Lanna Heritage Guide at Northern Thailand

Festival Information in Lampang City

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Khantok Chang City ; annually on the first Friday-Saturday period February
The Khantok Chang Fair is organized at the Thai Elephant conservation Centre. There is an elephant show and the pachyderms are feasted with their popular fruits and vegetable which are placed on the Tok, a traditional food tray of the Lanna people

Luang Wiang Lakhon Fair ; annually on Loi Krathong day (November)
The Luang Wiang Lakhon Fair is held just prior to the annual Loi Krathong event around Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, featuring Lampang’s own historical backgrounds and long-established customs and traditions. A khrua Than procession is organized with local people dressed in invite attires carrying various traditional household appliances, some of which are of ancient vintage.

Festival Information in Lamphun City

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Festival Information in Lamphun City

Song Nam Phra That Hariphunchai ; annually in May

The most well-known event in Lamphun is the Song Nam Phra That Hariphunchai, which dates back to the olden times. Held to celebrate the province’s principal religious site.
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai was built during the reign of King Arthitayarat, a descendant of Queen Chamthewi some 800 years ago. A principal landmark is the 46-metre tall golden Chedi whose present appearance was the result of the restoration work in 1443 by a king of Chiang Mai. It has long been regarded as a major place of worship. Other architectural works include the ancient-style brick arch adorned with fine designs and the pair of sculptured lions at the door . There are also a square-shaped Chedi and a Khmer-style Buddha statue.

Longan Fair ; annually in August
Longan is designed to promote this hugely popular produce. There are the beautiful decorated Longan Parade and Longan contests.

Festival Information in Chiang Rai City

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King Mengrai Festival ; January 26 – February 1 every year
King Mengrai Festival features parades, cultural performances and competitions celebrating the founder of Chiang Rai and the Lanna Thai Kingkom
King Mengrai was a strong independent and absolute ruler for many years, but his realm was just the size of what would be considered a mere principality in European history.

In 1287 when the Kublai Khan attacked the Burmese province of Pagan, King Mengrai feared that his realm would also be threatened and formed an alliance with Sukhothai, which was then Siam's capital.

The King Mengrai Stupa is in front of Wat Ngam Muang and was built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai). A related monument is the King Mengrai Great Memorial, located at the intersection leading to Mae Chan. It is a popular place for locals, who put flowers and other offerings at the base of the huge statue. The Ku Phra Chao Mengrai Stupa is situated in Wat Ngam Muang on Doi Ngam Muang; it is the place where the ashes and relics of King Mengrai are housed.

Lychee Fair ; annually in May
Lychee Fair Celebrating the provinces tastiest fruit, this fair features agriculture displays and exhibitions, local handicrafts, folk entertainment and beauty contests.
Chiang Rai is well known for its high quality lychees. To celebrate the harvest of the fruit, a Lychee Fair will be held on May 15-17 at the Sri Kaud Old market in the Muang Chiang Rai district. The fair features sales and exhibitions of lychees, other agricultural products and local handicrafts as well as a Miss Lychee beauty pageant and cultural performances. For more information, contact TAT Northern Office-Region 2 at 05-371-7433 or 05-374-4674/5.

Festival Information in Chiang mai City

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Bo Sang Umbrella Festival ; annually in January
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival is held in Bo Sang Handicraft Centre. The festival features paper products, paper parasols in particular, cultural shows, a parade showing traditional ways of life

City Pillar Inthakin Festival ; annually in May
City Pillar Inthakin Festival is held to invoke blessings of peace, happiness and prosperity for the city and its residents. Buddha images are parade around the city. It is held at Wat Chedi Luang for 7 auspicious days and nights in the 7th lunar month
Songkran Festival ; annually from 13 to 15 April
Songkran Festival is held annually from 13 to 15 April. The 13th of April is the Great Songkran day featuring the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image parade around Chiang Mai town for bathing, sand pagoda making, blessing of elders, and water splashing

Flower Parade Festival
Flower Festival is held in February. The festival includes ornamental garden flower contents, floral floats parade in the morning and beauty pageants. The parade begins at Chiang Mai Railway Station and passes Nawarat Bridge and ends at Nong Buak Hat Park.

Doi Suthep Pilgrimage
On the night of Visakha Bucha Day, worshippers gather to light candles and make the 7-kilometer pilgrimage up to the temple on Doi Suthep

Yee Peng Festival
Yi Peng Festival is a very interesting event of Chiang Mai. The festival features launching lanterns into the sky to worship the gods. There are also fireworks, lantern contests, and beauty pageants.

