Chiang Mai Zoo - Chiang Mai Attractions

Chiang Mai Zoo was established by The Zoological Park Organization, Thailand in 1974. Situate on 531 acres of verdant forest land at the foothill of Doi Suthep mountain, hilly terrain surrounded the zoo which is, home to thousands of species of wild plants and flowers adorning the natural landscape of valleys, streams and waterfalls.

Chiang Mai Zoo is the first and only zoo in Northern Thailand where visitors can experience the excitement and intimacy of various species of animals in their natural habitat.

The highlight of Chiang Mai zoo is Lin Ping. Lin Ping is panda of Chiang Mai Zoo. Chiang Mai people is happy when he born.

In 2001, The vice-prime minister and minister of defence (a full general Chawalit Yongjaiyut) talked with the president and prime minister of The People's Republic of China about the giant panda.

He wanted to display giant panda in Thailand. The government of China was glad to give 1 pair of giant panda for friendship ambassador and celebration of Her Majesty the Queen's 6 cycle birthday anniversary in 2004. So, that is the reason for the project for panda research and display in Thailand.

The government of Thailand entrusted the Zoological Park Organization to take responsibility for these very rare giant panda. They are on display at Chiang Mai Zoo in Chiang Mai province.

Map of Chiang Mai Zoo

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victory of three kings - Chiang Mai

The Three Kings Statue is in front of the old provincial hall very close to the center of the old city. At the south west corner of the square on Inthawororot Road is the site of the former temple and original location of Chiang Mai pillar - Wat Sadoe Muang, which means "temple of the navel of the city". According to legend the site was a former grove where Mangrai saw two fearless white deer drive off a pack of hunting dogs. He took this as an auspicious omen for the citing of the city. The three worked together to lay out the city of Chiang Mai. The sculpture has become something of an iconic image representing Chiang Mai. You will see it reproduced in various forms all around the city.

The only remains of the temple are two chedi. An inscription nearby dates the octagonal chedi back to the 14th century. The Buddha images under the shelter go back to the time of Kawila.

Behind the monument stands the old provincial hall. It was converted into an Art and Culture Hall. Across Phrapokklao Road to the east stands the Chiang Mai magistrate court.

On the north-east corner of the Phrapokklao - Ratwithi intersection is Yupparat School, which was built on the grounds of the former palace of the kings of Chiang Mai. The Wooden building that stand at the corner near the intersection is the former stable for white elephants - a symbol of power and nobility - belong to former Chao.

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Shangri-la Hotel Chiang Mai

The Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel, with 281 finely appointed rooms. Situate in a lush garden setting, the hotel is just a 10-minute drive from Chiang Mai International Airport. It also enjoys, close proximity to fascinating museums, cultural centres, soft-adventure excursions and Chiang Mai’s numerous temples, shops and art galleries.

Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai offers a broad range of services, facilities and amenities while still providing personalized service and Shangri-La's internationally renowned hospitality.

Shangri-la Hotel Located on Chang Klan road, this Shangri-la property in the Thai town of Chiang Mai is just minutes away from the famous Night Market. A short tuk-tuk ride with take you to the various temples, restaurants as well as the Sunday Market, but with the pleasant weather, you won't mind walking either. The three dining facilities on-site serve Thai, Indian, Mediterranean, Chinese, Japanese as well as European cuisine to please all tastes. A trip to the spa is a must, and if time is not a constraint you should definitely pick a package treatment. In addition to that the fitness center unlike most found at hotel's offers daily aerobics and dance classes. The two meeting rooms and the business center will appeal to the executive who want to keep in touch with work. The hotel is perfect for both leisure as well as business travelers with a range of facilities to please to either group.

Deluxe Room

Premier Room

Lobby

The Lobby Lounge

WoW Pool Bar

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La

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Imperial Mae Ping Hotel Chiang Mai

The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel features 371 fully furnished guestrooms comprising 248 superior rooms, 88 deluxe rooms and 35 Junior Suites and Royal Suites.

Room interiors are in tastefully distinctive,elegant and luxurious Lanna style befitting the rich heritage of this glorious region dating back some 700 years.

