One Night in Bangkok…as the famous song goes, but there’s much more to this city, including fantastic culture, great value shopping, exciting entertainment and plenty of sights to point a camera at. With only a few days in the Thai capital, here are ten things you really must see or do.
Shopping Whether you hot-foot it around Bangkok’s latest glitzy addition to its long list of shopping malls – Siam Paragon, or you spend hours sifting through the bargains at Pratunam Market, shopaholics will not be disappointed with Bangkok’s offerings. Ranking as one of Asia’s top shopping hubs, it is no wonder that shopping is a favourite pastime of the Thais. With all of the main centres within walking distance of one another, you can start at Siam Discover Centre; pass through Siam Square on your way to MBK, then hit your final destination, the World Trade Centre. The biggest problem will not be finding what you want; it will be getting it back home.
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew The royal residence known as the Grand Palace sits adjacent to Thailand’s most famous temple complex, Wat Phra Kaew. Home of the Emerald Buddha statue, made of jade contrary to what the name suggests; this is one of the most revered religious sites in Thailand and the location of many prestigious ceremonies. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing if you want to visit these must-see landmarks.
Wat Arun You can catch a glimpse of this important Buddhist temple on the back of a 10 baht coin if you want a taste of what to expect. Nestled between Chinese-style pavilions on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the highlight of Wat Arun is its Khmer-style tower. At the base of the tower is a sculpture of the Hindu god Indra and depictions of Chinese soldiers and animals, while the tower itself is intricately decorated with seashells and small pieces of porcelain. Once the home of the Emerald Buddha during the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, this temple remains one of the most important religious sites in the country.
Lumpini Park Sit back and relax in the shade of palm trees or rent a peddle boat and explore the lake and its canals, Lumpini Park is a haven of tranquility, ideal for those in need of a rest from the urban jungle. Interesting features include the Thai Lanna and Chinese pavilions, while there is also a pretty Chinese-style clock tower. In addition to some impressive sculptures, there is a children’s play park and a new pavilion designed as a rest area. And if you miss the buzz of the city, the park is right in the heart.
Patpong The go-go bars and wild nightlife often overshadows Patpong’s other offerings, of which there are plenty of the tame variety. People-watch from one of the cafés, relax and listen to some live music, barter for some bargains at the night market or enjoy a tasty meal; however, if it is trouble that you are looking for, you won’t need to walk farther than a couple of meters before being approached by a tout promising a menu of sexual delights. While this can be annoying, there is no denying that this is a novelty for many and the reasonable percentage of non-sleazy venues makes it a friendly, non-intimidating place to browse.
Chatuchak Market If you want something specific but you’re not sure where to find it, this is the place. Chatuchak weekend market has vendors selling literally everything, from books to kittens. Busy all year round, expect to be pushed, shoved and pulled at as you wind your way through the narrow alleys. But don’t worry; there are plenty of places to stop for a rest and eat some delicious, inexpensive food. It’s a good idea to decide on a landmark before you begin to explore as the size and crowds here make it easy to loose your hopping companions. A bargain lover’s hunting ground; this is a shopping experience you will not want to miss.
Jim Thompson’s House Thompson was responsible for rebuilding the Thai silk industry, for which he gained recognition as making an outstanding contribution to Thailand. Before his mysterious disappearance in 1967 on a vacation to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, Thompson built this impressive Thai-style teak house, which became the talk of the town. Now a museum, visitors can explore the building and gain insight into this colourful characters life.
Dreamworld Not all stomach-churning rides, this popular adventure theme park has dozens of attractions including gardens, miniature replicas of seven wonders of the world, live shows and performances, a cable car and even a snow field where you can sling snow balls at your friends. A lively alternative to Bangkok’s traditional sightseeing attractions, the park is easily accessible by train, bus or car.
Khao San Road If you don’t fancy staying in among hundreds of backpackers, this travellers’ mecca is still worth a look, if just for its cheap pirate CDs. Renowned as a party street, things are unusually quiet until street vendors set up shop in the afternoon. By nightfall, the street is unrecognisable as it fills with throngs of youngsters dining, drinking and watching football. A great place to meet people and make friends, this is also the spot to get cheap travel deals to onward destinations.
Muay Thai Boxing Only football inspires as much passion as boxing in Thailand, with the latter being considerably more violent. Even if you are a bit reluctant to spend your money on watching men sling punches and lethal kicks, it is surprising how the electric crowd can soon have you up there cheering with the rest of them. Fights are held almost nightly at Lumphini and Ratchadamnoen stadiums, with tickets sol in three tiers, depending on how close you want to be to the action.
http://www.1stopbangkok.com
Showing posts with label activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label activities. Show all posts
2007/09/10
2007/09/01
Top 10 Things to Do and See in Krabi Thailand
Author: Andy Burrows
With so many activities that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy, Krabi has framed itself as a laid-back resort destination where the emphasis falls on comfort and relaxation instead of on high-energy parties. The natural landscape is accentuated by limestone outcroppings known as karsts that pop up all over the countryside. With abundant plant life and beautiful coral reefs, there's plenty to explore while you're staying here.
Exploring the archipelago
One of the most remarkable ways to experience the limestone rock formations and spectacular beaches is to take a daytrip from one island to another. Many tour guides offer organised daytrips to the highlights of the archipelago, which are worth it and a chance to break away from the crowds of the mainland resort. For the more independent explorer, sea kayaks can be rented for trips out to some of the nearest small islands. A boat day trip to Phi Phi is a must too!
Than Bok Khoranie National Park
If you have a tent and would like a place to set up camp, consider heading out to Than Bok Khorani National Park, a secluded place with no concrete accommodation but an abundance of plant species culminating in a very picturesque pond surrounded by gardenias and apocynaceae. The park also boasts several limestone caves and some lovely mangrove forests. Many visit on a day trip from Phuket.
Rock climbing
Many rock climbing outfitters in Krabi also give lessons at various skill levels to help you improve your rock climbing abilities. The limestone cliffs and unique stone formations have helped Krabi carve out a global reputation among rock climbing circles. Ton Sai is the first stop for most climbers, as it’s the most frequented climbed spot in the area. Other climbing outings to more secluded areas are easily arranged with the help of climbing outfitters.
Koh Lanta Marine National Park
The sea gypsies, or Chai Leh, still live and work on the island of Koh Lanta—now a marine national park. For centuries they have practiced their own form of spirit worship and spoken their own distinct language. This island also has the region's standard fare of beautiful beaches, unique rock formations and stunning coral reefs for exploration. Some of the rainforest on this island is virtually untouched and remains protected. Visitors can rent bungalows and stay a while. It’s also connected to Phi Phi island by ferry.
Shell Fossil Cemetery
Thirty five million years ago, the site of Ban Laem Pho Cape was an enormous freshwater swamp that hosted millions of small snails. The remains of these creatures formed a fossilised composite that has grown almost 16 inches thick. This huge slab has become one of Krabi's most popular attractions and can be reached via a 10-mile drive from the town of Krabi.
Krabi nightlife
Ao Nang Beach resort area is the primary tourist hub of Krabi, with Krabi Town itself not offering a whole lot to out-of-towners except for a glimpse of everyday life for the locals. While not quite as exciting as Phuket, in the resort area you'll find bars and restaurants whose doors remain open past midnight, though you'll be hard-pressed to find any exhilarating parties or discotheques. Instead, this is a more family-oriented holiday spot with some nice restaurants and a relaxed, quiet atmosphere.
Scuba diving
The official diving season in Krabi is from November to Mach, though the conditions are hospitable all year round and divers are here at every time of the year. Snorkelling is also a great way to get a view of the coral reefs. Diving companies on the mainland can get you certified as a diver and will also arrange diving trips out to all of the best reefs in the surrounding area. The diving at Phi Phi is especially good.
Biking
Bikes can be rented in the Ao Nang resort area, and a cycling loop that heads out of town guides cyclist through the limestone rock formations that dot the landscape. The road curves through old villages and groves of coconut trees, and riders can stretch this spectacular route into as much as 15 or 20 miles of biking.
Railay Beach
Railay Beach may be the region's most unique coastal area, with its crescent shaped coastline that's cut off from the mainland by huge outcroppings of rock. Only accessible by boat, you can charter a vessel to drop you off for a daytrip to Phra Nang, a sacred enshrined cave, or for an overnight stay in one of the resorts that lay claim to these peaceful beaches. Even the beaches at Phuket don’t even compete!
Daytrip to Wat Tham Seua
Wat Tham Seua is the largest temple in Krabi, and its name means Tiger Cave Temple. It's literally tucked into the limestone cliffs of Ao Luk Thanu mountain range, and the Buddhist monks that live and worship here do so in the caves themselves. The highlight of this temple is 'Buddha's footprint', located at the summit of a 1,272-step climb, a point that affords wonderful views of the countryside spreading in every direction.
