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Chiang Mai is a magical wonderland for visitors to explore and with so many breathtaking natural and cultural attractions travellers will be hard-pressed to know where to begin. The best time of year for sightseeing in Chiang Mai is between November and May when the cooler weather allows for perfect days spent outdoors.

A must while on holiday in Chiang Mai is the Maesa Elephant Camp, where visitors can enjoy an elephant ride and even watch them play football or paint a picture. The Mae Sa Waterfall in the Soi Suithep-Pui National Park is a great place for a picnic and a swim, while the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center will teach visitors about the region, its culture, religion and its history. And if you're into cultural activities, check out the Lisu Hill-Tribe display at the Hill-Tribe Research Institute Museum to learn about the lives of the hill-tribe people.

There are plenty of temples in Chiang Mai to visit too, such as Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which overlooks Chiang Mai from the slopes of Mount Suthep; and Wat Phra Singh, the city's best-known temple which houses the Phra Singh statue, dating back to the 14th century.

A Chiang Mai temple

Chiang Mai Temples

Temple tours of Chiang Mai are a wonderful attraction for visitors. The old town is home to the most honored temples and some tranquil Buddhist sanctuaries. The historic Wat Pra Singh holds the revered Phra Singh Buddha, which dates from the 15th century....  see full details



Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center

Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center

The Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center is an interesting attraction near the Three Kings Monument (Saam Kasat). This multimedia history and cultural education centre offers English-subtitled video displays of Chiang Mai, followed by tours of the rooms documenting the region's history and...  see full details



Lisu Hill-Tribe Display

Lisu Hill-Tribe Display

A worthwhile Chiang Mai attraction is the Lisu Hill-Tribe display at the Hill-Tribe Research Institute Museum. The lives and cultures of the hill-tribe people in Thailand are exhibited here through photographs, agricultural implements, religious artefacts and musical instruments. Household utensils and ethnic costumes are also...  see full details



The Bhubing Palace entrance

Bhubing Palace

The royal winter palace of Bhubing has beautiful, regal structures and extravagantly landscaped gardens for visitors to take in. The palace may not be entered but the gardens can be explored when the Thai royal family is not in residence. The gardens of Bhubing...  see full details


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