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Sightseeing in and around Chiang Mai
Natural
Attractions
The countryside in
Chiang Mai province is where the real beauty lies. The rolling hills
around Chiang Mai are covered with jungle. Scenic mountain streams
in the area also give classic scenery for many resorts.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, 2,599 meters
above sea level. The foothill of Doi Inthanon is about 70
kilometers south of Chiang Mai. On the way up the mountain are
the popular Mae Klang Waterfalls, a favorite picnic spot of
Chiang Mai. Doi Inthanon is in the area of three districts: Chom
Thong, Mae Cham and Sun Patong, which covers 1,005 square
kilometers. On the road up to Doi Inthanon, there are many
look-out spots with beautiful views.
Ob Luang Monument Gorge
The gorge is located on the Chiang Mai-Mae Sariang Road, 88
kilometers from the city. The gorge is a spectacular boulder
formation, it looks like the mountain has been split in to two
halves a with stream flowing through the middle. Around the
gorge is a teak forest.
Doi Ang
Khang
Is located about 13 kilometers from the city of Chiang Mai on Chiang
Mai-Fang road. It is the demonstration site for the planting of the
cool climate vegetables and flowers. The project is under the
Patronage of His Majesty the King.
Mae Sa
Valley
Is located north of the city. The waterfall here is beautiful and the
valley also features an elephant training camp. The natural beauty
of this area has led to the building of many resorts. Also in this
area are two beautiful orchid farms.
Chiang
Dao Cave
The cave is located in Chiang Dao district, about 72 kilometers north
of the city of Chiang Mai.
This complex of interconnecting caves that cut into Doi Chang Dao is
located 5km west of Route 107, about 70 km north of Chiang Mai,
heading towards Tha Ton and Fang.
The caves are believed to stretch for many kilometres into the
limestone rock, although only a small part of the complex is
possible to explore. They contain many Buddha and hermit images.
Ban Tawai
At one time the
forests of northern Thailand were teeming with hardwood trees,
especially teak. This abundance ultimately led to the use of the
material in the arts and crafts produced by the populace.
Throughout the centuries the skills of the craftsmen were passed to
future generations. The village of Ban Tawai, close to the town of
Hang dong, is a well known centre that has specialised in the
preservation of the skills of wood carving. The crafted products are
now spread around the world with the establishment of export
companies in the village.
Mae Rim
This orchid farm
is situated on highway 1096, about 7 km from town. The vast array of
the colourful plants, along with information on them, are on
display. The change in the environment for the plants has led to the
need of the nurseries to be established. Through the careful work of
the nurseries, some of the rarer varieties that became almost
extinct have been nurtured to continue the line. The technical
mastery of the nurseries have also led to new species of hybrid
orchids.
Wiang Khum Khan
The ruins of this
former Mon city is located about 5km south of Chiang Mai.The city
was established around the 12th and 13th centuries, before being
abandoned in the 18th century. Archaeologists have been
painstakingly uncovering the past of this site, which covers about 9
sq km and contains the ruins of more than 20 wats.
The most complete of all the ruins is that of Wat Chang Kham, or
as it was known in the Mon language, Wat Kan Thom. The most notable
of the ruins is the Wat Chedi Si Liam, a stepped-pyramid which shows
the distinct and unique style of Mon architecture.
The most important discovery by archaeologists was an inscribed stone
slab, which has cast doubts over the previous assumption that the
Thai script was compiled by King Ramkamhaeng.