Roi Et town is built around a large artificial lake,Bung Phlan Chai,where a large,walking Buddha stands on a small island in its centre.
Tall Buddhas are popular in Roi Et as Wat Buraphaphiram features a 68-metres walking Buddha,with a staircase that enables visitors to climb to knee-high level. Sixty kilometres outside of town, Ku Kasing is a large Khmer sanctuary dating from the 11 th century,and under restoration.
Handicrafts are the province's main product,particularly the Isan khaen, a kind of panpipe made from wood and reeds. These are best made in the small village of Si Kaew. Thanon Phadung Phanit is a good place to buy silk and cotton fabric.
Roi Et has an area of about 8,299 square kilometres, consisting of the following districts: Mueang, Thawat Buri, Selaphum, Phon Thong, Nong Phok, At Samat, Phanom Phrai, Chaturaphak Phiman, Kaset Wisai, Suwannaphum, Pathum Rat, Pho Chai, Mueang Suang, Phon Sai, Moei Wadi, Si Somdet, Changhan, Chiang Khwan, Nong Hi and Thung Khao Luang.
Phrathat Renu. - The stupa houses the ‘Tipitaka’ – the three divisions of the Buddhist Canon, gold and silver Buddha statues, precious items and regalia of Nakhon Phanom’s rulers and noblemen.
Phrathat Si Khun. - The stupa is a sacred place for Na Kae people. Phrathat Si Khun is similar to Phrathat Phanom, but it has different details.
Phrathat Tha Uthen. - The large three-storey, 15-metre high stupa was built in 1911 to cover a tunnel containing precious items as well as to house Arhat’s relic from Yangon.
Phra Bang, Wat Trai Phum. - Phra Bang is a standing Buddha image in the gesture of stopping the flood built in the Lan Xang style. The people believe that the sacred Buddha image always attracts rain whenever the image is taken in a rain-begging parade.
Wat Pho Si. - The temple houses ‘Phra Thong’, a bronze Buddha image in the gesture of subduing Mara built in the Lan Xang style in the early Ayutthaya period. Phra Thong will be watered on the full moon day of the 6th lunar month.
Bun Boek Fa Fair and Red Cross Fair : Held annually on the third lunar day of February to celebrate the early period of harvest season, the fair aims also to conserve Isan cultural heritage. There is parade to honour the goddess of rice and Baisee ceremony. Moreover, fair goers can enjoy various local performances.
Phra That Na Dun Festival : The Celebration is held annually on the full moon of February in Maka Bucha Day at Buddhist Park of Isan. The week long celebration will features Buddhism-related activities such as giving alms to the monks, vipassana practice, dhamma lecture, and the glory performance “Champasi-Natakan”.
On Son Klong Yao Festival : The annual festival is held during March 12-16 at the field by Amphoe Wapi Pathum Office. The fair features long drum contest, float of long drum, Isan traditional performances, beauty contest, performances.
Monkey Feeding Festival : Held every April 2 at Kosamphi Forest Park, Amphoe Kosumpisai, it is festival that people can feed monkeys in Kosumpi Botanical Park.
Rocket Festival : Held every May and April at the field by Amphoe Na Chuak Office, the festival organizes rocket contest and float.
Candle Festival : The festival is held at Amphoe Kosum Phisai to mark the Buddhist’s Lent. The festival features float and candle contest.
Boat Race, Loi Kratong, and Candle Boat festival : Held annually to mark the end of Buddhist’s Lent at Bung Bon, close to Kosum Phi Botanical Park, the festival feature boat race, Loi Kratong, and candle boat. Kratong float and cheer leader contest will be held.
Situated 470 kilometers from Bangkok, Maha Sarakham is a small province in the North East part of Thailand. Being the educational hub of the region, this place is also known as "Taksila of Isan". Maha Sarakham is famous for its historical sites, beautiful Buddha images, exquisite hand woven silk and cotton fabric.
There are 2 important temples -- Wat Suwanawas, housing the Phra Buddha Ming Muang and Wat Puttha Monkhon, housing the image of Phra Buddha Yuen Mongkhon. Both these temples are important places of worship in Maha Sarakham province. Located in Kantharawichai in the province of Maha Sarakham, these ancient images of standing Buddha are made of red sandstone in Dvaravati-style and both are over 1,000 years old.
Another important Buddha image, named Phra Buddha Ratanamonkhol Mahamunee, housed in Wat Buraphaphiram is said to be the tallest standing Buddha image in the world and attracts a large number of tourists everyday. An important tourist destination is the Phra That Nadoon Chedi, housing some of Buddha's relics. The location of the Chedi in a beautiful park making it an attractive place to visit.
Kosamphi Forest Park famous for its monkey population is located on the Mun riverbank. Worth a visit are also the Chi Long Forest Park and the Pa Dun Lamphan Forest Park, both of which house a large variety of flora and fauna. Trekking and bird watching in these forest parks are a delight.
Although there is no direct train from Bangkok to Maha Sarakham, tourists can take a train directly up to Khon Kaen and take a connecting bus to Maha Sarakham. Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses are available from Bangkok's Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Maha Sarakham every day. Tourists can even fly from Bangkok to Khon Kaen and then take a connecting bus to Maha Sarakham.
Namtok Chang Tok is located 500 metres higher than Namtok Khing which is also along the Phrae River. It is steeper than the lower one.
Namtok Wang Tat is situated 1.5 kilometres above Namtok Chang Tok and located along the Phrae River as well.
Namtok Tat Hueang or Namtok Thai-Lao is along the Hueang River, consisting of 3 different tiers with a height of approximately 50 metres. There is water throughout the year.
Namtok Pha Khao is along the Heuang River, a border between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Namtok Huai Phai - This waterfall is dropping from a steep cliff with an approximate height of 30 metres. The water from this waterfall is also utilised to produce pipe water in Amphoe Phu Ruea.
Namtok Tat Hong is a waterfall located within the compound of the national park. When falling from the cliff to the basin, it creates a loud and resonant sound of water. Therefore, it is called “Namtok Tat Hong”.
Road system
Road connect to Bangkok and central region by national highway No.2
Road connect to Northern region by national highway No.12
Road connect to Vientiane (Laos) via Udonthani and Nong Khai by national highway No.2
Public bus at Khonkaen city
2 Public bus station (locals bus and inter-province bus).
Hourly public bus to Bangkok.
Daily public bus to Major city in northern, central,eastern region.
Railway
Railway system to Bangkok available at Khonkaen railway station.
Air transportation
Air transportation to Bangkok available at Khonkaen airport Khon Kaen Airport(KKC).
Air
Strategically important for the Isan region's infrastructure, Udon Thani's airport was raised to international standard in 2006 with the opening of a new terminal to compliment its existing domestic arrival and departure building which is now defunct. At peak times of the year there may be as many as 20 scheduled flights per day operating in and out of Udon Thani, thus making it one of the country's busiest domestic airports.[citation needed] Currently, two budget airlines, Air Asia and Nok Air, and the national carrier, Thai Airways, operate from the airport.
Road
The city is bisected by Mittraphap Road, the highway linking Bangkok with the Northeast and Laos. A modern, multi-lane ringroad system enables through traffic to bypass the city centre either to the west or the east. It connects to the airport and to the main roads leading to Nong Bua Lamphu province in the west and to Sakhon Nakhon in the east.
Rail
A station in the city centre on the main Bangkok - Nong Khai line provides the city with regular services to and from the capital and Nong Khai.
Bus
Essential local and city services are provided by songthew truck and pickup truck busses, while regional and long distance destinations are served by regular bus vehicles from several bus terminals. The long distance 'VIP' First Class busses operate from a terminal in the city centre and connect Udon Thani with daytime and overnight routes to Bangkok and many province capitals.
Kaeng Mon Noi
These rapids are around 800 m away from Wang Yai pond. Cascades against boulders which were eroded by water form beautiful waterfalls at certain points along their course.
Kaeng Hin Hom
These large split-level rapids are around 100 m from Kaeng Mon Noi. The resonant roar is heard in the distance during the rainy season when there is a lot of downpour.
Namtok Than Ngam Forest Park
Around Than Ngam Waterfall is Mixed Deciduous Forest; major species are Ta baek, Pradu, Daeng, Makha mong, Chingchan, and Krabok. The waterfall contains water at certain times; there is a lot of water during the rainy season.
Ban Thai Phuan
This area is an ancient site where archaeological excavation was conducted and many ancient objects were found.
Kham Chanot
This sacred place gains respect from villagers in neighbouring areas. It is said to be an entrance to the water world, a legendary place concerning the great Naga (serpent). Inside, there is a shrine of Chaopu Sisuttho and a sacred well for worship.
Dok Fai Ban Makham Wan Mueang Loei Red Cross Fair is held in front of the Loei City Hall during 1–9 February every year. Parades from various districts, as well as, cultural performances are highlights of the fair.
Thai – Lao Songkran Festival is organised in Amphoe Tha Li during 12–15 April of every year. It is uniquely different from other places due to the large number of Laotian people participating in the activities of the festival such as Songkran Beauty Contest and water splashing with Thai people.
Bun Bang Fai Lan Festival is held within the compound of Wat Erawan Phatthanaram, Amphoe Erawan on the full moon day of the 6th lunar month or during May of every year. It is the biggest festival of Loei. There is a contest of rocket processions from various communities.
