This subgroup of the Karen Tribe came to Thailand to avoid political turmoil in their own country of Burma only in the last 100 years.  There are about 40,000 Padung, as they are called, living at the Thailand/Burma border at this time.  Though the Padung primarily inhabit the border between their home country and Thailand, a few families have settled in with other hill tribes in Thailand, the Karen in particular.

Though the women of the Padung are mostly known for the brass neck rings they wear starting around age 5, used to make their necks appear unusually long, this is not the only type of adornment they wear.  The Padung women not only wear the brass neck rings, but they also wear several rings on their wrists and rings going from shin to ankle on their legs.  The leg rings are typically covered with a kind of cloth covering, making them far less pronounced than the neck rings.

Some of the Karen-Padung tribes have another way that they show their womanly beauty.  This is through the use of elephant tusks in the ear.  Married women are pierced with elephant tusks that are about 4 centimeters.  As the woman gets older the tusks gradually weight down the ear lobe causing in to get longer and longer. Eventually the woman’s ear lobes become long and floppy.  Once the tusks are inserted into the ear lobe they are never removed.  They are a permanent sign of marriage. This ancient symbol is why the Padung women are sometimes referred to as the “long ear women”.

This tradition of elongating the ear lobes did not begin with the Padung women.  Long before Asia was divided by country and territory ancient people practiced this type of adornment. Though the practice is continued only by women in current day Padung tribes, in ancient times it was a genderless rite of passage.  It was meant to illustrate the exquisite beauty of women by enhancing what was revered as one of the most sacred parts of the body.  In men the ear adornments were meant to show strength.

The maidens of the group do not wear the ear tusks, since they are reserved for marriage.  They wear white dresses as opposed to the red and black dresses that are worn by the married women of their tribes.  On the back of young girls’ hands you will also find magical words mean to ensure the girls a good life.

The primary crop of the Padung-Karen is rice. This is a main staple in their diet and a large part of their economic system.

The Padung are primarily animists, like most hill tribes. They have a Buddhist population of about 10%, and a small but ever rising percentage of Christians. The one major holiday for the Padung is the annual fertility and prosperity festival held during the rainy season. This is meant to bring good health and a bountiful harvest.

On arrival at Doi Suthep you will be in a large car park, the temple complex is up the side of the mountain beside the car park. Starting with a walk up the 300 steps of the intricately carved mythical Naga Serpent Staircase you begin to marvel at the splendour of your surroundings. For those that do not fancy the 300 step climb up to the complex, you can go up the lift for 30THB ($1) and walk down the staircase when you have finished.

On reaching the top you are greeted with the sight of the golden spire which decorates the centre of the mountain top temple. The walls around the spire form a mini enclave and are richly decorated with historical murals and shrines. Here you find a beautiful copy of the Emerald Buddha statue on display. The real Emerald Buddha statue is now in Bangkok.

Outside this central enclave area you will find the shrine to the White Elephant and the story of how the temple on Doi Suthep was founded. There is a wide walkway around the main temple which leads you to a large viewing terrace with terrific views down over Chiang Mai, weather permitting. Just past the viewing terrace is one of the worlds largest gongs, which makes an earthly rich sound when struck. Give it a try, it is allowed.

On leaving Doi Suthep temple area descend the Naga Serpent staircase back down to the car park area. At the bottom of the staircase you will find several souvenir shops and a throng of vendors selling local handicrafts.

(Tip, if you are approached by one of the vendors when you first arrive at the car park and you say that you will look at their goods when you come back down, be prepared. They never forget a face and will be waiting for you.)

From experience a trip from the centre of Chiang Mai to Doi Suthep takes around 25 minutes. If you  allow one hour for the round trip and another hour there for sightseeing you should be able to hire a red songthaew for around 400 THB for the two hours (make sure you bargain for the best price). Most drivers will point out highlights along the way and stop half way up the mountain at a viewing platform which overlooks the city. The drivers all wait in the car park while you go sightseeing. Don't worry they will spot you when you finally come back down from Doi Suthep.

After you finish at Doi Suthep, and you still have some time on your hands, get your driver to drop you off at one of the many Markets around Chiang Mai, for a cold drink, something to eat and a bit of retail therapy.

You can watch the whole process as the workers hand make the paper lamps, fans, umbrellas and parasols from start to end. From making the bamboo struts, covering them with paper, putting them out to dry and then hand painting them.

The artists in the Handicraft Centre who meticulously hand paint all the decorations on to the umbrellas are always willing to paint a variety of beautiful designs on items that you bring to them (for example a Purse, handbag, hat, jacket, t-shirt, even the leg of your jeans). Even very complicated scenic designs can be painted on your object right in front of you in minutes. Prices are extremely reasonable and are negotiated with the particular artist, don't be stingy with your money as you will be very proud to show off the beautiful finished product.

There is a large shop attached to the Bo Sang Handicraft Centre which sells a huge variety of exquisitely painted umbrellas and parasols along with other locally made handicraft products. If you don't have room in your luggage to fit all your purchases, the centre can easily arrange to post the goods overseas to your home for you.

If you go there around the third weekend in January they hold the Bo Sang Umbrella & San Kamphaeng Handicrafts Fair each year, where all the local artisans compete to see who can make and decorate the best products.

If you are looking for something to do while you are out this side of town it would be worth the trip to go a bit further out and see the Muang On Caves. Well worth the visit.

The large viharn was built in 1928. Round columns with bell shaped bases and lotus finials support the high red ceiling inside. The standing Buddha image inside is known as the Phra Chao Attarot. Made of a combination of brass alloy and mortar, the image dates back to King Saen Muang Ma (r.1385-1401). Buddhist posters are placed along the walls between the windows, and cabinets with Buddha images and Bencharong ceramics line the walls.

The cross shaped hall to the south of the main viharn contains the city pillar. Statues in small shelters surrounding this building are homes of guardian spirits. Legends say that a hermit (whose image is in a shelter on the west side of the building) went to the God Indra to ask for protection for the city from enemies. On condition that appropriate offerings were made, Indra permitted two kumaphan (mythical human-beast creature) to carry the Inthakhin pillar from the Tavatimsa heaven to the city.

Kumaphan, Chiang Mai, ThailandChao Kawila moved the city pillar to its present site from Wat Sadoe Muang in 1800. He built statues of the kumaphan under shelters to the north and south of the main entrance to the temple. He also planted the three large yang (dipterocarpus alatus) trees. According to legend, the tree nearest the city pillar will protect Chiang Mai as long as it is not cut down.

Other buildings in the compound include the Lanna campus of the Mahamakut Buddhist University (This is the northern campus for monks of the Thammayut sect, a reformist sect founded by King Mongkut (Rama IV r.1851-1881, who was dissatisfied with the established Mahanikai sect in the late 1830's). To the west of the chedi is a viharn with a reclining Buddha and the Sangkhachai Buddha. From this area an exit leads out onto Chaban Road.

Surrounded by lush forest canopies, tucked away in the picturesque valley some 30km north of Chiang Mai, Mae Sa Elephant Camp is home to more than 70 domesticated elephants and their mahouts. Each day, the elephants undergo a routine of bathing in the river, feeding and performing a string of talent shows. You can also ride an elephant around the camp’s verdant grounds or learn about their nature from a permanent exhibit housed inside one of the elephant’s living quarters.

Apart from day visits, you can try out the basic mahout training course if you feel compelled to learn more deeply into the elephant’s nature. The course will teach you all about the animal’s biology, health requirements, body language, as well as basic training commands, painting, bathing, riding and general handling.

Mae Sa Elephant Camp had been training its elephants to paint long before the Guinness World Records arrived on the scene. In fact, the idea of training domesticated elephants to paint was a novel concept, unheard of anywhere. In 2004, the camp made headline news after Ripley’s Believe It or Not (Thailand) awarded its prize “The Largest Painting by a Group of Elephants” to Mae Sa Elephant Camp for its 2.4m wide by 12m long painting by a herd of eight elephants. Entitled “Cold Wind, Swirling Mist, Charming Lanna,” the painting depicts Chiang Mai’s picturesque rural scenery in eight panels of canvas.

This painting was sold for 1.5 million baht to a Thai-born US businessman, who then donated it to the Thai government for safe keeping as national treasure, setting a new Guinness World Record for “The Most Expensive Painting by a Group of Elephants” in 2005

Sunday Markets (Sunday only) (also called Walking Street Markets) (late afternoon till midnight) In the centre of Chiang Mai's Old City section from the Tha Phae Gate to all the way down Rachadamnoen Road, about 1klm long, and spreading out down all the side streets. Big.

Saturday (Wua Lai) Market (Saturday only) (late afternoon till midnight) All the way down Wua Lai Road opposite Chiang Mai Gate, about 1km long. South side of Chiang Mai's Old City section.

Night Bazaar (daily open from late afternoon till midnight) The famous Night Bazaar is a bargain hunters paradise. Eastern side of Old City all the way along Chang Khlan Road, about 1km long.

Kalare Night Market (1/3 way down from top of Night Bazaar) (daily open from dusk till midnight) Eastern side of Old City on Chang Khlan Road.

Anusarn Night Market (1/3 way up from bottom of Night Bazaar) (daily open from dusk till midnight) Eastern side of Old City on Chang Khlan Road.

Warorot Market (daytime) (early morning till night) (2 minute stroll north of Night Bazaar) 

Eastern side of Old City on Chang Moi Road. Buy anything and everything here. This is a favourite  place for the locals to shop.

Muang Mai Market (daytime) (early morning till dusk) (10mins walk north of Warorot Market)

North eastern side of Old City on Muang Samut Road. Wholesale fresh fruit, vegetables, meat & seafood.

