Rewarding outings in and around Chiang Mai

Posted by paul on December 16th, 2008 filed in Attractions, tourist tips

Chiang Mai steadily ranks among the top tourist destinations in Thailand, complete with rolling hills, cool mountainous regions, colourful flowers, pleasant climate, celebrations, unique and rich culture and historical Buddhist temples. The city provides an ideal base from which where to explore the many fascinating attractions, all well worth visiting.

Ban Mae Kampong:
One of Thailand’s finest home stay sites, Ban Mae Kam Pong is a tiny village located in a valley surrounded by forests, mountains and a seven-story cascading waterfall. As visitors, you will instantly note the laid-back ambience of cooler weather, the villagers’ gracious way of life and abundant natural scenery. The small community supports ecotourism and locals are happy to take you on a trip of the several different landscaping and agricultural projects currently being realised, such as the cultivation and planting of coffee bushes, tea bushes and an extensive variety of herbs. At the summit of the high Mon Lan Mountain, positioned near the village, you’ll have the option to, at the same time, clearly observe three provinces, namely Lampang, Lamphun and Chiang Mai. Before leaving don’t forget to buy some items from a wide range of superb quality and unique souvenirs.

Wua Lai Walking Street:
Open only on Saturday evenings, this street market is crammed with traders offering an impressive kaleidoscope of bargains including: silverware, household items, leather goods, woodworks and an abundance of different souvenirs, all, of which, are unique to this region and unavailable at other markets across the country. Shopping addicts are able to bargain over the prices and with a little luck to come away with some genuine local handicrafts at unbelievable low prices.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep:
Beautifully positioned on Suthep Mountain, this brilliant Buddhist temple is a symbol of Chiang Mai. The majority of the visitors here come to pay their respects to the sacred Buddha statue that contains several of the Lord Buddha’s relics. You can also challenge yourself by climbing the stairway’s 300 steps providing access to the temple. However, if you’re not in an active mood the cable car will comfortably take you to the temple’s sacred area. The temple offers a stunning view of the vibrant city laid out below. Additionally, you’ll definitely be impressed by the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Nimmanhemin Road:
Perhaps you can compare it with Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok. Chiang Mai’s Nimmanhemin Road is an outstanding shopping area, boasting many trendy outlets, all decorated and designed stylishly and attractively. For around one kilometre, this road is brimming with shoppers looking for high quality items in glitzy shops, such as home decorations, fragrance candles, modern artworks, hand-made cotton fashion, freshly brewed coffee, household products and many more. Nimmanhemin Road has become a tourist hot-spot that simply shouldn’t be missed when visiting Chiang Mai. All of the venue’s shops are daily opened, from afternoon to evening.

Nimmanhemin Road is also a great place to sample some superb Thai dishes