Phrathat Si Song Rak Fair is an annual event organised on the full moon day of the 6th lunar month, around the end of April until early May to celebrate Phrathat Si Song Rak, a significant place of worship of the town. A holy ceremony is also conducted in the festival such as a worshipping ceremony to Phrathat by presenting Ton Phueng Yai, Ton Phueng Noi, and Phrathat bathing.
Bun Luang Festival and Phi Ta Khon is held annually in Amphoe Dan Sai on Saturday to Sunday after the full moon day of the 6th lunar month, and after paying respect to Phrathat Si Song Rak. Phi Ta Khon is a local activity of Amphoe Dan Sai and Amphoe Na Haeo, relating to the belief and faith in Buddhism and the spirit of ancestors. Phi Ta Khon parades are organised in the Bun Luang Festival, an annual local merit making ceremony. Phi Ta Khon is usually participated especially by males both boys and men.
The festival is organised in 2 days. On the first day, the Phra Upakhut procession proceeds from the Man River to Wat Phon Chai and on the next day, it will enter the town, while the Phi Ta Khon participants will throw their costumes and accessories away into the Man River. After that, a series of all 13 chapters of the Great Birth Sermon will be given during the event.
Chiang Khan’s End of Buddhist Lent Festival is organised in front of Chiang Khan District Office on the full moon day of the 11th lunar month every year. This festival has been passed on for generations. There is the Prasat Phueng procession, long-boat races, Ruea Kap races, illuminated boat contest, Tak Bat Devo, and various local cultural shows and entertainment in the festival.
Sea of Fog and Beautiful Flower Blossom on Phu Ruea (Winter Flowers Fair, Amphoe Phu Ruea) is held on the ground in front of Phu Ruea District Office during the New Year Festival, around 31 December – 3 January every year. Activities in the festival comprise a temperate plant fair, floral float parade, temperate flowers and decorative plants contests, Mae Khaning evening party, dances in the winter breeze.
Wat Pho Chai Na Phueng - Enshrined within the abbot’s cell is the Prachao Ong Saen Buddha image, an ancient image of the town for many generations. At the outside of the Ubosot are paintings which were later created in 1916. It can be considered as a very precious ancient monument and object of Loei province.
Phrathat Si Song Rak - Its architecture is in the Lan Chang style. Phrathat, a stupa containing the Buddha’s relics, is 19.19 metres high, 10.89 metres wide with a square base of 12 redented corners. Moreover, within the compound of the temple is enshrined a Buddha image canopied by a seven-headed Naga in the Tibetan style of art.
Wat Neramit Wipatsana - Both the Ubosot and Chedi are beautifully constructed of laterite. The large Ubosot is interiorly decorated in resemblance to the great temples of Bangkok. Moreover, a replica of Phra Phutthachinnarat is enshrined as the main image.
Phra Phutthabat Phu Khwai Ngoen - The Buddha’s footprint is 120 centimetres long and 65 centimetres wide, enshrined on a whetstone and was registered as a national ancient monument in 1935.
Phra Yai Phu Khok Ngio - It is a walking Buddha image in the blessing posture, cast of fibre and golden resin combined. It was cast by the Second Army Area Command and the people as a form of merit making for Their Majesties the King and Queen.
Having grown wild over a century ago in Wat Pa Mancha Khiri, over 4,000 Chang Kra orchid-Rhyncostylis gigantean (Lindl.) are in full bloom on the branches of some 280 trees every year during January and February. These wild orchids always fill the whole area with their mild fragrance.
How to get there:
the temple is only a kilometre from downtown Amphoe Mancha Khiri, 57 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. From Bangkok, motorists can drive via Highway 2 (Mitraphap Road) then turn left to Amphoe Chonnabot, via Highway 229 (Chonnabot-Mancha Khiri).
The entrance to the temple is on the left before reaching Amphoe Mancha Khiri or some 35 kilometres from Mitraphap Road. From Khon Kaen, motorists can go via Highway 2731 and 2062 through Amphoe Phra Yuen.
Phraya Chaisunthon Monument (Chao Somphamit) - The life-sized monument is made from bronze in a standing position with the right hand holding a teapot, and left hand holding a magic sword.
Kalasin Museum - The museum was established by Mr. Chairat Mapraneet, Governor of Kalasin province, with an aim to show the collections of good things in Kalasin.
Phutthasathan Phu Po - The site is where two ancient reclining Buddha images of the Dvaravati period carved on the cliff can be seen. They are the sacred images highly revered by the people of Kalasin and nearby provinces.
Phu Faek Forest Park and Dinosaur Footprints - It is located in Tambon Phu Laen Chang, with alternate mountainous and hilly topography covered with a deciduous dipterocarp forest featuring various kinds of flora and it is easy to spot some wild animals such as squirrels, tree shrews, civets and hares. At present, there are 4 Dinosaur footprints that can be seen clearly.
Phutthasathan Phu Sing - It is a large image in the subduing Mara posture that is 10.5 metres wide and is clearly visible from below. The surrounding area is shady and offers a lovely panoramic view.
Laem Non Wiset - It is the land that stretches into Lam Pao Dam’s reservoir. Laem Non Wiset is a good sunset watching spot.
The Chaopho Phraya Lae Festival is held from the 12th until the 20th of January each year in front of Chaiyaphum City Hall and the Chaopho Phraya Lae Monument Intersection.
The Chaopho Phraya Lae Worship Ceremony is held at the Nong Pla Thao Shrine on the first Monday of May every year (It lasts for 3 days and 3 nights). The locals will pay respect to Chaopho Phraya Lae’s spirit and perform traditional dances in front of the old shrine. There is a contest of local food, folk sports competition and a "Bai Si" procession contest.
The Candle Festival is a festival organised by the Chaiyaphum Municipal Office on the full moon day of the 8th lunar month (around July). There is a candle contest. This event is widely popular and similar to the candle procession of Ubon Ratchathani.
The Ram Phi Fa Tradition is a ceremony worshipping certain sacred objects and the "Phrachao Ong Tue", a Buddha image engraved out of sandstone with a height of 2 metres. The locals consider this Buddha image as very holy.
Many people will participate in this ceremonial dance. The ceremony is organised twice a year on the 13th to 15th day during the waxing moon of the 5th lunar month (in April) and the first day during the waning moon of the 3rd lunar month within the area of Khao Phu Phra, Ban Na Kai Sao and Na Siao Sub-district in Mueang District.
The Bun Duean Si Festival is a festival of the people of Khon San, comprising merit-making on the dark moon day of the 4th lunar month (Duean Si) and a "Saba" competition on the 1st to 3rd day of the waxing moon during the 5th lunar month (around March). The Saba competition is challenged for the winner prize creating amusement within the compound of Wat Chedi, Khon San District. It is the only Saba competition performed in Northeastern Thailand.
The Dok Krachiao Blossom Festival is held at the end of June to July at Pa Hin Ngam National Park, Thep Sathit District. It is during the rainy season when the blossoms of the wild Krachiao flowers - in a purplish pink colour - are widely found in the area. Therefore, this area is known as Dok Krachiao Field. During the festival, there is a nature tour around the national park and local performances.
Pa Hin Ngam National Park is located on Phang Hoei mountain range comprising undulating hills with a height of 300-846 metres above sea level, covering deciduous dipterocarp forest, dry evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest, with a diversity of ecology. There are many kinds of wild flowers in the same species of Dusita, En A, and orchids, as well as, various species of wildlife, comprising more than 56 kinds of birds, 21 types of mammals, and 10 categories of reptiles.
Tourist destinations within the national park are as follows:
Lan Hin Ngam is a location where there are a lot of large rocks in strange shapes scattered in an area of more than 10 rai. It has occurred from the erosion of the soil and rocks into different shapes, which can be imagined as many kinds of objects and animals such as nails, radar, hens, etc.
Dok Krachiao or Bua Sawan Field Krachiao – a kind of curcuma - is an annual plant in the same species as ginger-galingale, scattered generally from Lan Hin Ngam to the Sut Phaendin viewpoint. It is suitable for travelling during the rainy season from June to August.
Sut Phaendin is a steep cliff and is the highest point of Phang Hoei mountain range, 2 kilometres from the Office of the National Park and 846 metres above sea level. It is the cliff connecting between the Central and Northeastern regions. At this viewpoint, the panoramic view of a complex mountain range with a cool breeze throughout the day can be admired.
Chaopho Phraya Lae Shrine is near Nong Pla Thao, 4 km. To the west of the Provinctal Hall on Highway No. 205
(Chaiyaphum :Ban Khawao).
To the right is a sacred historical site which is where Chao Pho Phraya Lae was executed by Lao soldiers. Locals built the shrine to honor him and to have the spirit protect the Chaiyaphum and Thai people.Every year, beginning on the first Wednesday of May, a week long festival in his honor is held
The small waterfall runs through 4 levels into a pond. Located in the area. Phu Lanka. Caused by multiple lines on the mountain streams flow into the creek confluence Kham. The waterfall is not very high. And nearby. A small stone courtyard. Relax.
A waterfall flowing storied of 4 floors only the final stage, the basin flooding throughout the year, Tat Kham is known of the people nearby provinces such as Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, etc. are people visited every day by approximately 100 people on average. and holidays. Will have at least 400-500 people.
Buri Ram is also known as the City of Pleasantness. It is one of the largest and most populated provinces of northeastern Thailand, and it is approximately 410 kilometers from Bangkok. The Province is also home to many historical ruins and sites, which are worth exploring if you want to learn more about Thailand's rich history.
