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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedMar 31, 2023
How long is the drive from Vang Vieng to Pai?
The direct drive from Vang Vieng to Pai is 492 mi (792 km), and should have a drive time of 13 hrs 15 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Vang Vieng to Pai, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, and Mae Rim, as well as top places to visit like ຖຳ້ນຳ້ Tham Nam (Water Cave) and Wat Xiengthong, or the ever-popular Elephant Cave.
The top cities between Vang Vieng and Pai are Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, and Mae Rim. Chiang Mai is the most popular city on the route. It's 11 hours from Vang Vieng and 2 hours from Pai.
Located in the northern region of Laos, Luang Prabang was an ancient capital city that served as the royal capital of the country until 1975. Situated at the confluence of two rivers - Mekong and Nam Khan, this valley has been inhabited for thousands of years.
Mae Rim area is located in the central portion of Chiang Mai Province, which is situated in the northern region of Thailand. This district boasts a variety of natural landscapes and tourist attractions, including national parks, waterfalls, temples and cultural sites. Mae Rim's beauty lies in its diverse geography that comprises mountains, valleys and rivers surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, elephant riding and bamboo rafting while discovering the charm of the local hill tribes' culture.
23% as popular as Chiang Mai
9 minutes off the main route, 83% of way to Pai
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Chiang Mai, located in the mountainous region of northern Thailand, was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The city's Old City area still showcases remnants of its historical walls and moats, as well as numerous ornate Buddhist temples such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang.
Most popular city on this route
6 minutes off the main route, 84% of way to Pai
Best stops along Vang Vieng to Pai drive
The top stops along the way from Vang Vieng to Pai (with short detours) are Kuang Si Waterfall, Wat Chedi Luang, and Alms Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang. Other popular stops include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Phousi Hill, and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
1
Elephant Cave
Nature & Parks
Caverns & Caves
The cave itself isn’t very big and I see that eager travelers might think it isn’t worth it. But nevertheless we went and met the nicest monk. As he spoke good English he told us he’s not a scammer guide so we won’t have to pay and later proceeded to tell us all about the cave, his Buddhism teachings and some funny stories about himself. We laughed and talked with him for over 2 hours and he gifted us a little fortune bracelet before we left. Was the coolest experience.
Emma1202 — Google review
A nice and historic cave within a nice complex.
It's a very small cave with some statues.
Nothing too special. If you're in the are s it's worth a visit.
Hashim Fakhreddin — Google review
Sehr kleine Höhle kann man mitnehmen wenn man auf der Tour Hier vorbei kommt. Die Höhle hat seinen Namen weil weil ein Stein Skulptur einem Elefant ähnlich sieht.
(Translated by Google)
You can take a very small cave with you if you pass here on the tour. The cave got its name because a stone sculpture resembles an elephant.
Thomas Buettig — Google review
There wasn't much to see.
Absolutely should not be anyone's itinerary.
N Pham — Google review
Nothing special, there are better places in this area to explore. At least the road you are going to get there has amazing views.
Karolina TM — Google review
Small shallow cave with the fame of a small (1,5m?) stalagmite that resembles an elephant. A few golden Buddahs seem second priority and other unusual figures are cast on the rocks: a large snake (Naga) head, a breastfeeding lady, an owl catching a rat..? Worth a short stop only if you in the area for the other attractions. The walk over the suspension bridge is also fun!
Vincent Oliver — Google review
There is a entrance fee to the elephant cave. There is nothing much to see except for the stone elephant look alike and a sleeping buddha. You should be able to complete the tour is less than 15 mins. If you happen to be there suggest you can take a walk to the water cave, biplane, soup cave, blue lagoon between 300 m to 1000 m depending where you want to go. Overall the elephant cave is disappointing.
Nicholas Tan — Google review
Nice but nothing special
Galit Mass — Google review
Very small cave with just a rock resembling an elephant.
Simone Urbinati — Google review
Der Preis ist zu teuer. Höhle ist sehr klein und in 1-2min besichtigt. Das beste ist der Mönch der einem gegen eine Spende die Höhle erklärt
(Translated by Google)
The price is too expensive. Cave is very small and can be visited in 1-2 minutes. The best thing is the monk who explains the cave to you for a donation
Anita Müller — Google review
Terrible, not worth your time. It is a very small temple inside a very small cave.
Reem Muharib — Google review
Has a nice half hour or so here, spoke to the very friendly monk who read our fortunes and gave us a bracelet with blessings. Worth a visit
Tham Nam, also known as the Water Cave, is a fascinating tourist attraction where visitors can enjoy rafting through a dark cave. With the help of a guide and rope to hold onto, you will be able to experience the thrill of hitting pitch blackness at the center of the cave. Other popular caves include Tham Loup, Tham Hoi and Elephant Cave (Tham Xang).
We found it pretty hard to find, purely because we hired our own motorbike and went on the hunt but asking locals meant we finally located it! We had the BEST day, cave tubing and zip lining. Staff were lovely and highly recommend if you fancy and activity afternoon.
Emily Merry — Google review
We went with an organised day tour also to Elephant cave and kayaking ( recommended for convenience and only $15 including good lunch). Water cave was great - floating on a tube, pulling yourself along on the overhead ropes. Headlamps (sometime hardhats)are provided and necessary. Try avoid big tours and busy times ( weekends?) as it's not accommodating for many people.
Vincent Oliver — Google review
Super fun activity! There is a restaurant on site but comparatively it is expensive and not the best. It was 20,000 to do the cave and totally worth it. I think it took us an hour to do. Not the best place to hang out and swim after so you kinda do the cave then head out.
Gabrielle Brown — Google review
Pretty awesome to be fair. The water is exceptionally cold but you soon adjust. The cave has very low roof at times and if you turn your head lamps off for fun, it is absolutely and completely pitch black. There is a small section where you have to get out of your ring and walk as it is too shallow but then you carry on. The cave goes on for so long that after about half an hour of floating through, we turned around and went back. It's a truly unique experience!
Sixteen Sixtyfour (Matt B) — Google review
We had such a great day here. Booked the water cave, elephant cave, ziplineing and kayaking through Leo's adventure tours and weren't dissapointed. Organisation was excellent and the day was lots of fun. The water cave was a real adventure
Jack Taylor — Google review
In rainy season (September) cave tubing is not possible because of high water levels in the cave. The area itself is nice and you can walk over some bridges and I think zip lining is also available. We were the only guests here. You have to pay 10000 Kip as entrance fee.
Paulilla — Google review
Quite a unique experience. You will be able to visit the inside of the cave while on the floating donut by using the ropes attached to the roof. The cave is quite big and the whole tour can last for ~15-20min. At times the height is very low and the current quite strong. Suggest paying the 60K Kip do have the guide coming with you to help. Very fun!
Enrico Bargnani — Google review
Part of a half day tour we booked. I'd recommend you book both water cave tubing + zipline here, because if you're only tubing, you still need to wait here for the people that are ziplining (approx 40 min). Ziplining here sounds fun, they take you to do 8 or 9 different lines.
Erica Chang — Google review
The path is very short which will surprise you. But in total as it is in the package of most agencies not a bad stop here.
But honestly nothing special. Both in terms of what you see inside the cave( nothing very outstanding) and the scenery.
Aman Askarizad — Google review
A truly fun experience to visit caves whilst lying on a tube. Do take note that this requires some level of fitness as you need to pull yourself forward with ropes already installed in the cave.
Hong Ri Wee (Ray) — Google review
Went here Mon 28/Aug/23 and can confirm that due to flooding from rain it is currently closed and you cannot tube through the cave. The location was almost deserted though still cool to check out if you are on your way to nearby spots like Blue Lagoon 4 or Loup Cave.
Nicole Yeung — Google review
This time we went to the deepest part of the cave and it was awesome. You will love it.
Benjamin Kipznanag — Google review
This place was excellent zipper lines and a small cave snd kayaking
Erol Mehmet — Google review
Great experience ,just 40 baht around a pound with torch, tube, and life jacket. There are rope in the cave, and you just enjoy your journey by pulling yourself. It was dark, but with torch, you can see pretty much things.
Sa.isaround — Google review
Special experience. The water was cool and clean. The cave is long! The way is safe. We recommend
Elad Meir — Google review
It is a nice experience but please follow the right tour, some will bring you half way and ask you back , some will guide you to move more deeply. Unfortunately I have bad luck, the tour packages I join, keep rushing and all the activity time is shorter than what was supposed to be. It is irresponsible.
It is not easy to get a good picture inside the water cave, hence a suggestion is to enjoy the fun rather than take a photo
han870529 — Google review
I found this place by mistake because google maps is wrong in the area (are you listening Alexa?). So glad I stumbled across it, as it was a highlight of my trip. I was the only person here, so to immerse myself in the caves and turn my head torch off was simply other worldly. Pull yourself through the caves along a rope that is hung to guide you. The photos cannot possibly do this place justice!
Daryl Boggs — Google review
4.1
(673)
•
4.0
(461)
2CPG+658, Vientiane, Laos
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Wat Xieng Thong is a Buddhist temple complex in Luang Prabang, Laos. It was built by King Setthathirath in 1560 and showcases the traditional Lao style with its exquisite shrines, prayer halls, and gardens. The temple's remarkable architecture includes a two-tiered roof and intricate mosaics, notably featuring a stunning tree of life glass artwork on the rear wall.
It is a place to warm your heart and be reverent. The mosaic style is beautiful and blends well with the surrounding landscape. Currently, I got an information that monks do not do Takbat in the early morning. To see the Buddha statue, I paid 10,000kip for 2 flowers. After you come out to see the Buddha, they make a bracelet out of cloth to wish you good luck.
Jihee Lee — Google review
An old temple located at the confluence of two rivers, the Mekong River and the Khan River. Lao architecture and art are very admirable.
Apptitude (App) — Google review
It's a nice historic place. They provide you with a sarong if needed. It would take you around 30 - 1h to see the place, but literally no more than that. You can see the monks walking around which is nice.
Not related, but the toilets are nice and clean.
ESTEF ALARCON — Google review
Beautiful temple. You must visit if visiting Luangprabang. My nephew in the pictures love it 🥰
Soratui — Google review
Super unique and special temple. Stunning artwork, unique experiences for buddhist and other kinds of temples. Very interactive and dynamic spot. If you want to learn more take a guide as there is no explanation or english signs anywhere but it is a significant temple so taking a guide IS recommended. Busy and busier as the day goes on. Can spend a lazy afternoon people watching and taking in the art.
Dimitris Travel And Tips — Google review
Visited in June 2023. Beautiful temple. I made a beeline here when I arrived in the city since I wanted to cover the highlights if the city in my less than 48-hour visit.
RC — Google review
A most impressive wat! Be sure to dress modestly but they do have rentals available for all the tourists. I felt really at ease in front of the giant Buddha.
Jonathan Ding — Google review
Totally a must see temple in Luang Prabang.
You should visit with a local guide, they will tell you a lot of interesting facts and history about the temple.
If possible, visit in the afternoon from 3Pm, when sunlight shines on the walls of the temple, creating a spectacular view. And remember to dress appropriately when visit the temple.
Visited in January 2020
Thuy Vu — Google review
Beautiful and very peaceful place. I was so lucky to be there just before they start chanting so I have a chance to sit down and heal my soul :).
The monks are also very nice and friendly to let us take some photos. Actually I saw a lady take many of their photos so I follow to take some. I hope if she uses it for magazines or whatever commercial purposes, she would pay back for the venue or for the monks so they can have some funds to maintain and raise the monks.
Love all the details and decorations.
J C — Google review
I ABSOLUTELY love this temple !
Temple of the Golden City. Wat Xiengthong (Temple in Laos and Thai called : wat/vat) Still remain one of significant monument, the spirit of the religion. and you definitely (if not) can feel it just by being there.
I could not express into words enough. The rich red and black walls are decorated completely with gold stencils. The wooden structure is well-maintained that shown authenticity
Satisfaction Rating Scale : 10 out of 10
Entrance Fee 20k kip
saydoppa — Google review
There is an entrance fee of 20,000 kip/person.
It is a temple with beautiful architecture. Inside the temple, you can walk around. The highlight point that people go to take photos is the window with the red wall. The time I went was being renovated.
Fernus — Google review
A beautiful temple complex. One of the highlights on our trip. A reminder to foreigners, you must remove your shoes if you want to enter any of the buildings. Please be respectful. Don't trek your dirt into sacred spaces.
Bex McK — Google review
Very beautiful, it is the only temple in LPB that allows us to take photo.
The design is so goooood. marvelous and the ticket price is 20k in november 2023
Devit Huotkeo — Google review
Of the many temples in Luang Prabang this one is the most famous, and for good reason. This temple has a ton of history and unlike most of the other temples in the city, it survived the most recent sacking of Luang Prabang so many of the buildings are older. The temple grounds are quite large and there are many buildings to explore. Surely one of the highlights of Luang Prabang.
Gunnar Caya — Google review
Very beautiful temple with different buildings to visit. You should were clothes long enough to hide your shoulders and knees. If you forget you can borrow something there though.
Really loved how well preserved it all was.
Brrra — Google review
By far the best most authentic temple experience for me. It looks old, traditional, cozy and authentic. It's also the only place I've visited that allow you to take photos inside. The whole area is unbelievably beautiful and reeks of history. If I had to pick only one temple to see, it would be this one.
Tomáš Gregor — Google review
Unique and beautiful art. Would be great they have more information boards, or more detailed audio guide for each section of temple. One step further will be introducing more of Buddhism in Laos
Ranita Ma — Google review
Very pretty and not so crowded. Especially during the sunset the light is fantastic.
(You definitely have to wear long trousers or a long skirt and covers your shoulders as well.)
Cass — Google review
One of the top attractions in Luang Prabang. The temple is very beautiful, and there are multiple intricately decorated buildings to admire. The designs are very detailed, sophisticated and traditional, making this temple a masterpiece of work. The ceiling and mosaic making up the temple is filled with depictions of Dharmachakras. The mosaic of the tree of life was one of the most impressive art in this attraction, and one should take some time to appreciate the art here. This temple likely contributed to Luang Prabang’s status as an UNESCO Heritage Site, given the sophisticated and ornate architecture of this place.
Note that as this is a religious site, be sure to dress appropriately (i.e. no shorts, no singlets, no slippers). Also be respectful especially within the temple, as it is still an altar for prayers. There are some spots that tourists frequently pose with too, so do keep a lookout for them.
Entrance fee is 20.000 kip for foreigners, and it is well worth the money to visit this temple.
Nahshon — Google review
Very intimate & beautiful temple.
20mins to look around & you exit onto the view of Mekong River
Irene Dawson — Google review
I didnt go inside the temple. But i like road front of temple. Very vintage. It like old France in Laos. Suggest u go here early morning or late afternoon for sunset.
