Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, perched high on the flank of Suthep Mountain, 1,022 m (3,000ft) above sea level, is Chiang Mai's most famous temple. The pagoda in its centre contains some of the relics of the Lord Buddha. The temple is visited thoughout the year by thousands of tourists and Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.

A steep road meandering for 12 km (7.5 miles) up the flanks of the mountain ('Doi') leads to Doi Suthep - the beautiful and cool location of Wat Prathat and the Royal Winter palace west of Chiang Mai.

According to legend, the temple's site was selected by an auspicious elephant. The story goes that a monk named Sumana placed half of a Buddha relic on an elephant's back and set it loose. It was decided that when the elephant stopped walking, a temple would be built on that exact spot to house the gem ... Instead of stopping at an easy site, the elephant began climbing the hill - and finally paused on the brow. This was where Wat Prathat Doi Suthep was built by King Kuna in 1388...
The temple is approached by climbing a steep Naga (serpent) staircase comprising 304 steps (however, you can also ascend by funicular railway).

Chiang Mai is the main handicraft centre of Thailand and the Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road is the largest centre for the selling of all sorts of crafts in Chiang Mai.

The selection is astounding! Almost anything can be purchased here from cheap 'brand replica' clothing, accessories and souvenirs to up-market furniture, designer clothing, silks, silverware, jewellery and wood carving, weaving, textiles, rattan items, ceramics, pottery, and lacquerware.

The Pong Yang Elephant Training Camp is the main destination of a 30 km tour along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route, inside the Mae Sa Valley. Along the road are many tourist attractions like the Mae Sa Waterfalls, the Mae Sa Butterfly and Orchid Farm and the Chiang Mai Snake Farm.

During the 40 minute show, elephants demonstrate their formidable and highly valued forestry skills - moving large teak logs as if they were matchsticks, a skill employed for more than a century in the teak forests of the North.

After the show, you amble around on elephant back for one hour. Perched high in a wooden howdah, you gain an impressive view of the forest and an unforgettable experience.

Experience both the Northern food and culture at the same time!
Kantoke Dinners provide a good way to get to know both the Northern food and culture at the same time. At this event, visitors are seated in the floor around a circular tray with Northern dishes on it and eat while watching traditional Thai and Northern dances and hill tribe culture shows.

Savour the delicate flavours of a traditional Kantoke Dinner, with all the customary dishes that have enlivened the cuisine of the Lanna for generations.