Somphet Market (daytime) (in Old City 5 minute walk north of Tha Phae Gate) 

Plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables. Also has house wares and some good inexpensive tailors.

Khamtien Plant Market (daytime) (north of Old City on Superhighway behind Tesco's Super Store) Plants, trees, gardening accessories, pets & tropical fish.

JJ Market (near Khamtien Plant Market) (weekends) (North of Old City, off Superhighway on Assadathon Road) A modern Market complex both inside and outside new building. Fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, second hand goods, designer goods, antiques, pubs and restaurants.

The park covers an area of 48,240 ha. Its lowlands below 800 meters in elevation are warm and very dry during the rain-free season, but the summit of Doi Inthanon, at 2565 meters, has a climate more like Canada than Thailand. The temperature has been known to drop as low as -8 degrees C. and frosts are not unusual during the cool, dry season. January is the coldest month: an average nighttime temperature is 5.5 degrees C. At any season, Doi Inthanon is a comfortable reprieve from the heat of the lowlands. At altitudes above 1000 meters, rainfall exceeds 2500 mm, considerably more than at nearby Chiang Mai. Even in the dry season, November to April, there is rare but occasional rain or the summit may be shrouded in cloud for a part of the day; persistent mist is an important factor in the maintenance of moist forest there.

Rhododendron The various sub montane forest formations at higher elevations are a unique asset of the park. They have dominant species belonging to temperate climate families rather than tropical. The summit area supports the only red rhododendron in Thailand (R. delavayi); it blooms from December through February. There are also two white-blossomed species abundant on Doi Inthanon which are restricted to only a few other sites.

Where mists are persistent, the slopes carry a moist hill evergreen or 'cloud forest' with many epiphytes, plants which live on tree trunks and branches but do not receive their moisture and nutrients from the host tree as do true parasitic plants. Instead, they are nurtured by the accumulation of dust particles and humus around their 'root' area and the moisture retained there, augmented by frequent bathing in cloud and mist. Epiphytic orchids are also abundant, along with lichens, lianas and fern. 

road At mid-elevations, 800 - 1500 meters, two species of pine are present, Pinus merkusii mixed with dipterocarp in the lower range, and P. kesiya with oak and laurel on drier slopes in the upper range. The pines are thought to be a relic from a prehistoric cooler climatic period when flora from the Sino-Himalayan region migrated southward. At the mid-elevations of the park, much of the forest has been removed by the activities of swidden cultivators and the slopes have converted to fire climax grasslands.

Because of its broad altitudinal range and the cool climate of its upper reaches, the park supports the largest number of bird species of any site in Thailand. The Center for Wildlife Research at Mahidol University records a present total of 362 species and expects additions; Many at the summit are migrants from northern Asia. Species restricted to Doi Inthanon are Ashy-throated Warbler and an endemic race of the Green tailed Sunbird; the park is the only site where the Chestnut-bellied Rockthrush and the Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker are known to oversummer and probably breed. Over 190 bird species are listed as common to abundant. Bird lists are available at the Visitor Center and at Park Headquarters

Private transportation is the recommended way to visit Doi Inthanon. The main attractions are spread over a distance of 40 kilometers and only a private vehicle will allow flexibility in planning your itinerary. Motor cycling is the best mode since it allows travel on some of the rough and narrow dirt roads which lead to hill tribe villages.

Mae Klang Water fall is located 66 km southwest of Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai, take Highway 108 to Km 57 (just 1 km before the village of Chom Thong). Turn right onto Highway 1009 and continue 8 km to where the road forks. Mae Klang is 300 meters straight ahead. The summit road forks to the right, reaching Park Headquarters near Km 31 and the summit of Doi Inthanon at Km 48.

The 14 kilometer route to Mae Ya Water fall begins in Chom Thong village. A minibus can be hired in Chom Thong for about 500 baht for the return trip. Mini-buses labeled in English Doi Inthanon Park can be hired at either Chom Thong or Mae Klang for the trip to the summit; the cost is about 500 baht for the return trip. These mini-buses have a regular touring route which includes the main points of interest along the summit road. Per-person costs will be lower it you can share the tour with others. Unmarked mini-buses also leave Chom Thong frequently for Mae Chaem (decreasing in mid-afternoon). The fare is 20 baht to the point where the Mae Chaem road intersects with the summit road at Km 38, or 30baht to Mae Chaem. If you request it, this mini-bus route will drop you at Park Headquarters, Km 31. If you arrive at Km 31 or 38 in the morning hours, you may be able to flag down another vehicle to reach the summit.

Accommodations: Adjacent to the Hmong village, Ban Khun Klang, behind Park Headquarters, is a large compound with 11 guest houses available for public rental. Electricity, beds and bedding are provided in all units. Arrangements for guest house rental should be made at Park Headquarters.

Campsites are Iocated at the Headquarters area and at the Mae Pan Ranger Station. Two-person tents can be rented at Headquarters. No sleeping bags or mats are available, but a number of blankets are available for rental. Firewood is provided and campfires are permitted throughout the year. Please use caution during the dry season.

Food stalls serving meals and snacks are located at several places in the park (see maps). Stalls at Mae Klang Water fall and in the Headquarters area are open during daylight hours every day. Bottled water is widely available in the park, along with other drinks.

A new information and interpretive center is located at Km 9.5 on the summit road. There is an excellent slide show of the park, plus assistance, maps and other interpretive displays. The Visitor Center can also be reached by a short walk from the Mae Klang Ranger station. The trail follows the river up stream, passes the waterfall and reaches the Visitor Center in a few hundred meters.

As a result of long occupation by hill tribe people, Doi Inthanon has many footpaths. Some of the main tracks have evolved into single-lane, motorcycle and truck roads providing access to villages. Most walking trails in the park are not signed at the trail head nor marked along the route. If you want to do some walking, please contact the Park Headquarters.

Because of its easy access, this unusual waterfall has been visited by Thai people for many years and they continue to come in large numbers on any sunny day in the year to swim, picnic and relax in this beautiful setting. The rapids and waterfall spill over a wide exposure of granite and can be approached closely. Visitors are asked to exercise caution around the waterfall area and while swimming either above or below the falls. A well-maintained trail leads up the side of the waterfall, and continues to the Visitor Center and beyond.

This impressive limestone cave has a gigantic entrance chamber and tower and a second huge chamber with a skylight opening to the surface. It can be reached in about one hour from the main road, or in less time if the beginning portion of the route is cycled.

The falls are reached by a short, easy trail from the parking area. Vachiratharn waters tumble down granite escarpment, creating a misty veil of great beauty. Visitors should be very cautious: three people have fallen to their deaths while taking photographs. Just a short distance on the main road beyond Vachiratharn is the small Karen hill tribe village, Ban Sop Had. Turn right just past the bridge and you will find the village a few hundred meters up the dirt access road.

The headquarters building has a small camping space nearby, and staff will provide assistance. Access to the Hmong village Ban Khun Klang, the guest house compound, and Siriphum Waterfalls via road intersecting with the main summit road at Km 30.4. A excellent view of Siriphum can be enjoyed by walking or cycling along the track which forks left from the main road just beyond the entrance to the guest house compound. The falls are actually twins: two parallel plumes named for King Bhumipol. and Queen Sirikit.

Continuing north of the main summit road, turn left at km 41.8 over a bridge on a paved road which leads to a magnificent chedi completed in 1989 to honor the 60th birthday of King Bhumipol.

One of the most beautiful and rewarding walks in the park is a new trail which begins a short distance up the main summit road from Napamaytanidol. The path leads for a kilometer or more through dense, moist evergreen forest, then emerges and follows the top of a steep slope bordering the canyon headwaters of the Mae Pan River. Dotted with red rhododendron, the trail proceeds southward for another kilometer with fine, open views to the west, then re-enters the forest and eventually terminates at Napamaytanidol Chedi. Two hours would allow a leisurely walk with camera stops.

The drive to the summit offers some fine views, especially during November and December, before the dry season haze has become well established. On your visit to the summit stupa containing the remains of King Inthawidhayanon, be sure to read the English translation on the back of the marble plaque nearby. Photographing any part of the radar station is forbidden, but visitors may take pictures freely of any other subject.

On the main road and opposite the summit Ranger Station is a sign in Thai marking a short, self-guided nature trail which descends to a sphagnum bog in a small karst depression The bog area. which displays the red blossomed Rhododendron delavayi, comes nearest to a true montane forest formation and is a good location for bird-watching. If you continue around the bog and down a short distance, you will reach a memorial shrine marking the site of a helicopter crash which occurred in the mid-seventies and killed the first superintendent of this park.

Thought to be the highest in Thailand and is well worth the extra effort to get there. Park officials estimate that the Mae Ya River plunges more than 250 meters at this point. It is a beautiful, fanning cascade, dropping down an ever-widening series of steps -- without a doubt, a photographic favourite.

A scenic pleasure. From the start at Km 38 on the main summit road, the first kilometers travel through some of the most lush forest on the mountain. Then the road comes out into the open and follows a descending ridge with fine views.

At Km 6.6 on the Mae Chaem road is the turn-off to Mae Pan Waterfall, marked by a sign in Thai and English. The dirt access road descends about two kilometers to the Ranger Station and campground and is suitable for any vehicle although the road can be slippery on the uphill return after a heavy rain. The area is quiet, off the beaten track, and can be described as the back country of Doi Inthanon Park. It offers a rewarding loop hike of 1.5 to 2 hours through untouched terrain with small waterfalls and tumbling creeks along most of the route. Visitors can walk the 800 meters to Mae Pan Falls and back again, as well as the 200 meters to Huai Sai Luaeng Falls just beyond the campground. Both of these trails are clear and well-maintained.

Nowadays craftsmen specialize in just one type of carving used in the decoration of a viharn. The modern woodcarving industry itself is a development of only the last few decades.

Traditionally only a few artifacts were commissioned, and the wooden elephant was the most common everyday carved object. The popularity of temple carvings imported from Burma as souvenirs encouraged dealers to get local craftsmen to reproduce them. The reproduction processes, which include aging methods such as burning and soaking in urine, have become so good that even experts have difficulty deciding whether an object is genuinely old

This monk was a celebrated woodcarver who produced works in the traditional Lanna style. He specialized in the designs of door and window panels. The quality of the execution of the work depended on the hand of the craftsmen who actually did the carving. Examples of his work may be seen in the main viharn at Wat Buppharam, the scripture library at Wat Rampoeng and the chedi of Wat Phra Bat Tak Pho. He also did stucco work, the best example of which is seen at the ubosot which sits above the viharn of Wat Phan On.

The scarcity of teak has forced modern carvers to use other woods like that of the rain tree. These woods carve well and are inexpensive. Staining to hide the light colors of the woods has become more common. The carving itself is usually done in the rough in outlying villages near Mae Tha, before the pieces are sent for detailed work in the woodcarving center of Ban Tawai.

The moment you enter the grand courtyard of the Shinawatra Silk Company, the buildings’ impressive proportions and fine materials make clear that this is no ordinary manufacturer and exporter of silk products. This dramatic setting contains a fascinating presentation of the timeless process of sericulture and silk manufacture as well as being a trove of silk products.

Designed in the traditional architecture style of the ancient northern Thai Kingdom of Lanna, the buildings burnt-orange brick walls, the massive support teak columns, the mighty, exposed teak trusses bearing the gabled roofs and the walkways paved in a careful selection of hand made terracotta tiles, all reveal the Shinawatra family’s pride and joy in its showcase headquarters

From the moment when you are first greeted in the reception area, you are led into a wonderland of silk. The first gallery shows how silkworms are raised, you then see the delicate process of separating the filaments from the cocoons, reeling, spinning, dyeing and weaving the silk threads on hand operated looms. Next is the gallery of history where are photographs of the many famous people who have visited the showroom. You are then able to wander from room to room – the gallery of women’s wear and accessories, of men’s ear and accessories, the gallery of silk fabrics, special rooms of scarves, of neckties, upstairs are galleries devoted to decorative items and house ware. At the heart of the building is the superb promotion hall and souvenir and gift shop.

The altar inside the large chapel is beautiful, though rather standard for Thai temples these days. We were somewhat amused by the plethora of "account books" strewn about on the right side of the altar (behind the columns in the picture we're afraid). In any temple that gets visitors, there is almost always a donation box with a guest book for you to write your name and amount donated in. Well, in this temple there were at least half a dozen boxes, each with a different purpose - maintenance of the temple building, electricity, taxes, etc. - and so each with its own account book. Upon making a donation to one or more purpose, you then have to scrabble around for the proper book to write it down in.

In a city filled with such rich history, it would be a mistake not to include visiting what is known as the ‘old city’ as a part of your Chiang Mai holiday. While there is a lot of new development in Chiang Mai, it is the ancient structures and the city walls that enclose them that date back over 700 years, that are the real sightseeing splendours of this incredible city. When taking the time out of your Thailand vacation to holiday to Chiang Mai, visiting the traditional Thai temples should be at the top of your list. The city is famous for its historical and architecturally beautiful Buddhist temples, the earliest built dating back to 1383. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is situated on a hill north of the city and is considered Chiang Mai’s finest and most picturesque temple out of the amazing 300 temples the city has to offer. Chiang Mai holidays are not complete without experiencing this breathtaking gem of the city.

Chiang Mai offers an endless list of activities and sightseeing pleasures. Whether it be the Museums that catch your interest or the amazing shopping and bargains you can find at the Night Bazaar Markets, Chiang Mai really has it all. The city not only offers a unique nightlife experience at its many bars and restaurants inside the city centre, but holidays in Chiang Mai are considered a perfect opportunity for trekking the countryside. Chiang Mai is renowned for its trek experiences, including tribal experiences and overnight stays, as well as elephant riding through the beautiful Thai forests

Accommodation in Chiang Mai is well balanced to meet every traveller’s needs with many luxury resorts spanning across the city, as well as guesthouses and smaller hotels for those sticking to a tighter budget. Hostels too, can be found all over the city. With most of the sights and activities close by, Chiang Mai is easily one of the most tourist friendly locations in Thailand when it comes to accessibility. Probably the most talked about accommodation can be found at the Rachamankha Hotel, which is situated next to Wat Phra Singh, one of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples. Built to be made to feel like a temple in itself, the luxurious and beautifully landscaped resort is a popular choice for many travellers looking for an authentic experience.

Being the most popular time for Thailand holidays as a whole, the winter season for Chiang Mai is no different. The season starts in November and brings in the most tourism for Chiang Mai right through until about January. While the temperatures generally reach about 25°C, the temperatures in the city can get down to as low as 10°C and in the mountains as low as zero degrees! Trekking and other outdoor activities become increasingly popular during these months, as the weather is perfect for hikes and enjoying many of the physical activities on offer in Chiang Mai. Strolling the city is also favourable at this time of year as the weather is almost considered perfect, and if you’re an early riser, the cool temperatures in the morning allow for some great walks along the city walls.

Holidays in Thailand during the hot season sees temperatures soaring above 40°C, so if it’s a hot tropical climate you seek for your holiday, Chiang Mai in the summer season promises you one. The mornings and the late afternoons, are the best times to get out and explore all that the majestical city has to offer. As these are the coolest hours in the day, the many temples can be visited before the heat sets in, and the Night Bazaar Markets are comfortably enjoyed in the evenings. A more relaxing type of Thailand holiday, with days spent laying by the pool, is perfect during the summer season. With less crowds and cheaper accommodation, the hot season allows you to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy a quieter holiday to Thailand.

The rainy season is also an encouraged time to holiday in Thailand, as the temperatures are much more mild and predictable than the other seasons. While you will experience heavy rainfalls from time to time, the scenery of Chiang Mai is at its best, as the mountains are greener than ever and the flowers are in full bloom. The rainy season allows you to see almost all of the sights the city has to offer. The many museums and shopping hot spots can make for an amazing day out when the rain does come in, and the trekking and temples are easily explored during this climate on the clearer days. May to September is a really popular time to visit Chiang Mai, although it is the rainy season, it definitely doesn’t rain every day, and even when it does, it clears quickly.

This subgroup of the Karen Tribe came to Thailand to avoid political turmoil in their own country of Burma only in the last 100 years.  There are about 40,000 Padung, as they are called, living at the Thailand/Burma border at this time.  Though the Padung primarily inhabit the border between their home country and Thailand, a few families have settled in with other hill tribes in Thailand, the Karen in particular.

Though the women of the Padung are mostly known for the brass neck rings they wear starting around age 5, used to make their necks appear unusually long, this is not the only type of adornment they wear.  The Padung women not only wear the brass neck rings, but they also wear several rings on their wrists and rings going from shin to ankle on their legs.  The leg rings are typically covered with a kind of cloth covering, making them far less pronounced than the neck rings.

Some of the Karen-Padung tribes have another way that they show their womanly beauty.  This is through the use of elephant tusks in the ear.  Married women are pierced with elephant tusks that are about 4 centimeters.  As the woman gets older the tusks gradually weight down the ear lobe causing in to get longer and longer. Eventually the woman’s ear lobes become long and floppy.  Once the tusks are inserted into the ear lobe they are never removed.  They are a permanent sign of marriage. This ancient symbol is why the Padung women are sometimes referred to as the “long ear women”.

This tradition of elongating the ear lobes did not begin with the Padung women.  Long before Asia was divided by country and territory ancient people practiced this type of adornment. Though the practice is continued only by women in current day Padung tribes, in ancient times it was a genderless rite of passage.  It was meant to illustrate the exquisite beauty of women by enhancing what was revered as one of the most sacred parts of the body.  In men the ear adornments were meant to show strength.

The maidens of the group do not wear the ear tusks, since they are reserved for marriage.  They wear white dresses as opposed to the red and black dresses that are worn by the married women of their tribes.  On the back of young girls’ hands you will also find magical words mean to ensure the girls a good life.

The primary crop of the Padung-Karen is rice. This is a main staple in their diet and a large part of their economic system.

The Padung are primarily animists, like most hill tribes. They have a Buddhist population of about 10%, and a small but ever rising percentage of Christians. The one major holiday for the Padung is the annual fertility and prosperity festival held during the rainy season. This is meant to bring good health and a bountiful harvest.

On arrival at Doi Suthep you will be in a large car park, the temple complex is up the side of the mountain beside the car park. Starting with a walk up the 300 steps of the intricately carved mythical Naga Serpent Staircase you begin to marvel at the splendour of your surroundings. For those that do not fancy the 300 step climb up to the complex, you can go up the lift for 30THB ($1) and walk down the staircase when you have finished.

On reaching the top you are greeted with the sight of the golden spire which decorates the centre of the mountain top temple. The walls around the spire form a mini enclave and are richly decorated with historical murals and shrines. Here you find a beautiful copy of the Emerald Buddha statue on display. The real Emerald Buddha statue is now in Bangkok.

Outside this central enclave area you will find the shrine to the White Elephant and the story of how the temple on Doi Suthep was founded. There is a wide walkway around the main temple which leads you to a large viewing terrace with terrific views down over Chiang Mai, weather permitting. Just past the viewing terrace is one of the worlds largest gongs, which makes an earthly rich sound when struck. Give it a try, it is allowed.