This centrally located hotel near the Night Bazaar, Anusarn Market, and Wat Chai Mong Ko, has two business centers for the executive.The hotel is also close to the remains of the ancient city walls that once protected this historic city and an abundance of glorious temples dating back as far as the 14th century. The Mae Ping River flows quietly through the center, whilst the Imperial peak of Doi Suthep majestically guards the city. Additional nearby attractions include the flower market and Warorot Market and tours can be arranged to visit the hill tribes, elephant camps and the beautiful outlying countryside. The hotel boosts two outdoor pools and a full service spa and offers a choice of dining options including the Gold Leaf Restaurant for Chinese cuisine, the Imperial Shabu Shabu for Japanese cuisine and the Mae Ping Coffee Shop for international breakfast lunch and dinner. The Mae Ping Beer Garden is a delightful option to begin or end your night with a draught beer. Chiang Mai is a city not to be missed and the hotels small touches such as turning down the well equipped rooms in the evening, helps make your stay comfortable.

Superior Room

Deluxe Room

Junior Suite

Royal Suite

Royal Grand Suite

Ground swiming pool

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Sunday Walking Street Market Chiang Mai

Every Sunday, from 4pm until midnight, one of Chiang Mai’s great weekly events takes place. Walking Street Market starts at Thapae Gate and runs along the length of Ratchadamnoen Road through the heart of the Old City and has become a Chiang Mai institution. The street, which is closed entirely to traffic, is a focal point for local people to meet, browse, socialise, haggle and enjoy. There numbers are considerably swelled by both Thai and foreign visitors to Chiang Mai and the whole area buzzes with the kind of excitement that can only be generated by a large number of people at leisure.

Walking Street Market is also known as the Weekend or Sunday market and is a real showcase of the art and craftsmanship of Northern Thailand. is the best opportunity for buying amazing Thai handicrafts, clothing, shoes, food, handmade soaps, dolls, pillow cases, art work and more - and all at incredibly cheap prices. Here, you'll not only find Thai crafts and products you won't see anywhere else, it's also located in an area full of coffee shops, sidewalk cafes, bars, restaurants, beautiful Thai temples and more food stalls than you've ever seen.

The goods available are made from an incredible array of materials including: wood, metals, ceramics, fabrics, paper, coconuts and much more besides. The products are truly authentic and original and are the perfect place to find gifts or beautiful things to decorate your home. If you are purchasing, don’t forget to bargain. Any item that is not marked with a fixed price is open for negotiation and is all part of the fun. The stall holders, many of whom have other jobs and only trade at the market, love banter and as long as you smile and barter in a good natured way you will have a great experience.

Food and drink is also available in glorious abundance at the Sunday Market. There are a number of temples along Rachadamnoen Road and their grounds are open to vendors, many of whom sells fabulous local treats fresh cooked before your eyes.

The Sunday Market is the best place in Chiang Mai to see genuine Thai style street entertainment. Right along the length of the Ratchadamoen Road are pavement artists of all descriptions, traditional musicians, Thai dancers, living statues, puppet shows and rock bands. This all adds to the festive nature of the market and makes it an unmissable event.

Chiang Mai's Sunday Walking Street Market is located in Old Town. On Sundays around 4pm, the city closes off the entire street , plus other streets off the main road. Then stall keepers start to set up their wares. you'll see stalls selling photograph frames, hill tribe pillowcases and bed spreads, handmade jewelry, slippers, bags, Thai silk shawls and scarves - pretty much anything you can think of. At the Sunday Walking Street Market, you will also see Thai products you have never seen anywhere else as many of the products are OTOP (One Tambon, One Product) items that are only available in northern Thailand. Unlike other markets, everything is also at 'Thai prices', which means you'll get a similar or the same price as a Thai person for most products. At other markets, if you're a tourist, you will never get Thai price, even if you're with a Thai.

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Holiday Inn Hotel - Chiang Mai Hotels

In an ancient city of ultramodern sophistication, the Holiday Inn offers luxurious accommodations just minutes from Chiang Mai's temples and the Night Bazaar - one of Asia's most fascinating markets. Spacious guest rooms offer views of the Ping River or Doi Suthep, the sacred mountain. Business travelers will appreciate the comprehensive business center and beautifully appointed meeting rooms. At day's end, relax with live music in the Vienna Lounge or enjoy dining in one of the Holiday Inn 's three restaurants.

Holiday Inn Chiang Mai is superbly located on the bank of the Ping River with easy access to the business and shopping areas, including the world famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. It is the only riverside hotel on the northern bank offering expansive riverside views from all rooms.

For a genuine relaxation, Holiday Inn, Chiang Mai (Fromer Sheraton Chiang Mai ) in Chiang Mai boasts 526 elegantly-furnished guestrooms. Each room is tastefully decorated to create an atmospheric accommodation for exclusive guests. The first rate room amenities are well-selected for utmost comfort featuring room_amenity, Air-Conditioning, Bathrobe, Bathroom Amenities, Data Port/Laptop Connection, Fire safety system with smoke detector.