One such place is Prang Ku Suan Taeng, which is located opposite the Ku Suan Taeng Witthayakhom School in Don Wai sub-district. It is built in Khmer style architecture and is made up 3 brick prangs resting on the same laterite base. The prangs face from north to south. However, the faces of the buildings are towards the East and there is just one front entrance. The other three doors that are visible on the three sides are false.
The prang in the middle is large and even today it is in a near-perfect condition. It has a square shape and a front porch. The pediments, which are present above the three false doors, are projecting out and each one is supported by a sandstone slab. The other two prangs are considerably smaller and are resting on a square-shaped base.
Right in front of the prangs, you can make out the ruins of the rest of building like the lotus-shaped based and the ante fixtures comprising of a 6-headed Naga. The lintels of the Prang Ku Suan Taeng are housed at the Phra Nakhon and Phimai National Museums. Prang Ku Suan Taeng is suppose to date back to the 12th century as the lintels show the same artistic designs as those found in the Angkor Wat-style of Khmer art.
Aside from important religious days, Songkran Day and New Year’s Day, Buri Ram also has other local festivals such as the festival of the 5th lunar month when the locals make merit, bathe Buddha images and senior people, perform traditional sports such as Saba and tug of war. In some areas like Amphoe Phutthaisong, there is the Bang Fai traditional rocket dance, Khao Phansa, at the beginning of Buddhist Lent and Loy Krathong in the 12th lunar month. Some of the local festivals include:
Phrachao Yai Wat Hong Homage–paying Fair : Held in Amphoe Phutthaisong during the 14th day of the waxing moon to the 1st day of the waning moon in the 3rd lunar month of every year. It is a fair to pay homage to and for applying gold leaf on the Phrachao Yai, a highly revered Buddha image of the people of Buri Ram. The event lasts 3 days with numerous merit-making ceremonies and fun-filled activities.
Buddha’s Footprint Homage–paying Fair : The event takes place at Khao Kradong, Amphoe Mueang, on the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month. A large number of local people visit Khao Kradong to pay homage to a replica of the Buddha’s footprint and the Phra Suphattharabophit image whilst enjoying the big celebration.
Phanom Rung Fair : Phanom Rung Sanctuary was once a sacred Hindu shrine which was later changed into a religious site for Buddhists. During the time it was deserted, a replica of the Buddha’s footprint was taken to be enshrined at Prang Noi. It has become a tradition for local people to climb up to the mountaintop to pay respect to the Buddha’s footprint and put gold leaf on it.
Every year, on the full moon day of the 5th lunar month, there is an annual festival to pay respect to the site. Because Phanom Rung is a beautiful and important historical site, the province also organizes an annual festival on the first weekends of April when a colourful parade is held following ancient royal Khmer tradition as well as a sound and light show at the Phanom Rung Sanctuary.
Buri Ram Long Boat Races : It is organized annually on the first weekend of November when the Mun River is high. Oarsmen from Buri Ram and other nearby provinces would gather to join the boat racing which is held in front of Amphoe Satuek’s district office.
Each year, there are about 40 to 50 boats in the competition. There is also a parade of fancy decorated boats during the event. Boat racing was once a traditional festival celebrated among friends and relatives to pay homage to Chaopho Wang Krut, a spirit named after a whirlpool in the Mun River. Since 1986, it has become a festival of the province.
Isan Kite Festival : Held annually at the sports stadium in Amphoe Huai Rat on the first weekend of December, or during the harvest season when the cold northeastern wind blows. At this time of the year, local people make "aek" kites, a traditional kite of the Northeastern people. Buri Ram province organized the first Isan Kite Festival in 1986 to conserve and publicize the local tradition of the Lower Northeast.
There is also a kite competition among the locals who come from the surrounding districts and villages. A kite to enter the competition must be more than 2.5 metres wide and it is judged for its beautiful design, the sound of the "aek" – a sound–making device attached to the kite - and the way it floats in the sky. During the event there are also colourful kite parades, folk performances, shows and booths displaying the local products.
Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, then take Highway No. 226 to Buriram and Surin and continue the journey along Highways No. 214 and 202 to Amnat Charoen via Suwannaphum and Yasothon, a total distance of 585 kilometres.
Bus
Buses depart from Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Amnat Charoen every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information
Rail
There is no direct train to Amnat Charoen. Visitors can take a train to Ubon Ratchathani, then continue the trip by bus to Amnat Charoen. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.
Air
Thai Airways flies from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, which is 75 kilometres from Amnat Charoen. Call 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 for more information.
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Amnat Charoen attach their lifestyle to local tradition and festivals that are held throughout year such as festival to mark the end of Buddhist’s Lent, Rocket festival, Loi Krathong, and Songkran for example. Moreover, they practice 14 moral regulations such as cleaning feet before getting inside the house, donating food to the monk, avoiding to step of monk’s shadow, paying respect to the parent, paying homage to the Buddha image with flower, candle and joss stick, and learning Dhamma everyday and etc.
Amnat Charoen is well known for its silk products. Most people in Amphoe Chanuman are descendant of Phu Thai ethnic group that migrated from Lao. They specialise in weaving “Khit” cloth which has unique patterns. Their traditional musical performance “Mo Lam” always support the democratic constitutional monarchy. Amnat Charoen people is trying to retain “Long Khuang” tradition. The traditional once was meeting time between teenagers to do activities together such as weaving or silk spinning, among lively traditional music.
Boat Race Tradition held between October and November each year, the boat race is a big tournament for boat from Amphoe Khemarat of Ubon Ratchathani, Amphoe Chanuman of Amnat Charoen, and Lao. The race takes place in Mekong River, in front of Amphoe Chanuman’s office. The fair goer can enjoy the race at day and shopping and entertainment at night.
Wai Phrathat Festival Nan is a town in the Lanna kingdom where Buddhism spread for a long period of time. Within the area of the ancient city, both in Mueang Nan and in Amphoe Pua, lie Phrathats on the hill. Every year, festivals paying respect to the important Phrathats are organized as follows:
Namatsakan Phrathat Beng Sakat Fair is organized on the full night of the 4th northern lunar month (around January).
“Hok Peng Waisa Mahathat Chae Haeng” Fair takes place on the full moon night of the 6th northern lunar month or the 4th central lunar month (around the end of February-March). Sky rockets are fired as an offering to the Buddha.
“Namatsakan Phrathat Khao Noi” Fair takes place on the full moon night of the 8th northern lunar month or the 6th central lunar month (around May). In the festival, there is a ceremony paying respect to Phrathat Khao Noi and sky rockets are fired as an offering to the Buddha.
“Namatsakan Song Nam Phrachao Thongthip” Fair at Wat Suan Tan during the Songkran festival on 12-15 April.
Tan Kuai Salak, Hae Khua Tan or Khrua Than Festival Than Salak or Kuai Salak is an ancient tradition created in the Buddha’s time. For the northern people, it is considered as a major local merit making ceremony possessing local uniqueness. Monks are invited to receive the offerings by drawing lots.
Nan Boat Raceshas been passed on for a long period of time. In 1936, boat racing was organized during the community’s robe presentation to the monks after the end of the Buddhist Lent until the time of the royal robe presentation ceremony. Nowadays, it is around mid-October or at the beginning of November every year. The opening of the races is the date when the food offerings are presented to the priests by drawing lots of Wat Chang Kham Worawihan, a royal temple.
The food offering ceremony will be firstly organized. Therefore, the Nan Boat Races have come together with the Tan Kuai Salak of Wat Chang Kham until nowadays. Later, the province added the celebration of the black elephant tusk which is the precious treasure of Nan as well. Moreover, there is boat racing at Amphoe Wiang Sa in the Tan Kuai Salak Festival.
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Tao cave located at Tambon Nam Krai. It is on another mountain and about 620 meters away from Tham Chan Cave. Cave entrance has several big stones; you have to notice in order to recognize the cave. From the cave entrance, a walk way has an excavation which looks like a stone sculpture.
The way to the cave is a bit complicated; on the left side has a 17meter long hollow being steep until the first room. From here, there is a tiny hole where you can go through. Another room is linked with the right walk way. From here, you can walk to the large room where a 6-meter high stone pillar is in the middle. In the cave, are beautiful stalagmite and stalactite; weather is comfortable and cool.
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Lamnam Nan National Park It is a complex mountain range comprising of various kinds of abundant forests. It covers a total area of 624,468 rai and consists of mixed deciduous forest, dry evergreen forest, hill evergreen forest and deciduous dipterocarp forest, where the leaves will transform into beautiful colours during winter and is a habitat of various types of animals such as barking deer, deer, wild boars, bears and more than 200 kinds of birds.
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Pooh Meaing located at Tambon Nam Pai, Phumieng mountains divide Uttaradit province and Phitsanulok province. They are about 1,656 meters above sea level. At the peak, you can view both provinces and can even see Sirikit dam. Moreover, lots of ferns like Kaluang, Dongtao, and Khanmakpa and other plants are found along the way leading to the peak. Klong Tron waterfall of 8 levels is also there but it’s suitable for those who only enjoy adventure and those nature lovers.
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Sak Yai situated at Ban Pang Klua, Tambon Namkrai about 53 km. away from the province with an area of about 20,000 Rai and is consisted of various unsorted woods. Most important of all this Botanical forest has a biggest teak tree in the world, it has a height of 47 meters and the circumference of the tree stem is measured to be 9.58 m. It is about 1,500 years old by comparison of the size and the number of years from the teak stumps in nearby area. At present there is a height of about 37 meters left because the top of the tree was broken by strong wind, but the stem in general is still left in.
