:: City Attractions Part 2

Wat Saen Fang, is located on Tha Phae Road. This is an old temple, built in the Burmese style of architecture. The residence of the abbot, dating back for more than 100 years, is an interesting attraction in the temple compound. King Intavitchayanontha, the seventh king who governed Chiang Mai issued a command to destroy the residence of Phra Chao Gavirorossurivongs (Chao Chevit Ao), the sixth ruler of Chiang Mai 1877. Later his former residence was rebuilt in this temple. The celebration was held in 1878.

Wat Buppharam , located on Tha Phae Road, Muang district. The interesting attractions include the Burmese architectural chedi, the wooden carved roof of the main chapel, and the local style wooden small chapel.

Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city that was built in the reign of King Mengrai in 1286. The city was surrounded by ditches in every corner, and they were used as reservoirs. From the discoveries, there are 20 ancient remains in and around Wiang Kum Kam include buildings and temples of Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chang Kham , Wat Noi, Wat Pu Pia , Wat Ku Koa , Wat E Kang , Wat Hua Nong , and Wat Pu Song. The remains date from 21-22 Buddhist centuries.

Presently, Wiang Kum Kam is located in the south east of Chiang Mai, between Km.3-4 along Chiang Mai - Lamphun route, Tambon Wang Tan, Saraphi district. It is situated to the east of the Mae Ping River.

To get there- take the road at Nong Hoi Police box to the Ko Klang Pa Kluai intersection en route to Chedi Liam Police box.

Wat Chedi Liam or Chedi Ku Kham, the temple was built in 1288 in the reign of King Mengrai, after he had transferred the administrative responsibility of Lamphun town to his minister, Aey Fah. King Mengrai established a town in the northeast of Chiang Mai for 5 years and then resettled in a town near the Mae Ping River in 1277 and renamed it "Wiang Kum Kam". In 1287, the stupa of Wat Jamthewi, Lamphun was rebuilt in Wiang Kum Kam for the locals to worship.

 

After that for hundreds years, the temple was left abandoned. In 1908, a Burmese tycoon renovated it, thus the temple has influences of Burmese architecture instead of its former Khmer style. Only some parts were rebuilt in Khmer architecture.

Wat Chedi Chet Yot or Wat Photaram Viharn, is located on the Super Highway Road (Chiang Mai - Lampang), 4 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. It is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai and was recently renovated. The interesting attractions of this temple are the seven tapering finial-stupa which are supported by lovely divine sculptures at its base. The most interesting of all is that the stupa possesses architecture of the Phuttakaya stupa in India. Besides, the stupa contains ashes of King Tilokkarat, the king of the Mengrai Dynasty who built this temple, and it is worthy of a visit.

Chiang Mai National Museum is located on the Chiang Mai - Lampang Super Highway near Wat Chet Yot. The distinctive building was built in modern Lanna Thai architecture and features northern arts and culture. The area is peaceful and refreshing. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 09.00-16.00 hrs. and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays. Contact tel. 0-5322-1308 for more information.

Wat U Mong, is located on Suthep Road in the town. The spacious temple was founded in the reign of King Mengrai around 1296. Its renovation was done in the reign of King Keu Na. The large wall like building with a connecting tunnel inside, is a remarkable piece of art located in the temple compound. A large stupa is located near the temple's wall. Wat U Mong is blessed with various kinds of trees, thus making it an ideal meditation place.

Kad Suan Kaeo Art & Cultural Centre, is located in Kad Suan Kaeo Shopping Mall. As the name indicates, it is a centre of art and cultural performances. The Kad Suan Kaeo theatre is equipped with advanced technology where numerous Thai and foreign shows are performed. For more information contact, tel : 0-53 22-4333 ext. Kad Silpa.

Insect and Natural's Wonders Museum, has a fascinating collection of domestic and foreign insects including animal fossils. It is located at 72 Nimmanhemin, Soi 12 (Sirimangkhlalachan Soi 3), Huai Kaeo, Mueang district, tel : 0-5321-1891, fax : 0-5341-0916, E - mail : insects_museum@hotmail. com


:: Western Route (Highway No. 1004)

Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park , the superb landscaped national park covers an area of 262 square kilometres of Amphoe Mae Rim, Amphoe Hang Dong, and Amphoe Mueang. The park consists of verdant forests and mountain ranges.

Major mountains include Doi Suthep, Doi Buak Ha, and Doi Pui. This is a main source of tributaries and streams in Chiang Mai. Sacred places, religious attractions and historical sites are located in the park complex. To get to the park office, d rive from Chiang Mai town for 5 kilometres on the Huai Kaeo-Chiang Mai University-Chiang Mai Zoo route to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, en route to the intersection on the right, the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park road sign can be seen.

Attractions in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park :


Doi Pui Tribal Village is a Hmong tribal village some 3 kilometres along an asphalt road from Phu Phing Palace. The village presents the typical lifestyle of the Hmong as well as a scenic view of Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand. The trip takes only an hour from Chiang Mai town and the village is easily accessible.

Huai Kaeo Waterfall is located 6 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. The 10-metre cascade provides a delightful ambiance of scenic views and various plants.

Khru Ba Siwichai Monument is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. The monument honours the devoted Buddhist monk whose followers built the first 10-kilometre motor road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in 1935.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai's most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. This temple is 15 kilometres from town, 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383. The temple is approached on foot by climbing a steep Naga staircase comprising 290 steps. The less energetic may ascend by funicular railcars. The temple's pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year. The temple compound offers an exhilarating view of Chiang Mai City and the surrounding countryside.

Phu Phing Palace is located on the same road, 4 kilomet re s beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on Doi Buak Ha. The royal winter palace was built in 1962. The lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds are open to the general public on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and official holidays, when the Thai royal family is not in residence.

Huai Kaeo Arboretum is next to Chiang Mai University. The attractively landscaped garden contains many kinds of tropical trees and lovely flowers. It is best for recreation, exercise, and plants study.

Chiang Mai Zoo is located next to Huai Kaeo Arboretum. It is a well-managed large zoo, which occupies the lower forested slopes of Doi Suthep Mountain. The zoo contains more than 200 types of Asian and African mammals and birds. It is open everyday from 08.00 to 19.00 hrs. Admission fee for adults is 100 baht, and children 20 baht. Restaurants and a camping site are available. For advance booking contact tel. 0-5322-1179, 0-5322-2283