| Among the many places in Thailand Chiangmai | | | | complete without seeing the sacred temple. |
| comes well recommended, and for very good | | | | There are other lovely temples in Chiangmai. You |
| reasons. Travelers point to the many amazing | | | | can explore the oldest to the noblest ones, |
| sights and things to do in this laidback city situated | | | | including the Wat Suan Dok, which holds the ashes |
| in the Himalayan foothills. For visitors exploring | | | | of Chiang Mai's former Royal Family members. In |
| Thailand, Chiangmai never ceases to amaze. Small | | | | another chapel lies one of Thailand's largest icons |
| wonder luxury hotels (like Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang | | | | in metal - a 500-year old bronze Buddha. You |
| Mai) near this destination are frequented by | | | | may also want to visit the temple compound |
| travelers who want to be near where the popular | | | | where the divine Lai Kham chapel, with its |
| sights and activities are. | | | | remarkable murals and woodcarvings, is situated, |
| With Buddhist temples and other historic sites to | | | | For a dose of history, there is another must-see |
| the majestic mountains, the handicrafts, the | | | | while exploring Thailand Chiang Mai National |
| shopping finds, people, the food and bustling night | | | | Museum will fascinate you no end with its |
| life, Chiangmai offers no dull moment for the | | | | collection of Lanna Thai artworks, ancient, war |
| curious and adventuresome traveler. | | | | weaponry, and antique Buddha images. |
| While in Thailand, Chiangmai is the kind of place | | | | Shopaholics are also bound to have a heyday at |
| that will strike you as serene because most of | | | | Thailand's night bazaars. For those who would |
| the people are not rushing about as they do in | | | | rather watch artisans at work in the villages, a |
| other key cities around the world. It may as well | | | | number of cottage industries and handicrafts |
| be referred to as a pastoral paradise, the kind | | | | ranging from parasols, silk weaving, jewelry, |
| you are likely to read about in books. Imagine | | | | woodcarving, silverware, and lacquerware, to |
| getting all cozy in a nice, well-appointed villa that | | | | name a few, may suit you fine. |
| looks out to hushed paddy-fields and lush hills and | | | | Are you raring for an anthropological adventure? |
| mountains beyond them. It's a perfect place to | | | | Try a river cruise that travels down The Chang |
| commune with nature and feel close to God. | | | | pier. This is where elephants used to haul logs |
| Actually, for people who visit Northern Thailand, | | | | from the river in the old days. The pier derived its |
| Chiangmai offers respite as a spiritual haven. | | | | name from the king's elephants, which used to |
| Pilgrims visit one of the most revered temples of | | | | bathe on that site. You will see some of Thailand's |
| the Thais - the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It is | | | | firsts - first bridge, first post office, and other |
| actually an awe-inspiring 14th century Buddhist | | | | interesting sites and get a whiff of the including |
| architectural showcase. The temple was erected | | | | lifestyles of the locals who dwelled on opposite |
| in 1386 by King Keuna the Great. Legend has it | | | | sides of the river, plus some historic spots along |
| that the temple's site was chosen when an | | | | the riverbanks. All these you can enjoy at a |
| elephant carrying half of a holy relic ascended the | | | | leisurely pace. Check out online travel resources |
| mountains after several days and circled the | | | | for Thailand and you are bound to have a |
| temple spot before kneeling down and dying. A | | | | fantastic experience you will be able to delightfully |
| visit to Thailand Chiangmai particularly, will not be | | | | recount to your family and friends. |