On leaving Doi Suthep temple area descend the Naga Serpent staircase back down to the car park area. At the bottom of the staircase you will find several souvenir shops and a throng of vendors selling local handicrafts.

(Tip, if you are approached by one of the vendors when you first arrive at the car park and you say that you will look at their goods when you come back down, be prepared. They never forget a face and will be waiting for you.)

From experience a trip from the centre of Chiang Mai to Doi Suthep takes around 25 minutes. If you  allow one hour for the round trip and another hour there for sightseeing you should be able to hire a red songthaew for around 400 THB for the two hours (make sure you bargain for the best price). Most drivers will point out highlights along the way and stop half way up the mountain at a viewing platform which overlooks the city. The drivers all wait in the car park while you go sightseeing. Don't worry they will spot you when you finally come back down from Doi Suthep.

After you finish at Doi Suthep, and you still have some time on your hands, get your driver to drop you off at one of the many Markets around Chiang Mai, for a cold drink, something to eat and a bit of retail therapy.

You can watch the whole process as the workers hand make the paper lamps, fans, umbrellas and parasols from start to end. From making the bamboo struts, covering them with paper, putting them out to dry and then hand painting them.

The artists in the Handicraft Centre who meticulously hand paint all the decorations on to the umbrellas are always willing to paint a variety of beautiful designs on items that you bring to them (for example a Purse, handbag, hat, jacket, t-shirt, even the leg of your jeans). Even very complicated scenic designs can be painted on your object right in front of you in minutes. Prices are extremely reasonable and are negotiated with the particular artist, don't be stingy with your money as you will be very proud to show off the beautiful finished product.

There is a large shop attached to the Bo Sang Handicraft Centre which sells a huge variety of exquisitely painted umbrellas and parasols along with other locally made handicraft products. If you don't have room in your luggage to fit all your purchases, the centre can easily arrange to post the goods overseas to your home for you.

If you go there around the third weekend in January they hold the Bo Sang Umbrella & San Kamphaeng Handicrafts Fair each year, where all the local artisans compete to see who can make and decorate the best products.

If you are looking for something to do while you are out this side of town it would be worth the trip to go a bit further out and see the Muang On Caves. Well worth the visit.

The large viharn was built in 1928. Round columns with bell shaped bases and lotus finials support the high red ceiling inside. The standing Buddha image inside is known as the Phra Chao Attarot. Made of a combination of brass alloy and mortar, the image dates back to King Saen Muang Ma (r.1385-1401). Buddhist posters are placed along the walls between the windows, and cabinets with Buddha images and Bencharong ceramics line the walls.

The cross shaped hall to the south of the main viharn contains the city pillar. Statues in small shelters surrounding this building are homes of guardian spirits. Legends say that a hermit (whose image is in a shelter on the west side of the building) went to the God Indra to ask for protection for the city from enemies. On condition that appropriate offerings were made, Indra permitted two kumaphan (mythical human-beast creature) to carry the Inthakhin pillar from the Tavatimsa heaven to the city.

Kumaphan, Chiang Mai, ThailandChao Kawila moved the city pillar to its present site from Wat Sadoe Muang in 1800. He built statues of the kumaphan under shelters to the north and south of the main entrance to the temple. He also planted the three large yang (dipterocarpus alatus) trees. According to legend, the tree nearest the city pillar will protect Chiang Mai as long as it is not cut down.

Other buildings in the compound include the Lanna campus of the Mahamakut Buddhist University (This is the northern campus for monks of the Thammayut sect, a reformist sect founded by King Mongkut (Rama IV r.1851-1881, who was dissatisfied with the established Mahanikai sect in the late 1830's). To the west of the chedi is a viharn with a reclining Buddha and the Sangkhachai Buddha. From this area an exit leads out onto Chaban Road.

Surrounded by lush forest canopies, tucked away in the picturesque valley some 30km north of Chiang Mai, Mae Sa Elephant Camp is home to more than 70 domesticated elephants and their mahouts. Each day, the elephants undergo a routine of bathing in the river, feeding and performing a string of talent shows. You can also ride an elephant around the camp’s verdant grounds or learn about their nature from a permanent exhibit housed inside one of the elephant’s living quarters.

Apart from day visits, you can try out the basic mahout training course if you feel compelled to learn more deeply into the elephant’s nature. The course will teach you all about the animal’s biology, health requirements, body language, as well as basic training commands, painting, bathing, riding and general handling.

Mae Sa Elephant Camp had been training its elephants to paint long before the Guinness World Records arrived on the scene. In fact, the idea of training domesticated elephants to paint was a novel concept, unheard of anywhere. In 2004, the camp made headline news after Ripley’s Believe It or Not (Thailand) awarded its prize “The Largest Painting by a Group of Elephants” to Mae Sa Elephant Camp for its 2.4m wide by 12m long painting by a herd of eight elephants. Entitled “Cold Wind, Swirling Mist, Charming Lanna,” the painting depicts Chiang Mai’s picturesque rural scenery in eight panels of canvas.

This painting was sold for 1.5 million baht to a Thai-born US businessman, who then donated it to the Thai government for safe keeping as national treasure, setting a new Guinness World Record for “The Most Expensive Painting by a Group of Elephants” in 2005

Sunday Markets (Sunday only) (also called Walking Street Markets) (late afternoon till midnight) In the centre of Chiang Mai's Old City section from the Tha Phae Gate to all the way down Rachadamnoen Road, about 1klm long, and spreading out down all the side streets. Big.

Saturday (Wua Lai) Market (Saturday only) (late afternoon till midnight) All the way down Wua Lai Road opposite Chiang Mai Gate, about 1km long. South side of Chiang Mai's Old City section.

Night Bazaar (daily open from late afternoon till midnight) The famous Night Bazaar is a bargain hunters paradise. Eastern side of Old City all the way along Chang Khlan Road, about 1km long.

Kalare Night Market (1/3 way down from top of Night Bazaar) (daily open from dusk till midnight) Eastern side of Old City on Chang Khlan Road.

Anusarn Night Market (1/3 way up from bottom of Night Bazaar) (daily open from dusk till midnight) Eastern side of Old City on Chang Khlan Road.

Warorot Market (daytime) (early morning till night) (2 minute stroll north of Night Bazaar) 

Eastern side of Old City on Chang Moi Road. Buy anything and everything here. This is a favourite  place for the locals to shop.

Muang Mai Market (daytime) (early morning till dusk) (10mins walk north of Warorot Market)

North eastern side of Old City on Muang Samut Road. Wholesale fresh fruit, vegetables, meat & seafood.

Somphet Market (daytime) (in Old City 5 minute walk north of Tha Phae Gate) 

Plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables. Also has house wares and some good inexpensive tailors.

Khamtien Plant Market (daytime) (north of Old City on Superhighway behind Tesco's Super Store) Plants, trees, gardening accessories, pets & tropical fish.

JJ Market (near Khamtien Plant Market) (weekends) (North of Old City, off Superhighway on Assadathon Road) A modern Market complex both inside and outside new building. Fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, second hand goods, designer goods, antiques, pubs and restaurants.

The park covers an area of 48,240 ha. Its lowlands below 800 meters in elevation are warm and very dry during the rain-free season, but the summit of Doi Inthanon, at 2565 meters, has a climate more like Canada than Thailand. The temperature has been known to drop as low as -8 degrees C. and frosts are not unusual during the cool, dry season. January is the coldest month: an average nighttime temperature is 5.5 degrees C. At any season, Doi Inthanon is a comfortable reprieve from the heat of the lowlands. At altitudes above 1000 meters, rainfall exceeds 2500 mm, considerably more than at nearby Chiang Mai. Even in the dry season, November to April, there is rare but occasional rain or the summit may be shrouded in cloud for a part of the day; persistent mist is an important factor in the maintenance of moist forest there.

Rhododendron The various sub montane forest formations at higher elevations are a unique asset of the park. They have dominant species belonging to temperate climate families rather than tropical. The summit area supports the only red rhododendron in Thailand (R. delavayi); it blooms from December through February. There are also two white-blossomed species abundant on Doi Inthanon which are restricted to only a few other sites.

Where mists are persistent, the slopes carry a moist hill evergreen or 'cloud forest' with many epiphytes, plants which live on tree trunks and branches but do not receive their moisture and nutrients from the host tree as do true parasitic plants. Instead, they are nurtured by the accumulation of dust particles and humus around their 'root' area and the moisture retained there, augmented by frequent bathing in cloud and mist. Epiphytic orchids are also abundant, along with lichens, lianas and fern. 

road At mid-elevations, 800 - 1500 meters, two species of pine are present, Pinus merkusii mixed with dipterocarp in the lower range, and P. kesiya with oak and laurel on drier slopes in the upper range. The pines are thought to be a relic from a prehistoric cooler climatic period when flora from the Sino-Himalayan region migrated southward. At the mid-elevations of the park, much of the forest has been removed by the activities of swidden cultivators and the slopes have converted to fire climax grasslands.

Because of its broad altitudinal range and the cool climate of its upper reaches, the park supports the largest number of bird species of any site in Thailand. The Center for Wildlife Research at Mahidol University records a present total of 362 species and expects additions; Many at the summit are migrants from northern Asia. Species restricted to Doi Inthanon are Ashy-throated Warbler and an endemic race of the Green tailed Sunbird; the park is the only site where the Chestnut-bellied Rockthrush and the Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker are known to oversummer and probably breed. Over 190 bird species are listed as common to abundant. Bird lists are available at the Visitor Center and at Park Headquarters

Private transportation is the recommended way to visit Doi Inthanon. The main attractions are spread over a distance of 40 kilometers and only a private vehicle will allow flexibility in planning your itinerary. Motor cycling is the best mode since it allows travel on some of the rough and narrow dirt roads which lead to hill tribe villages.

