Nimman Guide book by Vora
1.Cafés
Best things to do at Nimman
Nimman Road is at the heart of the trendiest part of Chiang Mai. Also known by its full name, Nimmanhaemin Road, this area is filled with trendy cafés.
Nimmanhaemin Road, also known as Nimman or "Coffee Street."
The coffee shop that stands in one of the hottest coffee menus Whether traveling to chill Shirk at any branch in Chiang Mai Will enjoy the coffee menu every time But if anyone needs convenience, easy transportation, we would like to introduce the One Nimman project branch.
Read more: Graph Cafe, Chiang Mai Coffee Shop, One Nimman Branch, the cool cafe for the dark.
Location: One Nimman Project, Nimmanhemin Road, Chiang Mai Province
Open: 10.00 - 21.00 hrs. Everyday
Call: 08-6567-3330
Website: https://www.facebook.com/graphonenimman
9 locals recommend
GRAPH one nimman
25 ซอย 1The coffee shop that stands in one of the hottest coffee menus Whether traveling to chill Shirk at any branch in Chiang Mai Will enjoy the coffee menu every time But if anyone needs convenience, easy transportation, we would like to introduce the One Nimman project branch.
Read more: Graph Cafe, Chiang Mai Coffee Shop, One Nimman Branch, the cool cafe for the dark.
Location: One Nimman Project, Nimmanhemin Road, Chiang Mai Province
Open: 10.00 - 21.00 hrs. Everyday
Call: 08-6567-3330
Website: https://www.facebook.com/graphonenimman
If you want to drink coffee or hungry, the atmosphere is surrounded by beautiful green trees. SS1254372 Cafe can choose any food, every dish, every cup of water. Recommend the menu with the same name as SS Coffee. Price (70 80 and 90 baht) (hot, cold and smoothie). There is also a fruit drink menu, priced at (70 baht).
Location: Nimman lane17
Open:8am-6pm
7 locals recommend
SS1254372 Cafe
If you want to drink coffee or hungry, the atmosphere is surrounded by beautiful green trees. SS1254372 Cafe can choose any food, every dish, every cup of water. Recommend the menu with the same name as SS Coffee. Price (70 80 and 90 baht) (hot, cold and smoothie). There is also a fruit drink menu, priced at (70 baht).
Location: Nimman lane17
Open:8am-6pm
Particularly popular with the local expat crowd, Smoothie Blues is a fantastic place to cure your hangover and is pretty much ideal for every kind of morning. True to its name, the restaurant’s list of smoothies is extensive and they represent the perfect complement to their freshly baked waffles, muffins and sandwiches. Visitor can take their pick of a number of different types of bread, from French baguettes to wholemeal. The large and cosy outside area, facing the bustling Nimanhamin Soi, offers a relaxed atmosphere and on particularly hot days you can seek refuge in the air-conditioned building.
Address: 32/8 Nimmanhamin Soi 6 CornerRd, Chiang Mai,Thailand
38 locals recommend
Smoothie Blues
17 Soi Hua MinParticularly popular with the local expat crowd, Smoothie Blues is a fantastic place to cure your hangover and is pretty much ideal for every kind of morning. True to its name, the restaurant’s list of smoothies is extensive and they represent the perfect complement to their freshly baked waffles, muffins and sandwiches. Visitor can take their pick of a number of different types of bread, from French baguettes to wholemeal. The large and cosy outside area, facing the bustling Nimanhamin Soi, offers a relaxed atmosphere and on particularly hot days you can seek refuge in the air-conditioned building.
Address: 32/8 Nimmanhamin Soi 6 CornerRd, Chiang Mai,Thailand
Opening Hours: 08.00 AM – 5.00 PM
Location: Nimman Soi 3
It is arguably the best café in Chiang Mai. Ristr8to is run by the famous barista who won the World Latte Art Champion in 2017. Not only do they have the best coffee in Chiang Mai, they also have a very cozy atmosphere.
42 locals recommend
Ristr8to Lab
14 Nimmanahaeminda RoadOpening Hours: 08.00 AM – 5.00 PM
Location: Nimman Soi 3
It is arguably the best café in Chiang Mai. Ristr8to is run by the famous barista who won the World Latte Art Champion in 2017. Not only do they have the best coffee in Chiang Mai, they also have a very cozy atmosphere.