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Wat Si Khom Kham It houses the largest Buddha statue of Lanna Thai, Phra Chao Ton Luang, a sitting Buddha with a lap width of 14 meters and height of 16 meters. It is said that it took no less than 33 years to complete it.
We vistited Wat Si Khom Kham in Phayao Province on the way back from Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle. Installed here is Lanna's largest Buddha image, Phra Chao Ton Luang. It dates back to 1491 and is of Lanna-style. The temple is located on the Kwan Phayao Lake. It also features what is called "heaven and hell park" where sculptures illustrate what hell might look like.
Wat Si Khom Kham is a temple located on the bank of Kwan Phayao. It houses the largest Buddha statue of Lanna Thai, Phra Chao Ton Luang, a sitting Buddha with a lap width of 14 meters and height of 16 meters. It is said that it took no less than 33 years to complete it. Celebrations are held every May.
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This temple is 40 kilometres from Amnart Charoen on Highway 212 and 2134. The temple consists of the Lanna architecture chapel, houses a Buddha image in the attitude of Subduing Mara, which is believed to be the most beautiful Buddha image in the northeastern region. Designed with the influence of Laotian and Lanna arts in 1720, the Buddha image shows a blend of local art dating around the 23rd Buddhist century.
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The Phra Si Phanommat Memorial commemorates a community leader who was highly repeated by the townspeople. The Chinese-descended tax collector on alcohol products contributed tremendously to the development of the community and was rewarded with the rank of Phra Si Phanommat from King Rama V.
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tourism
Klong Tron national park has a very natural forest covering areas in Tambon Saentor and Tambon Namkrai of Nam Pat district, Tambon Tham Chalong of Mueang Uttaradit district, Tambon Phaluad of Tha Pla district, Tambon Nam Phi, Tambon Phak Kuang, Tambon Borthong of Thong Saen Khan district in Uttaradit province. Total area is 324,240.80 Rai or about 518.80 km2. It consists of high and low hills.
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Today, we will recommend with Wat Phra That Chae Hang It features a 55 metre-high golden Chedi containing a Holy Relic from Sukhothai. Over the Viharn's door frames and on parts of the roofs are plaster designs in the shape of Naga, the great serpent, which represent the artistic best in local architecture.
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Located next to Mae Hong Son market, Wat Hua Wiang is a temple with a large compound featuring a large Burmese-style bronze Buddha image as its focal point. The compound also features a two-storey building with a multi-tiered tower and although the temple’s buildings are a bit dilapidated, this adds to its appeal. In addition, the temple is quite lively as it houses quite a few monks. This is a nice temple to visit.
Details:
The temple is open daily and admission is free (although donations are suggested).
How to get there:
Wat Hua Wiang is near the airport and is accessible by Tuk-Tuk and Songtaew and is available by bus from Mae Hong Son.
Pak Nai was originally a village by the Nan River. After the construction of the Sirikit Dam, the village became a part of the water reservoir above the dam with characteristics similar to a large lake surrounded by green mountain ranges. The locals of Pak Nai village are fishermen.
There are also restaurants on rafts providing fish from the dam to be tasted such as Pla Kot - catfish, Pla Bu - gobies, Pla Khang – Giant Catfish, Pla Raet - giant gourami, Pla Thapthim - Thai Red Tilapia, etc. Some rafts also provide accommodation for tourists. From Ban Pak Nai, visitors can rent a boat to travel along the Nan River to the Sirikit Dam and admire the scenery of beautiful mountainous forests, islets, and fisherman’s raft houses.
Out of the rainy season, there will be a pulled-raft service to Wat Pak Nai, where visitors can enjoy their meal on board. The trip takes approximately 2 hours. Moreover, there is a ferry service to Nam Pat District, Uttaradit province.
To get there: The village is in Na Thanung sub-district, 96 kilometres from the centre of the province. Take the Nan – Wiang Sa – Na Noi route. From Na Noi district, there is a crossroad to Na Muen district for 20 kilometres. Then, turn left into Highway No. 1339. It is an asphalt curving road along the shoulder of the mountain. Continue for approximately 25 kilometres to Ban Pak Nai.
Sao Din Na Noi or Hom Chom and Khok Suea is located in Chiang Khong sub-district, 60 kilometres from Mueang Nan. From Na Noi district, there is a crossroad. Go along Highway No. 1083 for approximately 6 kilometres. It is a soil formation into strange shapes, similar to the “Phae Mueang Phi” of Phrae Province.
From geological evidence, it appears that Sao Din Na Noi occurred from the movement of the earth’s crust during the late Tertiary Period and the natural erosion of water and wind. Geologists assume that it might be aged during 10,000 – 30,000 years and was once the bottom of the sea. There have been discoveries of stone bangles and ancient axes at this place, which are currently preserved at the Nan National Museum. It reflects that this area was once a habitation place of human beings in the Palaeolithic Age.
However, there are other interesting attractions. For example, Kaeng Luang is 35 kilometres from Na Noi district. The entrance route to Kaeng Luang is very difficult to travel because there are natural islets and cataracts caused by the stream of the Nan River, flowing pass the rocks scattered in the river. During the season of a rushing torrent, there are echoes of water smashing against the rocks, while during the dry season, rocks and white sandy beaches along the Nan River can be seen. Swimming can be done during the dry season in April only because during the rainy season, the stream will be vigorous and dangerous.
Pha Hua Singand Doi Samoe Dao is situated at Km. 16, the Na Noi – Pang Hai route. It is a viewpoint spot on the summit of the high cliff from which the 360? of scenery can be admired. At the spot, a wide terrace suitable for relaxation, star observation and sunset viewing, is located. Visitors who would like to go to Pha Sing (meaning a cliff with a strange shape similar to the head of a lion) will have to contact an official from the National Park.
The total distance is 2 kilometres. Along the way, the Chan Pha Tree - Dracaena loureiri Gagnep., the unique tree will be seen. Moreover, when the sky is clear, Na Noi and Wieng Sa districts, as well as, the Nan River can be viewed from the cliff.
Accommodation and Facilities: There are bungalows and tents for rent. However, visitors have to prepare their own food. For further information, please contact the Si Nan National Park, P.O. Box 14, Si Sa Ket sub-district, Na Noi district, Nan 55150, Tel. 0 5470 1106, 08 1224 0800 or the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Flora, Tel. 0 2562 0760
To get there: Si Nan National Park is 20 kilometres from Na Noi district. Proceed along Highway No. 1083, the Na Noi – Pang Hai route. Along the way, there is a viewpoint spot where the scenery of the mountain ranges within the National Park and the curving Nan River can be clearly seen. The Nan River flows through the National Park to Pak Nai district. The forests in the park are mostly mixed deciduous ones.
Therefore, during February, there is usually a beautiful change of the colours of the shedding forests. Otherwise, travel by bus along the Bangkok – Nan route to Wiang Sa district and continue with the Wiang Sa – Na Noi – Na Muen Bus to the Ban Mai T-junction and rent a Song Thaeo further to the National Park.
Si Nan National Park covers an area of approximately 583,750 rai or 934 square kilometres in Wiang Sa, Na oi and Na Muen districts. The undulating mountain ranges line up from the north to the south, paralleling on both the western and eastern sides. They divide the area into the west and the east.
Along the riverside are mixed deciduous and deciduous dipterocarp forests. Within the compound of the ranges, there are hill evergreen forest, dried evergreen forest and pine forest. Rare animals that can be found are many flocks of peacocks, leopards, panthers, bears, deer, wolves and Asiatic wild dogs. Moreover, many important wild animals are wild elephants, bantengs, and gaurs, which usually migrate in and out the frontier between Thailand and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Interesting Attractions in the National Park are as follows:
Pha Chu’s foot is where the Office of the National Park is located. In winter, the sea of fog can be admired from the top of the cliff. When the fog is disappearing, the Nan River curving at the end of the forest can be seen. It is also a spot to view the sunrise. The distance to the spot is approximately 2 kilometres. The way near the summit is full of pointed rocks; therefore, a pair of sneakers should be prepared for the convenience of climbing. It takes 1 hour for a round trip. Those interested in climbing up to the summit of the cliff have to contact the park official.
According to legend, Chao Ueang Phueng, the lover of Chao Chan Pha had to get married to Chao Chuang, making Chao Ueang Phueng upset for not being able to marry the man she loved. Therefore, she decided to commit suicide by jumping off the cliff. Chao Chan Pha later followed her and found out about her death. Chao Chan Pha; therefore, killed himself by jumping off the cliff as well. The bodies of Chao Chan Pha and Chao Ueang Phueng were next to each other. At the same time, Chao Chuang saw the woman he loved jumping off the cliff.
He was very sad and decided to follow her as well. However, his body hurtled away. With the true love between Chao Ueang Phueng and Chao Chan Pha, in the next life, Chao Ueang Phueng was born as an orchid hanging under the Chan Pha Tree - Dracaena loureiri Gagnep., while Chao Chuang was born into a pine tree at the spot of his death. (Chuang in northern dialect means a pine tree, while “Ueang Phueng” refers to an orchid). This cliff has, thus, been called “Pha Chu”- the lovers’ cliff - since then.
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Prison is previously well-known among people that it is a frightful place. In fact, the prison is recently developed to be a peaceful and beautiful place. It absolutely seems to be a place for a new trend travel. Let's explore this kind of travel at the prison in Nan Province.