Gphuot — Google review
Awesome temple … probably my favorite in Luang Prabang. Definitely need to go first thing in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds. Lots of places to look around and take in the history. Recommended for sure!
At sunrise, in the streets of Luang Prabang, a traditional Laotian Buddhist ritual takes place where monks accept food offerings. This daily dawn procession has become an iconic sight and major tourist attraction in the old city. However, it can sometimes feel like a zoo as tourists gather to watch and capture photos.
Quite a serene and spiritual experience, if you educate yourself first about why they do it.
For everyone wanting to witness this event, kindly do your research first on proper etiquette & decorum as spectators. I was disappointed by a handful of tourists being disrespectful.
Ian Dungganon — Google review
Every temple has its own alms giving, but the majority of monks walk down the Main Street. It is very nice to just sit quietly and respectfully from the other side of the street and observe the locals. But it is sad to see the noisy influence of disrespectful tourists and vendors that sell rice for tourists to give to the monks. Just try to avoid them and find a quiet spot for a better experience. We arrived at 540am (but I think it started at 530) and it was done by 6am.
Chris Marian — Google review
Be a respectful tourist
The rirual itself is meaningful BUT this street is so commercialized & the people there (most are tourists) talking loudly. People was running around to snap the photos (including me, but I tried to keep the distance but when recalling back, I feel guilty now). I think its harmless to promote beautiful merit, but the tour group should train their clients for all the rules before the merit. also, should have a line to seperate photographing area for safe distance with the monks.
Btw the street behind this street is more peaceful & practice the right way
Bao Chau Pham — Google review
Many groups of monks walking along the street (actually more streets) receiving alms. The ceremony begins early in the morning while it's still quite dark. Unfortunately, the ceremony became very touristy. That's not necessarily bad, it helps to keep up the tradition but many of the tourists simply can't behave respectfully. They're going too close trying to take a picture with their mobile phones, they're using flashes etc. Yes, the quality of our pictures isn't that great but taking cool pictures at the price of disturbing the ceremony is not an option for us. If you really need better pictures bring an appropriate photographic equipment with you.
D?vid Kov?cs — Google review
Would the Christians and Catholics be happy if non-believers tourists appear in the US or Europe to partake in Communion bread? and use flash photography at the Priest/Father etc, and jostling with the believers?
It's ridiculous, and downright uncouth for tourists who took pictures of the beggars. How would you feel if you were in their shoes? If you're moved by their plight, get uncooked rice/shoes/ jackets (cold weather now) for the beggars to help them out.
For the Buddhists, there's a nearby street (infront of Sada hotel) where about 150 monks would start walking around 6.30am. They don't receive much, and are not picky (Unlike the tourist area, where some monks even push a trolley!! to collect goodies). I have attached a picture of the bus these monks travel on, so you know they are not well to do.
Reviewer X — Google review
Interesting experience. It's great to be able to give. There are actually many streets where the monks will walk through, so please ask your hotel whether the monk will pass by the hotel area, so you don't need to walk far. Unless you wish to join the big crowd then this is the area.
Tammy Tan — Google review
Recommended by many, it was a great reason to start the day earlier than most. It’s always been my favourite time of day because it’s almost as if time stands still.
Regardless, the small offerings your able to provide for the monks who are sacrificing and devout on the daily is a great feeling.
The procession is neat because of the collective energy put forth by all those from the community. From setting up the chairs and the garments for the participants to the initial gathering of food for the monks, there’s a true sense of community in the air.
Definitely a must even if you’re just there to spectate.
Yannick Cale — Google review
5 stars more for Luang Prabang in general.
The Alms Giving Ceremony is more 1 star.
This ceremony because it is a ceremony has been totally desecrated by thousands of a certain type of tourists who respect nothing.
The most interesting thing to see now is them.
Please do not go there.
I will had here some general pictures of Luang Prabang because Google doesn't give us the possibility to post a general avis on a city.
William Gagnadoux — Google review
During summer the almsgiving starts at 5:30, while in the winter months the sun doesn’t start rising until 6:30.
I recommend getting there a bit early to find a spot and spend some time watching the locals set up and prepare the food for the monks.
When seated, shoes and socks must be removed with your feet tucked underneath as you observe the ceremony in absolute silence. Female attendees must keep their head lower than the monks when giving alms and they must not talk to or touch the monks at any time, even when making an offering.
Koem Rathbormey — Google review
Really nice to see this sacred morning ritual and something that is very important for the local community which makes it sad that tourists are unable to be respectful. I’m giving a low review in the hope people read it as previous reviews highlight similar issues. Some tourists participating were either filming themselves or getting someone to film them during presenting the food. Tourists standing very close taking pictures with flash on right in monks faces. This appeared to be done mainly by older groups and tour groups. These tours were often lead by locals so I’m not sure if they don’t tell them to be respectful or they have a prior agreement with the monks that they can take their pictures? Also do not buy food from stalls trying to sell you stuff. Lots of food was given back such as what appeared to be confectionery items.
Best thing to do is not do it through a tour, sit down on the opposite side of the street, be quiet, take minimal photographs and without flash on. I would say unless you’re a Buddhist, just observe rather than participate
There will be quieter places to observe- even on the Main Street but also down the side streets if you know where they are. Maybe ask local ngos for any advice.
Lachlan W.A. Banner — Google review
Great experience even though it is an early start, 5am ish. I went the easy route the first morning and bought a ‘package’ with the hawkers waiting near the area. The package sold by the hawkers is on the pricy side and is generic (sticky rice and a biscuit). Also they will be able to top you up for a fee when the items run out.
I went to give alms a second day although purchased my own items (dry goods and snacks) from a large grocery store. Felt it was more worth it and I was able to donate straight to the monks which is similar to what we do in Thailand.
To conclude, worth getting up for the experience. On the positive side, hopefully the money spent with the vendors goes to supporting the monks and the local temples as well.
Theo den Brinker — Google review
This is a traditional event for Buddha merits.
The event was held belonging to the road.
We had to assemble alongside the road about 5.45 am. in the morning before the monks will come for alm given ceremony for sure
*if your hotel does not prepare the giving alm preparation, you should buy some food(Long storage containers)
Thanathip Roj — Google review
famous local event. must go and see, in a different meaning..
too commercialized, so many tourists especially groups from china, making the daily event look like a show at the zoo.
however it's interesting to observe for a while. some monks' baskets are soon filled with cookies and biscuits given by tourists (some shops sell them for tourists), i wondered where the huge amount of snacks go to everyday.
once we go off the main street, we see real local lao people giving foods to monks in a serious expression. that's much worth wo watch.
陳曦 — Google review
Today the world is all about photos, videos, social media, and in this world the reality, truth is somewhere lost.
Based on most of the reviews here I am sure what I am about to say will not be understood by many. But my hope is to reach out to those few conscious people who just don’t understand what the hell is going on in this world.
About the ceremony. It was probably an authentic ceremony at some point but today it’s just a tourist attraction.
What I observed;
- Mostly big group of tourists with tour guides( mostly Chinese) were participating. Barely any locals.
- vendors were selling rice and cookies
- Some were using plastic gloves but mostly everyone else were just using their barehands to dig in the rice and offer it to the monks
- There were trash cans set up everywhere, Monks were dumping all that was offered in it
-Towards the end, children were collecting those offerings from the monk. Some were grabbing rice from the street.
My understanding is:
1) Nobody eats those offering, it goes to waste
2) Its collected back and resold.
I wonder what Buddha would feel about this ceremony. This was just sad.
And all the comments here referring it to as “an experience” or “Its tradition” making it sound as it’s authentic, these people live so far away from reality. Some people take everything at it’s face value.
But for those who are observant, who can see thru it and see the reality, please don’t participate. You may wanna go observe (and know the reality) but don’t participate. Its the tourism thats ruining this culture. Its because of the tourist there is so much waste.
Nisha Pradhan — Google review
Having read about this in multiple blogs, I decided to wake up early and head to the Main Street where this ceremony takes place. Here are my key takeaways:
1.The significance of this ceremony is well known that if people give alms (basically food) to the monks, it brings them good karma, while also feeding the monks. Once a traditional event, it has now become a tourist attraction and pretty much like a zoo like one of the other reviewers mentioned. People have no consideration to space, to flashing lights and cameras in close proximity.
2.There are at least 200 people giving out alms and the monks carry a rather small basket. Wonder where all the alms go? Into baskets that have been lined up on the street every 20ft or so. The alms are usually sticky rice that are unpackaged, and packets of biscuits or chocolates. The monks seem to dump them all in the same baskets (and they look rather dirty!!)
3.I asked someone if they know what they do with it, and they said they give it as lunch to kids at schools. So basically, people donate to the monks, the monks to the kids from what I heard.
4.I also happened to witness many stray dogs being walking alongside monks and waiting in line with such discipline. If only people had the heart to feed these animals too, knowing it would bring back double the good karma.
TLDR: To sum up, it felt like a spectacle with no real meaning to the ceremony. I’d rather have them feed the hundreds of malnourished stray dogs and cats roaming the streets of LPB.
Malavika Sastry — Google review
A widely recommended 'thing to do' at Luang Prabang. A scared tradition of Laos, the daily morning Alms giving, which dates from 14th century. More than 200 monks from the near by temples come out to the street and gather their daily meal from the faithful and peaceful residents.
It turns in to a tourist attraction now and we can see a good number of tourists are participating this offering. There are street vendors who is selling the sticky rice's in custom made plates. You van by it from them and sit on the road side. The monks will walk in lines and you have to put a small portion of this rice in each monks vessels.
There is an beautiful temple near to this place.
Manoj KA — Google review
A really cool experience where you can either watch or take part in the Alms Giving Ceremony early in the morning. You can get rice and other food to give to the passing monks for 50,000 kip. Definitely something to experience whilst here
Phousi Hill, a renowned peak accessible by hiking, offers breathtaking panoramic vistas and is famed for its sunset views. Holy Phousi Mount extends along the opposite side, with steps leading up through a wooded slope to the Wat Chom Si sanctuary above. Most attractions in the area require an entrance fee, individually collected at each site rather than through an official combined ticket.
Absolutely beautiful up there for sunset and sunrise as you will be able to see the panorama view of the city with magnificent mountains scenery from behind.
Pasan Sensouk — Google review
It’s full of tourist at sunset and its obvious why, is the best place to see the entire town and how the sun goes down in the Mekong River. It’s better to climb up from the south as it has a lot to see (temples, Buddha statues, a relic, a cave, etc). The price entrance is 20.000 kip but it seems it’s not enforced for everyone.
Sebastian ?Signs? Gonzalez — Google review
Nothing much to be honest. You get to see the river flows in between some hills and the landed house up south. What I’ve captured is all you will see. I guess beauty is subjective.
Entrance fees of 20K Kip whether you come from the front or back of the middle hill.
Avy Artemis — Google review
Great walk up to the top. You can see Buddhas and different things on the way up. There are stairs and it’s not a hard climb. Great for sunrise and sunset, I visited twice so I could see both. Opportunity at the top to take great pics! And you can buy drinks on your way up.
Chloe — Google review
Very nice climb up to the top. Very well maintained and even steps, making it a very easy and comfortable climb. There are a lot of Buddha statues along the way, which you can appreciate as you ascend upwards.
At the top, you will be rewarded with a very scenic, aerial view of the city and the Mekong river. It is a very beautiful sight given the mountainous backdrop. It is also a popular destination to appreciate the sunset, so it will likely be very crowded during sunset time.
Best time to climb is likely during the early morning hours, or just before sunset time. It may be too scorching hot for a comfortable climb in the middle of the day. There’s also an entrance fee of 20.000 kip near the top of the climb.
Nahshon — Google review
It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the top of the mountain. The sunset is around 5:30 PM, so if you want to see the sunset, you need to check the time. Enterance fee is 20,000 kip (per person). They sell things at the beginning of the route, but you don't need to buy them essentially. If you go up the stairs a little, there is a place where you pay the entrance fee.
Jihee Lee — Google review
A complete exaggeration to call this a "hiking summit" and some of the "sweeping views" of the city are obstructed by trees. On the way to the top you can see an imprint of Buddha's foot, or a small cave with a random statue of someone (not Buddha) inside. Admittedly I did not go here for sunset so maybe it is truly a nice place for that, otherwise there is no need to spend 20 minutes going up, getting a few pictures, and coming down again.
Rodney Egel — Google review
Short but steep hike for a great city center sunset view! Definitely worth a quick stop before dinner, as the exit spits you out just a few minutes from lots of restaurants
Michael Wang (Mike) — Google review
One of the best sunset I have ever had!!
It’s located exactly as shown on the maps. There are 2 official entrance, the one next to the river and the one next to the Night Market road.
After paying KIP20K, you need to hike for about 10 minutes till you reach the peak.
I suggest you to go at 5pm, so you can secure your spot to enjoy the sunset. Since there will be more people coming after 6pm.
There is a temple up there, but tbh the temple it self is nothing special. Just a small, regular, ordinary temple.
And ya, you are allowed to wear short pant. So no need to worry with the heat 😅
pretty sipayung — Google review
Beautiful view from here. Not busy. Inside the temple I was alone for a while (5-10 min). You can sit here and enjoy the city view.
The entrance fee is 20’000 LAK.
IRINA Ubrashaeva — Google review
Great view!
The stairs are not steep, even my 60-70 uncles & aunties can go up. Sunset view is beautiful but you might want to go early & camp there for 1-2hrs if you want perfect view lolz
Jane Nguyen — Google review
On the top of this hill, you can see views 360d of the Luang Prabang city.
Sunset watching is among the most famous activity on this gorgeous hill.
Sythala Pathammavong — Google review
A beautiful Buddhist monument, beautiful view over Luang Prabang and a great spot for sunset. However expect crowding and queues to get photos in front of the view.
I would advise getting to the top 30 minutes before sunset to explore and get a good spot. I would say it takes ~25minutes to climb the steps to the top depending on your fitness level.
Meg Griffiths — Google review
Unfortunately, it was hazy so there was nothing much to see during the sunset. It was not very crowded, probably because of the haze.
Nice high view of the city where buildings are generally no higher than 2 floors. I can only imagine how much more mystical the view would have been hundreds of years ago when Luang Prabang was chosen to be the capital of the old kingdom.
It was a nice little exercise to climb up the stairs. I went by the side entrance in front of the Nam Khan River (instead of the entrance near the night market), hence managed to see a few statues on the way up and down. There is a counter on the way up to pay the entrance fee of 20,000 kip.
There are dustbins at the top and a little stall selling drinks and chips.
Angie — Google review
Nice little trail up, just a quick 10mins up for me. There's several entrances from each side of the hills - night market side or Nam Keong side. Many Buddha statues along the way. The view on top is a great vantage point of Luang Prabang and for sunset.
