with an average
elevation of 580 meters (1900 feet) above sea level. It is mostly
mountainous with an area of 11,678 sq. kilometers (4508 sq. miles).
The province is divided into 12 districts and 1 sub-district. The
most important element in Chiang Rai is the Mae Kok River. The river
is about 130 kilometers (81 miles) long and flows through Chiang Rai
city.
King Mengrai was the founder of Chiang Rai in the year of 1262.
History recorded that this city was the capital city of the Lannatai
Kingdom towards the end of the 13th century. It was so for about 30
years. Later, Burma conquered it (now Myanmar). It remained under
the Burmese rule for several hundred years. Chiang Rai became the
territory of Thailand in the year 1786 and was proclaimed a province
during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910. |
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