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 Travel Guide   TOP 5 Things To DO   Chiang Mai's most famous temple
Climb the 304 steps Naga Staircase of Doi Suthep

cm03-6.jpgWat Prathat Doi Suthep, perched high on the flank of Suthep Mountain, 1,022 m (3,000ft) above sea level, is Chiang Mai's most famous temple. The pagoda in its centre contains some of the relics of the Lord Buddha. The temple is visited thoughout the year by thousands of tourists and Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.

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A steep road meandering for 12 km (7.5 miles) up the flanks of the mountain ('Doi') leads to Doi Suthep - the beautiful and cool location of Wat Prathat and the Royal Winter palace west of Chiang Mai.

According to legend, the temple's site was selected by an auspicious elephant. The story goes that a monk named Sumana placed half of a Buddha relic on an elephant's back and set it loose. It was decided that when the elephant stopped walking, a temple would be built on that exact spot to house the gem ... Instead of stopping at an easy site, the elephant began climbing the hill - and finally paused on the brow. This was where Wat Prathat Doi Suthep was built by King Kuna in 1388...
The temple is approached by climbing a steep Naga (serpent) staircase comprising 304 steps (however, you can also ascend by funicular railway).

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The inner sanctum of Doi Suthep Temple is ornately decorated in traditional motifs and rich in dazzling golds.

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Chiang Mai's most famous landmark: Phra That Doi Suthep Monastery, towering the city from its vantage on Suthep mountain.

 Travel Guide   TOP 5 Things To DO   Thai silk, silverware, jewellery, wood carving, weaving, textiles, ceramics, pottery, lacquerware,...
Bargain at the Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai is the main handicraft centre of Thailand and the Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road is the largest centre for the selling of all sorts of crafts in Chiang Mai.

The selection is astounding! Almost anything can be purchased here from cheap 'brand replica' clothing, accessories and souvenirs to up-market furniture, designer clothing, silks, silverware, jewellery and wood carving, weaving, textiles, rattan items, ceramics, pottery, and lacquerware.


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All items on sale on the Night Bazaar are sold at non-fixed prices.

The rule is fairly simply - bargain ruthlessly but patiently and politely. Be friendly but firm, and if the stall holder speaks English, engage in light conversation. A little knowledge of Thai can help considerably in obtaining a good price!

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Important: Women always add 'ka' to the end of each phrase spoken and men say 'khap'

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ENGLISH

FONETIX

  • Hello
  • Sawatdi
  • How much is this?
  • Tourai
  • Can you help me?
  • Chuay dai mai?
  • Thank you
  • Khop khun
  • Do you have?
  • Mee …. Mai
  • No, (we) do not have
  • Mai mee
  • Yes, we do have
  • Mee
  • Can I have a discount?
  • Lot dai mai?
  • That is expensive
  • Peng!
  • That is very expensive
  • Peng mahk!
  • Cheap, inexpensive
  • Thuuk
  • Keep a cool heart
  • Jye yen yen
  • Never mind, it does not matter
  • Mai pen rai
  • What time does the shop open/close?
  • Rhan beurt/pbid meurai
  • Bank
  • Thanaakhan
  • Where is the … shop
  • Rhaan … tee nai?
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     Travel Guide   TOP 5 Things To DO   Elephant riding and bamboo rafting
    Amble around on elephant back

    top503-2.jpgThe Pong Yang Elephant Training Camp is the main destination of a 30 km tour along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route, inside the Mae Sa Valley. Along the road are many tourist attractions like the Mae Sa Waterfalls, the Mae Sa Butterfly and Orchid Farm and the Chiang Mai Snake Farm.

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    During the 40 minute show, elephants demonstrate their formidable and highly valued forestry skills - moving large teak logs as if they were matchsticks, a skill employed for more than a century in the teak forests of the North.

    After the show, you amble around on elephant back for one hour. Perched high in a wooden howdah, you gain an impressive view of the forest and an unforgettable experience.

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    Perched high in a wooden howdah, you gain an impressive view of the forest and an unforgettable experience.

     Travel Guide   TOP 5 Things To DO   Northern dishes, dances and hill tribe culture shows
    Attend a Kantoke Dinner

    Experience both the Northern food and culture at the same time!
    Kantoke Dinners provide a good way to get to know both the Northern food and culture at the same time. At this event, visitors are seated in the floor around a circular tray with Northern dishes on it and eat while watching traditional Thai and Northern dances and hill tribe culture shows.

    A Kantoke tray, with all the customary dishes that have enlivened the cuisine of the Lanna for generations.