Ying Wah Chan — Google review
Pretty nice place but gets pretty crowded later if you want to grab a photo of the sunset but it’s a really nice place! None the less it’s quite the little hike up from near the night market area and there’s a entry fee of 20000kip per person I would recommend maybe once to come up here as it’s rather nice small activity here.
Lyon .L — Google review
Way too busy at the top to really enjoy the sunset. What little of the sunset I saw was good but I don’t recommend this for the sunset. However, if you start the climb way before sunset you will still have a really nice view of Luang Prabang from both sides on the way up.
Dads — Google review
Incredible temple space. The staircase are beautiful and there are buddhas and other statues all around. It did get busy for sunset and those pictures are attached but the view is incredible! Loved exploring this area and glad we got to see it. I’m sure outside of sunset hours the space is much nicer and tranquil
Chris Caruso — Google review
It is a nice climb to go up to the top.
From the side where the palace is about
338 steps to the top.
From the back side of the mountain it is 423
not as steep as from the side.
There is a nice view from the top, which could be a bit better if the vegetation would be trimmed a bit.
It is worth going down the longer back route as there is more to see than on the way to the palace.
The ticket is 20k per person.
Peter Sz (Crick3t) — Google review
Perfect for sunset. 30000 kip fee to access the temple. Come about 4:30pm to get a nice spot if you are into photography
Johan Morin — Google review
Great spot to enjoy and photograph the sunset - but go early. Sunset was at 6:05pm during our visit and we started up at 4:50pm. We arrived at the top in about 8min. When we reached the summit it was already pretty busy. Eventually it was so crowded we were pinned in by people at all sides and couldn’t really move. Frankly, some people can be quite obnoxious and really crowd you or blatantly block the view of others. As soon as the sun has set, it cleared right out.
Tip: the best sunset colours aren’t evident until about 20 - 40 minutes after the sun actually sets, so stick around after most people have bailed out for a more comfortable experience. But if you do this be aware that the stairs aren’t lit for most of the way down, so if you have issues with night vision be sure to have a headlamp or small flashlight (you iPhone light will work in a pinch) for the walk down.
If you’re going for sunset don’t drink too much before hand, we didn’t notice public washrooms on top and once the place is crowded you aren’t going anywhere until the crowd starts to clear. There is no opportunity to purchase water so bring something to sip.
There is a ticket booth at the start of the walk. It costs 20.000 kip per person. The stairs up are well maintained and safe. The walk isn’t very steep and isn’t very long. However, you should know your fitness level as some people were really struggling and had to rest two or three times.
There is a temple at the top and beautiful statuary along the way. There are also two other nice viewpoints. You might want a little extra time for photos before the sunset crowds arrive. There’s a terrace before the ticket booth which makes for a great place to photograph the night market.
Worth doing, just be prepared for the unpleasant atmosphere.
Culinary Slut — Google review
You can get a really nice view from the top of the hill but it is packed with people. I don't actually think that it's worth going to the top of the hill but there's some really nice lookout points that are a bit lower and away from the crowd when it's sunset there are so many people on the top of the hill that I would avoid it and find somewhere else to enjoy the atmosphere. Either way it's very much worth going to the top. It just depends on how much you can handle dealing with a ton of people.
Rico Tumin — Google review
TOURIST TRAP - look at my photos & videos for reference. Even though the sunset is UNREAL with amazing views, there’s so many people up there for sunset it’s like sardines honestly, steep 15 min walk up to the top too but it’s beautiful so if you don’t mind big crowds you’re fine
The Royal Palace Museum, located in the heart of the old city, occupies a grand former king's mansion surrounded by elegant gardens and intricate architectural details. Originally built in 1904 by the French, it replaced an older palace and showcases a blend of Lao and European design. King Sisavang Vong made modifications to give it a distinctive stupa-like spire.
This is a great historical landmark in Luang Prabang.
Ka Ka — Google review
Stinky toilet with no issues. Wet and disgusting. Closing time is 4 but they close the Wat and Car exhibition 15 minutes early.therefore, I had missed the most important sites to see.
WEAR LONG PANTS- almost every where in Laos. Otherwise u need to pay 5k for rent.
Museum looks interesting to discover.
Tu?n Nguy?n — Google review
Good way to learn more of Laos n it's Monarch. Entrance fee is kip 30k; strict dress code to be observed. Gets warm in summer months within the Gallery, that show cases the paraphernalia of the old Monarchy. Lots of restoration work is still going on. Royal Temple is out of bounds, can only view from the front
Yeo's Say — Google review
Beautiful palace, but badly run museum. The palace is really beautiful and definitely worth a visit. It is just a pity that the people running the museum don't seem to like it that you visit. The place closes 2 hours for lunch and calls it a day at 4 in the afternoon. There is some English explanation in the museum, but only about the object you are looking at. You don't learn anything about the history of the kingdom, the royal family, the court, or the civil war that ended the whole thing. Dress rules are a cultural thing, but considering the fact that they killed their last king in a re-education camp, - not that you would pick that up in the museum- it's a pity you have to rent a long legged pant to go over your shorts because of 'respect'. (it was 35 degrees in the shade) And you are not allowed to bring anything at all into the gallery. The smallest purse, cellphones, expensive cameras, your babies diaper bag, everything has to stay in a shoddy locker. Taking picture is strictly forbidden. So I can't show you that the palace is really pretty and worth a visit. Just don't arrive to late 👍
Jan Bockaert — Google review
5 stars for the building and exhibits, but no star for the management. There is a no bag, no phone, no tablet, no hat, no shorts, no water, no food, etc. policy that is not communicated at the entrance. Only once the palace building is reached, one is told to go back to the entrance to lock one’s things. And mind your ticket! If you lock it with all your things, you need to go get it, as one ticket check at the entrance is not enough… Besides all that, there are double standards: some people are sent to lock their bags and some not. Most people seem to be able to enter the palace building with their phones and small bags.
Jürgen Stolzlechner (Jéo) — Google review
Interesting cultural dance show that supports the local people and culture. High energy- Not one of those performances where it's clear they've been performing all day long. Highly recommend. You can get photos with them after. Worth the money!
Colin M — Google review
Absolutely loved it here. I spent half a day seeing all the beautiful exhibitions. It was apparent that buildings and gardens are well taken care of.The energy here is amazing!
You need to cover your skin and no photos allowed here, it's a rule and a matter of mannerism. Please have some respect.
ai aiai — Google review
Royal Palace converted into a museum. Note you have to keep your bags in the locker room (for free) as it cannot be brought into the gallery - no bags, no camera, no phones. The overall complex is sizable and a nicely stroll around. There's also the temple where the Prabang Buddha statue is worshipped - of which Luang Prabang is named after. And at the back there's the cars and carriages. There's also a Royal Ballet Theater that performs on certain days.
Ying Wah Chan — Google review
The place is quite wide and includes both a church and a palace. But inside the palace, photography is prohibited.
Next to the black market, at night the lights are on, very beautiful.
Apptitude (App) — Google review
Pretty good. The museum was interesting, especially the paintings on the walls were impressive. Seeing the gifts from other countries also makes you feel like you're living part of the past when you explore them. Also the garage with a few models of king's historical cars, given to him by the US government, was a nice touch and I enjoyed it quite a bit. The temple is also nice, but you'd find better ones in other places.
Tomáš Gregor — Google review
In the museum we're due to take our shoes off and no photo.
Cannot go inside the historical monument and not allowed to take photos.
Bags in the lockers.
Pathetic car collection.
Globally worth to be seen. Very central.
Edouard Bracame — Google review
If I could go back again I would not pay into the Royal Palace & would instead take photos of its architecture from across the street where you can climb some steps to get a better view.
Like any other Royal or Religious area you must cover your shoulders & knees which is to be expected. If you arrive in anything less, shirts, pants & skirts can be provided.
I understand that some people really enjoy the history behind it but even then, there is not a lot on show. Without signage / audio guides or even staff too assist, you are left to walk around what is basically a very poorly maintained crop of land.
Bag’s of rubbish litter the patchy grass & the trees / bushes are in a desperate need of trimming.
The garage is pitiful to say the least & royal palace itself did not live up to our expectations.
I can only assume this is the reason why no photos are aloud inside as they fear other people may find out.
I can not argue when it comes to the temple as I have yet to find one that is not beautiful.
You may climb the steps, but not enter this one or take photos of the inside.
They do allow you to take photos of the buildings when on the Royal Grounds, just not the insides.
Again, without the historical knowledge or the ability to take any photos which I can not already take outside, I don’t see the point in going in.
Gibson Lee — Google review
Lovely buildings and grounds. Had to go back to hotel to change to cover shoulders and knees which is understandable(large Buddha collection in museum). I left with no real coherent impression of Lao history which was disappointing.
Tylar Calcinai — Google review
A nice place to visit in Luang Prabang. A beautiful mix of colonial and Lao architecture. The main hall is very beautiful - painted in red and decorated with glass mosaic. Taking picture is not allowed inside. They are very strict with the dress code. Located prominently at the historic center so might as well visit and take a look. Five star still..
leo lobarbio — Google review
It's a nice place and you can walk around a big area and see different buildings.
A lot of people were there but it didn't hinder our walk through.
What I disliked was the rework of a lot of buildings.
And no photographs in some buildings and before that you have to remove your shoes and cap.
Of course I'll always honor different views and vows of country but for me....that takes the fun out of it...why walk through without shoes if you can't take any pictures.
So the experience for me was kind ok.
M. K. — Google review
Interesting place, we spent around 30mins inside. They’re strict with clothing so make sure u were long pants & cover shoulder.
It has a spacious garden but we didn’t have time to walk around.
After entrance area, keep your ticket to enter the building!
Jane Nguyen — Google review
Very very strict rules before you can enter the area for visiting. The most annoyed thing here is that locker area is inside ballet room but the area to allow you to have ability to go visit Palace is far from locker. You must go back and forth.
Hoang Yen Xuan Nguyen — Google review
Busy, but not too busy. Nice grounds to walk around. Didn't go into the Palace as told I needed to leave my shoulder bag in the locker room. So had a stroll around the gardens and the small car museum. Which was interesting. Plenty of seating outside to sit and relax.. great for people watching 😊
Jane Irving — Google review
Ok to see, but no pictures allowed inside for whatever reason. It would surely get more crowded and messy inside if everyone started taking pictures of themselves. Don't understand why you have to cover up since it's just a museum and not a holy place, but ok, was prepared for it thanks to the other reviews. Arrived around 9am and there were loads of Chinese tourists that must have just arrived. Once I got passed the big groups it was less crowded. Nothing spectacular to see, but still nice if you have the time.
andjacksdeutsch — Google review
Worth seeing if you have nothing else to do. The upkeep is quite sad. It looks quite neglected with roofs covered with fungus, paint peeling, steps and stairs cracked dirty and even certain areas have weeds growing between marble tiles (at temple). You can not enter the main building with a backpack. It needs to be checked in at a different bldg across the yard. You are not told this anywhere until you have removed ur shoes and are about to enter. After already being disappointed by the poor condition of the buildgs, fences, grounds i decided it just was not worth my time to trudge back n check my bsckpack in (i had items of value not willing to risk losing). Hopefully someone with authority will read this and get the people in charge to clean or restore this place. It has lots of potential and historical value. Maybe pay a visit to Thailand and look at their temples?
Cheng Lo — Google review
30,000 kip entry the grounds are nice but there are some strange rules for a mesuem considering its not a religious monument. No bags allowed inside, no shorts including for men (you can rent trousers for 10,000) no shoes or hats inside and no photographs at all which I find weird. The mesuem itself has some interesting artifacts including gifts from the United States and other nations. The mesuem is set in the former Royal residence which is interesting but no photos is definitely a shame.
The night market in Luang Prabang is a popular place to buy local street foods and baked goods, as well as paper lamps and textiles. The market occurs between 5 pm and 11 pm, and features items from the hill-tribe traders as well.
Good and exclusive collection. Especially the war memorial hand made momento. It's thrilling to see how the local has reused the bomb shelling and artistically designed accessories. Must visit place. There are really best restaurants and cafe next to night market
Shankar Rajpurohit — Google review
Colorful night market along the main street requires a visit. The market closes around 9:30.
Hundreds of booths all selling the same t-shirts, bamboo straws, aluminum bottle openers, and hair bands.
All vendors are ready to bargain, but this is their livelihood and items are already cheap by Western standards, so please don't bargain hard. If you get them down 10,000 kip, you just saved $1. Was it worth it?
The quality of the items for sale is average. For high quality merchandise, visit a store.
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Gregory Harris — Google review
Great place to go to eat, but most of the souvenirs you can buy in nearby D&T supermarket for half the price (e.g. coffee, tee, snacks).
For foreigners there is more western style meals in the big yard. More local food stalls are in the narrow perpendicular street opposite of the yard.
Ladislav Velebil — Google review
Full of unique staff and food based on Lao. The price is not too bad. It is available to bid the price with the seller, so you can get the best price. The unique thing, there are some buffet food, that U can take how many as you can in one plate and pay as only 15.000 KIP.
Octa Viandrew — Google review
Better than the night market in veintain. Got way cooler stuff around. Good pricing on everything with most vendors, again depending on how well one bargains.. but no-one is pushy and shopping here is a very pleasant experience.
aditya — Google review
I really loved the products on display. I saw a lot of items different from what I saw at the Chiang Mai, Thailand night market (in case someone is wondering about the similarities). The clothing was beautiful, as were the many crafts. Because I have plenty of souvenirs, I only bought honey, mulberry tea, and Laotian salt. Worth the visit even if you’ve been to a night market before and even if you’re low on cash.
Richard C. — Google review
General local products Let's walk around and have fun. You can buy it as a souvenir. Quite quiet, walk to the end of the street and you'll find a food court.
Apptitude (App) — Google review
Exploring the Vibrant Night Market in Laos
A Burst of Colors and Crafts
The night market in Laos is a feast for the eyes! As you stroll through the market, you'll come across numerous stalls filled with beautiful clothing and bags. It's like stepping into a world of vibrant patterns and designs.
A Buzzing Atmosphere
The night market is always bustling with activity, especially on the weekends. People including many foreigners from all over gather here to explore the stalls, chat with friends, and soak up the lively atmosphere. It's a place where you can truly feel the energy of the city.
Delicious Delights
As you wander through the side streets and square, you'll discover a mouthwatering array of food stalls. The air is filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling dishes, and your taste buds will be tempted by the delicious flavors. From savory snacks to sweet treats, there's something for everyone.
An Unmissable Experience
If you're visiting Luang Prabang Laos, a trip to the night market is an absolute must. It's not just a shopping destination, but a cultural experience that immerses you in the local traditions and flavors.
Dutch Quade — Google review
A very interesting night market with many stalls / outlets displaying their wares on the ground. Many locally made accessories, woven bags, footwear, attires and lots of food and beverage stalls too. Mostly, tourists patronize the stalls and bargains are the norm.
The night scene is great for photography.
jared lee — Google review
While there are many wonderful cafes and restaurants in Luang Prabang, I find the night market experience the most satisfying, even if you are here for a couple or more nights. The night market spans blocks, taking over the main street of the town from 5 pm onwards. Closer to the center of town - near the stairs to the mountain temple and the palace museum - the market is primarily souvenirs, artwork, and local crafts. At one end it becomes all food, and branches into a large circular area filled with outdoor seating and surrounded by even more food stalls. Fish, seafood, beef, dim sum, soups, satay, fruit and juice, sweets and bakes, it's all here, affordable and tasty. Happily for me there were four different stalls offering large vegetarian menus of local food, similar to Thai style. I ordered noodles one night and rice the next and both were hot and tasty, with savory sauce, lots of veggies and plant-based meat representing the non-vegetarian versions of the same dishes. Drinks are available. For a sweet afterwards I stopped at a small stand crafting pandan tapioca mini pancakes, served with a toothpick for scooping from a banana leaf cup. Handsome and friendly staff was particular about flipping them at just the proper time, and was willing to ask you to wait until they had a good set. I also tried the fruit juice stall... While they offer many combinations on a sign board for easy ordering, it's possible they may have run out of some fruit. In this case the friendly stall owner was willing to take suggestions and create a custom mix and match fruit shake - wonderfully fresh and a great finish after the main course. While the market gets cooking after 5 pm, many of the stalls begin to roll up the mats about 9 pm so be sure to start early enough you can order and eat at a few places.
John a — Google review
Night Market Luang Prabang
Great and large market with many different local products and souvenirs you have to trade. However,
enjoy
Adel Armanous — Google review
Crazy, people everywhere!!! It was a nice night. Selling everything you'd expect at Asian Market but very heavy on clothing (luckily beautiful pants didn't fit....save cash). But also food, jewellery etc etc. Only took 20 minutes to do loop, so I think I missed something. It's worth a visit, especially if looking to buy & remember - haggle!
Was live music as well. Think left 2300 and still pumping.
Frederick Hohenzollern — Google review
It’s good to have dinner or just a snack here. Price is reasonably cheap. Mostly accepted only cash and Lao qr payment. I tried with my Indonesian bank account and didnt work, hopefully it will work next year. Taste of the food mostly delicious, you can find Lao, Thai, Chinese, Indian food here.
Emy sanjaya — Google review
The Night Market in Luang Prabang is definitely one of the most interesting we’ve seen in Laos. There’s a wide variety of items on sale. On the main street, vendors sell many souvenirs such as bags, clothes, accessories, magnets, paintings etc. There is great diversity in design, and some of them are really cute. Some stores may get repetitive after a while, as multiple stores sell similar items. It is a great place to buy gifts from Laos, and we bought most of our souvenirs here. Worth noting that you can try to negotiate with the vendors in terms of price, as they usually sell at a slight mark up.
Food options are generally on the opposite ends of the night market. In particular, there is a wide open space market that sells really delicious food with plenty of seating areas. You can also try some of the roadside stalls, some of which are very appetising.
Nahshon — Google review
Great place to visit if you are in Luang Prabang. Food is inexpensive and tasty. Gifts and crafts are also reasonably priced. Plenty of options for both! The Only public restroom we could find is to the far left of the stage. You must pay to use these. Price was 3,000 kip or 0.14 usd.
Cheng Lo — Google review
4.3
(4611)
•
4.0
(3485)
V4QM+XFV, 16 Chaofa Ngum Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
8
Kuang Si Butterfly park
School
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Absolutely loved this place. Its not very big however its stunning. The setting is perfect. The staff are very friendly and informative. The butterflies are numerous and stunning. Definitely worth a visit. The cafe overlooks a huge fish pond where you can feed them.
David Moffat — Google review
A nice little 🦋 oasis to escape the crowds of the main waterfalls! Pricey compared to the main attraction (100k kip vs. 25k kip), but it seems to go to a great cause. The butterflies are most active on sunny days. The staff even provides a guide book to learn about the flora and fauna present as you casually stroll through the park!
Tyler Diedrick — Google review
This is a fantastic stop. The variety of species are beautiful and the chrysalis stages on display for educational purposes are gorgeous! Loved the fish spa break in the enclosure! Really gave me a chance to read the very informative booklet they provide you with for your tour, since while I was walking the butterflies got all my attention!
Nicole Maki — Google review
Highly recommended park. The entrance fee is 5 USD, you get a informative guide book for the park full of background information. The stuff is friendly and will explain you everything you have to know about butterflies. The coffee provides food and drinks. Go there
Steffen H?hne — Google review
After paying the entrance fee to the waterfall, you can walk or take the electric shuttle and stop here. There is a separate entrance fee for different "packages" that can include homemade baked goods in addition to access to the grounds. It may seem a
little pricey but then when you find out the people running the park also established a small school for children in the area to continue learning during/after Covid, everything seems very reasonable. In this park you aren't just going into a closed space where butterflies flutter all around you, there is also a small cafe with a pond filled with koi; and a short "nature walk" with views of some small waterfalls.
Rodney Egel — Google review
Yes, it's more expensive than most other things to do but I found it worthwhile. Part of the entry price is going to their projects, supporting local children.
The staff is very nice, the volunteers tell you more details about some of the butterflies and their different life phases, and the overall park is very nicely put together and neat.
I spent much longer than expected and enjoyed it a lot.
TheColumbretes — Google review
This small detour from the main tourist route is totally worth it. It was built by a Dutch couple that have been in Laos for the last 7 years. There is a peaceful beautiful walk in the forest before going into the large butterfly enclosure. Afterward there is a lovely coy pond where you can get coffee and a dessert.
Ray Kreisel — Google review
The place just reopened after the pandemic. It is a beautiful project supporting local children and for sure the conservation of the butterflies. There are various species to see. Worthy to go there :)
M H — Google review
After the falls, the butterfly park is definitely worth it. You can ask the driver of the electric bus to stop there.
Rutger Hendriks — Google review
We had a very nice and interesting experience. The park is beautiful, the man at the reception was very kind and gave us very interesting explanations about the park and butterflies. It is a very relaxing place and the school project they developed is quite impressive !
Marion Le Borgne — Google review
It was interesting experience to see so many butterflies and learn about them. It is about 10 minutes walk from the waterfall exit and it worth a visit.
Peter Sz (Crick3t) — Google review
A hidden gem beside of the tourist rush a the waterfalls. A beautiful garden with a lot of information about butterflies. A small jungle trail within the park leads you to beautiful waterfalls as well.
Some may find the prices high but consider they support the poorest local people of the village.
Liss Grewer-Matthes — Google review
The butterfly park supports the local community by providing education, transport and medication. It's a wonderful place to visit when you are at the waterfall, just ask the driver to drop you off at the butterfly park on the way to/ from the waterfall.
John McCracken — Google review
This was a very interesting experience & we did learn a lot about butterflies here! There’s also a butterfly green house type thing that you can go in and see all the various butterflies on site.
There’s also a space for you to observe some caterpillars and even active chrysalis being formed/broken out of. Very knowledgeable staff and also a cafe on site that does Dutch apple pie (and loads of other things!).
If you’re going to or from the falls, just tell the driver to stop here. You can then flag another driver down on your way back.
It is NOT included with your ticket to Kuang Si Falls. It’s 100,000 Kip per person.
Rachel C — Google review
Beautiful experience. (Delicious apple pie/cake.) The butterfly park is an inspiring project that has been executed so so well. "This a place for the heart"
Located around 30 kilometers southwest of Luang Prabang, the Kuang Si waterfall is a stunning natural wonder that consists of multiple tiers and cool turquoise pools accessible through walkways and bridges. Visitors can swim in the tranquil waters or swing off ropes for extra excitement. There is also a public park with picnic tables where visitors can relax and enjoy lunch.
You will need to purchase an entrance ticket upon arrival at the parking lot. The entrance fee for locala is 15,000 kip and foreigners 25,000 kip. You can enter by electronically scanning the QR code of the entrance ticket. You can take an electric car to the waterfall entry point. Swimming is allowed at the lower point of the waterfall, but not at the top. You can buy food and go in. When I visited in December, the water was cold and I didn't try swimming.
Jihee Lee — Google review
I liked this place a lot, a good half day trip also for small children. The walk is short (without the upper trail which is optional) and I believe it can be easily done even with a baby stroller. Also, the location is mostly shaded and the water are cold.
Tips: bring a spray against mosquitos (especially for the upper trail), wear your bathing suit (you can change there but the water part starts early), buy some food to go at the entrance since inside there is only a restaurant and no snacks.
Details: We came on Friday and there were hardly any people there. The ticket costs 25k for a person (also children). A free electric car takes you to the entrance into the nature area through the village with multiple food selling stalls all over the place. In the nature reserve you first pass through the bear sanctuary which is nice but you hardly can see the bears. A few meters after passing the sanctuary you already get to the first waterfall in which you can swim.
After going through a few waterfalls you have a nice restaurant in which you can get lunch and from there you continue to the final, largest waterfall. From this point you can come back by a short asphalt road to the nature reserve entrance or you can go to the upper area of the waterfall which requires some going up all the high of the waterfall in the jungle and back on slippery stairs, this is a round trip that returns you to the other side of the big waterfall.
The upper (optional) area has a nice area of water and a view point to the source of the waterfall and an option to take a "boat" ride to the source of the stream for a small additional change.
From the entrance to the nature reserve the same electric cars would take you back to the ticket office area.
Evgy — Google review
Lovely lakes and waterfalls. So blue, so beautiful, so lush. I believe you can swim in lakes 1-4. I swam in 3 and it was fun with a bunch of little fishes - essentially like a fish pedicure with little fish nipping at your feet. The water was COLD but very refreshing.
Briana Le — Google review
The highlight of my trip to Laos. Beautiful waterfall. Great place to take pictures and even swim! Shows you how beautiful Laos is. There are a ton of tours and vans coming to the waterfall. Super easy to coordinate. It’s a beautiful site. Come check it out!
Brandon Leuangpaseuth — Google review
Beautiful waterfalls, very clean, lush foliage all around. There is an electric buggy service to take guests from the main entrance (carpark) to the waterfall. Suitable for the elderly or those who don’t want to walk much.
Butterfly garden is also very charming. Separate ticket at $5 per person.
YM Ong — Google review
Still an amazing place. The main waterfall is breathtaking. Worth a visit in the early morning before the crowd. Later will be way too busy for my taste. You can eat on site if you are hungry with a nice view next to the waterfall.
Istvan Somogyi — Google review
This waterfall was very beautiful. The water was very clear and cool. This place was still fresh and perfect for its nature. The atmosphere was nice. I recommended to visit in the morning. You had to buy a ticket for entering to waterfall.
Jetnapa Techawiparat — Google review
Visited here with a tour group. While yes it maybe crowded during the times they bring you here it doesn’t take away from the beauty of this place. Brought a swimming trunks and a towel cause you have to take a dip. The water is cool and refreshing. There are little fishes that will take a nibble at you more ticklish. The tour allotted about 2hrs here which is more than enough in my opinion.
John Dubal — Google review
Beautiful place! Absolutely stunnig early in the morning, when the big groups haven't arrived yet. Nice little hike up and around the waterfall, but be careful, it can be very slippery when wet, because it's all mud and sometimes a bit steep. On the way down some stairs lead along a waterfall which can get your shoes wet. Must visit in my opinion !! :)
Flavia Thurnheer — Google review
Very nice waterfalls where you can also swim in some of the pools. There's also a nice little hiking trail to the top of the waterfall. The entrance fee (25000kip) includes a ride to and from the park entrance by electric car plus there is also a bear sanctuary that can be visited where we saw at least 4 bears hanging out. The place does get very busy but somehow we were still able to avoid the crowds and find some quiet or almost private places to chill.
martin de geus — Google review
One of the best waterfalls I’ve ever been. The water is clear and cold when you take a dip at waterfall level 3. Come early as there is less people around. Take the trail path rather than the asphalt road to the top of the waterfall.
There is also a bear sanctuary for you to enjoy. Donations are welcome.
If you are coming with a motorbike, you have to leave your bike at the designated parking area and pay 2000 kip for parking fee. Then take an electrical buggy to the waterfall entrance.
Toilet is clean too which is located next to the ticketing booth.
Atikah Azman — Google review
These are breathtaking waterfalls with beautiful coloured waters, visible to the bottom, fish swimming and not too crowded. You can walk as far up as you want to but even the top most layer is only a 10 - 15 minute walk of fairly easy climbing.
r2thebizel — Google review
I went to the waterfall myself by a rented scooter. It’s an easy trip. The traffic is not an issue at all but sometimes you need to be cautious with damaged hole on the road. It took me abt 1.5 hour to get the waterfall.
The waterfall is very beautiful and easy to get to it. The elders and children are definitely able to make it.
The water is not turquoise color like I normally see in social media. Anyway it’s still good.
Enjoy a coffee, a beer or lunch at the restaurant inside the waterfall area is a beautiful experience. Surprised that the price is reasonable and as equal as other normal restaurants in LPB. They don’t over price because they sit in the waterfall area like other places in Southeast area. Thump up for Laos people and Laos F&B business!
Please bring cloths to change if you want to swim.
H Nguyen — Google review
An otherwise beautiful experience was dampened by a sudden rain shower. We had just arrived and taken a few photos when the downpour began. Plans to swim were banished and the clear blue pools were brown with the increased water flow. The falls were still magnificent and worthy of the trip.
Thom Shelton — Google review
One of the big attraction around town!
Everybody seems to pass by so going early in the morning is a good idea, it open at 8:00.
Walking to the very top is a good idea too, the trail is a bit slippery so many tourist avoid it!
You can swim at the top...
Plenty of restaurants to eat just off the gate, you can also pick-up something to eat in one of the few picnic area...
Éric Poulin — Google review
What a dream spot, simply gorgeous. I highly recommend getting there EARLY. The site opens at 8am, we were there around 9 and there weren't many people. We took our time and stayed until 11.30, by then it was PACKED. Don't forget a 🩱👙 and a towel because you want to swim in those refreshing, christal clear waters.
Gloria Lombardi — Google review
It's a natural wonder. I rented a bike and travelled to this place.It's recommended to visit by 9am so that it will be peaceful to explore later on tourist groups might disturb the joy. It's almost 40 minutes' rides from the city. Once you reach there will be a buggy to transport you to the entrance of the hills.Good for solo travellers, insta pictures, family vacation.
s — Google review
It is a must visited waterfall, there would be much more water during rainy season. It is a good place to bring your children and family for a recreation and enjoy the fresh air.
