Insight Pocket Guide Chiang Mai

by Van Beek, Steve

• ISBN13: 9780887294945
• ISBN10: 0887294944
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-06-01
• Publisher: Langenscheidt Pub Inc

Table of Contents

History & Culture
From its former fame as the old capital of northern Thailand to the flowering of a distinct Lanna culture, a brief account of Chiang Mai's evolution	10	(13)
Day Itineraries
These full-day itineraries cover the city's most essential sights, with suggestions for meals en route
Chiang Mai City Tour reveals the flavour of the city with visits to several Lanna-style temples along Tha Phae Road, and the Lanna Museum and craft shops along Wua Lai Road. The evening is spent shopping at the Chang Khlan night market	23	(6)
Borsang and Doi Suthep takes you craft browsing at Borsang Village, followed by a visit to Phuping Place, the Hmong hilltribe village at Doi Pui, and the stunning Wat Phra That Doi Suthep	29	(7)
Pick & Mix Itineraries
The following half-day options explore selected aspects of Chiang Mai in detail
Morning Market Walk offers an insight into the rich sights, sounds and smells of an Asian market. At your leisure, pick from Ton Lamyai, Warorot and Muang Mai markets	36	(1)
Temples of the Old City is a trishaw tour of the most important temples within the ancient city walls-Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Pan Tao, Wat Duang Di and Wat Chiang Man	37	(4)
Temples beyond Chiang Mai takes you to the stately monasteries on the outskirts of the city - Wat Suan Dok, Wat U-Mong, Wat Jet Yot, Chiang Mai Museum, and Wat Ku Tao	41	(3)
Excursions
These excursions, ranging from a full day to serveral day, cover the environs of Chiang Mai and beyond
Chiang Dao and Ping River is a fun day watching elephants at work in the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp, a Rafting trip down the Ping River, and exploring the labyrinthine Chiang Dao caves	44	(2)
Mae Sa Valley is an activity-filled day in the countryside. Highlights are Samoeng town, the Snake Farm, Mae Rim Orchid Nursery, Mae Sa Butterfly Farm and the Mae Sa House museum	46	(2)
Lamphun takes you south to the beautiful old capital of the Haripunchai Empire	48	(3)
Wat Chedi Liem and Baan Tawai is a motorcycle tour to a 13th-century temple ouilt by King Mengrai, and a village devoted entirely to woodcrafts	51	(1)
Back Country Biking takes you through rustic countryside to Chom Thong, Mae Klang Waterfalls and Doi Inthanon, returning via Hot	52	(3)
Back of Chiang Dao Mountain is an adventurous trailbike ride though forests, hilltribe villages and up Thailand's third highest mountain	55	(1)
Chiang Rai covers the town's major temples: What Phar Singh and Wat Phara Kaeo by bicycle	56	(2)
Mae Hong Son is a mist-shrouded retreat in a forested valley. Visit serene temples and the village of Huay Poo Gaeng, home of the long-necked Padaung women	58	(3)
Hiltribe Treks into the countryside of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son range from three days to two weeks	61	(2)
The Golden Triangle travels to the infamous border towns close to Burmese and Laotian territory	63	(3)
Overland to Mae Hong Son is a week-long adventure trip to the 'Switzerland of Thailand' Included is a three-day whitewater rafting trip down the Pai River, stops at Shan village, Mae Sariang and the Scenic Ob Luang Gorge	66	(34)
Shopping, Eating Out & Nightlife
In this back part of the book are our recommended selections of where to shop, eat and stay up late	68	(12)
Calendar of Events
A listing of what's worth watching out for in a colourful, festival-packed year in Chiang Mai	80	(2)
Practical Information
All the essential background information for your visit to Chiang Mai, from taxis to tipping, hotels to hospitals, plus a list of recommended hotels	82	(18)
Index and Credits	100