    Savour the delicate flavours of a traditional Kantoke Dinner, with all the customary dishes that have enlivened the cuisine of the Lanna for generations.

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     Travel Guide   TOP 5 Things To DO   Cruise down rural Mae Ping
    Cruise down rural Mae Ping
    Cruise down rural Mae Ping on a 2-hour journey that will take you past beautiful scenery in the heart of Chiang Mai. Enjoy the pleasant pace of the boat. Stop to visit a local farm and its herb and fruit gardens - or relax and have Thai dinner on board.
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    Travel & Transfers
    Free airport transfer with hotel reservation
    Transfers from airport to hotel are FREE of charge in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. (One-way). Up to 4 persons and 4 luggages per room.
    CHIANG MAI/TRAVEL & TRANSFERS/TRANSFERS



    RECOMMENDED HOTELS
    Tamarind Village

    A peaceful and picturesque village-style accommodation located in the center of Chiang Mai's old town.
    Northern Heritage Resort & Spa

    Established under the Government campaign for long stay Health Care services.
    Royal Princess Hotel

    From Dusit Group; Luxury hotel with caring service in the best 'Lanna' tradition. Located in the center of the Night Bazaar.
    Amora Tapae Hotel

    Newly opened 4 star hotel at Tapae Gate.
    Holiday Inn Hotel

    The first Deluxe 5-Star hotel in Chiang Mai. Located on the banks of the Mae Ping River.

    QUICK LINKS:
    CHIANG MAI TRAVEL GUIDE:
    Introduction Restaurants
    TOP 5 Things To DO Nightlife
    CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sports

     Travel Guide   TOP 5 Things To DO   Chiang Mai's most famous temple
    Climb the 304 steps Naga Staircase of Doi Suthep
    cm03-4.jpgAccording to legend, the temple's site was selected by an auspicious elephant. The story goes that a monk named Sumana placed half of a Buddha relic on an elephant's back and set it loose. It was decided that when the elephant stopped walking, a temple would be built on that exact spot to house the gem...
    CHIANG MAI/TRAVEL GUIDE/TOP 5 THINGS TO DO


     Travel Guide   CALENDAR OF EVENTS   The magic and enchantment of the Li-Peng Festival
    Float away your bad luck and pay your respects to the goddess of the river
    calendar06.jpg Thai festivals are not the sort of thing you just watch. You get into them, right to the heart of them - and take away memories which will stay with you for ever. Arguably the most beautiful and the loudest, Loi Kratong is best enjoyed in the north.
    CHIANG MAI/TRAVEL GUIDE/CALENDAR


     Travel Guide   Restaurants   Northern dishes, dances and hill tribe culture shows
    Experience both the Northern food and culture at the same time
    Kantoke Dinners provide a good way to get to know both the Northern food and culture at the same time. At this event, visitors are seated in the floor around a circular tray with Northern dishes on it and eat while watching traditional Thai and Northern dances and hill tribe culture shows. Savour the delicate flavours of a traditional Kantoke Dinner, with all the customary dishes that have enlivened the cuisine of the Lanna for generations.
    CHIANG MAI/TRAVEL GUIDE/RESTAURANTS


     Travel Guide   Nightlife   Live Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country
    Relax to piano music
    intro10.jpgFor a peaceful, private evening, you can relax to piano music in a hotel lobby. Blues, Jazz, Rock, and both Thai and Western Country are played live at the many pubs and coffee shops around the city.
    CHIANG MAI/TRAVEL GUIDE/NIGHTLIFE


     Travel Guide   Shopping   Workmanship skills passed down from generation to generation
    Handicrafts famous with shoppers and importers around the world
    The many handicrafts that are part of Chiang Mai's history are famous with shoppers and importers around the world. Sah paper umbrellas, delicate ceramics and celadons, dazzling gems and jewellery, silverware of all sorts, lacquerware with intricate design, thai silk, woodcarvings, antiques and semi-antiques, furniture,...
    CHIANG MAI/TRAVEL GUIDE/SHOPPING


     Travel Guide   Sports   Five golf clubs and four driving ranges
    Destination golf courses
    Chiang Mai has a total of five golf clubs, ranging from 9 to 18 hole greens. The green and caddy fees vary from place to place and are cheaper on weekdays than on weekends. There are golf clubs and electric cars for rent. Chiang Mai also has four driving ranges, which charge from between 25-30 baht for a tray of 50-60 balls.
    CHIANG MAI/TRAVEL GUIDE/SPORTS



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      Top Last Updated:
    Monday, April 09, 2007