(Photo by Asst. Prof. Wiradej Thongsuwan, Department of Physics and Material Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University)
Chiang Mai is the largest city in the north of Thailand, and one of the most popular travel destinations for tourists all over the world. Being the capital city of Lanna kingdom for almost 500 years, the city becomes a hub of cultural heritage. There are so many things you can enjoy while staying in Chiang Mai, whether you love culture, nature, adventure, food or shopping! We would like to introduce some tourist attractions which are in the vicinity of our university.
Doi Suthep and Doi Pui
Doi Suthep is the mountain located right behind Chiang Mai university. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a temple built on this mountain. The golden stupa in the middle of the temple is the most iconic landmark of the city, and is the inspiration of our logo. From the temple, you can see a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city. Situated only a few kilometres from the temple is Hmong Tribal Village, another popular place for tourists. You can witness and learn the way of live of this ethnic hill-tribe, as well as their tradition and culture. Besides these famous destinations, Doi Suthep also offers many beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails for nature lovers.
Saturday Walking Street and Sunday Walking Street.
Chiang Mai is famous for its night market, and these two, as their names suggest, open only one day a week. The Saturday Walking Street or Wua Lai Walking Street takes place along Wua Lai Road, which is opposite to the Chiang Mai Gate. The larger and more famous one opens on Sunday, called Sunday Walking Street or Tha Pae Walking Street. The market extends from Tha Pae Gate, goes along Ratchadamnoen Road in the middle of the old city area, and ends at Wat Phra Singh, another famous temple in Chiang Mai. You can find many traditional and local arts and crafts, as well as food stalls and temples.