With so many activities that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy, Krabi has framed itself as a laid-back resort destination where the emphasis falls on comfort and relaxation instead of on high-energy parties. The natural landscape is accentuated by limestone outcroppings known as karsts that pop up all over the countryside. With abundant plant life and beautiful coral reefs, there's plenty to explore while you're staying here.
Exploring the archipelago
One of the most remarkable ways to experience the limestone rock formations and spectacular beaches is to take a daytrip from one island to another. Many tour guides offer organised daytrips to the highlights of the archipelago, which are worth it and a chance to break away from the crowds of the mainland resort. For the more independent explorer, sea kayaks can be rented for trips out to some of the nearest small islands. A boat day trip to Phi Phi is a must too!
Than Bok Khoranie National Park
If you have a tent and would like a place to set up camp, consider heading out to Than Bok Khorani National Park, a secluded place with no concrete accommodation but an abundance of plant species culminating in a very picturesque pond surrounded by gardenias and apocynaceae. The park also boasts several limestone caves and some lovely mangrove forests. Many visit on a day trip from Phuket.
Rock climbing
Many rock climbing outfitters in Krabi also give lessons at various skill levels to help you improve your rock climbing abilities. The limestone cliffs and unique stone formations have helped Krabi carve out a global reputation among rock climbing circles. Ton Sai is the first stop for most climbers, as it’s the most frequented climbed spot in the area. Other climbing outings to more secluded areas are easily arranged with the help of climbing outfitters.
Koh Lanta Marine National Park
The sea gypsies, or Chai Leh, still live and work on the island of Koh Lanta—now a marine national park. For centuries they have practiced their own form of spirit worship and spoken their own distinct language. This island also has the region's standard fare of beautiful beaches, unique rock formations and stunning coral reefs for exploration. Some of the rainforest on this island is virtually untouched and remains protected. Visitors can rent bungalows and stay a while. It’s also connected to Phi Phi island by ferry.
Shell Fossil Cemetery
Thirty five million years ago, the site of Ban Laem Pho Cape was an enormous freshwater swamp that hosted millions of small snails. The remains of these creatures formed a fossilised composite that has grown almost 16 inches thick. This huge slab has become one of Krabi's most popular attractions and can be reached via a 10-mile drive from the town of Krabi.
Krabi nightlife
Ao Nang Beach resort area is the primary tourist hub of Krabi, with Krabi Town itself not offering a whole lot to out-of-towners except for a glimpse of everyday life for the locals. While not quite as exciting as Phuket, in the resort area you'll find bars and restaurants whose doors remain open past midnight, though you'll be hard-pressed to find any exhilarating parties or discotheques. Instead, this is a more family-oriented holiday spot with some nice restaurants and a relaxed, quiet atmosphere.
Scuba diving
The official diving season in Krabi is from November to Mach, though the conditions are hospitable all year round and divers are here at every time of the year. Snorkelling is also a great way to get a view of the coral reefs. Diving companies on the mainland can get you certified as a diver and will also arrange diving trips out to all of the best reefs in the surrounding area. The diving at Phi Phi is especially good.
Biking
Bikes can be rented in the Ao Nang resort area, and a cycling loop that heads out of town guides cyclist through the limestone rock formations that dot the landscape. The road curves through old villages and groves of coconut trees, and riders can stretch this spectacular route into as much as 15 or 20 miles of biking.
Railay Beach
Railay Beach may be the region's most unique coastal area, with its crescent shaped coastline that's cut off from the mainland by huge outcroppings of rock. Only accessible by boat, you can charter a vessel to drop you off for a daytrip to Phra Nang, a sacred enshrined cave, or for an overnight stay in one of the resorts that lay claim to these peaceful beaches. Even the beaches at Phuket don’t even compete!
Daytrip to Wat Tham Seua
Wat Tham Seua is the largest temple in Krabi, and its name means Tiger Cave Temple. It's literally tucked into the limestone cliffs of Ao Luk Thanu mountain range, and the Buddhist monks that live and worship here do so in the caves themselves. The highlight of this temple is 'Buddha's footprint', located at the summit of a 1,272-step climb, a point that affords wonderful views of the countryside spreading in every direction.
2007/08/14
Spice up your holiday in Thailand - adventure activities abound
Looking to add some spice to your stay in Thailand? There's a lot more to do than just sun, sea and sand or visiting temples. More and more visitors combine their beach holiday and shopping tour with something more adrenalin pumping to really etch their stay into their long-term memory. Southern Thailand and the islands are famous for sea canoeing and game fishing, while the northern provinces abound with adventure choices, including trekking, caving, rafting, mountain biking and even hot air ballooning.
