Chiang Mai Province Travel Guide
Chiang Mai province is the most visited tourist destination in the north of Thailand and has most of the region’s attractions. It is also one of the largest provinces geographically, mostly mountainous but with a big, broad valley where the busy administrative centre of Chiang Mai has ruled the region for the past 700 years.
Highlights of this province include the Old Town centre in the city, with its many ancient temples, the revered Suthep temple on the mountain to the west of the city, excavated ruins of the original city at Wiang Khum Kham and the national park of Doi Suthep with its waterfalls, botanical garden and Night Safari.
Other attractions in the province include the popular Doi Inthanon National Park, which features Thailand’s highest mountain (2,550m), and some impressive waterfalls. The impressive mountain range to the east of the city is also worth visiting, with an eco-village, hot springs and cave.
North of Chiang Mai city is Chiang Dao Mountain and caves and the nearby Sri Lanna National Park. The province extends north to the Myanmar border to include the highlands of Doi Angkhang. The Huai Nam Dang National Park off the spectacular windy mountain road to Pai is another excellent highlands nature reserve.
On the whole Chiang Mai boasts an excellent tourist infrastructure with good roads, making it ideal for self-drive excursions. The city itself is a curious blend of ancient sites, a laid back atmosphere and cosmopolitan facilities. It’s also famous for its handicraft industry, suited to shoppers, and preserved Lanna culture.