Listly by Joanna James
Home to a 700 year old history, the beautiful city of Chiang Mai is a tourists' paradise. Get set for exploring ancient temples, tempting the shopaholic in you at busy markets and loads of adventure.
Head over to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep located on Mount Doi Suthep. A marvellous piece of legend and ancient history rolled into one this shrine has an interesting past and is a story to be savoured and listened to from the mouths of the locals. Getting to the top of this shrine means you climb 309 steps for the authentic journey, or take a tram to the top for a small fee. Take off your shoes and be appropriately dressed before entering the shrine; there you will come across over 50 paintings depicting Lord Buddha's path to Nirvana. Walk around the Golden shrine 3 times while making a wish and possibilities are they may come true.
This is the city's iconic dish better known as Chiang Mai Noodles. Khao Soi or Soy is a noodle soup made out of a thick coconut curry and egg noodles. Toppings include chicken or beef, deep fried noodles, lime, chilli paste, shallots and pickled mustard. Add to this some delicious grilled satay skewers dipped in peanut sauce and you are in heaven.
This beautiful complex comprises of three temples; these are the Wat Ho Tham, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Sukmin. The temples date back to the 14th century although even after 10 years the place was still not complete. It was finished by King Tiolokaraj in the middle of the 15th century and was the tallest building in the Lanna region at the time. Sadly in 1545 the top portion of the building collapsed although what remains today is still quite impressive. The area too offers you stunning views of the Chiang Mai region where one can enjoy the invigorating mountain air and colours of nature.
If you are into adrenaline pumping action such as bungee jumping, indoor drift kart racing, paintball fights etc. go ahead and plan a day of action packed fun at the X Centre: guaranteeing loads of fun and adventure.
One of the biggest attractions in the city is of course the exotic cuisine. Thai cooking at its best is yours to savour there and learning to cook in true local style means you take back a wealth of knowledge, on the correct spices and flavours to look for. Chiang Mai is home to a range of cookery schools with several hotels in Chiang Mai offering cookery lessons to eager guests. Spice Spoons cookery school at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is quite a treat where you first set off in a tuk tuk to the local market, for a taste of how ingredients are sourced. Many of the cookery schools offer lessons on creating authentic Thai favourites. The courses are either half day or full day and offer flexible hours to fit into your schedule.