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Chiang Mai (Thailand) Project - Near by places
Places Around Chiang Mai
Although Chiang Mai has lots of interesting places and things to do,
such as the moat, beautiful temples, traditional markets and historical
monuments, one can utilize their weekends visiting the surrounding
areas.
Day trips
 A trip to the temple on top of Doi Suithep, an
imposing mountain to the west of the city is worth a visit. It is a 15km
journey to the summit which can be covered either by local taxi or hired
two wheelers. While there you can visit Phuping Palace gardens and Hmong
villages, or go walking in the lovely forests of Doi Pui peak.
There are two gorgeous waterfalls, Huay Kaew falls
and Monthathal falls. Close by is the Chiang Mai zoo home too a number
of Asian and tropical animals.
Closer to Chiang Mai is the Mae Sa valley about 30
minutes' drive, where one can enjoy the magnificent Mae Sa waterfall,
orchid farm, monkey and snake farms and botanical gardens. A ride on the
back of an elephant is a thrilling experience not to be missed.
Weekends
Northern Thailand is known for its mountains and
unspoilt rainforest and Chiang Mai lies at its heart. Therefore it is
the starting point for hill treks into the interior. These can be
arranged from the many touring companies found in Chiang Mai to explore
the heart of rural Southeast Asia. They usually take up to five days,
but with less time to spare, a day or overnight trip to the fabulous Doi
Inthanon national park - home of Thailand's highest mountain is
recommended. The treks include elephant-back rides, rafting rivers on
bamboo skiffs, visits to waterfalls and nights stay in villages of the
indigenous tribal people who lead a simple lifestyle and follow a unique
tradition and culture.
More than a weekend trip
To the north of Chiang Mai heading towards Chiang Dao
are a remarkable complex of caves beneath it. Continuing north, one will
reach Doi Angkhang - one of the last wildernesses in Thailand bordering
Myanmar. However, a popular option is to continue on to Tha Ton and
catch an overnight raft trip to Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai sounds like a twin city of Chaing Mai but
is equally historic and offers a more realistic glimpse into a Northern
Thailand city. From Chiang Rai it's not far to the mighty Mekhong River
and you can follow the banks of this important waterway for more than
100kms, passing through the former Lanna capital and port town of Chiang
Saen.
Pai is a town situated beside a river, among the
hills to the north of Chiang Mai. The three-hour drive over mountaintops
to get there is spectacular and the town has become a base from which to
start trekking. Live music, quaint restaurants and cheap, simple,
guesthouses add to its appeal. From here to Mae Hong Son, a border town
with a lake at the center and a unique Burmese temple of Wat Jong Kham
is the main attraction. What is exclusive to this region are the
long-necked Paduang people, who have clung to an old tradition of
extending their woman's necks using brass rings, mainly as a means of
attracting tourists.
 Doi Inthanon National Park, is a one hour drive from Chiang Mai towards
the south and is the country's highest mountain. It is possible to drive
all the way to the summit, which is often shrouded in mist. On the way
up there are three superb waterfalls. On the way there are chalets to
rent and a campsite, and numerous points to enjoy on foot the lovely
flora and gushing streams. Several hilltribes also live in the park, and
visitors are encouraged to visit their villages, observe their
traditional ways and buy their handicrafts.
Nan is one of Northern Thailand's most serene and
peaceful provinces, providing a good escape from everything. It is
roughly 320kms east of Chiang Mai. This quiet province encompasses an
area of 11,500 square kilometers and is comprised of many districts, all
of which give an idea of what rural Thailand was once like. Nan is home
to numerous Thai Lue and other hill tribes, who are one of the most
hospitable people.
If you are looking for history and architecture then
100kms south of Chiang Mai, Lampang is the right place for you. It is
noted for several Burmese-style temples (including Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao
and Wat Si Chum), the magnificent Wat Lampang Luang, and a Thai Elephant
Conservation Centre. The centuries-old Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao used to be
the place where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined (the same statue
now resides in the temple of the same name in Bangkok). Interesting
structures include the large chedi containing the hair of the Buddha, a
Burmese-style Mondop, an ancient vihan housing a reclining Buddha.
Situated just 26kms south of Chiang Mai is Lamphung.
It is well known for its beautiful women, bountiful orchards and the
stunning Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a classic example of northern
religious architecture. Similar to Chiang Mai, Lamphung is also
surrounded by an ancient moat.
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It is a very compact experience. Extensive learning but
fun.
A gear experience with TEFL International and very
helpful to find placement
