Buzz
Enroll in a cooking class or pamper yourself with a traditional Thai massage. Explore the vibrant Bazaar Night Market or take a hot air balloon ride to discover Chiang Mai in a unique way. These are fascinating experiences that every visitor should consider when in Chiang Mai.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with these top 10 experiences in Chiang Mai
1. Stroll around Old City
Old City, the central area of the city, is rich in temples and historical sites, perfect for walking tours and sightseeing. Spend a day exploring and don't miss the vibrant bars and cafes, with Dada Kafe being a standout, offering delightful vegetarian dishes and an array of beverages.
Additionally, Segway tours make it easy for tourists to visit Old City's attractions. Segway, a two-wheeled electric vehicle, allows you to move effortlessly, exploring landmarks without the fatigue of walking long distances.
2. Explore Temples and Pagodas
With a history dating back to the 14th century, Wat Phra Singh stands as one of Chiang Mai's oldest and most revered temples. The temple houses a unique scripture repository, drawing in a multitude of pilgrims visiting Chiang Mai.
In addition to Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai boasts another equally renowned temple, Wat Chedi Luang. Construction of the temple commenced in 1391 but wasn't completed until 1475. Today, Wat Chedi Luang holds many wonders for tourists, preserving the bodies of 3 monks who attained enlightenment at the temple. Notably, these monks sit in a meditative posture, their skin still vibrant, and their eyes sharp as if alive.
3. Shop at Pedestrian Street and Bazaar Night Market
Shopping on pedestrian streets is the ultimate way to experience the culture and customs of any place you visit, and Chiang Mai is no exception. The pedestrian street stretches from Tha Phae Gate to Ratchadamnoen Road, usually open from around 4 pm to midnight. Here, tourists can buy handmade crafts, traditional clothing, lacquerware, souvenirs—distinctive items of Northern Thailand.
In addition to the pedestrian street, the Bazaar Night Market on Chang Klan Road is also a fantastic place for tourists to shop. The market offers a diverse range of products at affordable prices, but remember to bargain when making purchases.
4. Explore Culinary Arts or Thai Massage
In Chiang Mai, travelers can invest a small amount to join a cooking class. Professional chefs will guide you through everything, from shopping at the market to selecting ingredients and the secrets of cooking delicious Thai dishes. Isn't that fantastic?
Apart from cooking classes, tourists can also participate in Thai massage classes. Depending on the content, some courses are short, lasting only a day or even just an afternoon.
5. Elephant Care
Just an hour's drive outside the city center, and you'll have an unforgettable day with elephants. Joining this tour, you'll be assigned an elephant to care for, feeding or bathing them as part of the experience.
6. Visit Huay Tung Tao Lake and Soak in San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
Huay Tung Tao is an artificial lake approximately 12 km north of Chiang Mai's city center. Here, visitors can enjoy swimming or relax by the nearby wooden houses. Additionally, the area offers mountain biking trails and camping facilities.
When exploring Chiang Mai, it's recommended to visit San Kamphaeng Hot Springs Park for a hot spring bath. This beautiful park is located in the town of San Kamphaeng, 36 km north of Chiang Mai center, built around the famous hot springs. The mineral water here is known for its healing properties, attracting visitors at all times.
7. Mountain Climbing
Approximately a 45-minute drive from Chiang Mai center, Crazy Horse Crag is considered one of the most diverse and challenging rock climbing spots globally. Here, you can join a one-day or three-day rock climbing course.
If you still want to learn rock climbing without traveling far, No Gravity is the ideal place for you. It's an indoor rock climbing center located in the northeast of the Old City with a friendly and enthusiastic team of instructors.
8. Explore Chiang Mai by Hot Air Balloon
Nothing beats the breathtaking view of Chiang Mai from above through a hot air balloon. High above, travelers get the chance to gaze upon Chiang Mai in the early morning sun, with hidden villages, sprawling rice fields, and lush greenery all contributing to a picturesque and tranquil Chiang Mai.
9. Mountain Trekking at Doi Suthep or Doi Inthanon
Doi Suthep is a renowned mountain in Chiang Mai. At the summit lies the sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. To reach the temple, you must ascend about 300 steps with serpent statues lining the path on both sides of the mountain slope. Once there, with favorable weather, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Doi Inthanon is an adventure haven for thrill-seeking travelers, featuring vibrant tropical forests, lush greenery, and moss-covered landscapes. It is part of the Himalayan range stretching across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and concluding in northern Thailand. Here, you can climb to the summit, admire waterfalls, or explore caves.
10. Explore Ethnic Minority Villages
Visiting ethnic minority villages in Chiang Mai will provide you with a deeper understanding of the local culture. Travelers can choose to homestay in these villages to experience life with the local residents. Additionally, this area is an ideal destination for trekking adventures through the forests.
By Hà Mi (Source: Eoasia)
***
Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourDecember 31, 2015