2. Restaurants
Opening Hours: 17:00 – 23:00
Location: Nimmanhaemin Soi 11
Why Not? is noted for its authentic pizzas and delicious pasta dishes. High-quality ingredients and a lovely setting make it one of the more upmarket fine-dining establishments in the area and secures its place among the best restaurants in Nimman. It has a wonderful atmosphere, whether you’re eating in the air-conditioned dining room or out on the romantic outdoor patio. Don’t forget to take advantage of the extensive wine cellar, which features some excellent vintages. This place is a little pricier than most in the area, but it’s the ideal place for those looking to splash out a bit. After all, as the name suggests, Why Not?
24 locals recommend
Why Not?
14 Nimmanahaeminda RoadOpening Hours: 17:00 – 23:00
Location: Nimmanhaemin Soi 11
Why Not? is noted for its authentic pizzas and delicious pasta dishes. High-quality ingredients and a lovely setting make it one of the more upmarket fine-dining establishments in the area and secures its place among the best restaurants in Nimman. It has a wonderful atmosphere, whether you’re eating in the air-conditioned dining room or out on the romantic outdoor patio. Don’t forget to take advantage of the extensive wine cellar, which features some excellent vintages. This place is a little pricier than most in the area, but it’s the ideal place for those looking to splash out a bit. After all, as the name suggests, Why Not?
Open :08am-11pm
Locations: Nimman Soi9
ITALICS Italian restaurant, is located in the boutique hotel Akyra Manor Hotel, positioned just outside of Chiang Mai’s Old City. With another location in Bangkok that opened back in the spring of 2015, Michelin-starred chef James Noble is taking his innovative concept up to Chiang Mai to show off the restaurant’s use of Thai ingredients in Italian cuisine.
12 locals recommend
Italics Restaurant
22/2 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 9Open :08am-11pm
Locations: Nimman Soi9
ITALICS Italian restaurant, is located in the boutique hotel Akyra Manor Hotel, positioned just outside of Chiang Mai’s Old City. With another location in Bangkok that opened back in the spring of 2015, Michelin-starred chef James Noble is taking his innovative concept up to Chiang Mai to show off the restaurant’s use of Thai ingredients in Italian cuisine.
Khao Soy Nimman is another popular restaurant near Nimmanhaemin Road that serves authentic Northern Thai food, such as the popular Northern Thai curry Khao Soi. The curry itself is so good that we’ve listed it in our top 5 best khao soi in Chiang Mai article. But it’s not only the khao soi what makes it such a popular place. This is a good-looking, air-conditioned, modern restaurant that serves tasty, reasonably priced Thai food that makes people want to come back. Highly recommended dishes are the Larb Moo (99 THB), Nam Ngeaw (79 THB), Hors d’Oeuvre Muang (259 THB), Khao Soy Super Bowl (169 THB) and their Kao Soy Kai (79 THB).
33 locals recommend
Kao Soy Nimman
22 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 7Khao Soy Nimman is another popular restaurant near Nimmanhaemin Road that serves authentic Northern Thai food, such as the popular Northern Thai curry Khao Soi. The curry itself is so good that we’ve listed it in our top 5 best khao soi in Chiang Mai article. But it’s not only the khao soi what makes it such a popular place. This is a good-looking, air-conditioned, modern restaurant that serves tasty, reasonably priced Thai food that makes people want to come back. Highly recommended dishes are the Larb Moo (99 THB), Nam Ngeaw (79 THB), Hors d’Oeuvre Muang (259 THB), Khao Soy Super Bowl (169 THB) and their Kao Soy Kai (79 THB).
Ginger Farm Kitchen at ONE is the branch where it all started for the Ginger Farm Kitchen Franchise. Nowadays, they are rapidly expanding to Bangkok, with four branches in the country's capital. The unique concept of countryside atmosphere combined with trendy Northern Thai specialities, such as beautifully presented Khao Soi and Nam Phrik, is a winning combination. Highly recommended dishes are the Grilled Beef Tenderloin (225 THB), Khao Soi Northern Style Noodle Curry (165 THB), Northern Style Jackfruit Salad with Crispy Pork Belly (225 THB) and Northern Style Spicy Minced Pork Salad (165 THB). But honestly, we came to the conclusion after multiple visits that every dish we ordered is served with great flavour and is taken care of to the finest details and therefore highly recommended.
