Calm, blissful, and laid-back are three words that would come to mind when arriving in Chiang Mia. The former seat of the Lanna kingdom is a stark contrast to the busy and bustling Bangkok. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful city that is still firmly Thai in its atmosphere and attitude. Don’t forget to download the Chiang Mai Travel Guide and Offline Map.
1. Lanna Folk Life Museum
Located inside the Thai-colonial-style former Provincial Court, this imaginative museum dates back from 1935. It recreates Lanna village life in a series of life-size dioramas that explain everything from lai krahm pottery stenciling and fon lep—a mystical Lanna dance that features long metal fingernails. You’ll also find the intricate symbolism of different elements of Lanna-style monasteries.
2. Wat U Mong
This historic forest Wat is famed for its sylvan setting and its ancient chedi. The Wat is located above a brick platform wormholed with passageways built around 1380. As you wander through the arched tunnels, you can catch a glimpse of the original murals and several venerated Buddha images. The forest around the platform is scattered with centuries’ worth of broken Buddha images.
3. Chiang Mai Warorot
There’s no better way to know a South East Asian city better than exploring its public markets. Chiang Mai’s oldest public market, Warorot is a great place to connect with the city’s Thai soul. It’s easy to get lost and spend an easy half a day wandering its walkways, watching locals, and haggling for goods. Historically, most of the farm produce was delivered by boat thus the market is located by the river of Mae Ping.
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