The longest running and best known soft adventure choice for visitors to Thailand is surely hill tribe trekking. Chiang Mai is the best base for this, with ever more tour agencies offering a plethora of organized treks to choose from. Treks range from one day to a week and typically include elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Overnight stays in hill tribe villages can provide for a wonderful cultural experience or be more like a trip to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, depending on the operator. Be prepared for some heavy walking and lots of spectacular nature.
River rafting has gained in popularity in recent years. The Nam Wa River near Nan sees lots of Thai tourists, as does the Mae Klong near Tak. The Pai River in Mae Hong Son Province is bordered by lush forests and widely untouched. The abundant birdlife and monkeys crossing the river are some of the attractions here. Nearer Chiang Mai is the Mae Cham River, popular for one-day rafting tours.
Mid-June to end of January is the best time, when water levels are not too low or too high. August and September see the most water and some rivers are too dangerous to negotiate at this time. Make sure the tour operator provides basic safety equipment such as helmets and life vests. A plunge overboard is a common occurrence while rafting.
If you want to keep your feet dry, try some mountain biking among the verdant peaks of northern Thailand. Plenty of tour operators organize trips from Chiang Mai with bikes, overnight accommodation, food and even back-up cars transporting supplies and luggage. You can also rent a bike and set off on your own. This is particularly easy for short, one-day trips.
Northern Thailand boasts some of the most spectacular cave systems in Asia, with many caves having already been developed, while others take more of an effort to explore. Possibly the best choice of caves is in Pang Mapha district between Pai and Mae Hong Son.
Here the famous Cave Lodge offers a prime base for exploring the vast network of pristine caves, many of which were first discovered by the lodge's Australian owner. If you decide to set off on your own just armed with a map and supplies, be sure to notify someone as to your destination and intended itinerary.
Down south, many caves can be explored by means of sea canoe. Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket are particularly popular with boating fans. Here you can easily book guided tours lasting from one to several days. Hidden lagoons, only accessible by canoe or kayak, make for prime camping spots.
Another option is game fishing for those who want to test their hunting skills. Phuket is the preferred base, with many operators offering tours including all equipment. A strict catch-and -release policy is enforced, so dinner will have to be in a restaurant. Adventure seekers are spoilt for choice no matter where they go in the Land of Smiles.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=505712
The longest running and best known soft adventure choice for visitors to Thailand is surely hill tribe trekking. Chiang Mai is the best base for this, with ever more tour agencies offering a plethora of organized treks to choose from. Treks range from one day to a week and typically include elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Overnight stays in hill tribe villages can provide for a wonderful cultural experience or be more like a trip to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, depending on the operator. Be prepared for some heavy walking and lots of spectacular nature.
River rafting has gained in popularity in recent years. The Nam Wa River near Nan sees lots of Thai tourists, as does the Mae Klong near Tak. The Pai River in Mae Hong Son Province is bordered by lush forests and widely untouched. The abundant birdlife and monkeys crossing the river are some of the attractions here. Nearer Chiang Mai is the Mae Cham River, popular for one-day rafting tours.
Mid-June to end of January is the best time, when water levels are not too low or too high. August and September see the most water and some rivers are too dangerous to negotiate at this time. Make sure the tour operator provides basic safety equipment such as helmets and life vests. A plunge overboard is a common occurrence while rafting.
If you want to keep your feet dry, try some mountain biking among the verdant peaks of northern Thailand. Plenty of tour operators organize trips from Chiang Mai with bikes, overnight accommodation, food and even back-up cars transporting supplies and luggage. You can also rent a bike and set off on your own. This is particularly easy for short, one-day trips.
Northern Thailand boasts some of the most spectacular cave systems in Asia, with many caves having already been developed, while others take more of an effort to explore. Possibly the best choice of caves is in Pang Mapha district between Pai and Mae Hong Son.
Here the famous Cave Lodge offers a prime base for exploring the vast network of pristine caves, many of which were first discovered by the lodge's Australian owner. If you decide to set off on your own just armed with a map and supplies, be sure to notify someone as to your destination and intended itinerary.
Down south, many caves can be explored by means of sea canoe. Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket are particularly popular with boating fans. Here you can easily book guided tours lasting from one to several days. Hidden lagoons, only accessible by canoe or kayak, make for prime camping spots.
Another option is game fishing for those who want to test their hunting skills. Phuket is the preferred base, with many operators offering tours including all equipment. A strict catch-and -release policy is enforced, so dinner will have to be in a restaurant. Adventure seekers are spoilt for choice no matter where they go in the Land of Smiles.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=505712
2007/08/12
Visiting Chiang Mai – Top 10 attractions and activities
By Derek Kirk
Visitors to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand come for the quaint, unhurried pace of life, the bargain shopping and the potential to break out on retreats into the mountains and jungle with a trekking trip. Whatever your reason for coming, Chiang Mai promises plenty of opportunities for excitement, relaxation and historic journeys into the city’s past.
A trip to Mae Sa
A 30–minute drive to Mae Sa is a fun event for the entire family, as the area is packed with activities. Tourists venture out for the orchid nurseries; the well–known Elephant Camp where visitors can ride elephants and watch performances including a football match played by elephants; a snake farm and bungee jumping. Finally, the Mae Sa Waterfall offers a place to relax or perhaps go hiking.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai is well–known for its handicrafts, silk and large markets. This all comes to a focus at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a veritable shopper’s dream. Stretching the entire length of Chang Klan road, this market has become more of a tourist’s domain than it once was. Here you’ll find an assortment of jewellery, clothing, antiques, silver, all manners of souvenirs and knock–off designer items. It’s open every evening until midnight. This is where you’ll find many of Chiang Mai hotels.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Situated south of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a unique wildlife preserve and often makes for a comfortable cool weather retreat after spending time in the city. It’s the tallest mountain in Thailand at a grand height of 8,415 feet. Camping is permitted in the park and the natural surroundings make for an excellent getaway. This is one of the best places for trekking in Northern Thailand.
Wat Phratat Doi Suthep
Overlooking the Old City of Chiang Mai, the mountain of Doi Suthep holds one of Thailand’s most sacred temples. The 300–stair climb leads you to the large chedi and golden spire. This large temple complex dates back to the 14th century and the view of the city achieved from the marble courtyard is worth the trip alone. No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without visiting Doi Suthep. Ask the concierge at the hotels for assistance getting up there, it’s one of the most important in Thailand.
Thai massage and spas
Places to get a massage can literally be found on almost every street of the Old City, and prices range depending on quality and accessibility. Thai massage is world–renown, and some of the most skilled masseurs can be found in the more upscale spas, which also offer body scrubs and detox and beautification treatments. Even at these high–end facilities, the money spent is still fantastic value when compared to the superb quality of the treatment.
Chiang Mai Zoo
Don’t be surprised if a local asks you if you’ve visited the zoo yet–most likely, they’re wondering if you've seen the pair of pandas which are on loan from China, an endless source of pride for locals. These are only two of the more than 6,000 animals on display at the zoo which sits at the base of Suthep Mountain, from where there are wonderful views of the city.
Courses and training
Chiang Mai overflows with all sorts of courses in which tourists can enrol for only a few days or weeks at a time. Due to the affordable prices and the comfortable atmosphere in Chiang Mai, visitors are tempted to dig in and stay a while. So whether you’re looking to learn the art of Thai massage, perfect your Thai cooking skills or study Thai boxing, you’ll find it here for every level and length of time. When in Thailand this is highly recommended.
The Old City
A tour of the Old City is easily done on foot or by bike, and is the best way to come face–to–face with Chiang Mai’s legacy. Portions of the old wall were restored in the 19th century, and the 700–year–old moat that surrounds the city has been beautifully preserved. The city gates have also been restored, and each marks an important commercial avenue in or out of the city. Temples are spread across the entire Old City, and some of the more important include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phrasingh and Wat Chiang Mai.
Adventure sports
Any number of adventure sports can be organised through travel agencies in Chiang Mai. Some of the more popular outings include white–water rafting on the Mae Tang River, which is 1 hour, 30 minute drive out of town; mountain biking on Doi Suthep with the added bonus of spending time at the temple if you make it all the way to the top, and rock climbing at Crazy Horse Buttress. There’s also an outdoor climbing wall located to one side of the Night Bazaar. Trekking in Chiang Mai is perhaps the biggest drawcard
Trekking Northern Thailand
It’s impossible to list the major attractions of Chiang Mai without mentioning trekking. Tour guide operators use the city as a springboard from which to organise trips into the surrounding mountainous jungles. Expeditions are packed with a variety of activities and range from daytrips to several night journeys that include hiking, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Routes are planned around hill tribe villages, where overnight accommodation is provided. Trekking is the best way to see rural Northern Thailand.
http://www.1stopchiangmai.com/articles/top_10/
Visitors to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand come for the quaint, unhurried pace of life, the bargain shopping and the potential to break out on retreats into the mountains and jungle with a trekking trip. Whatever your reason for coming, Chiang Mai promises plenty of opportunities for excitement, relaxation and historic journeys into the city’s past.
