Situated in the mountains of Thailand, Chiang Mai is virtually the spiritual capital of the country. Known for its botanical gardens, beautiful villages and Thai temples, Chiang Mai attracts millions of tourists from all around the world. Treading along the streets of Chiang Mai, tourists explore the natural beauty of the mountains in this province and rediscover the ways of life. Away from the blurry madness of Phuket and Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a world of its own. Here are a few tourist places that one must visit while on a trip to Chiang Mai.

Situated along the Ping River towards the south of Chiang Mai, Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city known to be founded in the eighth century and was a part of the Haripuchai Kingdom. Being situated in the low-lying areas, the city was prone to seasonal flooding, and eventually submergerd. It was only in 1984 that the city was discovered and the remains were retrieved. A testament of lost treasures, the tourists can find inscribed stone tablets, wall inscriptions, sculptures and ancient wares here.

Also known as the “Roof of Thailand”, Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the best wonders of Chiang Mai. The highest peak in Thailand is located here, which is about 2.5 km above sea level. One can take up different, well-beaten trails in the park and discover natural waterfalls, villages, pagodas and a plethora of flora and fauna.

Essentially a breeding program for tigers in Chiang Mai, Tiger Kingdom is an exciting chance for tourists to get up close and personal with cubs, adolescent tigers and the big guys. From bottle feeding the cubs to petting and getting clicked with the bigger ones, the tourists can take a pick.

Situated in Chiang Dao National Park, Chiang Dao Caves extend to about 10-12 km and consist of about 100 caves. Out of these, only 5 are open to public. The tourists can hope to find Buddha sculptures, shrines and statues. Natural formations of limestone, stalagmites and stalactites can also be found here.

Situated on a mountain called Doi Buak Da, 20 km away from Chiang Mai, Bhuping Palace is the Thai Royal family’s official winter residence. Completed in 1961, the road to the palace is a winding one through the forested regions of the mountain. While the Palace buildings are off-limits for the public, the palace gardens are definitely open for people to see and revel at. The beautiful blooms of exotic roses, ferns, bamboo and other colourful flowers are a delight.

A sanctuary and a rescue home for elephants, visiting Elephant Nature Park is an experience in itself. Spread across an area of 250 acres, the tourists can volunteer to help or simply spend time with these beautiful creatures. Some other animals at the sanctuary include buffaloes, cats, dogs and a wide variety of birds. The tourists may choose to stay here for longer periods of time for an extended experience.

Bo Sang, a village situated just off Chiang Mai, is known for the production of traditional bamboo umbrellas. A part of the rich heritage of the area, the skill goes back hundreds of years, when a monk named Phra Inthaa spread the knowledge and skill of preparing umbrellas with natural items easily available in Bo Sang. The tourists can visit the village and see artisans in motion, preparing beautiful umbrellas by hand.  

Ko Tao, known for the beautiful white sand and tropical surroundings, is a laid-back island near Chiang Mai. Known for its diving and snorkeling spots, Ko Tao is the perfect place to hang a hammock, sip a drink and watch the sun go down.