Pasan Sensouk — Google review
Beautiful waterfall with swimming lagoon pools at the very bottom. Not too cold and definitely worth swimming around to cool off after hiking up and circling the upper falls and pools.
Watch your step as the trails are super slippery.
Probably don’t do the upper hike if has recently rained.
Chris Ainsley — Google review
We loved it here. However, we went the right way up (when facing the Waterfall) and when we approached the "way down" path, we assumed the path beside it was up. Well, it was a path and it went up. We followed it through the Junge for about 1.5 km and ended up in an extremely lost place (See photo). Very curious. Then when ging down we saw that the actual path up was closed. We took a nice long bath which was refreshing and enjoyed the view. Can recommend. Even during off season, however. I can't imagine how crowded it is during high season.
Christian Platzer — Google review
Went during rainy season so the water fall was so dramatic. (You should be careful thou)
Bears were super cute.
Nature was quite beautiful and you will be able to see some butterflies too.
Midori Tasaka — Google review
One of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever seen! Be prepared to see a lot of people there dressed up just to take photos. The main falls don’t allow swimming, which means you can get a lot of pictures without people in them :) The water is super refreshing and there are lots spots to take a dip.
Zoë Garvey — Google review
Very beautiful waterfall! The area is relatively clean and well maintained!
The bear rescue Center is located in the same vicinity so it’s very convenient to visit
They also have electric car as a shuttle from ticket kiosk to the main entrance
Mook Phipatseritham — Google review
Stunningly beautiful waterfalls. We got there a little after 9am and for the first hour had pretty much a swimming hole all to myself. Loved the experience. See the moon bears on the way up. 25,000 Kip each for non-Laos.
Deborah Harris — Google review
Beautiful! Worth a visit, do the short hike too the top too see the another lake where the Waterfall starts. Go early too avoid the many tourist. It’s quite nice to swim in some of the lagoons.
Trine Nielsen — Google review
Breathtaking waterfalls which look unreal. A good place for picnics with a nice bath in clean water. There is also a hiking trail to see the origin of the main waterfall. There are also some bears who are protected in an open and safe area.
Kamal Seth — Google review
Wow wow wow! What an amazing place! So worth visiting. There are multiple waterfalls. Many of which you can swim. There’s even a tree you can jump off. So beautiful and such clear blue water. The main waterfall you can’t swim but it is like no waterfall I have ever seen. The most spectacular sight. At the main fall there is also a steep walk up to the top. Great for views and more opportunities to swim! Also an added bonus is a free bear sanctuary included in the price of the ticket. What a bargain. I’m pretty sure parking is easy and available.
cameron holmes — Google review
This is an amazing place. beautiful landscape with peaceful feeling. There are two routes to go to the top of the waterfall, one is going through the bear reserve and the other is next to the waterfall. There is a big pond in the top of the waterfall where you can swim and watch small fishes playing in the water. There is a coffee shop on top of the tree where you can look at the beautiful nature with your eyes.
Trường Công Phương — Google review
I've travelled to many counties and seen many waterfalls.
Although this one isn't the largest I've seen it is definitely the most picturesque! Definitely worth a visit. There is a second set of waterfalls and a butterfly park in the area. The second set of waterfalls is quieter and more chilled.
Scott Wood — Google review
The waterfall is really nice and would desert 5 stars if not for the horde of tourists. Very well marketed place with thousands of stall selling food and souvenir. Might consider not going up to the top of the waterfall as it is quite a steep and tiring climb but the scene is so so only. You can also take a raft ride at the top and swim there. Cost is 25,000 for foreigner and the buggy ride is included.
Eng Siong Lee — Google review
Awesome spot. But aim to get there at 7.45am if you want amazing pictures with no one there. Climb to the top and swim in the top of the waterfall. Boat ride possible up there too for very cheap.
Swim at the top, see the view from the top.
At the bottom there are multiple places to swim, also jump off trees into water etc. very fun. But it does very busy after 11am.
It’s quite built up but is what it is. Restaurant, zip line etc.
buses of tourist arrive from like 8:30 so be early 🙌🏽
Motey — Google review
This waterfall is beautiful and also a great spot to swim. The bear attraction is cool too.
The only problem here is that if you are a girl, particularly a white one, prepare to have your photo taken by multiple Chinese tourists. The first time i went with two female friends it was happening to them constantly and i even noticed lenses pointed out way when we were walking. When i went back again on my own i didn’t notice any cameras at all.
Toilet seemed out of service (pictured bellow)
braden — Google review
Went with the scooter. The road was okish but not the best. Tip: go around 3 pm and stay till 6. There was no one around and I could swim alone. You can hike up till top of waterfall and there is nice place to swim there. Hike via right as it has no steel steps and more fun (but very slippery and steep). Try only if you’re fit.
R K — Google review
Nice view and information boards on the walking trail. The hike to the top is very slippery. At the top you can pay 10,000 kip for a short boat trip going to the “source of the waterfall”, but there is not much to see. At the top you can also hike for 3km to a cave with restaurants. Budget ~2 more hours if you want to do that.
Ranita Ma — Google review
Incredible waterfall. You can walk across the bridge at the bottom for photos in front of the falls and then climb to the top. Steep climb with sone hazards on the way up but worth it. At the top you can swim in cool pools of water and there’s a swing, benches and places to hang out. A great few hours spent at the waterfall! We went early morning so it was quiet.
Chloe — Google review
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Laos
10
Elephant Conservation Center
Animal park
Nature & Parks
Animal protection organization
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Amazing stay.
Everybody is very welcoming. We had a wonderful stay near the elephants. The lodges were very well equipped and very clean. The guides taught us a lot about elephants and we were able to get very close to them. It was a truly unique experience and to be done at least once in a lifetime. A huge thanks to the team that took care of us, they made our stay unforgettable !
Li La — Google review
My rating is a combination of 5/5 stars for their elephant care and 2/5 for the accomodation etc. I rounded the 3.5 stars up.
To see the once captive animals back in nature, trying to adapt again, is marvelous. I think the work done here for elephants and the environment they need is a very good thing. The center has some projects they will explain to you in detail, as well as everything you need to know about their giants. You can walk with them, see them interact, maybe even touch!
Did you know elephants eat as much as 10% of their body weight? Funny thing is, it's a little bit the same with the ECC itself. From the 200$ (1 night stay) about 20$ are maybe what they need to spend per person for the whole food and accommodation. The rest should be seen as a donation. So coming here doesn't mean it's "worth your money", but rather a good deed.
My guide was Mr. Phong. He was amazing and funny, I enjoyed his explanations completely. All of the staff is amazingly friendly, I felt only good vibes.
The bungalows are extremely simple, no fan and almost no electricity (they mostly power up by solar energy and use a generator only 3 hours per day). Not all buildings are same, number 1a-5 have a nice view, my number 12 was in the bushes, view to the toilets. The mattresses were one of the hardest I encountered in 2.5 months Southeast Asia. The food you'll get you can't choose, the taste is so-so, keeping me hungry sometimes (even though the shared plates serve enough for everyone). Having no light in the night on the toilet gave me a camping feeling. All of this, considering the amount I've spent, was kind of a bummer. I know they preach "live with less" to protect the planet - but doesn't mean lowering the quantity also rising the quality?
Even though I recommend going there for a once in a lifetime experience, it is something I'll probably won't do another time. As a rather cheap traveler it was a huge investment for me and I came back with mixed feelings.
One last thing, now that I mentioned coming back: the Vans that'll get you there and back do a 3 hours drive on maps in 2 hours. Imagine how much faster you'll have to drive to be 30% faster than a navigation system tells you! Considering the roads and the speed we were traveling I often had safety and comfort concerns.
I wish the ECC all the best and hope they can improve some of the things to get truly amazing!
K.T. A. (kaskodil) — Google review
amazing place to have experience with wildlife and elephants. unforgettable! The activities are quited hard for small babies because they have to hike on trail in forest. Thank ECC!
Nguyen Tuan Anh — Google review
The elephants reservation center is a 600 hectare located in Xianbury province, about a 3 hour drive from Luang Prabang. If you love the gentle giants and care much for their survival, this is a highly recommended trip. There's a choice to stay for a night or 2 nights. The visitor gets to observe the animals in a natural environment and see how the 30 rescues are thriving. The guides are highly professional and the stay in the jungle brings friends e.g. geckos, bats, birds and really marvellous butterflies. If in Luang Prabang, add to your must experience places! Reserve through their office in Luang Prabang in advance. One can also go kayaking, swimming, fishing on the lake.
The Contract Lawyer — Google review
Our stay at the Elephant Conservation Center was remarkable! We spent a long time searching around Luang Prabang for the "Elephant" experience that was the most eco-friendly, caring and respectful of the animals. As soon as we set foot in their office (say hi to Celine), we knew that ECC was the one : rather than taking the elephants away from their natural home to us, they took us to them.
We joined the 3D/2N Exploration program and, two days later, off we left to see our first (baby) elephant and so many more giants! The location is a wonderful forested peninsula diving into a lake - where we got the chance to watch the elephants bath. Accommodation is in cute bamboo bungalows with private terrace. The staff is always ready to help and the cooks prepare amazing food! During our free time, we could enjoy a beer in their restaurant, go kayaking or enjoy the sunset. We even played 'pétanque' and partied with the guides/mahouts at the end of the day.
This center is different from most sanctuaries and camps we've seen: their goal is the conservation of the Asian elephant. Through multiple projects (nursery, baby bonus, hospital, socialization, enrichment...), the ECC tries to re-herd the elephants and make them "wild" again - in the hope they can breed again.
We were so satisfied with our experience that we decided to stay a couple of days to volunteer! Thank you the Elephant Conservation Program, especially Céline and Anthony for their warm welcome. Keep on the awesome work!
Thomas SEGRETAIN — Google review
The Elephant Conservation Center is a must-do if you are travelling around the Luang Prabang area and have an interest in animals and grassroots conservation efforts in developing nations.
I am in awe of the commitment this center and the staff have to the Asian elephant's survival. On a two day visit I learned not only about the elephant itself, but the challenges facing the species. There is a genuine passion in all the work that they do.
This is not your "ride the elephant" touristy style of place.
Elephants are respected as is their space. You will definitely have close encounters that are incredibly meaningful as you begin to understand the true nature of these gentle giants.
There are two day and three day options to visit. These include guided tours, chats with vets and vet techs, behavioural explanation, accommodation, food and transport to / from Luang Prabang and I believe Vientiane (but you may need to check that.)
Every visit supports the center - book if you can - you will not be disappointed at all. This was the highlight of my 2 week trip.
Russell Batty — Google review
We had an amazing experience in the ECC. The staff was very nice and helpful since we have arrived at the ECC. We are so grateful with them, specially with our guide who took care of us and taught us about the elephants and the Center. The bungalows were so nice and you can enjoy the views from them. Food were so tasty and the facilities are so good. We feel so grateful for the task that they develop to preserve asian elephants in Laos.
Mireia B — Google review
This was such an amazing experience! ECC is working so hard to protect the elephants in a super ethical way. Everyone there is so passionate and kind. I learned so much and had the best time watching all the elephants and hearing their stories.
Rachel Fenton — Google review
A lovely, tranquil and educational stay at ECC.
The premises are set up nicely at a 4-5 Ha peninsula surrounded by a lake. The accommodations are simple yet relaxing. The shared shower and toilet 'blocks' offer warm water and sufficient shower pressure to comfortably wash long hair. The communal restaurant area is set up to interact with the other guests and offer day long coffee, tea and cooled drinking water.
Lovely guided hiking trails, an elephant hospital, seminar spaces and a designated elephant bathing area in the lake are to visitors disposal. Over a hundred well trained guides, mahouts a vet and waiting staff make their living at the ECC. My only question is, why doesn't every visitor, to the Lao PDR, opt to be educated on the ever declining Asian Elephant population?
chris mulder — Google review
This place was incredible, how they treat the elephants and us the visitors, is just so wonderful. I spent 3 days in the ECC and it was everything i wished for and so much more. The staff are wonderful i was with ken the guide and he was informative, welcoming, and was just great to talk to and was a wonderful guide. The elephants are amazing and it was fantastic to see them in their different behaviors and just being elephants where elephants thrive most. In general i highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to make a small step towards a big change of helping these wonderful animals after all the horrible things we humans have done to them.
Dor Yona — Google review
Best Elephant Center in South East Asia. One of the most wonderful and memorable experiences we had in over 6 months of travelling. A beautiful setting, and accommodation also.
On top of that, the genuine care for the rescued Elephants, the education provided, and seeing them in a semi-wild habitat was amazing to see.
It was so rewarding to know you'd visited somewhere that truly cared for the animals they look after.
Please take the time to visit!
Taylor&Lachlan Joint — Google review
We very much enjoyed spending time with these beautiful elephants, learning about them, the difficulties in caring for them, and breeding. Our guide has worked here for 11 years and really knows the elephants, the organization, and the mahouts. He spoke good English and was able to answer all of our questions. The staff was friendly, the food good and the bungalows simple, but comfortable. The 3 day 2 night itinerary is well thought out with the right balance of activities and downtime to enjoy the scenery and kayak. Come prepared with insect repellant and sunscreen for hikes. Everything else is provided. Hiking boots would have been helpful; you can get by with sneakers, but be prepared to get muddy during wet season. Flip flops are nice to have when walking around the dining area and bungalows. Beds have mosquito nets. There is also a nice jungle gym type play area for children around 10 or younger.
Awilda N. — Google review
I spend four unforgettable days at the center. Being so close to these magnificent animals had a profound effect on me. Don’t expect any interactions with the elephants what so ever, cos there simply won’t be any. Instead there’s loads to learn and discover about them through the experienced, professional and knowledgeable staff at the center. They’ve been hit hard by the Covid pandemic and definitely deserve better times. The best way to achieve this is to pay them a visit. They do incredible work for the elephants, giving them a very natural, comfortable, spacious home to spend their days, after a hard life in logging or the tourist industry. The accommodation is sufficient, the food plenty and tasty and the surroundings phenomenal. An unique enriching experience that I absolutely recommend.
Majid — Google review
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Nam Tien Lake Sayaboury, Sayaboury district, Sayaboury province, Sayaboury 00074, Laos
Bo Kluea District, located in the eastern part of Nan province in northern Thailand, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty. The area is famous for its breathtaking views of Doi Phu Kha Mountain and ancient salt wells, making it an ideal spot for activities like hiking and camping. However, there's more to discover in this district beyond its stunning landscapes.
