Temples

Temples are one of Chiang Mai City's most prominent features. The city has over 36 active temples with majority of them, a tranquil and beautiful place where thousands of monks and novices were ordained. To many, these temples are social centers. Here are some:

• Wat Suan Dok bears the meaning of "flower garden". It is the resting-place for the old royal family of Chiang Mai. Their tombs are impressive and there are cenotaphs in the shape of pagodas. Visitors will notice that it is painted in white. This was done in reminder of the glorious past of the Kingdom of Lanna (Chiang Mai used to be the capital city of this Kingdom).

• Wat Umong is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. At the Wat Umong, you'll get to see an old painting that is about 500 years old. There are also old monastic cells found underground that was used for meditation. Today, Wat Umong is well known as a modern temple for many Western monks have become ordained here. You can also take meditation and Dharma classes in English. The Wat Umong is also unique for it is an "open zoo" where many Thais released animals to earn merit. Although not so easily accessible, yet it is a quiet and peaceful place to study Dharma.

• Another famous temple is the Wat Chedi Luang. Its history began from around 1401. Its prominent feature has got to be the massive pagoda. Once, in 1545, it was struck by lightning. The pagoda was never restored but its sheer size is still impressive. On the temple grounds, you'll also find a city pillar that was placed beneath a tall gum tree. The tree was said to last as long as the city does.

• One of the most respected temples in Chiang Mai is Wat Pra Singh. It was founded in 1345. This has got to be one of the best-preserved buildings in Chiang Mai. Its history dates back to the 1800s. Despite its age, there are still beautiful murals and old scrolls found in this small building. The Wat Pra Singh is popular place during religious holidays. You will see people walking around the temple three times with lit candles. You may even join in if you wish.

The Night Bazaar

For the shopaholic, the Night Bazaar is a shopper's paradise. It has been around for the past 20 years and is now the biggest shopping area in Chiang Mai. You'll see shops contesting with street stalls and wandering peddlers. The bazaar opens at 6 p.m. and closes between 10:30 - 12:00 p.m. However, according to all customers, there are a few shops that are open all day. Goods and ware that you can buy are fine Thai silk, quality and fake antiques, silver, clothes, handicraft, arts, toys, tapes and videos, trinkets, perfume, watches (do not take any products at face value, many are excellent imitations and are sold at imitation prices) to name but a few.

Huay Tung Tao

The Huay Tung Tao is a man-made lake located about 15 kilometers out of town on the road beyond the 700-year old Sports Stadium. The lake is perfect for fishing, swimming, paddling or even wind surfing. It is huge and is generally a Thai picnic spot, therefore, don't feel upset if you do not see any facilities in English. However, the staff are very friendly. Around the vast lake are little bamboo rafts. You may hire these for about 10 baht per day. Cold beer, fresh fishes and other delights are available at reasonable prices. One important thing to remember though: do try to dress modestly in shorts and T-shirts while swimming as the people from the North are not too used to seeing foreigners in their swimming costumes.

Tha Pae Gate

This brick gate used to follow the design of the gate that guards the city's entrance. It is now a small open-air venue for various events. It is also commonly used as a political forum during elections as well as during the Miss Chiang Mai and Mr. Muscle competitions. Here, you'll get to see demonstrations, parades, and the likes. There will also be something of interest throughout the year at the Pae Gate. During the World Cup season, you can see football supporters watching and cheering for their team at the wide screen TV there.

The Chiengmai Gymkhana Club

The Chiengmai Gymkhana Club is definitely the oldest club in Thailand and was founded in 1898. This stunning historic club covers a land area of over 40 acres in the heart of Chiang Mai. You'll find golfers, tennis players, cricketers, footballers and other members/non members of the club mingling away under a huge and ancient Raintree. The Raintree is so vast that it spreads its boughs all over the club house verandah.

The Chiang Mai Foreign Cemetery

This may not be an interest to everyone, however, the Chiang Mai Foreign Cemetery is tucked away at the corner of the Gymkhana Club. It is a must-see for historians and anyone who is interested in the history of foreigners in Chiang Mai. The place is "graced" by the statue of Queen Victoria, rafted and carried by elephants from India. It still stands, erect and proud at the corner of the well-kept cemetery. There is also a book available on the history and lives of its occupants. It is an interesting insight into the lives of these people.