Nan Attraction

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A quiet and tranquil province, Nan nestles in a valley in northern Thailand.
Nan’s history is deeply involved with its neighbours, in particular Sukhothai which played an important role in both political and religious terms before Nan became a part of Lanna, Burma and Thailand in that order. Today, Nan is still the home of nemerous Thai Lue and other hilltribes who retain highly interesting customs and traditions.

Wat Phra That Chae Hang
Wat Phra That Chae Hang about 2 kilometres from town on Highway No.1168, is ancient religious site of the province. Once the centre of the old town, it was moved to its present location in about 1368. It features a 55 metres high golden chedi containing a Holy Relic from Sukhothai. Over the viharn’s door frames and on parts of the roofs are plaster designs in the shape of Naga, the great serpent, which represent the artistic best in local architecture.

Wat Chang Kham
Opposite the Nan National Musuem is Wat Chang Kham. Its main features are the sculpted upper halves of elephants adorning around the chedi, a Sukhothai influence. Here it have been found stones with ancient Thai scripts relating the alliance between the Kings of Nan and Sukhothai when Nan was still and indepentdent state. An ancient golden Buddha is enshrined in the Viharn.

Wat Phumin
A uniquely designed and the most interesting temple in Nan is Wat Phumin, which has a 4-portico, single building housing both the Ubosot and viharn. Four Buddha statue with their backs againstone, another are installed in the main hall facing the four directions. The doors are delicately carved in splendid designs by Lanna craftmen.
Wat Phumin underwent a major restoration in 1867 since it was built some 27 years ago. It is believed that the wall murals were commissioned during this time. The wall painting, in Thai Lue style are considered highly valuable and depict legends concerning the Lord Buddha as well as local legends and the local way of life, which include native attires, weaving and commerce with foreign countries

Nam Wa Rafting
This exciting activity waits for tourists who like to shoot many rapids. Rafting can be accompanied by elephant riding. The suitable time for rafting is from September to February. Visitors can contact travel agencies in the town.

Sao Din Na Noi
Sao Din or Hom Chom is a natural geological occurrence lacated about 10 kms from Na Noi district. The site is characterized by a large earthen mould eroded by the elements through the ages, leaving only hard earthen columns, whose exotic shapes and forms can be interpreted as differently as the imagination goes.

Doi Phu Kha National Park
Doi Phu Kha National Park is mainly forested lands on limestone mountain ranges, the source of several streams which merge into the Nan River. The elevation is about 1,900 metres above sea level.

Here are found several rare and near-extinct floras, particular the Chomphu Phu Kha, whose pink flowers are in full bloom during February. In the morning a sea of mist can be seen drifting across the valley. There are also several scenic waterfalls. Premits to camp can be applied for. Alternatively, tourists may choose to utilize the accommodation services in the park.

Phrae Attraction

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An old important community of Northern Thailand, Phrae was founded after Chiang Mai had been established as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. With one of the largest reserves of teak forests in the country, Phrae is surrounded on all sides by mountains with level plains in the middle.

Wat Phra That Cho Hae
Thos temple is a major religious site of the province, it was built since the time of Sukhothai. The 33 metres tall Chiang Saen-style Chedi houses a Holy Relic. It was built of bricks and covered with bright brass sheets. The name of the temple refers to fine silk woven in Sip Song Panna (in southern china) which was first used to wrap around the Chedi when the temple was first constructed. There is a fair celebrating the Chedi in March every year.

Wat Sra Bo Keaw
Wat Sra Bo Keaw is a temple with several exotic Burmese artistic-styled structures and Buddha statues. It is also where Burmese monks who travel to Thailand to study the Buddhist scripture stay.

Kaeng Luang Rafting
A leading attraction, Kaeng Luang’s scenery is lovely and amid the Yom river are rocky formations which created fast-flowing rapids. On the other side of the river, which can be crossed by ferry, and with a 100 metres walk uphill, will be found the Erawan Cave adorned with elephant-and-female-shaped hanging and protruding crops.

Phae Mueang Phi National Park
Phae Mueang Phi is a wide area with no large trees. Because of subsidence and erosion of the soil, the harder elements remain and are formed into the shapes of exotic-looking mushrooms.

Wat Luang
Wat Luang is an ancient and principal temple built at the same time Phrae was established. Several restoration works have taken place. Some of its major features include the viharn and Chiang Saen-style chedi enshrining a Holy Relic brought over from Myanmar. Others are the museum housing various antiquities including several 500 years old Buddha statues an d an ancient Lanna-style wooden structure.

Ban Thung Hong
Ban Thung Hong is a village noted for the making of products made from Mo Hom material. It is a local cotton fabric dyed in blue which is used in making native and modern wears.

Phayao Attraction

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Virtually enveloped by mountains and valleys, Phayao is a peaceful province. Though with only modest facilities and conveniences, it is an enchanting community with delightful natural beauty and fascinating religious sites. Dating back to more than 900 years, it used to be an independent state with its own rulers before it became a part of the Lanna Thai kingdom in mid-14th century

Kwan Phayao
An extensively fresh-water lake, Kwan Phayao is the largest fresh-water fish habiat in the upper North which provides the livelihood of many of the local people. The surrounding scenery, particularly at dusk, is stunning. Along the banks are located food-shops and recreation sites.

Wat Si Khom Kham
Wat Si Khom Kham is a templelocated on the bank of Kwan Phayao. It houses the largest Buddha statue of Lanna Thai, Phra Chao Ton Luang, a sitting Buddha with a lap width of 14 metres and height of 16 metres. It is said that it took on less than 33 years to complete it. Celebration are held every May.

Wat Phra That Chomthong
Wat Phra That Chomthong, just opposite Wat Si Khom Kham, can be reached by the 1.5 kilometres long uphill road. Surrounded by an arboretum, the temple offers a panoramic view of the town and the lake

Ho Watanantham Nithat
Next to Wat Si Khom Kham is Ho Watanantham Nithat. The indigenous museam deals with the history and ancient relics of Phayao, including native culture and traditons and creativity. Open Wednesday0Sunday from 9.00am-4.00pm.

Thai Lue Villages
Chiang Kham district is home to many Thai Lue people, The Thai Lue originally were from the south of Yunnan in China and migrated to northern Thailand, particularly to Nan and Phayao, some 200 years ago.

Wat Nantaram
An interesting temple in Chiang Kham is Wat Nantaram, a Burmese-style site built entirely with teak. The woodworks on the windows. Gables, corridors and other parts are beautifully chiseled in elaborate designs.

Wat Si Umong Kham
The Chiang Saen-Style chedi at Wat Si Umong Kham is still in good condition. The Lanna-style Buddha statue, PhraChao Lan Tue, is regarded as the most beautiful anywhere.

Wat Ananlayo
Located on a hilltop, Wat Ananlayo covers an extensive area, cool and shady under leafy canopies of large trees. It features building and sculptures of religion-based characters by contemporary craftsmen of great skill. From here an expansive view of Kwan Phayao, the fields and the town is visible

Phu Zang Water Fall
Namtok Phu Zang is a scenic waterfall in perfect natural condition. Phu Zang is different than other waterfalls. It is fed by a hot spring on the mountain which flows into the brook.

Mae Hong Son Attraction

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Mae Hong Son is nested in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain range, Mae Hong Son has long been isolated from the outside world. Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, the name refers to the fact that is terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants.

Today, Mae Hong Son is one of the dream destinations for visitors, attracted by the spectacular scenery, numerous hill tribe communities and soft adventure opportunities.

Wat Chong Klang
Next to Wat Chong Kham is Wat Chong Klang where a replica of the Phra Phuttha Sihing is installed on an altar. There are several interesting items such as wooden figurines of human and animals depicted in the Phra Vejsandon Jakata created by Burmese craftsmen and brought over in 1857, paining on glass about the Jakata and on Prince Siddhartha, as well as on the ways of life of the time. The captions are in Burmese. There are also notations that the paintings were by Thai Yai artisans from Mandalay.

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Moo
Erected by the first governor of Mae Hong Son, this temples reflects the strong influence of the Burmeses
The highlights of this attraction are the two lavishly decorated pagodas. Also, this hilltop temple affords an exceptional aerial view of the city and surrounding mountains and valleys

Wat Chong Kham
This is an old temple built in 1827 by Thai Yai artisans. The pillars are gilded in golden flaked. The temple house a large Buddha statue with a lap width of 4.85 metres cast by Burmese craftsmen. Another statue is a replica of the Buddha image in Wat Suthat in Bangkok.

Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae U-Kho
The Dok Bua Tong (may be classified as wild sunflowers) blooms during November painting the entire hilly area of Doi Mae U-Kho in brilliant yellow draw flocks of visitors to Khun Yuam district. Camping sites arranged during the Bua Tong Bloom Festival is 26 kilometres from the district on Highway No.1263

Tham Pla
Tham Pla – About 17 kilometres from town on Highway No.1095 (Mae Hong Son-Pai), Tham Pla is a popular attraction of Mae Hong Son. The surrounding areas are brooks and cool hilly forests suitable for relaxation. A special feature is the hollow cave filled with numerous freshwater fish known as Pla Mung or Pla Khlang, which is of the same family as the carp. The fish are quite safe from being caught as they are believed to belong to the gods.

Rafting along the Pai Riverd
The Pat itself is the longest river of Mae Hong Son originating from mountain ranges in Laos which flows through Pai district, a total distance of 180 kilometres. With an average depth some 7 metres, the riverbed is mainly pebbled. There are several sectors eminently suitable for rafting past rapids and natural scenery including beautiful waterfalls.

Khun Yuam Cultural Centre
The Museam of exhibits connected with Japan’s “Burma Road” was the personal creation of a local police officer who spent some three years trekking along the old road to the Burmese border, gathering artefacts and remain of the construction work. Old rusted Japanese military vehicles and carts lie around the museum grounds. The exhibits include 1,000 items of tools, military equipment, guns and personal belongings of Japanese soldiers involed in the road’s construction.

Lampang Attraction

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Lampang boasts a long history of human settlement on the Wang River basin, some of which dating back to more than 1,000 years.

Famous for its horse-drawn carriages and with a rooster as its provincial emblem, it is rich in archeological evidence reflecting ancient civilizations of Hariphunchai, Lanna and Burma

Thai Elephant Conservation Centre
Thai Elephant Conservation Centre is the only facility in the world devoted to the training of elephants for timber work using these pachyderms as labor. There are performances and training demonstrations.
The art of making wooden elephants is also demonstrated. There are 2-3 shows daily. Visitors can enjoy feeding these intelligent giants or ride them to see the natural surrounding. The centre also provides health care for the elephants.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is a paradigm building of Lanna. The temple itself is prominently sited on a hillock surrounded by wall. The entrance arches, called Pratu Khong, is adorned with fine plaster designs. The wall-less main viharn houses a bronze Buddha statue called the phra Chao Lan Thong. To the back is a golden Chedi in Lanna architectural style containing a Holy Relic. Also in the back is another viharn with beautiful murals on wooden walls, said to be the oldest in the North.

Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao
This centuries-old temple used to be the place where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined (the same statue now installed in Bangkok). Interesting structures include the large chedi containing the hair of the Lord Buddha, a Burmese-style Mondop, an ancient viharn housing a reclining Buddha and a museum exhibiting ancient relics of the Lanna era.

Wat Pa Fang
Built during the reign of King Rama IV by Burmese, Wat Pa Fang has a large, glittering gold chedi containing a Holy Relic brought over from Myanmar around 1906. The extensive preaching hall is made entirely of wood with Burmese-style overlapping roofs. A small Ubosot has a Burmese-style woodwork over its roof with beautiful plaster designs over its doors. Usually there are a considerable number of Burmese monks in residence.

Horse-drawn Carriages
Lampang is the only province in Thailand still retaining horse-drawn carriages as a means of transport within city limit. Visitors can hire such as markets, traditional houses along the river bank and the numerous temples in town

Chae Son National Park
A major place for relaxation in Lampang is the Chae Son National Park, There is a lush forested and mountainous region with a 73-Celsuis hot spring over rocky terrain, providing a misty and picturesque scene particularly in the morning . There are bathing facilities for health purpose.

Chao Pho Pratu Pha Shrine
The Chao Pho Pratu Pha Shrinehas stacks of offering that can be seen r the site and the shrine is considered sacred. Road-users passing by usually honk their car horns or set off firecrackers as a sigh of respect. Legend has it that Chao Pho Pratu Pha was a great warrior of the Lampang ruler. He once fought Burmese invaders to block their advance at Pratu Pha and his body still learning against the hillside. The attackers were so frightened that they withdrew. To honour the brave warrior, the people build the shrine which has since become a sacred and revered place of worship.