17 locals recommend
Ginger Farm Kitchen at ONE NIMMAN
Nimmanahaeminda RoadGinger Farm Kitchen at ONE is the branch where it all started for the Ginger Farm Kitchen Franchise. Nowadays, they are rapidly expanding to Bangkok, with four branches in the country's capital. The unique concept of countryside atmosphere combined with trendy Northern Thai specialities, such as beautifully presented Khao Soi and Nam Phrik, is a winning combination. Highly recommended dishes are the Grilled Beef Tenderloin (225 THB), Khao Soi Northern Style Noodle Curry (165 THB), Northern Style Jackfruit Salad with Crispy Pork Belly (225 THB) and Northern Style Spicy Minced Pork Salad (165 THB). But honestly, we came to the conclusion after multiple visits that every dish we ordered is served with great flavour and is taken care of to the finest details and therefore highly recommended.
Craving for some insane burger? Rock Me Burger serves some of the best burgers in Chiang Mai and their creations are simply insane. There are two branches in Chiang Mai, one of them is located close to Nimmanhaemin Road. You can create your own burger by picking your own toppings, or just select one of the bestsellers such as the Rocking On Heaven (190 THB), Rocking In Hell (190 THB) and the Chessy Nova (280 THB). The burgers are served with good fries and an onion ring and will definitely satisfy your craving!
6 locals recommend
Rock Me Burger & Bar Nimman Branch
14 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 15Craving for some insane burger? Rock Me Burger serves some of the best burgers in Chiang Mai and their creations are simply insane. There are two branches in Chiang Mai, one of them is located close to Nimmanhaemin Road. You can create your own burger by picking your own toppings, or just select one of the bestsellers such as the Rocking On Heaven (190 THB), Rocking In Hell (190 THB) and the Chessy Nova (280 THB). The burgers are served with good fries and an onion ring and will definitely satisfy your craving!
3. Sweet
If you are a pastry lover, then you have to visit Saruda Finest Pastry, on Nimmanhaemin soi 3. Newly opened, this delicate shop was named after, Saruda, the pastry Chef who creates there everyday.
Saruda is a thoughtful Thai pastry Chef, with great imagination. For more than ten years, she has been the pastry Chef behind each desserts at Mix Restaurant. Today, after taking extra courses with famous pastry chef Cedric Grolet (elected “World’s Best Restaurant Pastry Chef 2017-2018” and Chef Pâtissier at Le Meurice- Alain Ducasse Restaurant, Paris) she creates fascinating cakes and fruit sculptures, available to eat in or take away only at Saruda Finest Pastry.
SARUDA FINEST PASTRY :
12 Nimmanhaemin Soi 3. Chiang Mai.
@SarudaPastry Saruda.Pastry
Everyday 09.30am - 19.00pm
6 locals recommend
SARUDA Finest Pastry
เลขที่ 12 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 3If you are a pastry lover, then you have to visit Saruda Finest Pastry, on Nimmanhaemin soi 3. Newly opened, this delicate shop was named after, Saruda, the pastry Chef who creates there everyday.
Saruda is a thoughtful Thai pastry Chef, with great imagination. For more than ten years, she has been the pastry Chef behind each desserts at Mix Restaurant. Today, after taking extra courses with famous pastry chef Cedric Grolet (elected “World’s Best Restaurant Pastry Chef 2017-2018” and Chef Pâtissier at Le Meurice- Alain Ducasse Restaurant, Paris) she creates fascinating cakes and fruit sculptures, available to eat in or take away only at Saruda Finest Pastry.
SARUDA FINEST PASTRY :
