Doi Inthanon National Park

The park is 1,005 square kilometer located south of Chiang Mai City and is, in parts, mountainous and wild. Species which are not found anywhere else in Thailand can be found here. Doi Inthanon being the Thailand's tallest mountain standing at 2,565 meters, it offers one of the best places in Thailand for bird watching.

On higher ground, one can see wild orchids growing. Trekking tours can be arranged through many agencies in Chiang Mai. It is opened 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. The charge for foreigners is THB200 and Thai is THB20.

Chiang Mai Zoo

The Chiang Mai Zoo has more than 6,000 animals in an environment comprising two waterfalls, reservoirs, an open park, camping spots and animal breeding areas. Among its recent arrivals are 10 penguins, the first ever in Thailand; gibbons, which are bred successfully; and Chayo, the baby elephant, born at the time of the Leonid meteor shower, who became the symbol of the Bangkok Asian Games. The entrance fee for adult is THB40 and for child is THB20.

Tha Pae Gate

This is one of the five main gates to the old city of Chiang Mai, and a major landmark as well. It was first called Pratu Chiang Ruak because it was situated near Chiang Ruak village when it was built in the reign of King Mangrai in 1296. Each corner and each main gate of the old city faces the eight main points of the compass, with one extra gate on the south side.

You can visit anytime at Moon Muang Road, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand.