During the day visitors can absorb the rich culture of the area, from the history of Lanna royalty to Northern hill tribes, the fabulous botanical and ornithological opportunities and the many intricately decorated temples. But in the evening most visitors cannot resist their natural instincts to shop.
With markets, bazaars and numerous colourful stalls, it is hard not to be tempted by the range of crafts and materials. Artisans skilled in wood, silver, paper and silk thread through every street.
Please see below our concierge recommendations on things to do, where to dine and shopping, offering you an insightful guide to Chiang Mai.
Elephant Camps – 1 Hours / 32.4 Miles or 60 Km There are only 3 or 4,000 elephants remaining in Thailand. Visiting a camp you can enjoy these majestic creatures and the skill of their mahouts. It is also possible to take a trek and elephant ride to a hill tribe. Inevitably the further you travel the more interesting scenery and fewer tourists.
Doi Inthanon National Park - 1.5 Hours / 59.4 Miles or 110 Km This beautiful national park is named after Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountain in Thailand and the source of many rivers. The park is renowned for its flora and fauna and the famous Mae Ya waterfall, as well as wild flowers and wonderful birdlife.
Bird Watching – 1.5 Hour / 59.4 Miles or 110 Km With the varied topography of plunging valleys and high mountain peaks the surrounding countryside of Chiang Mai is ideal for viewing a variety of birds. There are over 380 recorded species to be seen in the area, the star attraction being the Green-tailed Sunbird.
White Water Rafting – 1.5 Hours / 59.4 Miles or 110 Km The Mae Taeng River is easily accessible from our resort for a rafting day trip. This is a beautiful and rugged area with water tumbling off the mountain sides between July and March. Tours can be arranged to include overnight stays and even nighttime rafting runs.
Wat PhraThat Doi Suthep - 50 Minutes / 16.2 Miles or 30 Km Climb the 306 steps to this 14th century temple, or the less energetic may use the funicular railcar. Visiting this landmark is worth for the exhilarating views over the city and surrounding countryside. The temple and its pagoda contains holy Buddha relics.
Journey on The Eastern & Oriental Express Just as its European counterpart, these trains recreate an era of stylish luxury travel. Running between Bangkok and Chiang Mai the journey takes less than 24 hours with a break at Ayutthaya. There you take a relaxing river trip and tour of the ruins of this former capital.
Things to See
Wat Phra Sing – 15 Minutes / 8.1 Miles or 15 Km This 14th century Wat once housed the Emerald Buddha, a cultural treasure now in Bangkok, today it is home to the most revered Buddha in Northern Thailand. Within the golden interior you’ll find exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals.
Wat Chedi Luang – 15 Minutes / 8.1 Miles or 15 Km Dating from the 14th century but partly destroyed in an earthquake in 1545. In its former 90 metre glory Wat Chedi Luang was the tallest structure in Chiang Mai. It is dominated by an enormous yang tree which has a legend that it will protect the city as long as it is nev
Tribal Museum – 20 minutes / 10.8 Miles or 20 Km Featuring a collection of crafts and other objects that give an insight to the culture and beliefs of tribal life. The display demonstrates the unique identity of 9 hill tribes including the minority tribe of Malabri. It is open daily to the public from 9am to 4pm.
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden - 45 Minutes / 21.6 Miles or 40 km Set in a mountainous area of 560 acres with a fine collection of Thai flora including an Orchid breeding centre and research centre. There are three walking trails from the gentle to a two hour climb into the mountains. It is open daily to the public from 8:30am to 4pm.
Shopping Village Kad Dhara – At the hotel The local market within our resort, Kad Dhara, is a small village built in traditional northern Thai style and home to a number of specialty shops and designer boutiques. A stroll through the 20 shops provides guests with an easy shopping experience and a selection of high quality craft to choose from. Guests will also find a tailor, jewellers and a book shop.
Night Bazaar – 10 minutes / 5.4 Miles or 10 Km Most stores are open from around 19:30pm everyday. Many inexpensive souvenirs can be found there. A careful search can produce a valuable purchase and this is not necessarily reflected in the price, which is often very reasonable.
Ban Tawai Wood Carving Village – 20 to 30 Minuets / 10.8 Miles or 20 Km Well known for the settlement of wood carving artisan families years ago, this village is recommend for wooden handicrafts. The joy of this venue is that you will get to see the actual wood carving by the real artisans.
Nimmandhemind Road – 15 minutes / 8.1 Miles or 15 Km This is the up market shopping area for, decorative items and well known local brands. Many recommended restaurants and coffee shops are located along the street.
Northern Village – 15 minutes / 8.1 Miles or 15 Km A community initiative to support small business development, this is a three floor air conditioned market place. Each vendor takes great care to present their wares and the prices are competitive.
Where to Dine
Le Grand Lanna – At the Hotel For authentic Northern Lanna and classic Thai cuisine Le Grand Lanna has a long established reputation amongst locals. The setting is beautiful, created in the style of a Lanna nobleman’s home, the restaurant sits on a raised wooden pavilion. Seating is outdoors under the branches of rain trees or in further individual pavilions displaying some fine artifacts.
Akaligo - At the Hotel With its contemporary blend of airiness, grandeur, and lush garden views, Akaligo provides the perfect setting for fine Italian and Mediterranean dining. For an extra-special evening, dine under the stars at one of Akaligo's romantic balcony tables and finish your evening with a visit (or two) to Dhara Dhevi's famed dessert buffet.
The House - 15 Minutes / 8.1 Miles or 15 Km This is an evocative location, a restored colonial house, candlelit at night, with soft live music, fine linen and rattan furnishings. The food is first class fusion. Located in the inner city on Moon Muang Road.
Baan Suan Restaurant – 30 minutes / 16.2 Miles or 30 Km Located on particularly scenic bank of the river Mae Ping, the sunsets are quite magical. Created in traditional Northern Thai style, the ‘house’ is very atmospheric. Cuisine is an accomplished blend of Thai and European.
Giorgio Italian Restaurant – 15 minutes / 8.1 Miles or 15 Km Located quite near the night Bazaar, Giorgio’s offers surprisingly authentic Italian cuisine. It is fairly casual dining with some excellent fine quality pizzas. Everything is prepared from an immaculate open plan kitchen. A popular venue amongst expats living in C
Whole Earth Restaurant – 15 Minutes / 8.1 Miles or 15 Km A restaurant with a healthy theme, yet an entirely sensual experience. Located in an attractive old style house set amidst elaborately beautiful gardens. The food is predominantly vegetarian but meat and fish dishes are available.