Lamphun Attraction

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Legend handed dowm for more than 1,400 years refer to this ancient town as Hariphunchai. Its first ruler was Queen Chamthewi who was of Mon extraction. In late 12th century, King Mengrai overran the town and subsequently integrated it into the Lanna Kingdom.
Today, Lamphun still retain its enchanting ambience of a small but old community, its attractions include ancient sites and relics as well as forest and mountains and delightful lakes. Lamphun is the most famous producer of longans

Wat Phra That Hariphunchai
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai was built some 800 years ago. A principal landmark is the 46 metres tall golden Chedi whose present appearance was the result of the restoration work in 1443 by a King of Chiang Mai. It has long been regarded as a major place of worship. Other architectural works include the ancient –style brick arch adorned with fine designs and the pair of sculptured lions at the door.

Wat Chamthewie
Wat Chamthewi, commonly referred to a “Ku Kud” was built in 1298 B.E. in the Lawo (Lopburi) style. The Chedi is a square structure similar to Buddhagaya in India. Around the chedi are levels of arches holding total of 60 Buddha statues. Ashes of the queen are enshrined within the chedi.
Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha
Legend has it that the Lord Buddha once staf yed here, leaving a trace of likeness monk’s saffron robe and his footprint of stone ground.

The Hariphunchai National Museum
Almost opposite Wat Phra That Hariphunchai is the Haraphunchai National Museum. Displays and exhibits include historical development and archaelogical items found in Lanphun. These include prehistorical human skeletons and objects of arts from the Dvaravati, Haripnunchai, Lanna and Rattanakosin periods. A chamber in devoted to a collection of inscription stones in Mon and Lanna scripts. Another displays ancient utensils, Lanna indigenous arts and carvings.

Doi Khun Tan National Park
The Khun Than mountain range of the Doi Khun Than National Park forms a natural boundary between Lamphun and Lampang provinces. The northern rail line to Chiang Mai runs through the longest railtunnel in the country, which is 1,352 metres long and takes five minutes to traverse. The mountain has both virgin jungle and pinery.

Wat Mahawan
On the road parallel to the old city wall to the west of town is Wat Mahawan, an old temple built since the times of Queen Chamthevi. Enshrined here is a Nak Prok statue which was brought to the temple by the Queen.

Chiang Rai Attraction

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Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai. This northernmost province of Thailand located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Loas and Thailad converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Loas and Southern China.
Today, Chiang Rai is a travels paradise endowned with abundant natural tourist attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlement, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages.

Doitung Grand Palace
The royal villa, situated on the slopes of the adjacent Pa Kluay Reservoir, was to serve as a royal winter retreat for the Princess Mother, who passed away in 1995 and was originally built on the theory that the local hill tribes would be honored by the royal presence and thereby cease their opium cultivation

Wat Phra Keaw
Wat Phra Keaw is the best known of the northern temples. It once housed the Emerald Buddha, Thailands most important Buddha statue which was discovered in 1444. There is now a green jade repica of the image on display

Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun is also known as the White Temple. Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was built only recently. It is the realization of a dream for Thailands noted artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designedand is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs. In addition, there is a gallery nearby exhibiting is paintings.

Mae Fah Luang Garden
The beautiful landscapes gardens filled with hundreds of different kinds of plants and flowers, named in honor of the Princess Mother and the Doi Tung Development Project established by the late Princess Mother in 1987

HALL of OPIUM : Golden Triangle Park
The Hall of Opium has several sections to be explored and various exhibitions to be contemplated. It traces opium’s global journey through trade route in the age of imperialism, culminating in the Opium Wars-an event that disgraced both winners and losers that led to the fall of the Manchu Dynasty
Visitors can learn how drugs become a part of everyday life and understand the impact of opium on society in terms of crime, conflict and illegal drugs.
Additionally, the Hall of Opium presents efforts to curb drugs through actual case studies that offer alternatives and opportunities in fighting against the temptation of drugs.

Phu Chee Fah
Phu Chee Fah is approximately 25 kilometers to the south of Doi Pha Tang in Thoeng District. The cool climate produces colorful flowering shrubs and the large meadow on the top provides breathtaking views of Laos. In addition, spectacular scenery can be seen from the sheer cliff of Phu Chee Fah, especially the sea of mist at sunrise.

