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Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Probably the most
visited attraction in the northern capital is the temple on the
hilltop 15 km east of the city. If you are energetic, climb the
steep stairway, all 290 steps. If not, take the funicular
railway. The golden center chedi of the temple is spectacular.
Before leaving the temple area, enjoy the commanding view of the
Chiang Mai Basin.
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Wat Phra Singh
This lovely temple
dates from 1345 and is one of the focal points of Songkran
festivities each April 3-15 when people bathe the revered Phra
Buddha Sihing image. The temple compound includes the lovely Lai
Kham chapel with its exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style
murals, and a magnificent scriptural repository with striking
has relief.
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Wat Suan Dok
This temple was
built in a 14th century Lanna Thai monarch's pleasure gardens
and is a favorite spot for photographers, particularly for
striking sunsets. Several the white chedis contain ashes of
Chiang Mai's former royal family. The 500-year-old bronze Buddha
image in a secondary chapel is one of Thailand's largest metal
images.
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Wat Chedi Luang
This temple is the
site of an enormous pagoda, originally 280 feet high, and which
was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. At one time,
Wat Chedi Luang housed the revered Emerald Buddha image now
enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo. A magnificent Naga
staircase adorns the chapel's front porch.
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Wat U-Mong
This delightful
meditation temple is completely different from Chiang Mai's
other major temples and enjoys a bu-colic forest setting. The
ancient chedi is of particular interest.
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Phu Ping Palace
Located near Doi
Suthep, the royal palace has beautifully landscaped gardens are
open on weekends and holidays when the royal family is not in
residence.
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Chiang Mai National Museum
The museum has a
Lanna Thai art collection, ancient Buddha images and weapons of
war. Closed Monday, Tuesday and for lunch.
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Chiang Mai Zoo
If you like animals
or are traveling with children, the zoo at the edge of town has
a good collection of bird life, fish, reptiles and mammals.
Feature exhibits are the Humboldt penguins, fur seals, Gibbon
Island and a children's zoo.
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Doi Inthanon
(60 km) When it's
hot in the city this mountain park is cool. To the pleasing
climate add beautiful waterfalls, diverse wildlife, forests,
wild orchids, hill tribe settlements and visitor facilities and
you have a great destination.
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San Kamphang Hot Springs &
Fang Hot Springs
(35 km) Trees, hills
and hot mineral water baths are the attraction of this resort. A
swimming pool, dining facility and accommodations for
overnighters. (160) As many as 50 hot springs flow out of this
10 acre plot of forest. Three of the springs boil continuously
at 90 - 100 degrees celsius and smell of sulphur.
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Mae Sa Elephant Training
Center
(30 km) Elephant
skills demonstration each morning. Gallop through the jungle
atop one of these fellows ... okay, ride one on a walk through
the forest. Riding an elephant is a unique and singular
experience.
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