Nan Riverside Art Gallery, situated 20 kilometers north of Nan city, is a prominent venue for experiencing the burgeoning local art scene. Founded by Winai Prabripoo, a renowned Thai artist and Nan native, this expansive private gallery serves as a contemporary art center showcasing works by local artists. Nestled along the banks of the Nan River, it offers tranquil surroundings to appreciate diverse exhibitions.
Plan to swing by for 15min yet ended up more than an hour. More than half of the time however is outside of the gallery that offers extreme calmness and comfort.wiah I can camp here.
River G — Google review
I like this place. The entrance fee is only 20 bath and the tickets are lovely. There are two floors, many works of art. A lot of parking and a small coffee shop.
ppdaisy — Google review
The painting always changed every year. Feel good to visit there.
Ratlada Jantaraboot — Google review
A must-go when in Nan. I went there years ago and met the kind owner, Arjarn Winai Prabripu. The gallery kept a number of original art work and replicas of Ban’s historic art masterpieces. It’s worth the half-an-hour ride from downtown.
Paul Madukon — Google review
Impressive collection of artwork from various artists. We brought our children from our foundation for a visit on our way to Nan city. The owner of the gallery was very personable and took the time to share about the establishment.
Yvette K — Google review
Lovely experience here many talented artists work to admire. Quiet surroundings, really enjoyed my visit
Peter Barnes — Google review
Well worth a visit when in Nan. The main gallery is nice enough, but of particular note is the underground section displaying detailed reproductions of secular temple paintings featured in Nan's most historic temples. It's like having a tour guide before going to see the real thing.
Jagadish Yogi — Google review
A worthwhile stop on the way north out of Nan town. Tons of historical information in the museum and some impressive works in the gallery.
Just In Credible — Google review
Amazing gallery outside of Nan about 20 minutes. Beautiful setting by Nan river with interesting and unique exhibits. Can enjoy coffee and a meal overlooking the river. Worth going to!
Kirk Haver — Google review
Lovely property on the river with a nice airy gallery, cafe and grounds for walking. The proprietors were very nice.
Matthew Rubin — Google review
Ticket fee is 20 baht per person, there are various collection of arts in this place. Clean and organized. There is also a cafe where you can sit and relax beside the small river along the side the the gallery. Not sure if this place is really that crowded, or it's because I visited during the weekday, I like it when there is not too many people when you are viewing the arts.
Cindy HW T — Google review
Nice art gallery. There are 2 main sections. Permanent art section which display owner’s artworks, and Pop up art section which display the artworks of Nan’s artists.
The they I went there, there was an exhibition on Nan traditional race boat. It was so cool to learn about the history, meaning and different type of race boat arts.
Panit Lawmanometee — Google review
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122 หมู่ 2 กิโลเมตร ที่ 20, ตำบล บ่อ อำเภอ เมือง น่าน 55000, Yothathikan Nan 2026 Rd, Bo, Mueang Nan District, Nan 55000, Thailand
Wat Si Khom Kham, located in the serene Phayao Lake Town, is a significant royal temple housing the largest Chiang Saen style Buddha image in Lanna. Known as "Phra Chao Ong Luang or Phra Chao Ton Luang," this massive 14m wide and 18m high statue is a sight to behold. The temple also features a newer sala adorned with stunning murals.
Very beautiful temple made of wood. Scaptors told it took 7 years to complete it.
Andy Goh — Google review
Quiet and peaceful 🙏 Very nice temple. No ticket required but donations to the temple is much appreciated 👍
Wei Hong Tay — Google review
Wat Si Khom Kham is old Buddha Temple. Landmark in Phayao Provice, Thailand.
wichai pholwiriyachai — Google review
Very peaceful temple.
Joanna Horanin — Google review
Love to visit the temples in Thailand.when traveling Thailand. Needed a stroll today and only a few km from the town and most of the main Hotels. Worth the visit. It's said one of the largest Buddah in the area.
Thailand Living In 'Chiang Mai' — Google review
One of the most important temples in Phayao. The biggest Buddha Image (Chiang Saen art) in Lanna Kingdom. This temple will really WOW! you 😊
Natdanai S. — Google review
Nice atmosphere, close to the centre of the town, masssssive Buddha statue...and right next to the lake. My favourite part however was the "Buddhist Hell" .....on the far side of the property, I think right next to the exit....i loooved those massive dark tall creatures!
R.D. M. — Google review
Silence place, good to visit Si Khom Kham Temple, huge Buddha image without pedestal. That's amazing.
Fredricksen — Google review
โบสถ์งาม สวย สงบ
The lamp or the temple Wat Phra Sri God their king royal temples belong to the Maha Nikai ordinary floor council of God enshrined within the temple was the president of his own Highway built in the reign of King Phaya top of the order of the 10 Chiang Rai Dynasty Mengrai.
Siriluk Imsiri — Google review
Wat Si Khom Kham, is a important royal temple of Phayao. The temple houses the largest Chiang Saen style Buddha image in Lanna (14m width and 18m high. It's called "Phra Chao Ong Luang or Phra Chao Ton Luang".
The newer sala on the left has inside walls with beautiful murals.
Namtok Mae Kampong is a picturesque waterfall nestled amidst mountains with a peak of 1,700 meters. Although small in size, the natural beauty of this attraction is enhanced after rainfall. Protected trees dot the area but unfortunately, there are large bags of litter that detract from its charm. The clear and refreshing water sounds delightful as it cascades down the rocks. It's advisable to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and slippery stairs if you plan on climbing up.
What a wonderful place !
If you’re looking for a refreshing adventure this is the place to go ! Lots of waterfalls which you can climb on easily, a lot of space to chill and cool air
Benjamin Delamou Duchet — Google review
I ridden a motorbike there and walked up the waterfall. It was a good experience however because of the steep slope, I fell one time and got burned by the hot motor operator. Hope others won't experience the same incident.
Many butterflies and dragonflies the way up to the waterfall!
Thien Do — Google review
It has clear and cool water with the sound of waterfalls. You should come in early morning. I didn’t climb up to the top level because of the slippery stairs.
Naphatsapawn Manitsarn — Google review
Has a climb of around 30-60minuts depending on the speed. Not very crowded. A tourist place. Clean water, but not a big waterfall. Just a small stream of water. Can see distant views if you climb to the top. No place to swim/bath. Free entrance. Has small nice shops in the starting point at the bottom of the village.
Pasindu Kithmina — Google review
There is a car parking just in front of the waterfall area with 10-20 steps to reach the fall. This is pretty small water fall surrounding with green forest. No any food and drink shop in this area.
Duangporn Phulsuksombati — Google review
just like other waterfall, there is nothing much more about it. But it's a good visit if your on your way to Kew Fin
Chattapol Chawantanpipat — Google review
Small but natural waterfall in Mae Kampong. Must visit if you love nature. It is pretty humid and hot with the steps though
Travelholic Diary (Eot Kyit) — Google review
I was surprised to see there are many levels of waterfalls as I was climbing up the steps. Some of the steps are steep and slippery. I only wore a slipper and it was not designed to climb on those surface. So, I decided to give up half way before reaching the top for personal safety reason. I will come back next time with proper footwear.
There are some yellow signs there warning the tourists on the potential danger of the climb.
Ricky Chea — Google review
This is free to enter and a short drive up the hill from Mae Kampong Village. You can pay drivers to take you to this waterfall. The waterfall has several levels to it and is very beautiful and the water is crystal clear. It is a steep climb to the top though. Check out my video on my TikTok TTSWThailand and soon I will put something up on my YouTube The Travelling Social Worker in Thailand
GREGORY EGAN — Google review
Beautiful spot. Easy to get to on motorcycle or get a lift from a local taxi for 20 baht from the village.
The waterfall itself goes up another 300m or so via the stairs on the left. BYO towel and swimmers for a cool off when you get back to the bottom. The stairs seem to on for ever and when you think there can't be any more... there are. I can imagine this would be pretty spectacular in the wet season and somewhat less accessible.
mike bleechmore — Google review
Nice nature, many waterfalls, difficult climb.
Itay Sisso — Google review
Though it's not the most beautiful waterfall, but it is still very cool and fresh at that place.
One of the good places to spend time with the nature here.
Visited in February 2023
Tang Augusta — Google review
It is a small waterfall not far from the village.
I am glad I went after it had been raining otherwise I think it may have been disappointing.
There are a few large trees that are protected from being cut down.
A shame that the bush was littered with many big bags of garbage.
I think many people go here to drink beer.
It was pleasant enough to spend a short time here.
I did not climb to the top as the stairs were very slippery.
Therese Jay — Google review
This is a beautiful waterfall that is worth visiting if you are in Mae Kampong. Entry is free. Parking is very limited, but the remote location means that it is seldom super crowded. There is a challenging stairway (be careful it is slippery) up the various levels that is worth checking out.
Keith Moore — Google review
4.4
(2279)
•
4.5
(263)
สันกำแพง, Huai Kaeo, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is a popular attraction located just a short drive away from the resort. For a modest fee, visitors can explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy the steaming pools and rivulets of the spa. The hot springs offer therapeutic waters where visitors can relax, soak their feet, or even boil eggs in the warm water. The site features various pools for swimming, private bath houses for families or couples, and camping facilities.
Natural hot springs, maximum temperature 105 degrees C., at the main hot spring, the layout of hot springs water bath, distribute to separate flow small canal route, along with rest benches all over area, the further flow the lower temperature remain of hot springs water, you can test and select as your preferred.
Chanin Sorndaeng — Google review
Very nice facility with a lot of interesting features such as a serpentine footbath creek set under nice shade trees, a couple geysers, egg boiling areas, plus restaurants and massage services. Outdoor pool, indoor private tubs, nice gardens. Reasonably priced. Interesting with a lot to like.
howard mcfarland — Google review
We've been here before 4 years ago but visited again just because it's so nice. We had lunch of roast chicken, fruit and some cold drink. The hot pools are interesting and we soaked in a group bath before getting a foot massage, very relaxing.
Colin Swabey — Google review
This hot spring is one of the most popular hot spring in Thailand, Chiang Mai province. There are many hot springs well, some used for egg boiling, leg warming, kid swimming pool and bathing. Admission fee is 20 baht for Thais and 100 baht for foreigners. Seniors over 60 are free admission. Car parking is available just a short walk to the park. We visited here on Thai Children’s day when there is a special event for kids arranging here.
Duangporn Phulsuksombati — Google review
very good experience to hotspring in Chiang Mai. it's a natural hot springs, maximum temperature 105 degrees and the environment is nice as a stop during my trip.
Chattapol Chawantanpipat — Google review
An amazing day trip!
We spent 6 hours there and it was fun for the whole family. There is a playground and splash pad for the kids. Also, a 40 degree mineral water swimming pool to relax in.
Some food options including som tom and roasted chicken.
Many people around during the holidays but since the space is so large, it didn’t feel crowded.
Would definitely come back for another day adventure.
B P — Google review
The family really enjoyed a day out here. The kids loved the swimming pool and boiling their eggs in the hot springs, and generally running around the gardens there. The adults enjoyed taking a lovely relaxing soak in a mineral bath in one of the bath houses you can rent. Followed by a nice Thai massage. Everyone enjoyed the spicy papaya salad and grilled chicken
Andrew Hutchinson — Google review
Nice Park and hot spring!
There are entrance fees and also different prices for foreigners (actually for all services inside).
Inside the park, you can dip your feet for free, but for swimming and proper baht, there are additional fees, which are affordable. There are towels and swimsuits for rent available too.
Here is my advice;
- Park the car before the entrance, you can save 40 Baht
- The food options are pretty limited, especially on a weekday.
- On the way to the park, some people selling a basket of eggs too, they were 10 Baht cheaper.
Nuchnalin Leerasantana — Google review
One of my favorite places to come during the cool season of Thailand.
During the evening time has some of my fondest memories. They have a snake river that goes roughly 200 m from lukewarm to 131°F or 55°C.
They have two different pools to swim in a couple bath houses that are private for the family, a hot date or with friends.
Great place to have School trips.
Also has camping 🏕️ sights.
I would recommend eating on the outside of the park instead of eating inside. The Thai food isn’t so great inside.
Joshua — Google review
Wonderful and imaginable that how it's possible but it's real and I also boiled eggs in hot spring before enter have to buy tickets for Thai people 50 baht or foreigners 100 baht.
Ankit Goyal — Google review
I stayed one night there. The cost was 1200 baht. I enjoyed the relax weekend there. I really like the hot spring directly in my bath tub. There is a hotspring swimming pool too. But, I found out that the water in the swimming pool has lots of mold and green algae. It might not be safe to swim there. I wish they will change the water more often and remove the mold.
Ricky Chea — Google review
Really cool place to visit if you're in Chiang Mai. A bit out of the city so having your own transport is easiest. Otherwise you can take a minibus from the city which takes around 45 minutes. It costs 100 baht to enter the park as a foreigner.
My favourite part was definitely the boiled egg hot spring! You can buy 3 eggs in a basket for 25 baht, boil them and eat them after. It's a really cool experience. The mineral swimming pool is nice too (100 baht entry fee). There are other things to do, like get a massage or soak in the mineral baths but each thing costs extra.
I think we spent a bit too long here (4 hours) because of the bus timings, so we were getting very hot by the end. It's definitely worth the visit though. And I'd return again, but maybe with my own transport so I could be more flexible with how long I stay.
Lauren McElwaine — Google review
Natural Hot Spring. For entry 40฿ , You can buy eggs to boil in hot spring water. There are minerals. 3 chicken eggs 25฿ Recommend here👍
Reutai Suksakorn — Google review
Loved it. Very shady and well designed for chilling out and soaking your weary legs. There are parts where you can bathe but at 40°C+ just my calves and feet were thoroughly pampered. I tried to move to the 45-50°C pool but it was just a touch too hot. Very nice to sit and have a beer while your eggs are boiling and relax. Elderly are well catered for too.
mike bleechmore — Google review
People come here to enjoy the natural hot springs and foot bath. There is a ticketed entry but it's really cheap. Inside you'll find a large stream for dipping your feet. You can buy eggs to boil in the designated area (be careful). There is also a few snack bars.
If you walk around you'll find these really nice large beds made of webbing. I recommend relaxing on one after you've had a dip
Kevin Kwok — Google review
A very impressive hot spring in Chiang Mai, not far from city, only one hour to drive.
The water of the hot spring was definitely natural, slippery and smooth, 38 degrees may let you into the water for over 1 hour, relax and feeling skin getting better.
Don’t forget to go to buy a basket of egg, only 25 Balt each and cook them into specific hot spring water, nice experiences
Chen Cheng — Google review
The place is so large and have many tables to sit for groups. They also decorated with beautiful flowers especially orchid around the place. The water from hot spring is a little too hot although they said it's around 44 degree. Overall you can be relaxed and enjoy soaking your feet in the warm water.
