Thailand has always been a popular country among travelers to visit, with a host of stunning locations and beautiful views waiting to be discovered. As one of the most culturally significant cities in the country, Chiang Mai has plenty to offer both ground-level backpacker or high-end luxury traveler. If you’re off to visit this intriguing place, then these locations should not be missed:
The Doi Inthanon
One of the world’s most beautiful nature parks, Doi Inthanon offers plenty of opportunities for any traveler to get some great photos. The Vachiratharn Waterfall in particular is breathtaking, the cascade of water flowing down a drop of some fifty metres into the pool below. As well as this, the peak offers a splendid view across the city of Chiang Mai itself. There are many other visually appealing sites throughout the park, with the scenic natural beauty of the lakes, in particular, offering great potential for any outdoor portfolio.
The Wat Suan Dok
Roughly translated as the ‘flower garden temple’, the Wat Suan Dok remains extremely popular with visitors to Chiang Mai. The different white temples show off a range of different eastern architectural styles, and the main gold chedi – constructed in a Sri Lankan aesthetic – is a fine centrepiece for any shot. It’s not just the buildings that are worth a visit, either: the royal cemetery offers some beautiful natural scenery, and the standing Buddha statue is an artistic piece quite unlike any other.
The Huay Tung Tao Lake
If you are eager to explore the surrounding landscapes and nature rather than the cities and temples, the Huay Tung Tao Lake is a location worth seeing. A tranquil place, the lake is perhaps best visited early in the morning when the many birds that frequent the area can be seen skimming across the water. There is also the chance to rent a floating bamboo raft in order to paddle in the centre of the lake and take in the beautiful surrounding woodland. Just watch out for early morning swimmers!
Ratchaphruek Flower Gardens
Few gardens in the world are quite so resplendent as those at the Ratchaphruek Royal Flower Park. Spread across 80 hectares of land, the horticultural displays on offer are simply stunning. The central pavilion (which is the home of the Royal Agricultural Research Centre) is also a stunning piece of architecture worthy of a few photographs.
The Elephant Life Experience
One of the greatest things about going to Asia and in particular Thailand is the chance to experience some once-in-a-lifetime activities with the wildlife in the area. The Elephant Life Experience is the ideal place for you to do so. Needless to say, the cleaning and caring for the beautiful creatures offers a whole host of new experiences that you will keep with you for the rest of your life.
The Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
The origin of Phrathat Doi Suthep temple remains steeped in legend. However, that shouldn’t stop any traveler from exploring the stunning scenery that can be found in the area. The Chedi itself is a beautiful piece of architecture and represents one of the most sacred temples in Thailand. Spectacular views of the city can be found from the gardens that surround the peak, and the decorated steps that lead up to the temple are also worth shooting: the stylish decoration offering a wonderful display of Eastern art.