12 Nimmanhaemin Soi 3. Chiang Mai.
@SarudaPastry Saruda.Pastry
Everyday 09.30am - 19.00pm
Thai desserts cafe, lovely atmosphere Shady in Chiang Mai Here, they serve a menu of traditional Thai desserts and exotic dishes that are difficult to find. Come to eat with High Tea set, hot tea, fragrant flowers Which helps reduce the sweetness of the candy in the mouth. After eating the dessert, you can continue shopping at the top floor of the shop. Available in both bags and beautiful woven hats. The shop is at Nimmanhaemin Soi 11
Rak Whan Thai Dessert Cafe
30/2 ถนน นิมมานเหมินทร์Thai desserts cafe, lovely atmosphere Shady in Chiang Mai Here, they serve a menu of traditional Thai desserts and exotic dishes that are difficult to find. Come to eat with High Tea set, hot tea, fragrant flowers Which helps reduce the sweetness of the candy in the mouth. After eating the dessert, you can continue shopping at the top floor of the shop. Available in both bags and beautiful woven hats. The shop is at Nimmanhaemin Soi 11
Coconut followers must scream at this shop! First, they must take a picture with the big coconut in front of the shop first. Then come to stand and select the menu To be honest, choosing is very difficult. It looks all delicious. Whether the coconut cake pudding, coconut milk smoothie Meaning that each menu is sweet, it's just right After eating it, I forgot to take a photo. But you don't have to worry. Although the shop is not wide, but taking pictures is beautiful, according to the course. Come to Nimmana, have to stop, believe us
Coco Corner
Nimmana Haeminda Road Lane 13Coconut followers must scream at this shop! First, they must take a picture with the big coconut in front of the shop first. Then come to stand and select the menu To be honest, choosing is very difficult. It looks all delicious. Whether the coconut cake pudding, coconut milk smoothie Meaning that each menu is sweet, it's just right After eating it, I forgot to take a photo. But you don't have to worry. Although the shop is not wide, but taking pictures is beautiful, according to the course. Come to Nimmana, have to stop, believe us
4. Get pampered at spa
| Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
| Location: 102 Siri Mangkalajarn Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
There is nothing better than getting a massage after a long day of traveling. Just like anywhere else in Thailand, Chiang Mai is also very well-known for its amazingly revitalizing (and cheap!) Thai massage. If you looking for the best massage shop in Nimman Road, check out Oasis Spa Nimman Branch. They have 4 more branches in & around Chiang Mai, thus just pick the best location depending on where you’re based in the city!
21 locals recommend
Oasis Spa (Chiang Mai, Siri Mangkalajarn)
102 Siri Mangkalajarn Rd| Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
| Location: 102 Siri Mangkalajarn Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
There is nothing better than getting a massage after a long day of traveling. Just like anywhere else in Thailand, Chiang Mai is also very well-known for its amazingly revitalizing (and cheap!) Thai massage. If you looking for the best massage shop in Nimman Road, check out Oasis Spa Nimman Branch. They have 4 more branches in & around Chiang Mai, thus just pick the best location depending on where you’re based in the city!
Fah Lanna Spa - Nimman has been shortlisted by Destination Deluxe Awards 2019 for 'New Spa of the Year'. It's an incredible honour to receive this nomination after just 6 months of opening our beautiful bamboo door to the Nimman branch. We are thrilled!
The Destination Deluxe Awards honour the leaders and pioneers in wellness and travel. The prestigious Awards celebrate the hotels, spas, treatments, skincare and wellness brands that drive the remarkable luxury standard of these industries. Quality, transparency and originality are fundamental criteria of the Destination Deluxe Awards, as they recognize and praise the change-makers of today who go beyond set boundaries and innovate in their respective fields.
Fah Lanna Spa - Nimman
Soi 15Fah Lanna Spa - Nimman has been shortlisted by Destination Deluxe Awards 2019 for 'New Spa of the Year'. It's an incredible honour to receive this nomination after just 6 months of opening our beautiful bamboo door to the Nimman branch. We are thrilled!
The Destination Deluxe Awards honour the leaders and pioneers in wellness and travel. The prestigious Awards celebrate the hotels, spas, treatments, skincare and wellness brands that drive the remarkable luxury standard of these industries. Quality, transparency and originality are fundamental criteria of the Destination Deluxe Awards, as they recognize and praise the change-makers of today who go beyond set boundaries and innovate in their respective fields.
5. Shop at complex malls
The shopping scene in Nimman is perhaps the most energetic in Chiang Mai. Nimman is the place where you can find the most fashionable lifestyle malls in the city. Instead of just wandering around and looking at what’s out there, we recommend checking out the following places first!
| Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
| Location: 22/4 Siri Mangalajarn Rd. Soi 5, T.Suthep, A.Muang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center is a mega-sized mall and urban lifestyle hub in Chiang Mai. It is the largest shopping mall in the city with six floors of fashion, tech-gadgets, health and beauty, banking, restaurants, and entertainment. It is home to over 200 International and Thai brands such as Jaspal, CC-00, Adidas, and Oakley.
646 locals recommend
MAYA
55 หมู่ที่ 5 Huay Kaew Road| Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
| Location: 22/4 Siri Mangalajarn Rd. Soi 5, T.Suthep, A.Muang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center is a mega-sized mall and urban lifestyle hub in Chiang Mai. It is the largest shopping mall in the city with six floors of fashion, tech-gadgets, health and beauty, banking, restaurants, and entertainment. It is home to over 200 International and Thai brands such as Jaspal, CC-00, Adidas, and Oakley.
| Opening Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
| Location: Soi 1 Nimmanhaemin Road, Suthep, Mueng Chiang Mai 50200
One Nimman is located at Nimman Soi 1, and it offers various entertainment options for you such as shopping, food, lifestyle and recreational activities! At One Nimman, you will find leading brands and independent shops selling design items crafted by local manufacturers. It is also the famous spot of the organic supermarket which has a wide array of fresh agricultural products.
Another highlight besides the shopping mall is One Nimman’s Viewpoint. You can enjoy the 360-degree view of Chiang Mai town here.
Night Grond flea Market Mon-Tue 4pm-11pm
141 locals recommend
One Nimman
25 ซอย 1| Opening Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
| Location: Soi 1 Nimmanhaemin Road, Suthep, Mueng Chiang Mai 50200
One Nimman is located at Nimman Soi 1, and it offers various entertainment options for you such as shopping, food, lifestyle and recreational activities! At One Nimman, you will find leading brands and independent shops selling design items crafted by local manufacturers. It is also the famous spot of the organic supermarket which has a wide array of fresh agricultural products.
Another highlight besides the shopping mall is One Nimman’s Viewpoint. You can enjoy the 360-degree view of Chiang Mai town here.
Night Grond flea Market Mon-Tue 4pm-11pm
Kad Na Mor is the Student Night Market near Chiang Mai University. The market is mostly focused on food stalls that sell primarily Japanese and Thai foods. On most nights vendors sell apparel, shoes, makeup, and accessories at low prices. The market is opposite the main gate of Chiang Mai University, Huay Kaew Road.
12 locals recommend
กาดหน้ามอ
Huay Kaew RoadKad Na Mor is the Student Night Market near Chiang Mai University. The market is mostly focused on food stalls that sell primarily Japanese and Thai foods. On most nights vendors sell apparel, shoes, makeup, and accessories at low prices. The market is opposite the main gate of Chiang Mai University, Huay Kaew Road.
Makro Foodservice สาขา ศิริมังคลาจารย์
63 Siri Mangkalajarn RdRimping Supermarket Maya Lifestyle Branch
Huay Kaew RoadOthers spots near Nimman
The grounds of a university aren't usually considered to be a tourist attraction, but Chiang Mai University is an exception. The campus features exotic gardens, an artificial lake, and traditional Thai architecture. Bicycle rentals are available to tour the campus at your leisure.
123 locals recommend
Chiang Mai University
239 Huay Kaew RdThe grounds of a university aren't usually considered to be a tourist attraction, but Chiang Mai University is an exception. The campus features exotic gardens, an artificial lake, and traditional Thai architecture. Bicycle rentals are available to tour the campus at your leisure.
Many people don't like zoos because of the cramped quarters in which animals are kept. However, the Chiang Mai Zoo in the foothills of the Doi Suthep Mountains. The 200-acre compound is the habitat for more than 400 species. The zoo emphasizes education, conservation, and providing the animals with a natural environment in which to live.
320 locals recommend
Chiang Mai Zoo
100 Huay Kaew RdMany people don't like zoos because of the cramped quarters in which animals are kept. However, the Chiang Mai Zoo in the foothills of the Doi Suthep Mountains. The 200-acre compound is the habitat for more than 400 species. The zoo emphasizes education, conservation, and providing the animals with a natural environment in which to live.
While visiting Chiang Mai University, spend some time at the Huay Kaew Arboretum, a tranquil green space with hundreds of tropical trees. Lush flowers flourish in the shade of the mountains and waterfalls tumble down the rocks. The arboretum is open each day at 9 a.m
8 locals recommend
อ่างเก็บน้ำห้วยแก้ว
While visiting Chiang Mai University, spend some time at the Huay Kaew Arboretum, a tranquil green space with hundreds of tropical trees. Lush flowers flourish in the shade of the mountains and waterfalls tumble down the rocks. The arboretum is open each day at 9 a.m
The 700-year-old forest temple is worth a visit, with tropical gardens and a towering stupa. The pond is a peaceful spot to feed the turtles and fish, and the ancient tunnels beneath the temple are believed to date back to the 13th and 14th-centuries.
