Table of Contents
Thailand is a country with a rich and vibrant history, and the city of Chiang Mai is no exception. Located in the northern portion of the country, Chiang Mai was the capital of the old Lanna Kingdom, and is in the province of Chiang Mai. With beautiful temples, museums, and a variety of national parks and other sites, there is plenty to do. Here are five awesome things that you should do on your Chiang Mai vacation.
DoiSuthep
DoiSuthep is a mountain that looks over Chiang Mai, to the northwest. Along with Doi Pui and DoiBuakha, it became a national park, called DoiSuthep National Park. This park is the site of the Wat Phra That DoiSuthep, one of the most holy sites in Buddhism. Built in the 14th Century, this temple has a monument, or Chedi, on top of it that is covered in gold.
Wiang Kum Kam
Before Chiang Mai was chosen to be the capital of the Lanna Kingdom in 1296, the capital was Wiang Kum Kam. The city was destroyed by a flood when the Ping River swept over the city. It was rediscovered in 1984, and there has been a lot of restoration done on the city. There are many beautiful buildings, including several temples. The ruins are available to visit on foot, on bike, or by horse-drawn carriage.
Elephant Camp
If you are looking for a way to make a difference and have a unique experience, consider volunteering at an elephant camp Thailand. About forty-miles outside of the city, you will be able to feed and bathe the elephants, assisting the mahouts and staff in caring for the twelve elephants on site. There are demonstrations every day, and tourists visit to see the elephants. Even if you are not interested in volunteering here, elephant camp is still a site that is well-worth a visit.
Night Safari
Inspired by a night safari in Singapore, the Chiang Mai Night Safari Park is designed to give visitors a unique safari experience. There are three different places in the park, Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl, and Jaguar Trail. Jaguar Trail is open during the day, and offers a walk. Savanna Safari and Predator Prowl are both open in the evenings, and offer a ride on a tram through the park. There are other fun activities, from a laser light show to hand-feeding the animals.
DoiInthanon National Park
DoiInthanon National Park contains over one hundred and seventy-five square miles of mountains, forests, and rivers. While it stretches out over several provinces, it includes the Toi Lor Sub district of the providence. It is a protected sanctuary with a diverse population of birds and animals. In addition, it is the home of a variety of peoples, who can live in their villages in relative peace.
Whatever your interests are, there are many fascinating and awesome adventures to have on your Chiang Mai vacation. From volunteering with elephants to exploring ancient ruins, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this region full of culture, history, and national beauty.