Joanna James
Chiang Mai is in a nutshell a rather enchanting city. It has scenic attractions to take your breath away and a vibrant ambience to keep you busy. Below are 5 highlights that you must not miss here.
Like a lot of other regions in Thailand, Chiang Mai is blessed with temples. The spiritual essence of this destination combined with its natural beauty makes Chiang Mai so much more attractive than it already is. Beckoning from high up the great Doi Suthep is the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. A masterpiece in design this temple offers plenty for visitors to admire. To top this Doi Suthep flaunts historical roots and remnants of its history is evident in this place even today. The Lanna culture that dates back over 700 years was well established in this region. For all these reasons and more Doi Suthep has become a favourite place among both locals and foreigners alike. While you are it don't miss some spectacular panoramic views of Chiang Mai from atop this magnificent mountain.
Now, this is one of those attractions that like a magnet draw holidaymakers visiting Chiang Mai with the family. In fact, the Chiang Mai night safari was created to model the famous Singapore Night Safari and in many ways justice has been done. A haven for animal lovers, this activity is a fun thing to do after dark. There are 3 zones in the night safari which are the Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl and the Jaguar Trail. You have the option of either touring them via an open-sided tram or on foot, both of which are equally fun. This is a great place to enjoy some hands-on experience with the animals. Some fun things to do here include hand feeding wild animals and enjoying the dancing fountain and the laser light show.
Experiencing the culture here is one thing that all visitors to Chiang Mai must indulge in. The Karen Long Neck Tribe is particularly interesting thanks to their artificially elongated long necks. You can learn here a little about how the process is achieved and the significance of elongating one's neck. The Chiang Dao cave complex is another major highlight in the area and exploring these caves are a lot of fun. 2 caves are artificially illuminated but the others require lanterns for lighting. While you are at it don't miss the spectacular Buddhist shrines found within these caves.
This is the largest and one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in all of Chiang Mai. This multi-tier natural wonder tumbles over around 10 different levels. To enjoy good views of this waterfall head over to the lookout point near the car park. Adored by locals and foreigners alike the Mae Sa waterfalls is among the most popular attractions in Chiang Mai.
Finally, don't miss the shopping experience in the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. This is a great place to grab your favourite local items and this includes souvenirs as well. After a long day shopping makes sure you have a comfortable Chiang Mai hotel to come home to. The Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is one option that can be considered.
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