Mae Klang Water fall is located 66 km southwest of Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai, take Highway 108 to Km 57 (just 1 km before the village of Chom Thong). Turn right onto Highway 1009 and continue 8 km to where the road forks. Mae Klang is 300 meters straight ahead. The summit road forks to the right, reaching Park Headquarters near Km 31 and the summit of Doi Inthanon at Km 48.

The 14 kilometer route to Mae Ya Water fall begins in Chom Thong village. A minibus can be hired in Chom Thong for about 500 baht for the return trip. Mini-buses labeled in English Doi Inthanon Park can be hired at either Chom Thong or Mae Klang for the trip to the summit; the cost is about 500 baht for the return trip. These mini-buses have a regular touring route which includes the main points of interest along the summit road. Per-person costs will be lower it you can share the tour with others. Unmarked mini-buses also leave Chom Thong frequently for Mae Chaem (decreasing in mid-afternoon). The fare is 20 baht to the point where the Mae Chaem road intersects with the summit road at Km 38, or 30baht to Mae Chaem. If you request it, this mini-bus route will drop you at Park Headquarters, Km 31. If you arrive at Km 31 or 38 in the morning hours, you may be able to flag down another vehicle to reach the summit.

Accommodations: Adjacent to the Hmong village, Ban Khun Klang, behind Park Headquarters, is a large compound with 11 guest houses available for public rental. Electricity, beds and bedding are provided in all units. Arrangements for guest house rental should be made at Park Headquarters.

Campsites are Iocated at the Headquarters area and at the Mae Pan Ranger Station. Two-person tents can be rented at Headquarters. No sleeping bags or mats are available, but a number of blankets are available for rental. Firewood is provided and campfires are permitted throughout the year. Please use caution during the dry season.

Food stalls serving meals and snacks are located at several places in the park (see maps). Stalls at Mae Klang Water fall and in the Headquarters area are open during daylight hours every day. Bottled water is widely available in the park, along with other drinks.

A new information and interpretive center is located at Km 9.5 on the summit road. There is an excellent slide show of the park, plus assistance, maps and other interpretive displays. The Visitor Center can also be reached by a short walk from the Mae Klang Ranger station. The trail follows the river up stream, passes the waterfall and reaches the Visitor Center in a few hundred meters.

As a result of long occupation by hill tribe people, Doi Inthanon has many footpaths. Some of the main tracks have evolved into single-lane, motorcycle and truck roads providing access to villages. Most walking trails in the park are not signed at the trail head nor marked along the route. If you want to do some walking, please contact the Park Headquarters.

Because of its easy access, this unusual waterfall has been visited by Thai people for many years and they continue to come in large numbers on any sunny day in the year to swim, picnic and relax in this beautiful setting. The rapids and waterfall spill over a wide exposure of granite and can be approached closely. Visitors are asked to exercise caution around the waterfall area and while swimming either above or below the falls. A well-maintained trail leads up the side of the waterfall, and continues to the Visitor Center and beyond.

This impressive limestone cave has a gigantic entrance chamber and tower and a second huge chamber with a skylight opening to the surface. It can be reached in about one hour from the main road, or in less time if the beginning portion of the route is cycled.

The falls are reached by a short, easy trail from the parking area. Vachiratharn waters tumble down granite escarpment, creating a misty veil of great beauty. Visitors should be very cautious: three people have fallen to their deaths while taking photographs. Just a short distance on the main road beyond Vachiratharn is the small Karen hill tribe village, Ban Sop Had. Turn right just past the bridge and you will find the village a few hundred meters up the dirt access road.

The headquarters building has a small camping space nearby, and staff will provide assistance. Access to the Hmong village Ban Khun Klang, the guest house compound, and Siriphum Waterfalls via road intersecting with the main summit road at Km 30.4. A excellent view of Siriphum can be enjoyed by walking or cycling along the track which forks left from the main road just beyond the entrance to the guest house compound. The falls are actually twins: two parallel plumes named for King Bhumipol. and Queen Sirikit.

Continuing north of the main summit road, turn left at km 41.8 over a bridge on a paved road which leads to a magnificent chedi completed in 1989 to honor the 60th birthday of King Bhumipol.

One of the most beautiful and rewarding walks in the park is a new trail which begins a short distance up the main summit road from Napamaytanidol. The path leads for a kilometer or more through dense, moist evergreen forest, then emerges and follows the top of a steep slope bordering the canyon headwaters of the Mae Pan River. Dotted with red rhododendron, the trail proceeds southward for another kilometer with fine, open views to the west, then re-enters the forest and eventually terminates at Napamaytanidol Chedi. Two hours would allow a leisurely walk with camera stops.

The drive to the summit offers some fine views, especially during November and December, before the dry season haze has become well established. On your visit to the summit stupa containing the remains of King Inthawidhayanon, be sure to read the English translation on the back of the marble plaque nearby. Photographing any part of the radar station is forbidden, but visitors may take pictures freely of any other subject.

On the main road and opposite the summit Ranger Station is a sign in Thai marking a short, self-guided nature trail which descends to a sphagnum bog in a small karst depression The bog area. which displays the red blossomed Rhododendron delavayi, comes nearest to a true montane forest formation and is a good location for bird-watching. If you continue around the bog and down a short distance, you will reach a memorial shrine marking the site of a helicopter crash which occurred in the mid-seventies and killed the first superintendent of this park.

Thought to be the highest in Thailand and is well worth the extra effort to get there. Park officials estimate that the Mae Ya River plunges more than 250 meters at this point. It is a beautiful, fanning cascade, dropping down an ever-widening series of steps -- without a doubt, a photographic favourite.

A scenic pleasure. From the start at Km 38 on the main summit road, the first kilometers travel through some of the most lush forest on the mountain. Then the road comes out into the open and follows a descending ridge with fine views.

At Km 6.6 on the Mae Chaem road is the turn-off to Mae Pan Waterfall, marked by a sign in Thai and English. The dirt access road descends about two kilometers to the Ranger Station and campground and is suitable for any vehicle although the road can be slippery on the uphill return after a heavy rain. The area is quiet, off the beaten track, and can be described as the back country of Doi Inthanon Park. It offers a rewarding loop hike of 1.5 to 2 hours through untouched terrain with small waterfalls and tumbling creeks along most of the route. Visitors can walk the 800 meters to Mae Pan Falls and back again, as well as the 200 meters to Huai Sai Luaeng Falls just beyond the campground. Both of these trails are clear and well-maintained.

Nowadays craftsmen specialize in just one type of carving used in the decoration of a viharn. The modern woodcarving industry itself is a development of only the last few decades.

Traditionally only a few artifacts were commissioned, and the wooden elephant was the most common everyday carved object. The popularity of temple carvings imported from Burma as souvenirs encouraged dealers to get local craftsmen to reproduce them. The reproduction processes, which include aging methods such as burning and soaking in urine, have become so good that even experts have difficulty deciding whether an object is genuinely old

This monk was a celebrated woodcarver who produced works in the traditional Lanna style. He specialized in the designs of door and window panels. The quality of the execution of the work depended on the hand of the craftsmen who actually did the carving. Examples of his work may be seen in the main viharn at Wat Buppharam, the scripture library at Wat Rampoeng and the chedi of Wat Phra Bat Tak Pho. He also did stucco work, the best example of which is seen at the ubosot which sits above the viharn of Wat Phan On.

The scarcity of teak has forced modern carvers to use other woods like that of the rain tree. These woods carve well and are inexpensive. Staining to hide the light colors of the woods has become more common. The carving itself is usually done in the rough in outlying villages near Mae Tha, before the pieces are sent for detailed work in the woodcarving center of Ban Tawai.

The moment you enter the grand courtyard of the Shinawatra Silk Company, the buildings’ impressive proportions and fine materials make clear that this is no ordinary manufacturer and exporter of silk products. This dramatic setting contains a fascinating presentation of the timeless process of sericulture and silk manufacture as well as being a trove of silk products.

Designed in the traditional architecture style of the ancient northern Thai Kingdom of Lanna, the buildings burnt-orange brick walls, the massive support teak columns, the mighty, exposed teak trusses bearing the gabled roofs and the walkways paved in a careful selection of hand made terracotta tiles, all reveal the Shinawatra family’s pride and joy in its showcase headquarters

From the moment when you are first greeted in the reception area, you are led into a wonderland of silk. The first gallery shows how silkworms are raised, you then see the delicate process of separating the filaments from the cocoons, reeling, spinning, dyeing and weaving the silk threads on hand operated looms. Next is the gallery of history where are photographs of the many famous people who have visited the showroom. You are then able to wander from room to room – the gallery of women’s wear and accessories, of men’s ear and accessories, the gallery of silk fabrics, special rooms of scarves, of neckties, upstairs are galleries devoted to decorative items and house ware. At the heart of the building is the superb promotion hall and souvenir and gift shop.

The altar inside the large chapel is beautiful, though rather standard for Thai temples these days. We were somewhat amused by the plethora of "account books" strewn about on the right side of the altar (behind the columns in the picture we're afraid). In any temple that gets visitors, there is almost always a donation box with a guest book for you to write your name and amount donated in. Well, in this temple there were at least half a dozen boxes, each with a different purpose - maintenance of the temple building, electricity, taxes, etc. - and so each with its own account book. Upon making a donation to one or more purpose, you then have to scrabble around for the proper book to write it down in.

In a city filled with such rich history, it would be a mistake not to include visiting what is known as the ‘old city’ as a part of your Chiang Mai holiday. While there is a lot of new development in Chiang Mai, it is the ancient structures and the city walls that enclose them that date back over 700 years, that are the real sightseeing splendours of this incredible city. When taking the time out of your Thailand vacation to holiday to Chiang Mai, visiting the traditional Thai temples should be at the top of your list. The city is famous for its historical and architecturally beautiful Buddhist temples, the earliest built dating back to 1383. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is situated on a hill north of the city and is considered Chiang Mai’s finest and most picturesque temple out of the amazing 300 temples the city has to offer. Chiang Mai holidays are not complete without experiencing this breathtaking gem of the city.

Chiang Mai offers an endless list of activities and sightseeing pleasures. Whether it be the Museums that catch your interest or the amazing shopping and bargains you can find at the Night Bazaar Markets, Chiang Mai really has it all. The city not only offers a unique nightlife experience at its many bars and restaurants inside the city centre, but holidays in Chiang Mai are considered a perfect opportunity for trekking the countryside. Chiang Mai is renowned for its trek experiences, including tribal experiences and overnight stays, as well as elephant riding through the beautiful Thai forests

Accommodation in Chiang Mai is well balanced to meet every traveller’s needs with many luxury resorts spanning across the city, as well as guesthouses and smaller hotels for those sticking to a tighter budget. Hostels too, can be found all over the city. With most of the sights and activities close by, Chiang Mai is easily one of the most tourist friendly locations in Thailand when it comes to accessibility. Probably the most talked about accommodation can be found at the Rachamankha Hotel, which is situated next to Wat Phra Singh, one of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples. Built to be made to feel like a temple in itself, the luxurious and beautifully landscaped resort is a popular choice for many travellers looking for an authentic experience.

Being the most popular time for Thailand holidays as a whole, the winter season for Chiang Mai is no different. The season starts in November and brings in the most tourism for Chiang Mai right through until about January. While the temperatures generally reach about 25°C, the temperatures in the city can get down to as low as 10°C and in the mountains as low as zero degrees! Trekking and other outdoor activities become increasingly popular during these months, as the weather is perfect for hikes and enjoying many of the physical activities on offer in Chiang Mai. Strolling the city is also favourable at this time of year as the weather is almost considered perfect, and if you’re an early riser, the cool temperatures in the morning allow for some great walks along the city walls.

Holidays in Thailand during the hot season sees temperatures soaring above 40°C, so if it’s a hot tropical climate you seek for your holiday, Chiang Mai in the summer season promises you one. The mornings and the late afternoons, are the best times to get out and explore all that the majestical city has to offer. As these are the coolest hours in the day, the many temples can be visited before the heat sets in, and the Night Bazaar Markets are comfortably enjoyed in the evenings. A more relaxing type of Thailand holiday, with days spent laying by the pool, is perfect during the summer season. With less crowds and cheaper accommodation, the hot season allows you to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy a quieter holiday to Thailand.

The rainy season is also an encouraged time to holiday in Thailand, as the temperatures are much more mild and predictable than the other seasons. While you will experience heavy rainfalls from time to time, the scenery of Chiang Mai is at its best, as the mountains are greener than ever and the flowers are in full bloom. The rainy season allows you to see almost all of the sights the city has to offer. The many museums and shopping hot spots can make for an amazing day out when the rain does come in, and the trekking and temples are easily explored during this climate on the clearer days. May to September is a really popular time to visit Chiang Mai, although it is the rainy season, it definitely doesn’t rain every day, and even when it does, it clears quickly.

This subgroup of the Karen Tribe came to Thailand to avoid political turmoil in their own country of Burma only in the last 100 years.  There are about 40,000 Padung, as they are called, living at the Thailand/Burma border at this time.  Though the Padung primarily inhabit the border between their home country and Thailand, a few families have settled in with other hill tribes in Thailand, the Karen in particular.

Though the women of the Padung are mostly known for the brass neck rings they wear starting around age 5, used to make their necks appear unusually long, this is not the only type of adornment they wear.  The Padung women not only wear the brass neck rings, but they also wear several rings on their wrists and rings going from shin to ankle on their legs.  The leg rings are typically covered with a kind of cloth covering, making them far less pronounced than the neck rings.

Some of the Karen-Padung tribes have another way that they show their womanly beauty.  This is through the use of elephant tusks in the ear.  Married women are pierced with elephant tusks that are about 4 centimeters.  As the woman gets older the tusks gradually weight down the ear lobe causing in to get longer and longer. Eventually the woman’s ear lobes become long and floppy.  Once the tusks are inserted into the ear lobe they are never removed.  They are a permanent sign of marriage. This ancient symbol is why the Padung women are sometimes referred to as the “long ear women”.

This tradition of elongating the ear lobes did not begin with the Padung women.  Long before Asia was divided by country and territory ancient people practiced this type of adornment. Though the practice is continued only by women in current day Padung tribes, in ancient times it was a genderless rite of passage.  It was meant to illustrate the exquisite beauty of women by enhancing what was revered as one of the most sacred parts of the body.  In men the ear adornments were meant to show strength.

The maidens of the group do not wear the ear tusks, since they are reserved for marriage.  They wear white dresses as opposed to the red and black dresses that are worn by the married women of their tribes.  On the back of young girls’ hands you will also find magical words mean to ensure the girls a good life.

The primary crop of the Padung-Karen is rice. This is a main staple in their diet and a large part of their economic system.

The Padung are primarily animists, like most hill tribes. They have a Buddhist population of about 10%, and a small but ever rising percentage of Christians. The one major holiday for the Padung is the annual fertility and prosperity festival held during the rainy season. This is meant to bring good health and a bountiful harvest.

On arrival at Doi Suthep you will be in a large car park, the temple complex is up the side of the mountain beside the car park. Starting with a walk up the 300 steps of the intricately carved mythical Naga Serpent Staircase you begin to marvel at the splendour of your surroundings. For those that do not fancy the 300 step climb up to the complex, you can go up the lift for 30THB ($1) and walk down the staircase when you have finished.

On reaching the top you are greeted with the sight of the golden spire which decorates the centre of the mountain top temple. The walls around the spire form a mini enclave and are richly decorated with historical murals and shrines. Here you find a beautiful copy of the Emerald Buddha statue on display. The real Emerald Buddha statue is now in Bangkok.

Outside this central enclave area you will find the shrine to the White Elephant and the story of how the temple on Doi Suthep was founded. There is a wide walkway around the main temple which leads you to a large viewing terrace with terrific views down over Chiang Mai, weather permitting. Just past the viewing terrace is one of the worlds largest gongs, which makes an earthly rich sound when struck. Give it a try, it is allowed.

On leaving Doi Suthep temple area descend the Naga Serpent staircase back down to the car park area. At the bottom of the staircase you will find several souvenir shops and a throng of vendors selling local handicrafts.

(Tip, if you are approached by one of the vendors when you first arrive at the car park and you say that you will look at their goods when you come back down, be prepared. They never forget a face and will be waiting for you.)

From experience a trip from the centre of Chiang Mai to Doi Suthep takes around 25 minutes. If you  allow one hour for the round trip and another hour there for sightseeing you should be able to hire a red songthaew for around 400 THB for the two hours (make sure you bargain for the best price). Most drivers will point out highlights along the way and stop half way up the mountain at a viewing platform which overlooks the city. The drivers all wait in the car park while you go sightseeing. Don't worry they will spot you when you finally come back down from Doi Suthep.

After you finish at Doi Suthep, and you still have some time on your hands, get your driver to drop you off at one of the many Markets around Chiang Mai, for a cold drink, something to eat and a bit of retail therapy.

You can watch the whole process as the workers hand make the paper lamps, fans, umbrellas and parasols from start to end. From making the bamboo struts, covering them with paper, putting them out to dry and then hand painting them.

The artists in the Handicraft Centre who meticulously hand paint all the decorations on to the umbrellas are always willing to paint a variety of beautiful designs on items that you bring to them (for example a Purse, handbag, hat, jacket, t-shirt, even the leg of your jeans). Even very complicated scenic designs can be painted on your object right in front of you in minutes. Prices are extremely reasonable and are negotiated with the particular artist, don't be stingy with your money as you will be very proud to show off the beautiful finished product.

There is a large shop attached to the Bo Sang Handicraft Centre which sells a huge variety of exquisitely painted umbrellas and parasols along with other locally made handicraft products. If you don't have room in your luggage to fit all your purchases, the centre can easily arrange to post the goods overseas to your home for you.

If you go there around the third weekend in January they hold the Bo Sang Umbrella & San Kamphaeng Handicrafts Fair each year, where all the local artisans compete to see who can make and decorate the best products.

If you are looking for something to do while you are out this side of town it would be worth the trip to go a bit further out and see the Muang On Caves. Well worth the visit.

The large viharn was built in 1928. Round columns with bell shaped bases and lotus finials support the high red ceiling inside. The standing Buddha image inside is known as the Phra Chao Attarot. Made of a combination of brass alloy and mortar, the image dates back to King Saen Muang Ma (r.1385-1401). Buddhist posters are placed along the walls between the windows, and cabinets with Buddha images and Bencharong ceramics line the walls.

The cross shaped hall to the south of the main viharn contains the city pillar. Statues in small shelters surrounding this building are homes of guardian spirits. Legends say that a hermit (whose image is in a shelter on the west side of the building) went to the God Indra to ask for protection for the city from enemies. On condition that appropriate offerings were made, Indra permitted two kumaphan (mythical human-beast creature) to carry the Inthakhin pillar from the Tavatimsa heaven to the city.

Kumaphan, Chiang Mai, ThailandChao Kawila moved the city pillar to its present site from Wat Sadoe Muang in 1800. He built statues of the kumaphan under shelters to the north and south of the main entrance to the temple. He also planted the three large yang (dipterocarpus alatus) trees. According to legend, the tree nearest the city pillar will protect Chiang Mai as long as it is not cut down.

Other buildings in the compound include the Lanna campus of the Mahamakut Buddhist University (This is the northern campus for monks of the Thammayut sect, a reformist sect founded by King Mongkut (Rama IV r.1851-1881, who was dissatisfied with the established Mahanikai sect in the late 1830's). To the west of the chedi is a viharn with a reclining Buddha and the Sangkhachai Buddha. From this area an exit leads out onto Chaban Road.

Surrounded by lush forest canopies, tucked away in the picturesque valley some 30km north of Chiang Mai, Mae Sa Elephant Camp is home to more than 70 domesticated elephants and their mahouts. Each day, the elephants undergo a routine of bathing in the river, feeding and performing a string of talent shows. You can also ride an elephant around the camp’s verdant grounds or learn about their nature from a permanent exhibit housed inside one of the elephant’s living quarters.

Apart from day visits, you can try out the basic mahout training course if you feel compelled to learn more deeply into the elephant’s nature. The course will teach you all about the animal’s biology, health requirements, body language, as well as basic training commands, painting, bathing, riding and general handling.

Mae Sa Elephant Camp had been training its elephants to paint long before the Guinness World Records arrived on the scene. In fact, the idea of training domesticated elephants to paint was a novel concept, unheard of anywhere. In 2004, the camp made headline news after Ripley’s Believe It or Not (Thailand) awarded its prize “The Largest Painting by a Group of Elephants” to Mae Sa Elephant Camp for its 2.4m wide by 12m long painting by a herd of eight elephants. Entitled “Cold Wind, Swirling Mist, Charming Lanna,” the painting depicts Chiang Mai’s picturesque rural scenery in eight panels of canvas.

This painting was sold for 1.5 million baht to a Thai-born US businessman, who then donated it to the Thai government for safe keeping as national treasure, setting a new Guinness World Record for “The Most Expensive Painting by a Group of Elephants” in 2005

Sunday Markets (Sunday only) (also called Walking Street Markets) (late afternoon till midnight) In the centre of Chiang Mai's Old City section from the Tha Phae Gate to all the way down Rachadamnoen Road, about 1klm long, and spreading out down all the side streets. Big.

Saturday (Wua Lai) Market (Saturday only) (late afternoon till midnight) All the way down Wua Lai Road opposite Chiang Mai Gate, about 1km long. South side of Chiang Mai's Old City section.

Night Bazaar (daily open from late afternoon till midnight) The famous Night Bazaar is a bargain hunters paradise. Eastern side of Old City all the way along Chang Khlan Road, about 1km long.

Kalare Night Market (1/3 way down from top of Night Bazaar) (daily open from dusk till midnight) Eastern side of Old City on Chang Khlan Road.

Anusarn Night Market (1/3 way up from bottom of Night Bazaar) (daily open from dusk till midnight) Eastern side of Old City on Chang Khlan Road.

Warorot Market (daytime) (early morning till night) (2 minute stroll north of Night Bazaar) 

Eastern side of Old City on Chang Moi Road. Buy anything and everything here. This is a favourite  place for the locals to shop.

Muang Mai Market (daytime) (early morning till dusk) (10mins walk north of Warorot Market)

North eastern side of Old City on Muang Samut Road. Wholesale fresh fruit, vegetables, meat & seafood.

Somphet Market (daytime) (in Old City 5 minute walk north of Tha Phae Gate) 

Plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables. Also has house wares and some good inexpensive tailors.

Khamtien Plant Market (daytime) (north of Old City on Superhighway behind Tesco's Super Store) Plants, trees, gardening accessories, pets & tropical fish.

JJ Market (near Khamtien Plant Market) (weekends) (North of Old City, off Superhighway on Assadathon Road) A modern Market complex both inside and outside new building. Fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, second hand goods, designer goods, antiques, pubs and restaurants.

The park covers an area of 48,240 ha. Its lowlands below 800 meters in elevation are warm and very dry during the rain-free season, but the summit of Doi Inthanon, at 2565 meters, has a climate more like Canada than Thailand. The temperature has been known to drop as low as -8 degrees C. and frosts are not unusual during the cool, dry season. January is the coldest month: an average nighttime temperature is 5.5 degrees C. At any season, Doi Inthanon is a comfortable reprieve from the heat of the lowlands. At altitudes above 1000 meters, rainfall exceeds 2500 mm, considerably more than at nearby Chiang Mai. Even in the dry season, November to April, there is rare but occasional rain or the summit may be shrouded in cloud for a part of the day; persistent mist is an important factor in the maintenance of moist forest there.

Rhododendron The various sub montane forest formations at higher elevations are a unique asset of the park. They have dominant species belonging to temperate climate families rather than tropical. The summit area supports the only red rhododendron in Thailand (R. delavayi); it blooms from December through February. There are also two white-blossomed species abundant on Doi Inthanon which are restricted to only a few other sites.

Where mists are persistent, the slopes carry a moist hill evergreen or 'cloud forest' with many epiphytes, plants which live on tree trunks and branches but do not receive their moisture and nutrients from the host tree as do true parasitic plants. Instead, they are nurtured by the accumulation of dust particles and humus around their 'root' area and the moisture retained there, augmented by frequent bathing in cloud and mist. Epiphytic orchids are also abundant, along with lichens, lianas and fern. 

road At mid-elevations, 800 - 1500 meters, two species of pine are present, Pinus merkusii mixed with dipterocarp in the lower range, and P. kesiya with oak and laurel on drier slopes in the upper range. The pines are thought to be a relic from a prehistoric cooler climatic period when flora from the Sino-Himalayan region migrated southward. At the mid-elevations of the park, much of the forest has been removed by the activities of swidden cultivators and the slopes have converted to fire climax grasslands.

Because of its broad altitudinal range and the cool climate of its upper reaches, the park supports the largest number of bird species of any site in Thailand. The Center for Wildlife Research at Mahidol University records a present total of 362 species and expects additions; Many at the summit are migrants from northern Asia. Species restricted to Doi Inthanon are Ashy-throated Warbler and an endemic race of the Green tailed Sunbird; the park is the only site where the Chestnut-bellied Rockthrush and the Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker are known to oversummer and probably breed. Over 190 bird species are listed as common to abundant. Bird lists are available at the Visitor Center and at Park Headquarters

Private transportation is the recommended way to visit Doi Inthanon. The main attractions are spread over a distance of 40 kilometers and only a private vehicle will allow flexibility in planning your itinerary. Motor cycling is the best mode since it allows travel on some of the rough and narrow dirt roads which lead to hill tribe villages.

Mae Klang Water fall is located 66 km southwest of Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai, take Highway 108 to Km 57 (just 1 km before the village of Chom Thong). Turn right onto Highway 1009 and continue 8 km to where the road forks. Mae Klang is 300 meters straight ahead. The summit road forks to the right, reaching Park Headquarters near Km 31 and the summit of Doi Inthanon at Km 48.

The 14 kilometer route to Mae Ya Water fall begins in Chom Thong village. A minibus can be hired in Chom Thong for about 500 baht for the return trip. Mini-buses labeled in English Doi Inthanon Park can be hired at either Chom Thong or Mae Klang for the trip to the summit; the cost is about 500 baht for the return trip. These mini-buses have a regular touring route which includes the main points of interest along the summit road. Per-person costs will be lower it you can share the tour with others. Unmarked mini-buses also leave Chom Thong frequently for Mae Chaem (decreasing in mid-afternoon). The fare is 20 baht to the point where the Mae Chaem road intersects with the summit road at Km 38, or 30baht to Mae Chaem. If you request it, this mini-bus route will drop you at Park Headquarters, Km 31. If you arrive at Km 31 or 38 in the morning hours, you may be able to flag down another vehicle to reach the summit.

Accommodations: Adjacent to the Hmong village, Ban Khun Klang, behind Park Headquarters, is a large compound with 11 guest houses available for public rental. Electricity, beds and bedding are provided in all units. Arrangements for guest house rental should be made at Park Headquarters.

Campsites are Iocated at the Headquarters area and at the Mae Pan Ranger Station. Two-person tents can be rented at Headquarters. No sleeping bags or mats are available, but a number of blankets are available for rental. Firewood is provided and campfires are permitted throughout the year. Please use caution during the dry season.

Food stalls serving meals and snacks are located at several places in the park (see maps). Stalls at Mae Klang Water fall and in the Headquarters area are open during daylight hours every day. Bottled water is widely available in the park, along with other drinks.

A new information and interpretive center is located at Km 9.5 on the summit road. There is an excellent slide show of the park, plus assistance, maps and other interpretive displays. The Visitor Center can also be reached by a short walk from the Mae Klang Ranger station. The trail follows the river up stream, passes the waterfall and reaches the Visitor Center in a few hundred meters.

As a result of long occupation by hill tribe people, Doi Inthanon has many footpaths. Some of the main tracks have evolved into single-lane, motorcycle and truck roads providing access to villages. Most walking trails in the park are not signed at the trail head nor marked along the route. If you want to do some walking, please contact the Park Headquarters.

Because of its easy access, this unusual waterfall has been visited by Thai people for many years and they continue to come in large numbers on any sunny day in the year to swim, picnic and relax in this beautiful setting. The rapids and waterfall spill over a wide exposure of granite and can be approached closely. Visitors are asked to exercise caution around the waterfall area and while swimming either above or below the falls. A well-maintained trail leads up the side of the waterfall, and continues to the Visitor Center and beyond.

This impressive limestone cave has a gigantic entrance chamber and tower and a second huge chamber with a skylight opening to the surface. It can be reached in about one hour from the main road, or in less time if the beginning portion of the route is cycled.

