Sightseeing 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.


Baankwai Thai Maerim (Rural life of Thai Farming)
Chiangmai-Fang Rd, Rimhnua Maerin, Chiang Mai.
Managing Director, Boonying Nadee, Tel. 66 53 302628
It's a tourist destination with a difference. The only of its kind, the camp aims at showcasing the lifestyle of the Lanna or Northern Thai people. A mock village fully equipment with houshold utensils, a burn, a haystack, a water wheel and paddy fields as far as the eye can see. 
The camp is open to tourists who wish to see the preservation of an unique way of live.
The main feature attraction though are the buffaloes. They are now rare to find in Thailand. Narrative are giving in English.


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.