Htet Aung Zaw — Google review
This is a very nice place to chill, for a group of family or friends. its around an hour more drive from Chiang Mai city centre.
the hot spring provides different degrees. Me and my family soaked our legs into the hot spring river. Everyone is very self-disciplined, the hot spring is very clean.
Don’t expect too much of the food there, better dine outside first and bring some snacks there. However the the coffee was good.
Dorothy Lei — Google review
We can highly recommend these hot springs- it was so comfortable and peaceful; easily taking up an afternoon to hang out, eat some lunch and drop your feet in the soothing water.
Very convenient half day trip from Chiang Mai (around an hour drive), winding through some mountain roads. It costs 100 baht per person to enter, and you can soak your feet in various temperatures of water as it flows through the park. There were plenty of restaurants/cafes open, selling ice cream, drinks and food.
The highlight of course is boiling your own eggs in the hot springs - it cost 25 baht for a basket of 3 eggs (which came with fish sauce!) and the pools have little hooks to hang them on. The only thing I would note is that the timings they have on the wall are not accurate- add ~5 min more to whatever the sign tells you.
Overall, really amazing experience and I would definitely come again if I come back to Chiang Mai!
Caitlyn Eberle — Google review
I thought it was just a hot spring and didn't expect much, but surprisingly it was quite spacious and had playground, a camping site, a walking trail, and many food boothes,
so it was a place where families or couples could come for a relax.
The entrance fee is 100 baht for foreigners, 40 baht for Thai adults, 20 baht for elders and infants, and 40 baht for vehicle parking.
There were also many foreign tourists, especially Korean tourists.
After entering, you can enjoy the foot bath at any time by sitting in a comfortable place in the park, but additional fees apply for full body bath, swimming pool, massage, etc.
Eating eggs boiled in hot spring water is also fun and a delicacy.
Even if you're not a fan of hot springs, you might want to consider coming for a walk or a picnic. In fact, I saw many families who brought camping chairs and tables and ate under the shade of a tree.
For those who have never been here before, I strongly recommend to visit krup~!
Amphawa Choi Family — Google review
This is a representative hot spring located about 41km east of Chiang Mai International Airport. The entrance fee is 100 baht. Foot baths can be enjoyed according to the temperature along the long waterways, which can be better than the effect of foot massage for travelers. In addition, it is possible to put eggs in a basket and heat them in hot spring water close to 100 degrees Celsius, and there is also a corner where you can buy fresh tropical fruits.
기리화니 — Google review
Great spot to chill. There is lots to do there and great for families. We especially liked the hot springs, boiling eggs in the hot spring pool, and the food. Also, it’s a good place where locals hang out so you don’t feel overrun by tourists.
Troy Johnson — Google review
4.4
(9214)
•
4.0
(415)
1, Ban Sa Ha Khon, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand
(Translated by Google) The sacred, mystical Source of Jet Sea or the Seven-Color Fountain.
This is a 6 by 8 meter natural pool with crystal clear (all year round !!!) and very tasty water! By tradition, Thais come here to drink this sacred water and wash their face.
Legends are made up about this source, so the locals treat it with special trepidation and respect.
(Original)
Священный, мистический Источник Джет Си или Семицветный Фонтан.
Это природный бассейн размером 6 на 8 метров с кристально чистой (круглый год!!!) и очень вкусной водой! По традиции, тайцы приезжают сюда испить этой священной воды и умыть лицо.
Об этом источнике слагают легенды, поэтому местные жители относятся к нему с особым трепетом и уважением.
Mali FarHouse — Google review
'Nam Phu Chet Si' or 'The seven colors fountain' that has been respected from the locals, polite dress code needed attention
(Free Entrance, Open Daily 08.00 - 17.00)
saydoppa — Google review
(Translated by Google) An excellent source of Sevenflowers. it is from here that a sticky waterfall originates, which stretches for 4 degrees
(Original)
Отличный источник Семицветик. именно отсюда берет начало липкий водопад, который растянулся на 4 степени
Vladimir Kurbatov — Google review
Really cool, worth the visit if you are here
Hector Sherry — Google review
Yong Bobor — Google review
Short walk from sticky waterfall. Worth it as its very close. Colour are cool to see in the pond.
Benson & Ly Mok & Vo — Google review
It's good
Global Rashid — Google review
(Translated by Google) On the day we don't have anyone to hug. Nature will embrace us.
Chet Si Fountain is in the Mae Taeng National Forest Reserve. It looks like a pond with a diameter of about 7 meters and a depth of about 2 meters. The water in the pond is very clear. There is a calcium carbonate solution mixed in. At the bottom of the pond you can see the water is greenish-blue. When light shines down on it, the water will be seen in rainbow colors. Therefore is the origin of the name. "Fountain of Seven Colors"
Water flowing from the seven-colored fountain It flows through the stream and joins Bua Tong Waterfall.
(Original)
ในวันที่เราไม่มีใครให้กอด ธรรมชาติจะโอบกอดเราเอง
น้ำพุเจ็ดสี อยู่ในเขตป่าสงวนแห่งชาติป่าแม่แตง มีลักษณะเป็นบ่อเส้นผ่าศูนย์กลางประมาณ 7 เมตร บ่อลึกประมาณ 2 เมตร น้ำในบ่อมีความใสมาก มีสารละลายแคลเซียมคาร์บอเนตผสมอยู่ ที่ก้นบ่อมองเห็นน้ำมีสีเขียวอมฟ้า เมื่อแสงส่องลงมากระทบจะเห็นน้ำเป็นสีรุ้ง จึงเป็นที่มาของชื่อ “น้ำพุเจ็ดสี”
น้ำที่ไหลจากน้ำพุเจ็ดสี จะไหลผ่านลำธารแล้วไปรวมกับน้ำตกบัวตอง
Namwan Kanchana — Google review
(Translated by Google) Today I will introduce Tourist attractions in Bua Tong Waterfall National Park - Chet Si Fountain are here nearby. From the park office, walk just 200 meters and continue admiring the natural scenery.
The walkway is cement, walking comfortably.
Here the water is very clear and is the origin of Bua Tong Waterfall. which flows into the Ping River This is the sacred source of water for the people of this village.
If you have a chance, you should stop by and see.
ฃ
(Original)
วันนี้จะมาแนะนำ สถานที่ท่องเที่ยวในเขตอุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกบัวตอง - น้ำพุเจ็ดสี ที่นี่อยู่ในใกล้ๆ ที่ทำการอุทยานเลย เดินไปแค่ 200 เมตร ชมวิวธรรมชาติไปเรื่อยๆ
ทางเดินเป็นปูน เดินสบายๆ
ที่นี่ น้ำใสมาก เป็นต้นกำเนิดของน้ำตกบัวตอง ซึ่งไหลไปลงแม่น้ำปิง ที่นี่เป็นแหล่งน้ำศักดิ์สิทธิ์ของผู้คนในหมู่บ้านแห่งนี้
มีโอกาสควรแวะมาชมครับ
ฃ
EAK SARAWUT — Google review
(Translated by Google) Fountain in a beautiful place.
It is reached by a signposted path from the waterfall area.
Easy access but with steps.
The area has toilets with showers where you can change, all very close to the parking lot, so getting there is very easy.
We combine this waterfall and fountain with a visit to an elephant sanctuary.
(Original)
Fuente en un lugar precioso.
Se llega por un camino señalizado desde la zona de la cascada.
Acceso fácil pero con escalones.
La zona tiene aseos con duchas donde poder cambiarse, todo muy cerca del parking, por lo que, llegar allí resulta muy fácil.
Combinamos está cascada y fuente con una visita a un santuario de elefantes.
Baldo González — Google review
(Translated by Google) Very strange, rainbow colored water 😱
(Original)
แปลกตาดี น้ำสีรุ้ง 😱
Apisit Boonprasom — Google review
4.5
(20)
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4.5
(678)
339J+MPV, Unnamed Road, Mae Ho Phra, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
The Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, an ancient Buddhist temple complex, boasts impressive statues and art alongside relics and a stunning golden tower illuminated at night. Ornate gates lead to a three-tiered structure within the site, which features numerous lavishly decorated buildings with beautiful interiors. Visitors can easily spend an hour here and may witness monks and other individuals ceremonially parading around the central stupa while offering flowers as part of their merit-making rituals.
This temple is magical. It’s a functional temple where people still go to pray instead of for sightseeing and taking pictures. I love the color combinations, this is what I imagine when we combine japan and Thai aesthetics. Large parking spots and best visit during dawn or dusk.
Daniel — Google review
One of the most notable for Buddha Worship, This place is keeping Buddha FONTANEL BONE, CHEST BONE, FINGER BONE, AND OTHER PARTS.
Top of the sacret place in Bhuddha realm. Visit and pick up the candle according to your birth date and pray.
Tanarat Thiengkamol — Google review
I loved the view at the temple. For me it was by far the most magnificent temple near Chiang Mai.
I would rather refer to this temple as the temple of colorful lanterns.
Pros
1. Plenty of free parking space with on-site staff to help.
2. Low ticket prices, though I don't remember paying anything but it could be because of any Thai religious day.
3. Really colorful and eye-catching enviornment because of hundreds of colorful lanterns.
4. Several photo opportunities.
5. The temple itself is magnificent with several big idols of lord Buddha.
6. The temple is really well maintained.
7. It is crowded but it is pleasant and a must visit at the same time.
8. There is a clean toilet.
9. There is a mini street market for food lovers.
10. You might buy a lanterns and hang it around with your wish, who knows it might come true 🤞.
Cons
1. Maybe the congestion on the road but not sure if it should be a consideration.
Asheesh Gupta — Google review
Off the beaten path but definitely worth visiting for historical and educational purposes. It’s a traditional Lanna Style temple. This is one of the most significant religious sites in all of Thailand. It is a great temple to visit for historical purposes, and to better understand the culture in Lampun.
Pierce Davis — Google review
Wow, by far the most magnificent Temple in Lamphun. Many beautiful buildings on this site with lavishly decorated interiors. Easy to spend at least an hour here. There is supposed to be a 50 Bht entrance fee, but no one was collecting this, so free to enter.
Many people and Monks ceremonially parade around the Central Stupa with offering of flowers. People visiting to make merit. If you only visit one Temple in Lamphun make sure it's this one.
Miles Macdonald — Google review
This temple is absolutely beautiful. The people and monks in the temple are very friendly.
I believe if you come weekend it gets more busy
Knot1st — Google review
Wat phra that haripunchai is one of the iconic temple of lamphun provide. The city is located right next to Chiangmai with a 30-45 mins drive from Chiangmai. The temple located right in the city of lamphun the architecture is beautifully crafted. There are a few buildings inside the temple with a large golden pagoda right at the back of the main building.
The architecture is unique. It’s a place where you should. Visit when you are in lamphun. During Thai festival there will be a event here do check it out :) ps. IT’s recommended for people who is born in the chicken year to come and make merit here for a blessing.
Ps there is parking inside / in front and also around the temple. Also a market right opposite and some Restaurant and cafe around the area to explore.
naphak phiphatweerawat — Google review
This temple is absolutely beautiful, when I was there there were not so many people and tourists around, maybe the foreign tourists not much know , this one of the best temples of the northern empire, I drove from ChaingMai town to there only 40 minutes, and with super beautiful road that you can see huge big trees both side along the way , the local peoples are so friendly and good yummy food .
Никита Шаваноский — Google review
This is the Buddha temple at Lampoon. When you want to walk around the Pagoda, no shoes just slipper and quite hot. The local people are very warm welcome for us. Be of luck for everyone. Especially year of Hen.
LuckGrikkaodee Anna Heng — Google review
Best place to celebrate Loy Krathong! This year we went twice in November. For the lantern festival and then for Loy Krathong. It’s colorful and beautiful.
Lina Molina — Google review
'Wat Phra That Haripunchai Woramahawihan' (วัดพระธาตุหริภุญชัย วรมหาวิหาร) is located in Lamphun city (drive along highway No.11, 35km from Chiang Mai downtown, that will take around 40mins)
A Buddhist temple that was a royal monastery built in 17th century, has an original Lanna Thai style stupa that is similar to Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
You will walk through a pair of lions that guard the temple according to the ancient belief of the north, to the archway before entering the main pagoda, the ancient craftsmanship of Sriwichai period
The temple is still in the perfect condition, you could see the original wooden structure in the pagoda, the cultural richness in architecture detail is superb
(Entrance Fee Foreigner 20THB, Open Daily 07.00 - 18.00)
saydoppa — Google review
Amazing temple, so many people putting up lanterns, I think as part of Loy Krathong, I put one up myself, such colour and was a sight to behold
Mick Pelling — Google review
The Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, Lamphun's most famous temple, dates back to the early beginning of the Mon kingdom of Hariphunchai. In 897, the king of Hariphunchai is said to have built a chedi (stupa) on the site of Queen Camadevi's original palace to enshrine a hair of Buddha. What is certain is that the present compound of the temple was built in 1044 by King Athitayarat and that King Tilokaraja of Chiang Mai had the temple rebuilt in 1443. The 46 meter high Phra Maha That chedi was also erected in the then-fashionable Sri Lankan style. The temple compound contains a compendium of religious structures in various styles. For example, the Suwanna Chedi from 1418 was built in the Hariphunchai style, the Hor Trai (the library) in the Chiang Mai style and the Chedi Chiang Yan in the Srivijayan style. The red bell tower contains what is claimed to be world's largest bronze gong. All in all, there is more than enough to admire here.
Koen — Google review
Always a beautiful visit here at the wat (temple) for enjoying the weather, making merit, reflection, and meditation. We stopped here for a few minutes between appointments. Hoping the merit carries into our next meeting! #travelthailand
William “บุญ” Sparks — Google review
What an amazingly beautiful place to see. Also lots of great local vendors on the outside of the temple. Make this a stop on your trip through Thailand.
Michael Brown — Google review
First time here. Foreigner will be charged a small fee. We went as group of 3 (1 child included). There are multiple building for you to visit with each slightly different than other. Not as commercial as the one in chiang mai. Highly recommended for first traveller.
khun M “M” D — Google review
The atmosphere is great during Lantern Festival, people can buy and hang the lanterns to pray for good luck and fortune. There is a night market outside the temple, definitely worthwhile to visit.
Tower Leung — Google review
Very beautiful temple and grand pagoda. It's worth visiting and paying homages to various sacred places inside.
Art in Paradise Chiang Mai is a family-friendly art museum featuring interactive displays of creative 3D murals. The museum showcases imaginative artworks that are visually stunning and appear to be three-dimensional. Visitors can actively participate in the exhibits, creating their own unique experiences at the gallery. This art museum offers an engaging atmosphere for families to explore and appreciate modern art creations that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
4.3
(2770)
•
4.5
(2344)
199/9 Changklan Rd, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a lively market in Thailand's northern capital, offering a wide array of experiences. The historic center is surrounded by monasteries and temples, with accommodations ranging from traditional homes to modern city hotels. The night bazaar, open from 18:00 to 22:30 daily, features an extensive collection of stalls and shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, street food, clothing, electronics and more.