The falls are reached by a short, easy trail from the parking area. Vachiratharn waters tumble down granite escarpment, creating a misty veil of great beauty. Visitors should be very cautious: three people have fallen to their deaths while taking photographs. Just a short distance on the main road beyond Vachiratharn is the small Karen hill tribe village, Ban Sop Had. Turn right just past the bridge and you will find the village a few hundred meters up the dirt access road.

The headquarters building has a small camping space nearby, and staff will provide assistance. Access to the Hmong village Ban Khun Klang, the guest house compound, and Siriphum Waterfalls via road intersecting with the main summit road at Km 30.4. A excellent view of Siriphum can be enjoyed by walking or cycling along the track which forks left from the main road just beyond the entrance to the guest house compound. The falls are actually twins: two parallel plumes named for King Bhumipol. and Queen Sirikit.

Continuing north of the main summit road, turn left at km 41.8 over a bridge on a paved road which leads to a magnificent chedi completed in 1989 to honor the 60th birthday of King Bhumipol.

One of the most beautiful and rewarding walks in the park is a new trail which begins a short distance up the main summit road from Napamaytanidol. The path leads for a kilometer or more through dense, moist evergreen forest, then emerges and follows the top of a steep slope bordering the canyon headwaters of the Mae Pan River. Dotted with red rhododendron, the trail proceeds southward for another kilometer with fine, open views to the west, then re-enters the forest and eventually terminates at Napamaytanidol Chedi. Two hours would allow a leisurely walk with camera stops.

The drive to the summit offers some fine views, especially during November and December, before the dry season haze has become well established. On your visit to the summit stupa containing the remains of King Inthawidhayanon, be sure to read the English translation on the back of the marble plaque nearby. Photographing any part of the radar station is forbidden, but visitors may take pictures freely of any other subject.

On the main road and opposite the summit Ranger Station is a sign in Thai marking a short, self-guided nature trail which descends to a sphagnum bog in a small karst depression The bog area. which displays the red blossomed Rhododendron delavayi, comes nearest to a true montane forest formation and is a good location for bird-watching. If you continue around the bog and down a short distance, you will reach a memorial shrine marking the site of a helicopter crash which occurred in the mid-seventies and killed the first superintendent of this park.

Thought to be the highest in Thailand and is well worth the extra effort to get there. Park officials estimate that the Mae Ya River plunges more than 250 meters at this point. It is a beautiful, fanning cascade, dropping down an ever-widening series of steps -- without a doubt, a photographic favourite.

A scenic pleasure. From the start at Km 38 on the main summit road, the first kilometers travel through some of the most lush forest on the mountain. Then the road comes out into the open and follows a descending ridge with fine views.

At Km 6.6 on the Mae Chaem road is the turn-off to Mae Pan Waterfall, marked by a sign in Thai and English. The dirt access road descends about two kilometers to the Ranger Station and campground and is suitable for any vehicle although the road can be slippery on the uphill return after a heavy rain. The area is quiet, off the beaten track, and can be described as the back country of Doi Inthanon Park. It offers a rewarding loop hike of 1.5 to 2 hours through untouched terrain with small waterfalls and tumbling creeks along most of the route. Visitors can walk the 800 meters to Mae Pan Falls and back again, as well as the 200 meters to Huai Sai Luaeng Falls just beyond the campground. Both of these trails are clear and well-maintained.

Nowadays craftsmen specialize in just one type of carving used in the decoration of a viharn. The modern woodcarving industry itself is a development of only the last few decades.

Traditionally only a few artifacts were commissioned, and the wooden elephant was the most common everyday carved object. The popularity of temple carvings imported from Burma as souvenirs encouraged dealers to get local craftsmen to reproduce them. The reproduction processes, which include aging methods such as burning and soaking in urine, have become so good that even experts have difficulty deciding whether an object is genuinely old

This monk was a celebrated woodcarver who produced works in the traditional Lanna style. He specialized in the designs of door and window panels. The quality of the execution of the work depended on the hand of the craftsmen who actually did the carving. Examples of his work may be seen in the main viharn at Wat Buppharam, the scripture library at Wat Rampoeng and the chedi of Wat Phra Bat Tak Pho. He also did stucco work, the best example of which is seen at the ubosot which sits above the viharn of Wat Phan On.

The scarcity of teak has forced modern carvers to use other woods like that of the rain tree. These woods carve well and are inexpensive. Staining to hide the light colors of the woods has become more common. The carving itself is usually done in the rough in outlying villages near Mae Tha, before the pieces are sent for detailed work in the woodcarving center of Ban Tawai.

The moment you enter the grand courtyard of the Shinawatra Silk Company, the buildings’ impressive proportions and fine materials make clear that this is no ordinary manufacturer and exporter of silk products. This dramatic setting contains a fascinating presentation of the timeless process of sericulture and silk manufacture as well as being a trove of silk products.

Designed in the traditional architecture style of the ancient northern Thai Kingdom of Lanna, the buildings burnt-orange brick walls, the massive support teak columns, the mighty, exposed teak trusses bearing the gabled roofs and the walkways paved in a careful selection of hand made terracotta tiles, all reveal the Shinawatra family’s pride and joy in its showcase headquarters

From the moment when you are first greeted in the reception area, you are led into a wonderland of silk. The first gallery shows how silkworms are raised, you then see the delicate process of separating the filaments from the cocoons, reeling, spinning, dyeing and weaving the silk threads on hand operated looms. Next is the gallery of history where are photographs of the many famous people who have visited the showroom. You are then able to wander from room to room – the gallery of women’s wear and accessories, of men’s ear and accessories, the gallery of silk fabrics, special rooms of scarves, of neckties, upstairs are galleries devoted to decorative items and house ware. At the heart of the building is the superb promotion hall and souvenir and gift shop.

The altar inside the large chapel is beautiful, though rather standard for Thai temples these days. We were somewhat amused by the plethora of "account books" strewn about on the right side of the altar (behind the columns in the picture we're afraid). In any temple that gets visitors, there is almost always a donation box with a guest book for you to write your name and amount donated in. Well, in this temple there were at least half a dozen boxes, each with a different purpose - maintenance of the temple building, electricity, taxes, etc. - and so each with its own account book. Upon making a donation to one or more purpose, you then have to scrabble around for the proper book to write it down in.

In a city filled with such rich history, it would be a mistake not to include visiting what is known as the ‘old city’ as a part of your Chiang Mai holiday. While there is a lot of new development in Chiang Mai, it is the ancient structures and the city walls that enclose them that date back over 700 years, that are the real sightseeing splendours of this incredible city. When taking the time out of your Thailand vacation to holiday to Chiang Mai, visiting the traditional Thai temples should be at the top of your list. The city is famous for its historical and architecturally beautiful Buddhist temples, the earliest built dating back to 1383. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is situated on a hill north of the city and is considered Chiang Mai’s finest and most picturesque temple out of the amazing 300 temples the city has to offer. Chiang Mai holidays are not complete without experiencing this breathtaking gem of the city.

Chiang Mai offers an endless list of activities and sightseeing pleasures. Whether it be the Museums that catch your interest or the amazing shopping and bargains you can find at the Night Bazaar Markets, Chiang Mai really has it all. The city not only offers a unique nightlife experience at its many bars and restaurants inside the city centre, but holidays in Chiang Mai are considered a perfect opportunity for trekking the countryside. Chiang Mai is renowned for its trek experiences, including tribal experiences and overnight stays, as well as elephant riding through the beautiful Thai forests

Accommodation in Chiang Mai is well balanced to meet every traveller’s needs with many luxury resorts spanning across the city, as well as guesthouses and smaller hotels for those sticking to a tighter budget. Hostels too, can be found all over the city. With most of the sights and activities close by, Chiang Mai is easily one of the most tourist friendly locations in Thailand when it comes to accessibility. Probably the most talked about accommodation can be found at the Rachamankha Hotel, which is situated next to Wat Phra Singh, one of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples. Built to be made to feel like a temple in itself, the luxurious and beautifully landscaped resort is a popular choice for many travellers looking for an authentic experience.

Being the most popular time for Thailand holidays as a whole, the winter season for Chiang Mai is no different. The season starts in November and brings in the most tourism for Chiang Mai right through until about January. While the temperatures generally reach about 25°C, the temperatures in the city can get down to as low as 10°C and in the mountains as low as zero degrees! Trekking and other outdoor activities become increasingly popular during these months, as the weather is perfect for hikes and enjoying many of the physical activities on offer in Chiang Mai. Strolling the city is also favourable at this time of year as the weather is almost considered perfect, and if you’re an early riser, the cool temperatures in the morning allow for some great walks along the city walls.

Holidays in Thailand during the hot season sees temperatures soaring above 40°C, so if it’s a hot tropical climate you seek for your holiday, Chiang Mai in the summer season promises you one. The mornings and the late afternoons, are the best times to get out and explore all that the majestical city has to offer. As these are the coolest hours in the day, the many temples can be visited before the heat sets in, and the Night Bazaar Markets are comfortably enjoyed in the evenings. A more relaxing type of Thailand holiday, with days spent laying by the pool, is perfect during the summer season. With less crowds and cheaper accommodation, the hot season allows you to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy a quieter holiday to Thailand.

The rainy season is also an encouraged time to holiday in Thailand, as the temperatures are much more mild and predictable than the other seasons. While you will experience heavy rainfalls from time to time, the scenery of Chiang Mai is at its best, as the mountains are greener than ever and the flowers are in full bloom. The rainy season allows you to see almost all of the sights the city has to offer. The many museums and shopping hot spots can make for an amazing day out when the rain does come in, and the trekking and temples are easily explored during this climate on the clearer days. May to September is a really popular time to visit Chiang Mai, although it is the rainy season, it definitely doesn’t rain every day, and even when it does, it clears quickly.