Nan Prison is located at a center of Nan Province over an area of almost 7 rais. The prison is decorated into many untitled areas to serve its prisoners such as library. It is a 2-floors building style which has been established for over 100 years since the period of King Rama 6. This library was previously served as a sleeping hall with 12 rooms, and then it was changed to be utilized as a multi-purpose building for 500 prisoners.
The studying is provided by lecturers from the Center of Non-formal Education under many subjects such as Thai, Computer, Music, etc. The prison also provides the prisoners the library service. In the prison, there are an exhibition room, which is exhibited history of ancient prisoners, a praying room, and a working room of HRH Princess Mahachakri Sirindhorn. Besides, the prison here also outstandingly provides the prisoners for occupation practice support such as wood furniture skill, hair cut service and cloth weaving as well as sports and exercises areas for Thai boxing and takraw. Moreover, there are also beautiful park. clinic and store for prisoners.
The second prison is located at Khao Noi. It occupies over an area of 85 rais. The prison here is not featured in a high-wall style as the others. Also, the prisoners are dressed as normal people . They are functioned in agricultural areas such as mulberry growing, silk worm and pig feedings called "Moo Lum", wild boar culture, fertilizer production, cat fish feeding in a bamboo and the highlight one is hydroponics vegetable growing based on a local wisdom method.
These methods use local receiving the same quality with a modern method. These income generating programs are amazingly originated from the prison's officer Mr. Apisith Muenthina. The Khao Noi Prison is now proclaimed among Thais and foreigners for its outstanding prisoner's activities.
For more information please contact Khao Noi Prison at least 3 days early. The office opens daily from 08.30 to 16.30 hr. Tel : 0 5471 0275.
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A uniquely designed and the most interesting temple in Nan is Wat Phumin, which has a 4-portico, single building housing both the Ubosot and Vihan. Four Buddha statues with their backs against one another are installed in the main hall facing the four directions. The doors are delicately carved in splendid designs by Lanna craftsmen.
Wat Phumin underwent a major restoration in 1867 since it was built some 27 years ago. It is believed that the wall murals were commissioned during this time. The wall paintings, in Thai Lu style are considered highly valuable and depict legends concerning the Lord Buddha as well as local legends and the local way of life, which include native attires, weaving and commerce with foreign countries.
Wat Sala Kaew Koo (or Wat Kek) is probably one of the most unique temples you are likely to visit in Thailand. Projecting a heady mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism merged with Brahmanism, the temple is the brainchild of Luang Pu Bunleua Surirat – a monk who lived in Laos prior to coming to Thailand to avoid the communist take over of the country (there is a mirror temple on the Laos side of the river which the same monk worked on).
The monk and his followers have crafted statue images of Shiva, Vishnu, and Buddha alongside images of a number of other religiously significant figures. Most are made of concrete and some up to 25 metres high. The monk gained a huge following both in the area and in Laos and the temple is a rare experience - something you are very unlikely to pin down. One man’s image of life, the universe and everything!
Details:
Entry to the temple is 20 Baht and it is open daily from 07:30 to 17:30.
How to get there:
The temple is on the Nong Khai - Phon Phi Sai Road about 3 kilometres from Nong Khai. From the centre of town a Tuk-Tuk will take you to the temple for around 20 Baht.
Wat Pho Chai is located in the south-east of Nong Khai. The temple is famed for a large bronze-Buddha with a solid gold head decorated with precious stones (rubies). The temple building houses a number of wooden carvings and murals. The murals depict the history of the image – originally from Laos. The Buddha image was shipped across the Mekong and fell into the water during a storm where it sat for 25 years. It was salvaged and spent some years in another Thai temple before being moved to Wat Pho Chai. The image is the focal point of a procession around Nong Khai during the annual Songkran Festival.
Details:
The temple is open daily and admission is free (although a donation is suggested).
How to get there:
Wat Pho Chai Temple is easily accessible on foot – it is next to the main bus terminal on Praeserm Road in Mae Hong Son.
The Pai River originates in the Thanon Thongchai and Daen Lao mountains and is 180 kilometers in length. The river runs through a number of provinces in Mae Hong Son and because of swift flowing waters during Thailand’s rainy season, it has become a destination of choice for white water rafters. Rafting takes place throughout the length of the river, and most tours are half- or full day. As it is the only route into Mae Hong Son’s main wildlife sanctuary, rafting the river offers a pretty unique experience.
The full length of the river offers around fifteen sets of rapids passing waterfalls (the Suza Waterfall is of particular interest) and hot springs. Tours can be organized from guesthouses and hotels in and around Mae Hong Son, but they can also be booked in advance through agencies. Typical tours start at Pai River Pier. Some tours stop at Kairang Padawang Kekongdu – a village inhabited by long-neck women on the Thai-Burmese border. Trips to the Thai- Myanmar often leave from Ban Huai Dua or Tambon Pha Bong. Trips are often combined with elephant riding.
Details:
The rainy season (mid-May to mid-October) is probably the best time of year to go rafting on the Pai. Trips to the Burmese border are often not possible because of fighting between the Burmese government and Shan armies.
Burmese-style Wat Pha That Doi Kong Moo is located around 1,500 meters up Doi Kong Moo hill. The temple is famous for its view of the valley it overlooks. In the morning visitors can look out over mists and fog that accumulate in the valley below. This is one of the ‘iconic’ views of Thailand you often see on postcards and it is a genuine spectacle. If you visit the temple later in the day you will have a clear view of Mae Hong Son town, which does not quite have the same impact.
The temple itself is quite impressive, its two ‘chedis’ containing the remains of monks from Myanmar. Behind the two chedis is a large ‘wiharn’ and further up the hill you can see a large standing Buddha attached to the temple. A trip to this temple is usually combined with trips to two other temples - Wat Phra Non and Wat Muo Taw – both in relatively close proximity. This is definitely somewhere to visit in the morning if you can.
Details: Admission to the temple is free but donations are suggested. In late October see a local festival where people in the area visit the temple in order to make merit by bringing food for monks who are in retreat.
How to get there: The journey to Wat Pha That Doi Kong Moo takes about 4 hours from Mae Hong Son and back. The tours available from the town are probably the best way to approach this hill trip. Otherwise Sangtaew will take you to the hill from the town and you have to walk up to the temple. You can rent motorcycles and cars to drive you to the top of the hill if you don’t want to walk.
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Poi Sang Long Procession
This is in fact the celebration of novice ordination which the Thai Yai tribe people hold to be a highly meritorious occasion. Traditionally, the candidate-novice, his head cleanly shaven and wrapped with head-cloth in the Burmese style, will don a prince-like garment and put on valuable jewels and gems, and ride a horse or be carried over the shoulders of a man to the city shrine. On the ordination eve, a procession of offerings and other necessary personal belongings will be paraded through the town streets and then placed at the monastery where the ordination will take place the next day. It is usually held during March-May before the Buddhist Rain Retreat period.
Chong Phara Procession
The Chong Phara in the Thai Yai dialect means a castle made of wood, covered with colourful perforated papers and decorated with fruits, flags and lamps. It is placed in the courtyard of a house or a monastery as a gesture to welcome the Lord Buddha on his return from giving sermons to his mother in heaven, according to traditional belief. Other activities to celebrate the occasion include dances where performers are dressed in animal costumes. The rite is held during the post rain retreat season from the full-moon day of the 11th Lunar month (around October) to the waxing moon night of the same month.
Bua Tong Blossom Festival
Each year in November, the hillsides of Khun Yuam and Mae Sariang districts are filled with a host of golden Bua Tong Blooms. As gay as a daisy and almost as large as a sunflower, the Bua Tong only blossoms for a month. At Doi Mae U-Kho, the blossoms appear profusely. Finally, the golden blooms become part of the scene. Some specialists have classified these Bua Tong as weeds and because of this, they may be cleared to make way for cash crops. Fortunately a group of researchers have discovered the flower's insect-repellent properties. And perhaps that is why the Bua Tong, a symbol of Mae Hong Son, is still preserved on the hillsides.
Loi Krathong Festival
Loi Krathong Festival is held on the full moon night in the month of November every year. Villagers make "krathongs" to float in rivers. At Nong Chong Kham, various entertainments and a contest of large krathongs are held near the central pond. Lamps and candles are lit all around the area. Moreover, at Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, there is a ceremony of releasing candle-lit krathongs bound with balloons to the sky (known as "Loi Krathong Sawan").
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Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom is the largest temple in the district, boasting a large Lanna-style Chedi and an extensive place of worship built in laterite by Karens living in the vicinity who were admirers of the highly revered Phra Kru Ba Chaiwongsa.
Completely unplanned did we come across this huge Chedi on Highway 106 close to the town of Li. It must be the pure scale in relation to the landscape but this seemed to be the tallest Chedi we had seen so far. In the outside wall of it are images of every important monk of Thailand (as far as I can tell). People here didn't speak Thai but rather seemed to be from the Karen Mountain tribe.
General Information
Mae Ping National Park covers Doi Tao District, Chiang Mai province; Li District, Lam Phun Province; and Sam Ngao District, Tak Province. It is fertile forest, which riches of plants and animals. At 1,003.75 km2, the rugged mountain range and rivers made fantastic scenic, especially the upper part of Bhumipol Dam that suit for recreation.
Geography
General topography is steeply mountain range with average high of 900 meters above sea level. There are many stream headwaters along the hill for example Huai Mae Had, Huai Mae Ko, Huai Pong Ka, Huai Muang, Huai Khun Maen and Huai Krai. All are branches of Mae Ping River.