A trip to Mae Sa
A 30–minute drive to Mae Sa is a fun event for the entire family, as the area is packed with activities. Tourists venture out for the orchid nurseries; the well–known Elephant Camp where visitors can ride elephants and watch performances including a football match played by elephants; a snake farm and bungee jumping. Finally, the Mae Sa Waterfall offers a place to relax or perhaps go hiking.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai is well–known for its handicrafts, silk and large markets. This all comes to a focus at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, a veritable shopper’s dream. Stretching the entire length of Chang Klan road, this market has become more of a tourist’s domain than it once was. Here you’ll find an assortment of jewellery, clothing, antiques, silver, all manners of souvenirs and knock–off designer items. It’s open every evening until midnight. This is where you’ll find many of Chiang Mai hotels.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Situated south of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park is a unique wildlife preserve and often makes for a comfortable cool weather retreat after spending time in the city. It’s the tallest mountain in Thailand at a grand height of 8,415 feet. Camping is permitted in the park and the natural surroundings make for an excellent getaway. This is one of the best places for trekking in Northern Thailand.
Wat Phratat Doi Suthep
Overlooking the Old City of Chiang Mai, the mountain of Doi Suthep holds one of Thailand’s most sacred temples. The 300–stair climb leads you to the large chedi and golden spire. This large temple complex dates back to the 14th century and the view of the city achieved from the marble courtyard is worth the trip alone. No trip to Chiang Mai is complete without visiting Doi Suthep. Ask the concierge at the hotels for assistance getting up there, it’s one of the most important in Thailand.
Thai massage and spas
Places to get a massage can literally be found on almost every street of the Old City, and prices range depending on quality and accessibility. Thai massage is world–renown, and some of the most skilled masseurs can be found in the more upscale spas, which also offer body scrubs and detox and beautification treatments. Even at these high–end facilities, the money spent is still fantastic value when compared to the superb quality of the treatment.
Chiang Mai Zoo
Don’t be surprised if a local asks you if you’ve visited the zoo yet–most likely, they’re wondering if you've seen the pair of pandas which are on loan from China, an endless source of pride for locals. These are only two of the more than 6,000 animals on display at the zoo which sits at the base of Suthep Mountain, from where there are wonderful views of the city.
Courses and training
Chiang Mai overflows with all sorts of courses in which tourists can enrol for only a few days or weeks at a time. Due to the affordable prices and the comfortable atmosphere in Chiang Mai, visitors are tempted to dig in and stay a while. So whether you’re looking to learn the art of Thai massage, perfect your Thai cooking skills or study Thai boxing, you’ll find it here for every level and length of time. When in Thailand this is highly recommended.
The Old City
A tour of the Old City is easily done on foot or by bike, and is the best way to come face–to–face with Chiang Mai’s legacy. Portions of the old wall were restored in the 19th century, and the 700–year–old moat that surrounds the city has been beautifully preserved. The city gates have also been restored, and each marks an important commercial avenue in or out of the city. Temples are spread across the entire Old City, and some of the more important include Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phrasingh and Wat Chiang Mai.
Adventure sports
Any number of adventure sports can be organised through travel agencies in Chiang Mai. Some of the more popular outings include white–water rafting on the Mae Tang River, which is 1 hour, 30 minute drive out of town; mountain biking on Doi Suthep with the added bonus of spending time at the temple if you make it all the way to the top, and rock climbing at Crazy Horse Buttress. There’s also an outdoor climbing wall located to one side of the Night Bazaar. Trekking in Chiang Mai is perhaps the biggest drawcard
Trekking Northern Thailand
It’s impossible to list the major attractions of Chiang Mai without mentioning trekking. Tour guide operators use the city as a springboard from which to organise trips into the surrounding mountainous jungles. Expeditions are packed with a variety of activities and range from daytrips to several night journeys that include hiking, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Routes are planned around hill tribe villages, where overnight accommodation is provided. Trekking is the best way to see rural Northern Thailand.
http://www.1stopchiangmai.com/articles/top_10/
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