Holiday Inn, Chiang Mai (Fromer Sheraton Chiang Mai ) hotel is an oasis away from your busy and tiring day in Chiang Mai. Hotel guests will be able to benefit from fantastic in-house facilities and recreations throughout their stay. Lie down for an aromatic massage in the magnificent spa or opt for more options such as Guests can spend their precious time at Fitness Centre, Massage, Outdoor Swimming Pool (s), Sauna, Spa..

Services and hospitality are the selling points for Holiday Inn, Chiang Mai (Fromer Sheraton Chiang Mai ) <Chiang Mai. Guests request, big or small, will be considered as top priorities among the staffs. Their professionalism is ensured that all your concerns will be dealt with promptly. What?s more, Holiday Inn, Chiang Mai (Fromer Sheraton Chiang Mai ) also provides extra services for your comfort such as Car Parking,Car Rental,Concierge Service ,Laundry Service,Medical Service.

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The Good View Bar & Restaurant - Chiang Mai Restaurant

Established in 19 January 1996, The Good View has now become one of the most influencial bar & restaurant in Chiang Mai. Influential in this context, The Good View has been giving a great example of enjoying Chiang Mai by dining and wining, with good music in a good atmosphere.

The Good View is a restaurant & bar which accompanied by live bands performing live music for the main entertainment. The concept has never changed but it is always added with new style. In another word, "Updated".

Located in the Chiang Mai's famous entertainment street, the Charoen Raj Rd, the Good View is one of the main focus for the locals and visitors to experience Chiang Mai way of wine & dine.

Wine & dine besides the well known Ping River, The Good View serves a fashionable traditional food & drinks. Also, The Good View serves international Thai cuisine, European cuisine, and Japanese cuisine.

With the above wide range of food menus, The Good View also have an extensive selection of wine, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and amazing choices of cocktails.

Designed in contemporary wooden style, The Good View gives an easy atmosphere and semi-formal place to experience Chiang Mainightlife.

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Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai Hotel

Set in over 60 acres of landscaped gardens, we offer a self contained world of beauty, incorporating serene paddy fields and exotic plantations. Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi is Chiang Mai’s only luxury hotel and resort where you can enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful spas and surround yourself with the rich heritage of the Lanna Kingdom. It is 10 km to the centre of Chiang Mai
The design of our suites, villas and residences is a visual journey through the history of the Lanna region, from the glory of northern Thailand to the influences of neighbouring Myanmar, China and Laos and the introduction of colonial architecture. We offer our guests the choice of private two-floor villas, colonial-style suites or the grandeur of our Residences. All of our spacious suites and villas have separate sitting areas and generously proportioned bathrooms and some villas feature private outdoor plunge pools. Throughout our resort, we offer an atmosphere of culture and calm, with the display of beautiful artifacts from our private collection amidst the welcome shroud of lush tropical greenery.

Deluxe Villa with Pool As the name suggests, the finest of all villas special for honeymoon couple with specific lucky room number comes with a very private pool and outdoor Jacuzzi together with the ultimate luxury of vast living space, which makes it hard to ever leave (even to go for breakfast). Other additional features are an outdoor deck, in-room massage area and upper terrace for sun bathing. This villa is approximately 244 square meters/2623 square feet.
Colonial Suite

These luxurious suites feature a King or Twin bedroom, a living room which leads out onto a 22 square meter / 235 square feet terrace overlooking the gardens, and a bathroom with a whirlpool tub and separate shower stall. Connecting rooms, and rooms for those with special needs, are also available. The suites measure approximately 88 square meters/964 square feet.

Grand Deluxe Villa with Plunge Pool

This ultra luxurious two-storey teak wood Villa is facing the rice paddy fields. The ground floor’s additional features are a dining room, steam shower, massage area and your very own private plunge pool with a sun deck. The spacious bedroom upstairs comes with high ceiling and a King Bed. There is a separate study room and the usual bathroom luxurious features such as the whirlpool tub. This villa is approximately 200 square meters/2150 square feet.

Grand Deluxe Villa with Plunge Pool

This ultra luxurious two-storey teak wood Villa is facing the rice paddy fields. The ground floor’s additional features are a dining room, steam shower, massage area and your very own private plunge pool with a sun deck. The spacious bedroom upstairs comes with high ceiling and a King Bed. There is a separate study room and the usual bathroom luxurious features such as the whirlpool tub. This villa is approximately 200 square meters/2150 square feet.