The lake area covers Doi Tao District, Chiang Mai. Water flow southward to Bhumipol Dam in Amphur Sam Ngao, Tak for 150 kilometers. The widest point, with 6 kilometers is called “Bo Lom” and “Hauy Phra Bat”.
Climate
There are 3 main seasons same as other provinces in northern Thailand. There are rainy, cold and hot seasons but it may different from the area nearby dues to the large territory.
Flora and Fauna
80% of the park total area is shading leaves forest especially on the hill and less than 1,000 meters above sea level high elevation. And another 20% forest is moist evergreen forest. Teak, Shorea obtusa, Shorea siamensis, Dipterocarpus obtusifollus, Afzelia xylocarpa and Pterocarpus macrocarpus are found as dominant trees.
Wild life, which are found here they are; barking deer, wild pig, serow, gallus gallus, goral, fishing cat, asiatic black beer, small indian civet, macaque, langur and gibbon. Including, birds and fishes.
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A principal landmark is the 46-metre tall golden Chedi whose present appearance was the result of the restoration work in 1443 by a king of Chiang Mai. Other architectural works include the ancient-style brick arch adorned with fine designs and the pair of sculptured lions at the door.
The exact year of construction of Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai is unknown but it was built in the reign of King Athittayarat, a descendant of Queen Chamathewi, around the year 1100. Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai has undergone much repair and renewal and in 1443 King Tilokarat, the King of Chiang Mai added 5 new pagodas in the Sri Lankan style.
It may surprise many people to know that Lamphun was founded 6 Centuries before Chiang Mai and about 1000 years before Bangkok became the Capital of Thailand. Indeed, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep was modelled on Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai in Lamphun.
The main Chedi is a nine tiered "Umbrella" made of gold and weighing almost 6500 grms. This Chedi is said to contain a hair of the Lord Buddha.
In the courtyard is a large bronze Gong, believed to be the largest in the World.
Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai is of special importance to people born in the Year of the Rooster as it is the designated Temple for people born under that sign to make a pilgrimage to.
An ancient city with a hospitable population famed for its beautiful women, Lamphun retains its old-world charm and draws visitors to its natural beauty.
Lamphun, a small northern province sandwiched between Chiang Mai and Lampang has a long and storied history. Lamphun was founded as the city of Haripunjaya, a Mon kingdom-city, arguably part of the Dvaravati civilization, established in the ninth (perhaps seventh) century by former Buddhist monks from Lopburi. Haripunjaya was first ruled by Queen Camadevi, daughter of the king of Lopburi, who established a legacy for the province’s reputation for beautiful women. The kingdom she ruled over thrived for several centuries, exerting wide influence across the region, before King Meng Rai used subterfuge to conquer the town in late 12th century and integrate it into the Lan Na Kingdom based in nearby Chiang Mai.
Today, Lamphun still retains the enchanting ambience of a small but old community, where life moves at a leisurely pace and remnants of the city’s fortifications remind visitors of the city’s proud history. Lamphun is some 670 kilometers from Bangkok and only 26 kilometers from Chiang Mai. Located on the banks of the Kuang River, Lamphun features a skyline made of temple spires and attractions across the province include ancient sites as well as forests, mountains, and lakes.
Nearly a thousand years after subjugation by the Lanna Kingdom from Chiang Rai, Lamphun remains a fairly sleepy province, particularly in contrast to its more popular and populous neighbor, Chiang Mai. This is in fact Lamphun’s allure. The charming provincial capital retains its fortified, moat-enclosed old city where the local population lives a relatively slow-paced lifestyle. Visitors will enjoy visiting exquisite temples via bicycle or samlor, bicycle powered cabs, and exploring a lush countryside where various hill tribe communities live and a number of natural attractions, including as Doi Khun Than National Park, feature many exotic plants and wildlife.
Chiang Mai Zoo was established in 1974 and for much of its existence offered the standard fare many zoos around the world offer. However, its popularity soared over recent years with the Chinese government’s loan to Thailand of two pandas – ‘Chuang Chuang’ and ‘Lin Hui’ (‘Tewan’ and ‘Tewee’ in Thai). The pandas are housed in a new purpose-built wing of Chiang Mai Zoo, and since their arrival the zoo has seen a dramatic increase in the number of domestic and foreign visitors.
This is one of the few occasions outside China you might get to see a Panda - as a result Chiang Mai Zoo has quickly become a high priority on a visitor’s itinerary. However, the zoo has more to offer than just the pandas. Chiang Mai Zoo is on the Doi Suthep route and situated at the foot of the mountain, providing a natural habitat for the zoo’s various species of animals.
Details: If you are visiting the zoo to see the pandas, the best time for a visit is 09:00 when the enclosure is opened and the pandas fed. The zoo is open 08:00 to 18:00 and admission is 100 Baht (adults) and 50 Baht (children) if you want to see the pandas, although this is on top of the usual fee of 30 Baht (adults) and 5 Baht (children).
Attractions
Nakornping Walk Through Aviary Relaxation while walking and observing more than 800 birds in 2.5 acres.
Cape Fur Seal Exhibit - The building have 4 Cape Fur Seal from Africa to present in the zoo.
Gibbon Island - Animals live freely on this isle without nets, caging or enclosure whatsoever. Gibbons live and breed happily.
Star Animals Elephant family, Hippopotamus, Zebra, Giraffe, Ostrich, many birds species, Cape fur seal, Humboltd penguin, Malayan tapir, Serrow, Sarus crane, Fea's barking deer and Indian rhinoceros
Giant Panda Live in Chiang Mai Zoo
In 2001, The vice-prime minister and minister of defence (a full general Chawalit Yongjaiyut) talked with the president and prime minister of The People's Republic of China about the giant panda.
He wanted to display giant panda in Thailand. The government of China was glad to give 1 pair of giant panda for friendship ambassador and celebration of Her Majesty the Queen's 6 cycle birthday anniversary in 2004. So, that is the reason for the project for panda research and display in Thailand.
The government of Thailand entrusted the Zoological Park Organization to take responsibility for these very rare giant panda. They are on display at Chiangmai Zoo in Chiangmai province.
Giant Panda Entrance Fee:
Foreigner : Adult 100 Baht, Child 50 Baht
Thai : Adult 50 Baht, Child 20 Baht
Giant Panda & Koala Zones open daily from 8.30 - 17.30 hours.
How to get there:
Chiang Mai Zoo is located at the Huay Kaew Road. Probably the easiest way to get there is Tuk-Tuk, but Songtaews going to Doi Suthep also take you to the zoo. Bus number 3 also goes past the zoo.
Wat Mahawan, an old temple built since the times of Queen Chamthewi. Enshrined here is a Nak Prok statue (statue with mythical serphants overhead) which was brought to the temple by the Queen. Commonly known as Phra Rot Lamphun (พระรอดลำพูน), it serves as the model for the famous votive tablet.
Wat Phra Yuen, an old temple from 11th century about 1 km east of the old town centre. The huge chedi with a large square base and four tall standing Buddha images dates from the beginning of 20th century.
Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha - Legend has it that the Lord Buddha once stayed here, leaving a trace of likeness of monk's saffron robe and his footprint on stone ground.
Lifestyle
Khon Muang are the city folk who originally came from Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang and Phrae. Culturally, they design their houses having only one floor with wooden gable-decorations called Ka-Lae. They are known for their craftsmanship in wood carving, weaving, lacquerware and musical instruments.
Tai Yai, Burmese in origin, harvest rice, farm, raise cattle and trade. Their craftsmanship lies in weaving, pottery, wood carving and bronzeware.Akha have the largest population of any hill tribe in the region. Originating from Tibet and Southern China, they dwell on high grounds around 1,200 meters above sea-level. Within their villages they build a Spirit Gateway to protect them from evil spirits.
Lahu are also from the Yunnese area and live in high areas. They are known as hunters and planters. Karen live in various areas of the region which have valleys and riverbanks.Chin Hor, these are the former Kuomintang who took refuge in the area, mainly Doi Mae Salong Hmong from southern China are located on high land. They raise livestock and grow rice, corn, tobacco and cabbage. They are also known for their embroidery and silver.
Tai Lue live in dwellings of usually only a single room wooden house built on high poles. They are skilled in weaving. Lisaw from southern China and Tibet are renowned for their colorful dress and also build their dwellings on high poles. They harvest rice and corn and their men are skilled in hunting.
Yao reside along mountain sides and grow corn and other crops. They are skilled blacksmiths, silversmiths and embroiders.
The Chao Pho Pratu Pha Shrine is about 50 kilometres from town on the Lampang-Ngao road near Km. 650 marker. Stacks of offering can be seen around the site and the shrine is considered sacred. Road-users passing by usually honk their car horns or set off firecrackers as a sigh of respect. Legend has it that Chao Pho Pratu Pha was a great warrior of the Lampang ruler.
He once fought Burmese invaders to block their advance at Pratu Pha and died fighting with his two swords still in his hands and his body still leaning against the hillside. The attackers were so frightened that they withdrew. To honour the brave warrior, the people build the shrine which has since become a sacred and revered place of worship.
It is a big spirit shrine housing the state of Chao pho pratu pha (the spirit ruling the area of
Pratu Pha) highly revered by Lampang inhabitants. The shrine was conducted in commemoration of a
smart soldier who was the right hand of a King of Lampang who was killed in a battle by the Myanmar
enemies at this Pratu Pha Pass.
