Chiang Mai: These 7 things you must do!
Ping river
Chiang Mai has everything the tourist is looking for. Beautiful nature with dozens of waterfalls, impressive culture with unique temples on top of mountains, authentic markets and so much more. Here comes a great top 7 of things to do in Chiang Mai!
Chiang Mai is located 750 kilometers north of Bangkok, you can fly there in an hour. By bus, the travel 11 hours to complete. It even takes you 13 hours by train. Chiang Mai is located in a valley 310 meters above sea level. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, hills and mountains, including the impressive Doi Inthanon. With a peak of 2565 meters, this is the highest mountain in Thailand.
Elephant nature park
1.Elephant Nature Park
If you go to Chiang Mai, a visit to the Elephant Nature Park should not be missed. You will be given a tour of the park where you will hear the unpleasant truth behind elephant tourism. The more than 60 elephants that roam the Elephant Nature Park have all been severely abused in their former lives. You get the chance to get to know them; by feeding and washing them in the river. It is an unforgettable experience (for the whole family). You can also choose to volunteer at the Elephant Nature Park for a longer period of time. They do a great job and can always use an extra hand!
Ziplining through the jungle
2. Zipline through the jungle
If you come to Chiang Mai for an adventure, this is the place for you. How about a flight through and even above the canopy of the trees? In a harness you fly for miles through the jungle and over rice fields. Definitely do if you like adventure and nature. And no, it's not for people with a fear of heights!
3. Wat Chedi Luang
In the city center of Chiang Mai you will find several temples, of which the Wat Chedi Luang is perhaps the most beautiful. The temple has endured a lot over the years. Earthquakes have turned part of the top of the temple into a ruin. Also, the many elephants on the outside of the temple have not survived. Perhaps that is why it is such a particularly beautiful temple.
Sunday walking street
4. Sunday walking street
By nightfall, downtown Chiang has turned into an elongated (over a mile) night market. You will find authentic, handmade jewelry, teapots, clothing, you name it. Music is played, massages are given and what is also special: at 18.00 the national anthem is played where everyone suddenly stops abruptly with what they are doing and stands completely still. After the national anthem, everyone continues as if nothing happened.
Doi suthep
5. Bye Suthep
Chiang Mai's most famous temple can be found halfway up the mountain of the same name just outside the city. The ride to the temple is therefore incredibly beautiful, with beautiful nature including several waterfalls.
Once you arrive at the foot of the temple, there are still 309 steps waiting for you (you can also take the elevator!). From the outer walls of the temple you have a beautiful view of the city. Definitely recommended to go there early in the morning or at nightfall: magical!
The Riverside Bar
6. The Riverside Bar
In Chiang Mai you can also eat, drink and go out. A famous place is the Riverside Bar, located on the Ping River. In the evening there is live music, the food is good, the drinks flow freely and the atmosphere is very relaxed. An evening of dining here guarantees a very pleasant evening out with friends or partner!
7. Doi Inthanon National Park
Finally, Doi Inthanon National Park offers you the best option to escape the hustle and bustle of the inner city. Make multi-day hikes through the jungle where you can see the multiple waterfalls and visit different hill tribes. Climb Thailand's highest mountain and see an unprecedentedly beautiful sunrise in the mountainous north of Thailand!
Thailandblog has recently been paying attention to successful Dutch and Belgian companies in Thailand. In that context, it is nice to know that The Riverside, rightly named in the top 7 here, was also started by a Dutchman. Jan Vloet started this (then) restaurant in 1984 at a time when the growth of tourism in Chiang Mai had yet to begin. What made The Riverside different from others is that there was live music every night, initially from Jan and his partner themselves. The formula also caught on quickly with the Thai and the restaurant grew considerably. The live music is still there. It is now also a popular place for bands to play. Jan retired a few years ago. He now lives alternately in Chiang Mai and in the Netherlands. His daughter is still part of the management. A nice place, good music and a very extensive and good menu are still the hallmark.
Lampang also has a Riverside restaurant. That was originally started by the Belgian Lorenza Macco, but she is no longer involved. She still runs the Riverside Guesthouse in Lampang. Also such a nice place and nice atmosphere.
For those who want something quiet, there is Lake Huay Tung Tau, about 8 km from the city, towards MaeRim.
It is even fun to cycle there (you can rent a bicycle). The road is without slopes. You can eat and drink in bamboo huts along the lake, and cool off in the fresh water.
This is not mentioned by most tourists, it is a popular place for Thai families.
I've looked into how we can cycle to this lake. We cycle every day in Changmai but can't figure out which direction to cycle for this lake. We stay at the changklan road. Maybe you have a tip in which direction we should cycle .Bvd.
cycling along the Canal Road towards Mae Rim. At a certain point you will see a sign with the name of the lake on your right. Turn left here.
Huay tung tao reservoir is called this puddle. With a restaurant that brings you dishes in the thatched cottage.
Dirty water I think (no current).
Otherwise take a songtauw, and arrange to pick up again. I think that road is very dangerous to cycle there, it will take you at least half an hour to get there by car.
Succes
with the motorbike it takes me about 15 minutes from the Superhighway and I don't race like crazy
A beautiful bike path runs parallel to the Canal Road from the Convention center and goes all the way to the lake exit and even further to the Cowboy Army Farm.
Head toward Mae Rim, past the 700:stadium, until you come to a turn (left) where there is a temple on the corner. Here you turn left and go straight ahead until you reach the ticket office. Here you pay 50 Baht entrance.
It is wonderful to stay there. I go jogging 2 to 3 times a week. Around the lake it is 3.6 km.
I had seen John Vloet on TV last weekend..
He now also has boats that you can eat on, if you want a little more peace.
And another restaurant on the other side of the river.
You can also enjoy bamboo rafting in Mae wang. just a pity that there is now too little water again.
We like to do this and then afterwards have a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants on the river
Chiang Mai is a very pleasant city.
Been there 16 times already.
Stay close to the Ping River.
Take an evening boat trip every time and order good food and a pint.
I also visit the Zoo regularly…also worth a visit if you love animals.