Farang Ses Restaurant

Serving the finest French cuisine in Thailand, the restaurant is located in a magnificent Thai teak pavilion overlooking the resort’s paddy fields.

Fitness Centre

Colonial pool

Kids Rice Planting

Oriental Culinary Academy

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Chiang Mai Flower Festival

If you are obsessed with beautiful flowers and decorative plants, this is the festival for you. Experience these beautiful flower-decorated floats and a magnificent tapestry of floral splendor that blankets the land. There are also agricultural exhibitions, floral contents, and product sales by local groups of housewives.

The Chiang Mai Folwer Festival started every year during the first weekend in February . The city is awash with vibrant colors ranging from the electric orange and lilac colors of the bougainvillea to the velvety blossoms of petunias in all shades of pink, white and purple. The strident red of the poinsettias, bought by many at Christmas and New Years, is echoed by beds of scarlet salvias. Homes and shop owners alike line the city streets with colorful flower boxes. The sheer profusion of color that the flower festival and carnival brings to Chiang mai aptly gives the city its name “Rose of the North”.

A highlight of the festival is the grand parade that attracts sponsoring companies and organisations that beautify floats with elaborate flower decorations, presenting an eco-tourism message or just simply stealing the hearts of spectators with their vivid colours and beauty.

The parade leads up to the annual beauty competition to crown the city’s flower queen, who represents the flower growers and exporters as an ambassador of good will.

The Chiang Mai Folwer Festival starting at the railway station, passing through Nawarat Bridge throughout the main city streets and finally setting at Nong Buak Hat Park with flower displays, gardening technique shows, and of course flower for sale.
Entertainment, an opportunity to dine on tasty northern snacks and view cultural performances are clearly features that draw both visitors and locals to this annual event.

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Doi Inthanon National Park Chiang Mai

Doi Inthanon is thailand's most famous national park that cover 1005 square kilometers and is located between amphoe chom Thong, Amphoe San Pa Tong and Amphoe Mae Chame of Chiang Mai. Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain that stands 2565 meters above sea level, is part of the park. The park has the largest tract of upper mountain forest that originates in the main tributaries of the Mae Ping River, forming beautiful waterfalls, namely Siriphum, Wachirathan, Mae Pan, Mae Klang and Mae Ya. The moist and dense evergreen forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids and offers marvellous sights featuring chestnuts, oaks, magnolias, epiphytic flowers and wild orchids. This national park is a paradise for birdwatchers where many kinds of birds are found such as Blue-winged Minlas, Green Cochoas, Red-headed Trogons, Green-tailed Sunbirds and Ashy-throated Warblers. Many endemic species of mammal can also be found in the park such as the Szechuan Burrowing Shrew.

Doi Inthanon National Park itself lies roughly 90 minutes drive southwest of Chiang Mai and is popular for its magnificent waterfalls, flora and excellent views. You can drive all the way to the top, where stately chedis have been erected in honour of the present King and Queen of Thailand. The climate up at the top is almost alpine and cool at all times of the year, with sub-zero (Celsius) temperatures in winter.

On the top of Doi Inthanon are the Royal Chedis, from where you can have sweeping views of the valley below, especially Mae Chaem. However, cloud cover is the norm and visibility may be poor. The chedis commemorate the 60th birthday of the King and Queen and contain Buddha images and tiled murals.

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Wat Prathat Doi Suthep Chiang Mai

Wat Prathat doi suthep , Thsis Buddhist temple is situated on top of the eastern mountain included in Dio Suthep-Pui National Park , which is 262.5 Square Km in extent, overlooks Chiang Mai city 15 km below. There is a 300 step staircase that leads up the mountain to the temple , and for those who wish to access the temple quickly there is an elevator. The full length fo the staircase on either side has the body of a dragon,with the dragon heads at the botton fo the stairs. Because of the high altitude, the weather on the upper slopes of the mountains is cool and pleasant all year round, average temperature is about 20-23 c.In the cool season, the air is cold and clear.Temperature can drop as low as 6 c in February . August and September are the wettest months whith daily rain falls.This is one of Thailand's most revered Temples and must be visited. It takes 30 minutes to get there.

Legend of Wat Prathat doi suthep

According to legend, a monk named Sumanathera from Sukhothai had a dream; in this dream god told him to go to Pang Cha and look for a relic. Sumanathera ventured to Pang Cha and is said to have found a bone, which many claim was Buddha's shoulder bone. The relic displayed magical powers; it glowed, it was able to vanish, it could move itself and replicate itself. Sumanathera took the relic to King Dharmmaraja who ruled the Sukhothai.