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About 5 kilometres from town on the Lampang-Chae Hom road is Wat Chedi Sao Lang - cool and shaded by large trees, the temple has twenty chedis in its compound, each made in the combined Lanna-Burmese style. A Chiang Saen-style bronze Buddha statue is also enshrined here, commonly referred to as "Phra Chao Than Chai" by the local people.
Wat Chedi Sao means the 'temple of the 20 Chedis'. It also sits amidst trees and rice fields on the outskirts of Lampang and is an ancient temple, over 1000 years old. Behind the Chedi's is the small Lanna-style Phra Viharn, which contains the beautiful golden image of Phra Saen Sae Thongkham, a statue which had been found in 1982 in a nearby field. A large seated Chiang Saen-style Buddha image called Phra Buddha Rup Than Chai, which is flanked by two standing images, can be seen in the Viharn next to the Chedi's.
Luang Wiang Lakhon Fair is held just prior to the annual Loi Krathong event around Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, featuring Lampang's own historical backgrounds and long-established customs and traditions. A Khrua Than procession is organized with local people dressed in native attires carrying various traditional household appliances, some of which are of ancient vintage.
Khantok Chang Fair is organised on the first Friday-Saturday period of February each year at the Thai Elephant conservation Centre. There is an elephant show and the pachyderms are feasted with their popular fruits and vegetables which are placed on the Tok, a traditional food tray of the Lanna people.
Lampang Trains and Horse Carriages Day is organized at the Nakhon Lampang Railway Station at the beginning of April to commemorate the first royal train that arrived to the station 1 April, 1916. In the event, there will be an exhibition and Kat Mua market, where the participants will dress up in the traditional style of costume of some 80 years ago, when the horse carriage was first used in Lampang. The carriage service is also provided in the event.
Salung Luang Procession and Songkran Festival is the unique Songkran festival of Lampang, organized during 12-14 April every year. On the 12 April, the Salung Luang procession will be beautifully decorated (Salung means a water bowl and Luang means large). The participants in the parade will dress up in the ancient Lanna style and carry a giant silver bowl around the city to receive lustral water soaked with turmeric and acacia from the people to be poured onto the Phra Kaeo Don Tao, the revered Buddha image of the town enshrined at Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang. Then, during 13-14 April every year, there will be a merit making ceremony at the temple, sand pagoda making, ceremony of pouring water onto the elderly, splashing of water, fairs and various forms of entertainment.
Opened recently, Chiang Mai Night Safari offers the adventurous the opportunity to head off into the animal kingdom while keeping a safe distance from urban creature comforts and a nice hotel!
Only the third night safari in the world (Singapore and Guangxi, China also having them), Chiang Mai Night Safari has proven an immediate hit with visitors and locals alike. Officially opening 1st January, 2006, the safari has been open to the public free of charge and countless visitors have been taking advantage with 40,000 people to date having visited the safari each night and numbers increasing at weekends - way, way over capacity!
The Safari offers a series of trails over three main zones. The Jaguar Trail offers visitors a walk of around 1,200 meters and is open during the day and at night. The Savanna Safari and Predator Prowl areas use rail cars to move visitors around. This is the ideal opportunity to observe wildlife at night.
For further information you can check the Night Safari’s website, but, surprisingly, it is entirely Thai language. No doubt that will change shortly.
Opening Hours, Price and Locations
The Chiang Mai Zoo is located on Huay Kaew Road, near the entrance to Chiang Mai University. Opening hours are from 08:00 to 21:00 daily. Admission is 30 baht per adult, 10 baht per child and 5 baht per small child (under 135 cm/53 inches tall). Admission for a car is 30 baht and for a motorbike, 10 baht. An all day ticket for the tram bus costs 20 baht. There are plenty of stalls scattered around the zoo offering refreshments and food and there are gift shops and photo booths located near the entrance.
The Mae Ping River flows through the city of Chiangmai and provides the surrounding rural countryside with its much needed water for irrigation of rice paddies, gardens and crops. The Mae Ping is known to locals as the "Lifeline of the Province". The river is 569 Km long, and has its source in the mountains near Chiang Dao, in the northernmost part of Chiangmai Province. It flows southward, creating the beautiful and agriculturally rich Maesa Valley that leads to the northern edges of Chiangmai. As it flows through Chiangmai, you can readily see how the city was carefully built up along the river, in the Thai tradition, and how it has developed over the past 700 years.
Mae Ping River Cruises offers hourly boat rides on the Mae Ping River. It's easy for visitors to call (Tel. 274822) for transport to the pier at Wat Chaimongkol pier for a leisurely ride up the river to their own private garden where visitors can touch and taste many Thai herbs then enjoy a cool dish of fruit and a beverage. Also, an evening boat ride with dinner is very popular entertainment for visitors and Chiangmai residents as well. Your group can provide their own on board singing entertainment with the cordless microphone provided by the cruise company.
From Chiangmai, the Mae Ping flows further southward and gradually widens as it passes through the ancient northern town of Lamphun (pronounced "Lumpoon"), a Mon center established in the ninth century. Beyond Lamphun, it flows southwestward to the town of Hord, from where it takes a more direct southerly route to Tak and Khamphaengphet, and ultimately to Nakon Sawan where it empties into Thailand's largest river, the Chao Phraya.
All along its route, some of the country's most beautiful scenery accompanies the river. From its source at Chiang Dao, vast hardwood forests cover much of the surrounding land. In the Mae Sa Valley, the forests gradually give way to rich, fertile rice paddies, and beautiful natural flower gardens in the wild. Lumyai orchards, and plantations of coffee, tea, strawberries and tobacco flank the banks of the river as it gets closer to Chiangmai. After widening some at Chiangmai, it makes an even wider path through the fresh fruit orchards of the Chiangmai Plain, until it dips along with the terrain to make its way to the Central Valley rice growing area.
For all its length and the many benefits it affords the land and the people along its meandering path, the Mae Ping is still most often associated with Chiangmai City. This is probably because of Chiangmai's historic role as the capital of Lanna Thai and its present-day reputation as the capital of the North. This river is, in fact, one of five that make northern Thailand such a rich center of wet rice farming. The others are the Mae Kok, which runs from west to east through Chiangrai Province and empties into the Mekong River at Chiang Khong; and the Mae Wang, Mae Yom and Mae Naan Rivers. These three follow north to south paths and merge with the Mae Ping at Nakon Sawan before all four empty into the Chao Phraya.
The significance of Northern Thailand's river featured topography is that the land, the people, their towns and their homes, and most importantly their way of life, have always been focused on these waterways. More than most peoples in other parts of the world, the Southeast Asians, and particularly the Thais, are dependent on rivers in a very large number of ways. For example, the annual overflow during the rainy season supplies not only new silt deposits for fertile agriculture, but also a plethora of fish which suddenly appear on the land, and provide an important source of food and protein. From the houses on stilts to the family boats and fishing nets, many features of traditional Thai lifestyle focus on the river.
For over 700 years, the Mae Ping River has been a major source of water for Chiangmai. Historically, the Mae Ping provided the people in and around Chiangmai with water for washing, bathing, and irrigating their gardens and rice paddies; the river was also a source of food and was used for the transport of people and goods. At the turn of the century, it was estimated that more than a thousand boats moved along its course between Chiangmai and Tak. Boats still ply its waters, although the number of boats has diminished greatly over the last century, and the river itself is shallower and less swift than formerly. Though physically less of a river than it was a hundred years ago, it still plays a vital role in the lives of thousands of Thais who live on its banks.
In more recent times another feature of great rivers of the North is the dams that have been constructed at various points in the geography. These help in situations where the river, like the Mae Ping, is about to flow into a big city where flooding is no longer desirable because farmland has been eliminated. In Chiangmai the effect of the dam can be seen with the relatively stable river level, even in Thailand's hot season.
Boats still move people and goods along the Mae Ping; fishing nets are still cast into its waters by people in search of food; each day people bathe and wash clothes in its waters. One can follow the Mae Ping's course quite easily as it flows south out of Chiangmai. And even before the river is out of the city limits, the life along its banks is traditional rural Thai. Along its banks most of the homes are Thai-style wooden houses, the dress of most of the people is traditional, and the single most important activity is agriculture.
It is possible to explore the Mae Ping either by land or by boat. Traveling along the small, often unpaved roads that wind alongside the Mae Ping, one will encounter village after village where people's lives follow the dictates of the seasons and age-old traditions, people whose smiles are frequent and sincere. Other than villagers on bicycles, motorcycles or ox carts, one experiences very little traffic on these roads. One is never far from a village, and finding a place to get a bite to eat or a cold drink is never difficult. Don't be surprised if the prices of food and drink at a small store or restaurant is half of what you might expect in Chiangmai. Plan on making these adventurous day-trips, for you are not likely to find a hotel or guest house along the banks of the Mae Ping outside of Chiangmai proper.
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Wat Phra Singh Worawihan.
Wat Phra Singh or full name that Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan. Located in Tambon Phra Singh Sam Lan Road This temple is a tourist to know each other better acquainted U Pha Phaya Mai king ordered the building to contain a full พระอัฐิ of Paya. His father, a former royal temple called the Chiang Lee. In front of this temple used to be before Kat. Villagers called Kat Lee Wat Phra Sing is interesting, including a half Hotrai a half wooden building.
