Upon booking I send guests a PDF file that includes the basics on getting there, getting around, our contact info, etc. It also includes a page on things to see and do, which goes like this. (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
Highlights around town and out of town
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This isn’t anywhere near a full list of “must-do’s”, but we do enjoy the following locations. If you’d like to rent a car and driver for out of town trips then we know several good ones; just ask and we can book one for you.
• City Walks – The old town center of Chiang Mai has many temples, wooden houses, little shops, markets and schools, and relatively low traffic. The immediate area around the house actually has several historical sites, ruins of Buddhist chedis (stupas) where once there were temples, but currently just the chedi ruin remains. The following walk starts off passing three of them, the first right around the corner: goo.gl/CWX1ir (A bit over an hour, but allow much longer when stopping at temples, markets or the museum at the Three Kings Monument. (cmocity.com) Another good walk is in the Riverside – Chinatown – Warorot Market area. Suggested route: goo.gl/QJ5NRI, about one hour, or longer when spending time at the market. You can do these trips also by (rented) bicycle, of course.
• Doi Suthep Mountain and the temple overlooking the town. You can turn this into a full day trip if you drive yourself and stop at the streams & waterfalls along the way. After visiting the temple you can go further up past towards the summit of Doi Pui. Best time may be later in the afternoon when crowds are fewer and the air is clearer, giving better views.
• Elephant parks come in roughly two varieties around Chiang Mai: the older ones that do shows and are a bit circus-like in the way they make elephants perform tricks, and then newer (and often more expensive) ones that focus more on education and animal well-being. These can be a truly rewarding experience, you get a lot of personal time with elephants, feeding and bathing them, etc. There is a new place that recent guests enjoyed, a smaller operation associated with this river rafting organizer. This one is relatively affordable at 2500 per person. (We can check availability and book any place in advance.)
• Courses & classes: attend a cooking school or massage class. Also, there are many traditional massage parlors & spas around town.
• Jungle Zip Line: There are quite a few operators these days, located in scenic areas.
• Wat Umong is a forest temple out towards the University area. There is an ancient tunnel structure and the temple is set in very park-like surroundings.
• If in Chiang Mai on a weekend don’t miss the Sunday Evening walking street market, from Thapae Gate down Ratchadamnoen Rd. On Saturday there is a night market at Wualai Rd.
• Wiang Kum Kam is a historical site with many temple ruins dotted around the present-day village. From the main visitor center you can tour the area in a horse drawn carriage. Or just get a map and explore by bicycle or motorbike. Don’t expect it to be like Sukhothai, but I do enjoy how very old temple ruins are intermixed with the present day village.
• Ob Khan is a lesser known national park, where the Khan River flows through a rocky gorge/canyon. When it’s not too cold or too rainy it’s a great place for a swim too.
• Another place to go for a swim is the Huay Tueng Thao Lake. There are rafts and restaurants where you can order food, and one side of the lake is dedicated to swimming.
• A good day trip by car or motorbike is the Mae Sa Valley loop, around the mountain. There are waterfalls, the botanical garden, beautiful views as well as some more artificial attractions such as bungee jumping, snake shows, elephant camps, jungle zipline, the Tiger Kingdom and others. A very scenic area nearby to enjoy nature is Mon Jam.
• Going to Chiang Rai is a (very) full day trip, departing early and getting back in the evening. Best to book a car and driver, and visit sights like the White Temple, Black House and the Golden Triangle area.
• Pai / Mae Hong Son province is a great area for a multi-day trip. Or book a trek / tour where you visit mountain / hilltribe villages, go rafting, etc.
• Chiang Mai Zoo and/or the Night Safari can be good places to visit with kids. Chiang Mai zoo is not as good as top zoos in the West, but still quite okay by Asian standards.
• “Kantoke” is a dining experience where you watch traditional dancing and cultural shows. A big one is the Chiang Mai Cultural Center.
• Several shopping malls opened recently, the biggest one of all is the new Central Festival, on the Superhighway ring road. An older but still popular one is Airport Plaza towards the airport. All major malls have movie theaters, restaurants and other attractions.
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So that's in addition to nearby restaurants, pubs, markets, etc.