Doi Mae Salong
Doi Mae Salong is the site of Santi Khiri village, a community settled by the former Chinese 93rd Division who moved from Myanmar to reside on Thai territory in 1961. The village became well known for its enchanting scenery and tranquil atmosphere. Today it is a major tourist attraction with its small-town ambience, catering to visitors and tea, coffee and fruit tree plantations.

Mae Sai Immigration Office
During daylight hours (6.30am-5.30pm), Thais have long been allowed to cross over to Thakhilek, the Burmese town opposite but this dubious pleasure is now also open to foreigners. If you want to get a new thirty-day entry stamp for Thailand, you’ll need first to get stamped out at the Mae Sai immigration office (665-373-1008), inconveniently located 2km south of the bridge on Phaholyothin Rd. but with extended hours (daily 8am-5pm) for Burma day-trippers; on the other side of the bridge, you pay B250 to Burmese immigration for a one-day stay; on your return to Thailand.
However, you don’t want to affect your existing visa, it’s still possible to go to Thakhilek for the day: photocopy the relevant pages of your passport at one of the handy copying booths by the frontier, leave your passport at Thai immigration at the bridge, and pay the Burmese B250 for a one-day stamp on the photocopies. Armed with a Burmese visa from their embassy in Bangkok, it’s also now possible to make a longer trip from Mae Sai to Kengtung and Mongla, On the border with China-though not, apparently, to cross the Chinese border.

Chiang Mai Attraction

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Chiang Mai was the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom. Founded by King Meng Rai in 1296, The locals are proud of the city’s 700-year history.

The rich traditional heritage and unigue culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in the Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis (pagodas) and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful.

Wat Ched Yod
The temple is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. One of the main attraction is a seven-spired square chedi, which was inspired by the design of the Phuttakaya stupa in India. More importantly, the stupa contains the ashes of King Tilokkarat, a king of the Meng Rai Dynasty who built this temple

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Locals would say. You haven’t really gone to Chiang Mai unless you’ve been to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Truly, the place of the most important and famous Chiang Mai landmark. Buiit in 1383, this mountaintop temple has a chedi that houses hholy Buddha relics. The gold-plated chedi lies in the middle of a square marble-tiled court yard. It is the perfect place to get a bird eye view of the city. The temple can be reached via a steep Naga staircase comprised of 290 steps or railcars

Wat Phra Sing
Built in 1345, the temple house the North’s most revered Budha statue, Phra Phuttha Sihing which is enshrined in Vihan Lai Kham, the chapel that features exquisite woodcarvings and northern style murals. Every year on April 13, Songkran Day, the Buddha image is paraded through the streets of Chiang Mai for local people to sprinkle scented water on it.

Wat Chedi Luang
This 14th centiry temple is famous for its enormous chedi, which is measured all 282 feet high and 144 feet wide (all the base). It is considered to be the largest chedi in Chiang Mai. Tis spire collapsed in 1545 due to an earthquake. A pair of magnificent Naga staircases at the front porch of the chapel is among the most beautiful manmade serpents in the North.

Chiang Mai Night Safari
The safari offers a series of trails over three mian zones. The jaguar trail offers visitors a walk of around 1,200 meters and is open during the day and at night. The Savanna Safari and Predator Prowl areas use rail cars to move visitors around. This is the ideal opportunity to observe wildlife at night.

The Thriving Sunday Market
Located on the Ratchadamnern Rd, inside the old city of Chiang Mai the market seems to be ever expaning down more streets and alleys leading off the central road. With all traffic halted every Sunday, people are free to walk without the hassle and stress of cars and motorcycles wizzing by. This make for a pleasant and fascinating day out. Walk along and bargian with the numerous sellers and listen to various buskers playing Thai and Western music.

Doi Inthanon National Park
This national park which cover an area of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain which 2,565 meters above sea level. The park is comprised of the largest tract of upper mountain forest which ranges across Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in Northern Thailand. The moist and dense evergreen forest abundant with lichens and wild orchids. Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year ; however, the best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November while the best period for viewing flowers is December through February and for ornithologists is Novenber through March.

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
This botanical garden, which cevers a mountainous area of 560 acres, is located around Km. 12 along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route. This international botanical garden with a fine collection of Thai and foreign plants exhibited according to species and climate was estsblished in 1992 to honor Queen Sirikit. Visitors can drive around the area in order to see include the Tourist Information Centre, the Thai Orchid Breeding Center, Herbs Museum and the Research Centre.