Stunning vistas and beauty spots in a Thai paradise
It's often just as magical to view a city from afar as it is to wander through its streets. Why else would we fork out for the London Eye or climb the many steps of the Eiffel Tower? These iconic viewpoints are as famous for their view as their own distinct appearance, and millions ascend each year to experience the cities from above.
In Chiang Mai, the locals say you haven't experienced the city until you've gazed down on it from the slopes of Doi Suthep. A mountain 15km to the west of the city, this verdant landscape features the spectacular temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a sacred landmark shrouded in tradition and the number one must-visit site in Chiang Mai.
The immense gold-plated chedi (bell-shaped tower) of the Doi Suthep temple is a beautiful sight from Chiang Mai on a clear day; a startlingly opulent jewel amongst the forested backdrop. Like many sacred temples in Thailand, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep has an interesting legend accompanying it; the story goes that a white elephant played a part in the selecting of the site - left to freely wander over the mountainside, the animal stopped at this very spot, trumpeted, turned three circles and then knelt down and died.
Doi Suthep
The temple was completed in 1383, and is still a working Buddhist monastery today. A highlight of any visit is the viewing terrace, with breathtaking views down over Chiang Mai. There is also fantastic architecture to peruse, murals and statues in abundance, and even a shrine to the famous white elephant.
Getting to this wondrous site doesn't have to be difficult. Although 15km away from the centre of the city, any tuk-tuk or songthaew driver will be happy to take you up the twisting mountain road to the steps below the temple. If you feel like a challenge, why not hike from Chiang Mai for the Visaka Bucha pilgrimage, which takes place every June or July and sets off from the city zoo.
On arrival at the foot of the temple, over 300 steps await you. If you're feeling puffed at this point or just fancy a lift, take the cable car onward to the temple itself - it's only 20 baht and you'll get fantastic views from the carriages on the journey. If you take the steps, remember there are plenty of them and the air at this altitude is thin, so you will get tired more easily. It's all worth it however, once you reach the top!
Chiang Mai is fairly isolated in its location in northern Thailand, and the city is surrounded by lush country and tropical valleys. Once you've experienced the view from above, get exploring the stunning scenery in and around the city. Here are a few beauty spots to start you off:
Path to the reservoir at Bhuping Palace
Bhuping Palace Gardens
Make your way further up the mountain from the temple of Doi Suthep, and you'll reach the beautiful Bhuping Palace on the summit. The winter residence of the Thai royal family, the traditional buildings here are a charming escape from the city below. Even more spectacular are the gardens surrounding the palace; wander the winding paths to find a tranquil reservoir with water fountains, and explore the famous rose gardens that bloom throughout the winter.
The gardens at Bhuping Palace are unique in that the cool mountain air allows certain flowers to grow that are not found elsewhere in Thailand. A walk around the palace grounds will take a couple of hours, and you'll see stunning scarlet roses, exotic birds and butterflies amongst the petals. Entry is 50 baht, but be sure to check whether the gardens are open before you arrive; the palace is closed to the public when the king is in residence. There is also a dress code - long trousers must be worn!
Mae Sa Waterfall
Located in the Mae Sa Valley, this eight-tiered waterfall is around 26km from Chiang Mai, in the Doi Suthep National Park. There is a fee of 100 baht to enter the park, but this is worth it as the scenery here is a tropical paradise. The river runs 3km down through the foothills, over a series of cascades and pools; follow the path up and choose your favourite spot for picnicking, swimming, or just enjoying the sound of the water.
With the Chiang Mai region a hilly forested landscape, there are also plenty of other waterfalls to discover in the area. Huay Kaew Waterfall is closest to the city, Mae Ya Waterfall is the highest in the district, and Huay Sai Lueng Waterfall is powerful all year round. Remember the best time to view rivers and waterfalls is the rainy season: May to September.
Mae Sa Waterfall
Huay Tung Tao Lake
Another aquatic idyll can be found north of Chiang Mai, at Huay Tung Tao Lake. With a beautiful setting at the foot of Doi Suthep, this lake is the perfect day out in the country, whether you want to paddle, picnic or sunbathe. Hammocks and bamboo rafts offer a lazy retreat, dotted around the shore, and there are numerous thatched huts that work as tiny eateries, selling delicious local snacks.
Entry to the lake is 20 baht per person - find the toll booth by heading north along Canal Road and turning left after 10km. Once at the lake you can either enjoy a relaxing day on the shore, or take to the water - swimming and kayaking are allowed here. This area is also an ideal spot for birdwatchers, as some exciting exotic birds migrate to Huay Tung Tao Lake.
Flight of the Gibbon
Taking in the stunning natural surroundings of Chiang Mai doesn't have to be a sedentary activity. If you're a bit of an adrenaline junkie, why not experience some jungle action with a zip wire tour? Flight of the Gibbon offers a wild canopy tour through the ancient rainforest, flying between the trees in the same spirit as the long-armed apes. High above the ground, you'll whizz past 1,500 year old trees in a blur of lush green; the tour consists of five km of zip lines connecting lookout platforms, sky bridges and lowering stations. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive gibbon!
Flight of the Gibbon