The outer walls of buildings decorated with stucco Tuay Thep Author Tofu body beautiful Phra Kaew is a modern craftsmanship. Later in the period Chao Kaew Nawarat has been newly repaired about 2467 BC at the base mold Hotrai lower panel is a pattern within a lotus and decorated with animal creatures Prahmiam similarity pattern that looks exactly Dynasty of China
There is also a temple designs. Traditional Lanna style chapel is a small compact. Buddha in a temple Putthasihing. Painting a wall around the temple. Write to the north on Golden Horn. The south is Suwannahong. These paintings are quite interesting. Especially Sangthong found only here. Characteristics of the paintings found in Lanna art teacher Bhirasri concluded that.
“Painting in the northern draw popular everyday. A real-life portrait. If we look at beautiful pictures on the Golden Horn Lai temple Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Kham, we feel as though We enter the reality of the situation of living on 100 years ago.
Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is Lampang's premier wat, holding the honor of being one of the few places known to have enshrined the Emerald Buddha, one of the sacred images of the Thai Kingdom. The Emerald Buddha, probably made of green jasper, is presently located in Bangkok but was originally discovered at Wat Phra Kaeo in Chiang Rai.
Two years after its discovery, an elephant was recruited to bring the image to Chiang Mai for enshrinement. However, in the manner of Lanna elephants, the creature made its own choices and continuously headed toward Lampang. This was taken as an omen, and the Buddha image was instead kept here at Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, from 1434 to 1468, after which King Tilokaraj had it brought to Chiang Mai as originally intended.
The full name of the monastery means "The Monastery of the Emerald Buddha on the Water Jar Knoll". This name partly derives from the legend of Mae Suchada, a religiously-inclined woman living around the year 500. At that time, the area was in the midst of an unusually severe famine. One day, a monk descended from heaven and offered Mae Suchada a watermelon.
When she broke it open, she found a large green gem which turned into a Buddha image through the assistance of the god Indra. Although this helped alleviate the famine, the local king grew suspicious of the monk working so closely with a woman and suspected the two of them were secretly lovers. He ordered the two executed, but the monk managed to escape (Mae Suchada was not so fortunate). Another famine subsequently ravaged the kingdom, proving the error of the king's judgement. The image in question is now enshrined at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang.
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It is the only facility in the world devoted to the training of elephants for timber work using these pachyderms as labourers. There are performances and training demonstrations.
And Thai Elephants Conservation Centre is located in the Thung Kwian forest park in Hang Chat district, about 32 kilometres from town on the route to Chiang Mai. It is the only facility in the world devoted to the raining of elephants for timber work using these pachyderms as labor. There are performances and training demonstrations. The art of making wooden elephants is also demonstrated. There are 2-3 shows daily. Visitors can enjoy feeding these intelligent giants or ride them to see the natural surroundings. The centre provides health care for the elephants.
an ancient town which once served as the main town before King Mengrai established Chiang Rai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom in 1262. Traces of old double city walls and many other antiquities still remain in and outside the district town. The attractions include Chiang Saen National Museum, Wat Phra That Chedi Luang and Wat Pa Sak.
How to get there :
By bus
Chiang Saen is connected by bus to Chiang Rai (1.5 hrs, every 15-20 min, 37 baht). Blue songthaews also travel from Mae Sai via the Golden Triangle to Chiang Saen in about 1 hour (every 20 min or so, 60 baht).
The bus station and songthaew depot is located about 50 meters before the main road (Highway 1016) ends in a T-intersection on the banks of the Mekong river (intersection pictured above).
There does not appear to be any regular public transport south to Chiang Khong and the Lao border crossing.
By car
The district can be reached by taking Highway No. 110 from Chiang Rai for some 30 kilometres. Then take a right turn onto Highway No. 1016 and proceed on for another 30 kilometres.
By boat
It's also possible to charter a boat carrying up to 8 people along the Mekong to Chiang Khong (1.5 hrs) for around 1500 baht, or up to Sop Ruak (Golden Triangle) for less (around 40 min).
The Khun Than mountain range of the Doi Khun Than National Park forms a natural boundary between Lamphun and Lampang provinces. The mountain has both virgin jungle and pinery.
Doi Khuntan National Park is located within Lampang and Lamphun. It has an area of 225 square kilometers and an altitude of 1,272 meters. Access to the park is possible by taking Lampang - Lamphun highway and branching off at Km. 47 for 18 kms., but the easiest way is by train to Khuntan station. The Doi Khuntan area was first explored early this century when German engineers were excavating Thailand's longest tunnel (some 1.3 kilometers) on the Bangkok - Chiang Mai railway line. The main trail climbs from Khuntan station to park headquarters and bungalows belonging to the State Railways, a missionary part and the Royal Forestry Department.
Camping sites are also available; campers must bring their own tents and the camping equipment.
This is Lampang's largest waterfall. This picturesque waterfall lies at the end of the 24 kilometre long route 1303, which runs north from the small town of Wang Neua. It's quite a long trip to the falls, but the multiple-level limestone falls are lovely and the setting is relaxing and peaceful, making it a good place to bring a packed lunch. En route to the falls you'll pass through numerous villages featuring wooden houses, and if the time of year is right you'll see corn being stored underneath them, which makes for gorgeous photos. There is also the pleasant Wat Phra Kaew, about a kilometre to the west of route 1303 about halfway to the falls. It has a large chedi set in peaceful surrounds.
Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai or Phokhun Mengrai Maharat Festival is held from January 23 – February 1. The Buang Suang worshipping ceremony is to commemorate Phokhun Mengrai Maharat.
Dok Siao Ban or Blooming Siao Flower Festival at Phu Chi Fa is held during 13–15 February. There are sports competitions and cultural performances from hilltribes at Ban Rom Fa Thai in Amphoe Thoeng.
Songkran Festival and Boat Races of Mueang Chiang Saen is held during 13–18 April of each year. In this festival, there is a parade, water bathing ceremony of the Phrachao Lanthong Buddha image, boat races and folk performances.
Lichi Fair is held around the middle of May every year. There is a float competition, Lichi beauty contest and booths of many products at the provincial stadium of Chiang Rai.
Buatong Ban or Blooming Mexican Sunflower Festival is held in November, affording people the opportunity to see the sunflower fields, waterfalls and mist at Ban Hua Mae Kham, Amphoe Mae Fa Luang. There are also hilltribe performances.
Chiang Rai Flower Festival is held during the end of December to January every year. There are flower processions, flower gardens, Miss Thinn Thai Ngarm Contest and also the fair of agricultural products and the variety of flowers.
Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, and Doi Mae Salong are three substantially different places. Chiang Saen's culture has been influenced by its collection of Buddhist scriptures and temples. It was once the provincial capital. Mae Chan's name lies in its silver and tribal handicrafts. Once officially unrecognized by the Thai government, Doi Mae Salong is a Chinese KMT (Kuomintang) area renowned for its natural beauty and unique Yunnanese culture. Besides the Chinese 93rd Infantry of the Kuomintang, several other ethnic minorities have settled down in the region including the Tai Yai, Tai Lue, Tai Khoen and Tai Yuan.
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"sleeping woman mountain", is unusual land feature located in Mae Chan district on the western side of the highway between Chiang Rai and Mae Sai.[3] The silhouette of the mountain range takes the shape of a reclining woman when seen from certain angles. There is a viewpoint at Mae Chan, from where this land feature can be observed best.
Legend
The main local legend on how this land feature came into being says that there was once a beautiful young lady in the area whose husband went away but failed to come back at the expected time. His wife became anxious and waited, but time passed and he wouldn't come. Suddenly the woman thought that her husband might be lost and went out of the house to search for him. She wandered anxiously for days through fields and forests all across the region, but couldn't find him. However, the lady didn't give up and walked and walked until she could walk no more.
At that point the young lady was so exhausted she fell down on her back. Looking at the sky she cried bitterly, finally dying of despair. After her death the woman's ghost grew to a huge size and was covered by the surrounding earth, taking the shape of a sleeping lady with her face looking skywards.
Tourism
There is a viewpoint at Amphoe Mae Chan (Mae Chan district), from where the "sleeping lady" can be observed best. Local tour guides like to joke that Doi Nang Non is "the highest mountain in the world", if the lady would get up and stand on her feet.
There are a number of caves and water courses in these hills. Some of them have been developed as a tourist attraction.
Activities
Trekking An extensive network of trails mainly used by hill tribe villagers covers the mountain areas of Mae Suai, Mae Salong, Doi Chaang and the banks along the Mae Kok River.
Golf Santiburi Chiang Rai is one of the best courses in the country and is only 15 minutes from the city. Waterford is an attractive course about 45 minutes north of Chiang Rai city. The Military course is on the way to the Mae Fah Luang Bridge, not far from the Dusit Hotel. The old airport has a short but tough 9 hole course.
Mountain Biking Chiang Rai has incredible mountain biking because of the extensive network of paved roads with little traffic and dirt roads in the mountains. A nice day ride is to start in the city, go out to the elephant village and continue on past it until you find a small single track suspension bridge. Cross it and turn left, back towards Chiang Rai. On the way you will pass two hot springs and eventually end up back in the city.
Long Tail Boat Ride A long tail boat ride on the Kok River is a fun way to experience the scenery and see hill tribe villages. There are daily trips from Thaton, near the Burmese border to Chiang Rai. The main boat station is on the north side of the Mae Fah Luang Bridge, not far from the Rimkok Hotel.
Elephants Riding Elephant riding is possible at Baan Ruamit, about 30 minutes from Chiang Rai by car or 1 hour by long tail boat ride.