The eager Dharmmaraja made offerings and hosted a ceremony when Sumanathera arrived. However the relic displayed no abnormal characteristics, and the king, doubtful of the relic's authenticity, told Sumanathera to keep it.

However, King Nu Naone of the Lanna Kingdom heard of the relic and offered the monk to take it to him instead. In 1368 with Dharmmaraja's permission, Sumanathera took the relic to what is now Lamphun, in northern Thailand. The relic apparently split in two, one piece was the same size, the other was smaller than the original. The smaller piece of the relic was enshrined at a temple in Suandok. The other piece was placed by the King on the back of a white elephant which was released in the jungle. The elephant is said to have climbed up Doi Suthep, at the time called Doi Aoy Chang (Sugar Elephant Mountain), trumpeted three times before dying at the site. It was interpreted as a sign and King Nu Naone ordered the construction of a temple at the site.

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Chiang Mai Loi Kratong (Yi Peng) Festival

Loi Kratong Festival, which is also known as Yi Peng in the Chiang Mai, is the most colorful festival of the year. 'Yee' is means 'two' and 'Peng' is means 'Full moon' The festival is usually held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. It takes place over three days of the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, which is usually in November. The festival may have evolved from Brahmanic rites to honor the dead as well as local rites to bring an end to the rains.

Though legends suggest it was established by the time of King Tilokarat in the late 15th century, the origins of this festival prior to the 19th century are uncertain.

Kratong, Chiang Mai, Thailand Now people generally believe that by releasing floats and balloons they get rid of bad luck and give thanks to the water and heavenly elements. Older folks may say that it is to show gratitude to the Goddess of the River - Mae Khong Kha - for use of the water.

For the three nights of the festival people release small floats - Kratong - made of disks cut from the banana tree stem and banana leafs, with offerings that include incense, flowers, candles and money into the rivers and lakes. The Ping River becomes a stream of lights floating gently with the current. Small hot air balloons rise like lanterns high into the sky, complementing the floats drifting on the waters. Fireworks are let of everywhere, particularly on the banks of the Ping River, and there is a parade each night in Chiang Mai.

Float, Chiang Mai, Thailand The Loi Kratong festival begins the day before the full moon. People decorate the entrances of there houses with coconut branches, banana leafs, sugar-cane lanterns and colored paper. As dusk falls people light earthen lamps placed along the walls of their property and the fireworks start. The lantern parade takes place on Wang Sing Kham Road between Nawarat Bridge and Nakhorn Ping Bridge.

On the morning of the day of the full moon, people present offerings at the temples before releasing large hot air balloons from temple grounds. A competition for the best balloon is held in front of Chiang Mai Hall on Wang Sing Kham Road. Boat races are held on the river.

The colorfully lit floats form a long glittering parade as they make their ways to the Ping River. Meanwhile, up above thousands of 'khom loy' (floating lanterns) drift into the night sky. These large balloon-like lanterns are released at temples and sometimes from private homes in the hope that misfortune flies away with them.

In the year 2009 Loi Krathong Festival will be held on November 1 – 3. The hightlight of the event is the procession of big Krathong Contest passing along The Pae Road throught Warorot Market up to in front of the municipal office and the launching Krathong on the Ping River.
The Chiang Mai municipality together with other agencies both public and private sector organizes many attractive to create a new perception of the festival and preservation of local identily of Lanna people. The activities include a grand show Light & Sound presentation on the Ping River and local lanterns decolations aimed to promote the cultural heritage of Chiang Mai that has long history for 713 years.

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Chiang Mai People

The people of Chiang Maivary. The majority are farmers and artisans who speak their own melodic dialects and have their intrinsic traditions, festivals, architectural styles, original handicrafts, classical dances and distinguished cuisine. Hill tribes add to the variety by having a wealth of ancestral culture.

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Chiang Mai Weather and Temperature

Chiang Mai has 3 major seasons. The cool season begins in last October and lasts throughout Febuary with an average temperature of 21 c , usually cooler at night. The coldest months are December and January. The hot season begins in early March and lasts through to the end of May with an average temperature of 29.9 c. The hottest month is April. The rainy season begins in early June and lasts through to the end of October with an average temperature of 25.5 c with frequent rains in September.

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Chiang Mai Land and Nature

One of Chiang Mai's distinctions is the proximity of Thailand's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, that stands 2575 meters above sea level. Most of Chiang Mai's land features mountains and forests from north to south, creating a multitude of streams and tributaries. These include Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. Chiang Mai also has flat, fertile valleys spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in the province, the Ping River, which originates in the Chiang Dao Mountains.

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