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10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai – No.9   9. Karen Long Neck Tribe & Chiang Dao Cave  Boasting some of the most spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations in the country, Chiang Dao Cave stretches many kilometers into the mountains. Legend has it that it connects with several other caves before eventually emerges at the other end somewhere in Shan State across the border. The official figure, though, is 12 kilometers, and you can explore only a small part of it.  The cave is part of the 2,100-metre-high Doi Chiang Dao mountain range, the third-highest peak in Thailand formed by pushed up sea floors some 230-250 million years ago. For the most part, the cave is well-lit, but as you progress further in, even a powerful flashlight is useless. The best way to go about exploring the cave is to hire a guide, who is well-equipped with a kerosene lantern and know his way around. Padung Village – Long Neck Ethnic Hill-tribe  Fur...

10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai – No.8 8. Doi Pui Tribal Village and National Park  Doi Pui, at 1,685metres above sea level, is the highest peak in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. It is famous for its beautiful waterfalls which are easily reached from the main road. But one of the hottest attractions for Doi Pui must be Hmong Tribal Village situated less than five kilometers from the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. A visit to this village is an eye-opener into the tribal villagers’ private life. Witness their simple way of living, their homes, as well as learn about their culture through a collection of objects, such as musical instruments, traditional silver-embroidered costumes, and bamboo crafts.  Because of the high elevation, Doi Pui is enshrouded in mist and has a relatively cool climate all year round (average temperatures of 20 - 23 degrees Celsius). The forest cover consists of mixed deciduous and evergreen forests, with bursts of colorfu...

10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai – No.4 & No.5 4. Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai Wat Chedi Luang's massive chedi (pagoda) was built sometime between 1385 and 1402, during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 7th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty and is a distinctive feature of the Chiang Mai skyline. At its peak, the chedi measured 60 meters across at the square base and 80 meters tall and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred religious relic. Damaged during an earthquake in 1545, the chedi’s height is reduced to nearly half of its original size yet it is still an impressive structure. In 1992, the Fine Arts Department finished restoration work around the chedi, bringing back the naga (water serpent) staircase on each of its faces and wonderful statues of elephants adorning the base. The actual work on the chedi itself, however, was never quite complete, leaving it in its present state.   What to See at Wat Chedi Luang On Wat Che...

10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai - 3 3. Chiang Mai Night Safari Chiang Mai Night Safari - Modeled after the Singapore Night Safari, the Chiang Mai Night Safari park is part of the Thai government’s huge multi-million baht plan to increase Chiang Mai's attraction to tourists. The concept of the park is to provide visitors with a thrilling experience similar to being out in the wilderness at night. Apart from touring the three animal zones – Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl, Jaguar Trail – via an open-sided tram or on foot, enjoy a range of activities designed to keep you entertained throughout your visit, from hand-feeding wild animals and petting tiger cubs to a laser light show and ‘dancing’ fountain. Feature Attractions at Chiang Mai Night Safari Chiang Mai Night Safari’s three animal zones are set around the lake; two (Savanna Safari and Predator Prowl) are accessible via open-sided safari trams and one (Jaguar Trail) is a walking trail that you can wande...

10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai - No.2 2. Chiang Mai Zoo Although not the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of the city, the Chiang Mai Zoo is surprisingly interesting. Covering 200 acres of land in the foothills of Doi Suthep and providing excellent views of the city in addition to its fascinating wildlife exhibits, Chiang Mai Zoo is certainly worth a visit, especially if you've had your fill of temples. The Animals in Chiang Mai Zoo Nearly 400 different species of animal are kept at the Chiang Mai Zoo, including elephants, tigers, chimpanzees, hippopotami and rhinoceroses. The zoo also features some outstanding special attractions such as the walk through aviary, a fascinating freshwater aquarium and the zoo's stars - Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui, two young pandas who were sent as goodwill ambassadors from China in 2003. The emphasis here is on creating a natural feeling environment, an illusion of being out in the wild....

10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai - No.1 Chiang Mai is both a natural and cultural destination. The city center retains a ‘small-town’ intimate feel and houses numerous historical temples and attractions within walking distances of each other. Just under half an hour’s drive, Chiang Mai’s verdant countryside and mountains offer limitless possibilities for nature explorations as well as visits to many fascinating ethnic hill-tribe villages. In fact, there are so many places to see in and surrounding the city that you’ll have to plan well to fit them all in, and this is where these Top 10 Chiang Mai Attractions come in very handy. 1. Doi Suthep Doi Suthep is a constant part of life in Chiang Mai. A Thai saying goes, "If you haven't tasted Khao Soi or seen the view from Doi Suthep, you haven't been to Chiang Mai." This regal mountain overlooks the city from the northwest, providing commanding views from its summit. Aside from its dominat...