You will never run out of things to do in Chiang Mai. With over 300 temples to explore, this northern Thai cultural hub has so much to offer; the temples are just a taste. Don’t
You will never run out of things to do in Chiang Mai. With over 300 temples to explore, this northern Thai cultural hub has so much to offer; the temples are just a taste. Don’t forget that there are plenty of other things to keep you busy in this city, from museums to markets, and the nature immediately surrounding the city is of abundant natural beauty. If you need extra inspiration, here’s our list of Chiang Mai‘s top 4 attractions.
1. Bua Thong Waterfall (Nam Phu Chet Si)
If you go out of Chiang Mai and travel for about 40 kilometers, you can visit the Bua Thong waterfall. It’s only an hour’s drive away, and they’re well worth the trip. The waterfalls are located in Mae Taeng National Forest Reserves, and these waterfalls are simply mesmerizing to watch. The base of the waterfall, whitened by the action of calcium carbonate, sparkles under the rays of the sun.
A staircase allows you to see these waters better and to take splendid photographs. Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit, but you might want a break from the city buzz, and Bua Thong Waterfall provides the perfect place to do that. You can spend time gazing at the crystal clear waters to enjoy a good time.
2. Wat Chiangman
It would be impossible to list things to do in Chiang Mai without mentioning its temples. The temples are certainly not the only attraction in the city, but they are among the main attractions for tourists, so you should definitely try to visit a few when you are in Chiang Mai.
The old temple in Chiang Mai is Wat Chiang Man, which was originally founded in the 13th century. There are no records from the time; however, the first reference to the temple’s creation can be found on a stone tablet engraved in 1581 in the ordination hall. It is not only the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, but its attraction also comes from the Buddha it houses.
This representation of Buddha is the oldest to have been created during the time of the ancient kingdom of Lanna. This temple also houses a marble Buddha, Phra Sila, and a crystal Buddha, Phra Sae Tang Khamani. Wat Chiang Man is an incredible place that must be discovered when visiting Chiang Mai.
3. Museum of Insects and Wonders of the World
It’s safe to say that the Museum of Insects and Wonders of the World isn’t for everyone, but it’s one of the most original and fascinating things to do in Chiang Mai. This museum has a fair amount of insect exhibits, as well as arachnids and crustaceans. If you don’t like creepy crawlies, then you might not understand the point of this Chiang Mai attraction, but if you like multi-legged creatures, you will find the museum an interesting and fun place to visit.
You won’t just find insects and the like but also fossils, fish, shells, stones, wood, and other elements. A visit to the Museum of Insects and Wonders of the World is a journey into the history of nature, part of it dating back millions of years. As its name suggests, this is not a local species museum. The exhibition you can discover concerns the nature of the whole world, not only that of the city of Chiang Mai or Thailand.
4. Huay Tung Tao Lake
The landscape of Huay Tung Tao Lake is absolutely stunning. The water in the lake is calm and flat and rests against a splendid mountainous backdrop. If you’re wondering what to do in Chiang Mai, a trip to Huay Tung Tao Lake will give you plenty of photographic opportunities.
You can even explore the lake itself in one of the pedalos that can be hired there. The lake is also a good place to meet Thai families who spend time relaxing while the children play in the water. You can sit and rest, or if you want to be a little more active, you can walk or cycle along the path that runs alongside the lake.
Many visitors to Huay Tung Tao Lake have a picnic here, but you don’t have to bring your food with you. You will indeed find about twenty restaurants on the lake, where meals are served in an environment reminiscent of a picnic. If you want to have a relaxing time in a splendid setting, enjoying delicious food, then Huay Tung Tao Lake will be your first destination.
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