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Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai’s most famous market and one of its biggest attractions is the night bazaar which offers a huge array of art and local handicrafts as well as traditional Thai souvenirs from around the country. There are also a good selection of snack bars and restaurants nearby.
Temples
Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most important religious centres and has a number of interesting temples such as Wat Phra Singh with its Famous Buddha image, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man - the oldest temple in Chiang Mai built by King Managrai, Wat Suan Dok which houses the remains of many generations of the old Chiang Mai Royal Family and Wat Jet Yot.
Walking Market
Every Sunday some of the main streets of Chiang Mai are taken over by the ‘walking’ market. This is a great time to wander around as the locals tend to come out to shop, eat and gossip with friends. This is as much a market as it is a social occasion and whilst you are enjoying the people watching you can hunt for some bargains.
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Silks, cushion covers, scarves, candle holders, lampshades, jewellery, aromatherapy oil and plenty more can be found at this excellent market.
Chiang Mai National Museum
Established in 1954 this museum houses a fine collection of artefacts from around the region. It is also home to an impressive collection of Buddhas and historic weapons.
Handicraft Villages
The handicraft villages lie just outside Chiang Mai and provide an opportunity to see the region’s handicraft experts at work. You can visit the silk factory at Sankampaeng to see the silk manufacturing process or alternatively the girls of Bor Sarng who make brilliantly-coloured parasols. Nearby there are opportunities to see work being carried out on silver, teakwood and lacquerware.
Doi Suthep
Wat Doi Suthep is perched on a forested mountain some 3,280ft high. This most sacred Chiang Mai temple provides a superb view over the city, as well as a wealth of images and frescos. Nearby you can also visit the city's
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biggest market, Talat Warorod, before going on to two important temples: Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Sing.
Elephant Riding & Bamboo Rafting
North of Chiang Mai is the Mae Ping Elephant Camp. Here you can watch the elephants taking their daily bath in the stream before beginning to haul timber in the forest. Afterwards visitors can ride on elephant back for one hour through the forest and then try some bamboo rafting with a 30 minute ride down the Ping River.
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