200 locals recommend
Wat Umong
The 700-year-old forest temple is worth a visit, with tropical gardens and a towering stupa. The pond is a peaceful spot to feed the turtles and fish, and the ancient tunnels beneath the temple are believed to date back to the 13th and 14th-centuries.
The Wat Jed Yod is an attractive Lanna era temple complex in the outskirts of Chiang Mai that contains some very unique architecture. Highlight of the Wat Jed Yod is the viharn, where the temple derives its name from. Jed Yod means 7 peaks, referring to the 7 chedis on top of the structure.
33 locals recommend
Wat Ched Yot
The Wat Jed Yod is an attractive Lanna era temple complex in the outskirts of Chiang Mai that contains some very unique architecture. Highlight of the Wat Jed Yod is the viharn, where the temple derives its name from. Jed Yod means 7 peaks, referring to the 7 chedis on top of the structure.
Overlooking the city from its mountain throne, Doi Suthep temple is one of the most sacred temples in the region. This beautiful example of northern Thai architecture is situated at 1,000 meters above sea level and so, it offers an impressive view of Chiang Mai city.
For those who don’t recall the story of this temple, here are a few headlines. The monastery was established in 1383 by King Kuena of the Lanna kingdom. The relics were said to be fragments of bone from the Buddha’s shoulder and were believed to have mystical powers. The king placed the relics on the back of a white elephant which was then released into the forest. The elephant climbed the mountain at Doi Suthep and, before collapsing and dying of fatigue, the sacred animal marked the spot where the relics should be enshrined by turning around three times and trumpeting three times. Although the original chedi was built by King Kuena during the 14th Century, the present complex dates from the 16th Century and has been restored and extended at various stages over the years.
How to get to Doi Suthep temple:
Doi Suthep temple is located about 20 minutes from Chiang Mai University. You can either go by car or by bike (route 1004 northwest), by song thaews (red taxi), or reserve a tour through your hotel’s tour agency. A cheaper alternative is to make your way along Huay Kaew road to the entrance of Chiang Mai Zoo and from there, join a song thaew which will ferry you to the temple for only 30THB (one way), but the red taxi won’t leave until it has a minimum of six or more people. Admission is 50THB, which includes a two-way ticket with the funicular. Remember that Doi Suthep is a sacred place and you should dress respectfully when visiting (no shorts, no skirts and no tank tops).
From there, you can take another song thaew and continue to Phuping Palace (40THB), the Hmong hilltribe village (60THB) and the top of Doi Pui National Park (200THB).
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is truly a sacred destination that must be discover. This beautiful place is a heaven of serenity and a jewel of Lanna (northern Thai) architecture.
424 locals recommend
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Overlooking the city from its mountain throne, Doi Suthep temple is one of the most sacred temples in the region. This beautiful example of northern Thai architecture is situated at 1,000 meters above sea level and so, it offers an impressive view of Chiang Mai city.
For those who don’t recall the story of this temple, here are a few headlines. The monastery was established in 1383 by King Kuena of the Lanna kingdom. The relics were said to be fragments of bone from the Buddha’s shoulder and were believed to have mystical powers. The king placed the relics on the back of a white elephant which was then released into the forest. The elephant climbed the mountain at Doi Suthep and, before collapsing and dying of fatigue, the sacred animal marked the spot where the relics should be enshrined by turning around three times and trumpeting three times. Although the original chedi was built by King Kuena during the 14th Century, the present complex dates from the 16th Century and has been restored and extended at various stages over the years.
How to get to Doi Suthep temple:
Doi Suthep temple is located about 20 minutes from Chiang Mai University. You can either go by car or by bike (route 1004 northwest), by song thaews (red taxi), or reserve a tour through your hotel’s tour agency. A cheaper alternative is to make your way along Huay Kaew road to the entrance of Chiang Mai Zoo and from there, join a song thaew which will ferry you to the temple for only 30THB (one way), but the red taxi won’t leave until it has a minimum of six or more people. Admission is 50THB, which includes a two-way ticket with the funicular. Remember that Doi Suthep is a sacred place and you should dress respectfully when visiting (no shorts, no skirts and no tank tops).
From there, you can take another song thaew and continue to Phuping Palace (40THB), the Hmong hilltribe village (60THB) and the top of Doi Pui National Park (200THB).
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is truly a sacred destination that must be discover. This beautiful place is a heaven of serenity and a jewel of Lanna (northern Thai) architecture.