Chiang Mai higlights in a day
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s cultural capital
Regarded by many as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai was the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Dating back over 700 years, the city was once home to northern Thai royalty and today still boasts grand temples, historic buildings and an abundance of natural beauty. As such is offers a great deal in sightseeing, but you can fit the highlights into a day, since it’s easy to get across the city.
It will not be possible to fit in all of the sights in one day, but there are a number of highlights which should be enjoyed over the space of 24 hours. These include Buddhist relics, ancient sites, beautiful nature and bustling local markets.
A first stop on anyone’s itinerary should certainly be a temple tour. Wat Chiang Man, found just inside the northeastern side of the moat, cannot be ignored. This is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, founded by King Mengrai in 1296. It boasts large teak columns and intricate murals as well as the beautiful crystal Buddha, Phra Setangamani. This idol is believed to date back over 1,800 years and originally came from Lopburi. Another famous Buddha image made of marble can be found next to the crystal one. This is even older, dating back 2,500 years.
From here, you should make your way west to Wat Phra Singh. This temple dates back to the 14th century and is one of the largest temples within the Old Town. Most of the buildings were, however, restored in the 19th century. There is a small building at the back of the temple which houses an image of the Phra Sihing Buddha. This building should not be overlooked as it is also home to some of northern Thailand’s most famous murals and holy books.
To complete the temple hop, visit Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phan Tao. Both are located very close to one another and Wat Chedi Luang is in fact the most important temple in the Old Town. It boasts a 42-metre high ruined chedi, which once stood at an impressive 92 metres before it was damaged in an earthquake in 1545. Wat Phan Tao is equally impressive as it is built entirely of teak – even the nails holding the temple together are wooden.
Once you have spent time wandering around the temples of Chiang Mai, you will no doubt be in need of a light refreshment. One of the most famous restaurants in Chiang Mai is located in the Old Town, opposite Wat Chedi Luang. Huen Phen is famous for its northern food and is incredibly popular among Thai people – many of whom can be seen every lunch time tucking into a feast of northern Thai delights. This will give you the ideal chance to enjoy local cuisine.
Wat Chedi Luang is the city’s biggest relic
When you feel fully refreshed, there are many other sights which should be fitted in. Wiang Khum Kham is another must-see with its impressive collection of excavations. It is home to a number of ancient structures and even a Burmese style chedi. It is easy to spend a good hour or so touring the relics by horse-drawn cart. From here, it is possible to take a boat along the river so that you can see Chiang Mai from a different perspective. You will be able to get off at a pier in town, from where you can make your way to the main local market, known as Worarot.
There are dozens of local markets throughout the city, but Worarot (known locally as Kad Luang) is by far the largest. You will find virtually everything you could imagine for sale here and it is a great place to wander round while taking in all of the sights, sounds and smells. It is the perfect place to get a real feel for local Thai life and also pick up one or two souvenirs. Following on from the main market, the fruit and flower market leads up to the main bridge, Narawat. These markets are well worth viewing and if you have the chance, treat yourself to some of the local fruit and even a small bunch of orchids.
When the night draws in, the Night Bazaar comes to life. Opening at about 17:00 every day, this is every shopaholic’s dream. It is literally bursting with souvenirs such as clothes, shoes, jewellery, art, handicrafts, DVDs, handbags and much more besides. Once you have browsed and bartered and are shopped out, make your way to Anusarn Market (approximately half way along the main Night Bazaar strip) and enjoy dinner and drinks. There is a wide selection of restaurants to choose from including seafood, Indian, Korean and Thai.
To end a busy day of sightseeing and shopping, you could enjoy a nice Irish coffee at one of the restaurants along the river looking out at the stunning views of the city. Those who want to party late can discover Chiang Mai’s after-hours scene in the city’s discos, pubs, karaoke joints and cocktail bars.
However, one must see attraction in Chiang Mai, which is out of town on the mountain to the city’s west is Wat Doi Suithep. You might want to stay an extra day or rush through the city temples to visit this and enjoy the views. It is more than 600 years old and one of Thailand’s most respected and important temples. Round trip takes about two and half hours, the cool mountain air makes it all worthwhile.