This night market used to be vibrant and full of life. Prior to COVID, it was packed with all kinds of people, tourists, vendors, tour guides, etc. Countless buses, mini buses, vans and tuktuks would be dropping people off and picking them up.
You can find practically everything here, wood carving statues, portrait painting, fantasy photo studio, luggages, hand bags, t-shirts, etc. Rows and rows of vendors offering their products or services.
Without the tourists, the market couldn't continue. Now there are hundreds of closed shops. It's like a ghost town.
I wish that you could have seen this market in it's prime.
So sad for Chiang Mai. 😢
John Smith — Google review
We really enjoyed the night Bazaar with all the different stalls where you can buy clothes, art, craft etc. And the food market is just really nice and the food is delicious and cheap. You can pick any type of food you fancy and eat on the tables there. There is so much choice that it should please everyone. We also went to the Thai boxing show which is hosted in the same area. It is a bit touristy but it was interesting!
Cyrielle AH-FA — Google review
Nice place to check out the night local market. You can find local Thai souvenirs here. A tip, you can bargain the price a little:)
They also have Thai dress photo boot if anyone interested in wearing the Thai Northern cultural outfit. Its fun, try it out and enjoy the experience!
But to be honest this night bazaar market was full of excitement back in the days.
Sai Chada — Google review
Bigger than expected! When I first arrived I thought it was just the food market and a few street stalls but it kept going and going with more food markets and gift/clothes stalls. The first food market you get to is slightly more expensive because it's very nicely laid out with lots of seating and live music. Further along there are smaller food stalls that are more typical prices. Good selection of food, mostly Asian but a few other options too. The clothes stalls are happy for you to haggle and there's a few souvenir stalls as well. Also a handful of beautiful handmade stalls (textiles and paintings) so something for everyone.
Rhiannon — Google review
Busy, colourful, crowded night market. Great for tourists, but very few things for sale that you couldn't find everywhere else. The bowls in these photos were exceptional.
Chantal Clarke — Google review
Truly amazing experience and thoroughly enjoyable.
When you visit the area you simply must experience the night market which seems to go on and on forever.
It is not only popular with tourists but also locals use it for all their needs.
No shortage of places to buy food and drinks and there are communal areas to sit and enjoy your food and drink or even to just people watch.
Make sure you leave enough room in your suitcase!
Thilo Weitzel — Google review
Best nightmarket we’ve been to and we’ve been to quite a few over all Thailand. This one is the most elaborate and with good vibes. A lot of different foodcourts with live music. Good variety of food, the most variety we’ve seen! And it’s all very good, people super friendly.
Courtney Willems — Google review
Get ready to experience a world full of wonder and excitement! This incredible place is bursting with vibrant bazaars and lively street vendors offering the most amazing handicrafts you've ever seen. But the real star of the show? The food! From succulent shish kebabs to juicy pork, tender duck, and even eel, you'll find every Thai delicacy you could dream of, all made fresh and ready to savor. And let's not forget about the drinks - wine, beer, and even coconut ice cream to cool you off!
If you want to experience the full energy of this place, make sure to visit on Fridays when it's at its liveliest. But don't worry, you can enjoy it any day of the week. And the best part? Live music fills the air, completely free of charge! Just be aware that bathroom facilities are available for a small fee.
This is a must-see destination that will immerse you in the vibrant local life of Thailand. So pack your bags and come ready to indulge your senses!
The Maldonado’s — Google review
Chiangmai Night Bazaar is another hit landmark to visit.
A lots of Northern traditional and culture to explore such as Temple, market, stalls of different kinds of things, foods and drinks with full entertainment.
In future, there will be walking street like Sunday Walking street upon Chiangmai Government Plan to be on Friday or Saturday or Sunday where you have checked on updates.
During Songkran Festival 2022, found a lot of interesting foods and drinks so here’s ‘Brother Coffee’ - recommended to Try ‘Signature Drink’ you’ll definitely love it.
Enjoy your trip to Northern Thailand, many more to experience cheers guys.
Jasmine Hora — Google review
Good atmosphere, live music, really popular place, inside you can eat from all the street food on open-air. Street food really good here, specially if you want to try it for the first time.
Small market vendors everywhere are of course part of the place
M T — Google review
Very entertaining area, good food and big variety for everyone tastes. I was able to find different vegetarian options. Many local vendors with unique handcrafts. There is a group of artist painting right there and they are amazing.
Arturo Garcia - Yoga — Google review
I really love the night Bazaar in ChiangMai❤️
It is clean and tidy. Very comfortable to eat here. There are lots of choice of food. I love the grill shrimps and fish so much!
Also, there are lots of local hand-made products. The handcrafted postcards we have found in the Bazaar are so beautiful and unique!
This Bazaar is very different from the Bazaar in Bangkok. I love ChiangMai more.
Anne Milk — Google review
great Bazaar, lots of food options. would recommend when coming to the area. the variety changes from country to country from stall to stall.
just like the rest of Thailand the food market is extremely clean and seems to be very safe to eat. you do not see one piece of trash on the floor!
l would definitely say that these food stalls were cleaner than even one that you were fine at the mall in the United States.
A P — Google review
Definitely more of a modern take to a night market. There's modern stalls set up and a wide cafeteria type area with lots of fusion type foods. There's also lots of 'hipster' type local shops in the area that are worth exploring! There are really cool handmade items and other little souvenirs that are more unique.
Note: Visited prior to COVID, so things may be slightly different.
Tracy Sung — Google review
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a must-visit if you're in the area! The variety of foods available is simply amazing, and the prices are incredibly cheap. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Thai dishes or international cuisine, you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds here.
In addition to the food, there are also many opportunities to buy nice souvenirs. You'll find everything from clothing and accessories to handmade crafts and artwork. The vendors are friendly and welcoming, and you're sure to find something that catches your eye.
Overall, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a great experience that's not to be missed. The food is delicious, the prices are unbeatable, and the shopping is fantastic. I highly recommend it!
susana teixeira — Google review
Visiting the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is an experience not to be missed. Opening its stalls at 5pm, the market becomes a bustling haven for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of options for shopping and dining.
For food enthusiasts, the culinary options are both diverse and affordable. With meals starting as low as 60 baht, there's something for every budget. Seafood lovers will find a wide selection of dishes that usually range in the hundreds.
Shopping at the Night Bazaar is a delightful experience with numerous stalls offering everything from unique art pieces, local souvenirs, trendy clothing to scrumptious snacks, and eye-catching decorations. However, don't be surprised to find many stalls selling similar designs. This actually works in favor of savvy shoppers, as it provides an opportunity to negotiate prices, especially when buying in bulk.
The market's sprawling layout ensures hours of exploration, so wear comfortable shoes and take your time to savor all it has to offer. Whether you're in search of a memorable meal or that perfect souvenir, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a destination that promises an evening filled with excitement, culture, and discovery.
Daryl Marcelo — Google review
It’s a bustling place with lots of things to do. You can have a delicious dinner, spend time at the bar and play pool. You can indulge yourself with that massage or go wild shopping, that’s all of that and more. Very authentic, unique place. Off the up for biting things, warm up this haggling skills.
Sandra Zinovchenko — Google review
It's very attractive for night sightseeing.
You can find various things you need for souvenirs or just want to get some for yourself. The crafts were good, moderate prices and you can get cheaper by night and bulk buying.
Lina Maharani — Google review
Wow! What a great place!
A fantastic range of food stalls with offerings from all around the world, surrounding a central area of tables and chairs where you can sit, eat and enjoy the great live music. Several bars, offering a range of alcoholic drinks. The main clientele appeared to be on the more mature side at around 7.30pm, when we were there. We would have gone back later but the rest of the street was full of markets and stalls.
We’ll definitely go back though, even if it’s just to sit and chill and enjoy the music.
Duncan Kendrick — Google review
A tourist trap for those souvenir presents and a good exercise walking the many streets. It has plenty of atmosphere but is crowded. There are are many 'side' streets/squares with many food stalls around the the tables providing anything from BBQ to stir fry, sea food to meats. Get a Chang beer and food of your choice and be entertained. Enjoy!
Dave Shepherd — Google review
There are a few compounds, you can find seating surrounded by food stalls, akin to other night markets in Thailand. Plus, you can stroll along the street as there are several shops offering clothing and souvenirs. One visit seems sufficient for me. No need to revisit repeatedly.
Mai Aye Aye Aung — Google review
There's a lot of food choices. The food court had music. We tried pad Thai, spring rolls and chicken wings. We went both Thursday and Friday nights. Thursday was far busier. You can find anything you need and a lot of artwork and souvenirs. Many massage options, we had Thai massages at a shop on a side street. It's a good experience. The restroom in the food court was clean, but charged for toilet paper.
Bonnie D — Google review
A great spot to unwind in the evening, featuring Thai cuisine and a music show. Delight in delicious and diverse food and drinks, while browsing through beautifully crafted local souvenirs. A visit to the night bazaar is a must when exploring Chiang Mai.
Emi Le — Google review
Passed by for quick shopping for souvenirs. As the name suggests, best time to come here is at night. Some shops are not keen on haggling shoppers so better take a quick survey of several stalls in the area before making purchases.
Jho Celero — Google review
It's been one of my bucket lists to come here in Chiang Mai! It's quite large and there are lots of stalls, you can get souvenirs here.
You should try Chiang Mai sausage! It has lots of herbs and is very tasty! I bought some Mochi and these are also delicious.
-Rebecca's Crazy journey- REBE CHANNEL (旅するレベッカ) — Google review
4.3
(20456)
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4.0
(8013)
Changklan Rd, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Wat Chedi Luang, situated within the old city walls of Chiang Mai, is a remarkable temple complex dating back to the 14th century. The highlight of this site is its towering brick chedi, which was once the tallest structure in the city until it was partially destroyed by an earthquake in the 16th century. Despite this damage, it remains a striking symbol of the city's architectural legacy.
Price: 50 Baht.
One of the main temples of the city. Once, was the tallest building of the kingdom, but the upper part of the pagoda fallen with an earthquake. Still, the structure is impressive, specially the elephant in the second floor of the structure.
In this place you can also see the pillar of the city, is near the entrance, it’s a important place, one of the biggest festival is about this structure.
You can also see a copy of the Emerald Buddha (here was the original place of the icon until was moved to Luang Prabang and Bangkok)
Sebastian ?Signs? Gonzalez — Google review
Peaceful temple with amazing centuries old architecture. Main hall was closed for renovations but still plenty to see. I did not have to pay entrance fee and did not see the ticket booth as other mentioned. Monks are around if you want to drop by and ask about Buddhism, meditation or culture. Great place to visit.
M Maung — Google review
Amazing temple in the City Center; I visited it on a sunny day, and the visit could be difficult without head protection. There is a places that do not allow women entry, and you have to respect the customs, but it is something strange.
If you want, you can meditate in some of the temples of the complex and talk to some Buddhist monks that study in some of the Buddhist schools inside.
Pedro A — Google review
Visited for the last evening of Loy Krathong and happened to walk in just as the night time light projection show started on the temple, and what an unexpected treat! Truly a beautiful way to celebrate the festival with a vivid display of lanterns, water, Buddha and mandalas. Only 50 baht entry for tourists which is worth the walk around the complex alone. Fun to see the young monks letting loose and having fun with bangers and sparklers 🧨🏮🕉
abbeywilliams1 — Google review
Extraordinary temple. The elephant statues on the temple are superb. I only wish we could see this temple when it was in perfect condition. The entrance is 50 Baht, and the place is very calming. Highly recommended if you're in Chiang Mai. It's a different temple from the others in the city.
Always Reviewing — Google review
Very nice temple to visit. 700 + years worth of history. Many buildings have interesting architecture if you are interested in them. I visit in April thus very hot as there is not much tree shade.
Minh Dinh — Google review
The main temple hall was under renovation while we were there. Which was a shame as we have been told that the main hall is the highlight of this temple. However, we still enjoy this temple overall. Nice to see ancient ruined that reminiscent of ancient Northern empire that used to rule in this part of Thailand. Similar to other temple in the city, there are multiple smaller temple hall that you could go wondering around and learn about the meaning and teaching that each temple has to offer. Note that it does get very hot and humid during the day, so best try to plan to avoid this.
Katethip Varanyuwatana — Google review
While Chiang Mai is the city of Temples (and the U-Turn), this temple is iconic due to its location in the old city and the number of self-esteem taken here. On a serious note, it is iconic Buddhist temple well worth the visit. The main assembly temple is currently being renovated with no access, still a magical place to see.
mike bleechmore — Google review
An historical and breathing taking temple,
I would recommend visitng during the evening / night to enjoy more quiet time.
The place is beautifully maintained and the ambience of the tall trees and nature giving you serenity.
Tony Gratia — Google review
Stunning temple worth visiting. Didn’t spend much time here other than to quickly admire it. Other beautiful temples, monuments, and HUGE trees around the grounds.
50 baht per person. There are tuktuk drivers around the area to easily get a ride to the next stop.
Anna R — Google review
Visited in the evening and got to see Wat Chedi Luang with the sun setting in the sky, which made for a memorable view. There is a huge night market around Wat Chedi. If you are there already have a walk around. The goods are pretty standard but there’s plenty of local foods to try out if you are so inclined.
G — Google review
Amazing temple, and so much to explore here. Really loved the old Stone runs and all the details here. This was magnificent! Only reason i have to deduct a star here is that women Arnt allowed everywhere here. This is just stupid, and I had expected more from Thailand in 2024
Mathias Skjæran Landrø — Google review
My favourite temple to visit in Chiang Mai. Chill vibe. Not as busy and commercial as the other temples. Really huge ground to spend some quiet moment walking and sitting around. Very beautiful 600 years old temple.
Entrance fees 50 baht is well worth it.
Poh Soh Lee — Google review
Awesome place! You can walk around the area for different temples.
One of the tiny temples in the front is painted really nice, but unfortunately is only available to men. The temple in the back has a lot of nice details including serpents/dragons and elephants. There's also a giant lying buddha in the back and wonderful temple on the right side with a white detailed arc.
Maurice Calkhoven — Google review
One of the top Temples to visit in Chiang Mai. Very impressive collection of buildings within the grounds together with the 15th Century Chedi. One building also houses a number of Golden Buddhas including a reclining Buddha. Plenty to see here, the Grand Hall is unfortunately closed due to restoration work.
Miles Macdonald — Google review
If you stay in Old City, I recommend you to go for a walk in the evening and feel a different charm from the daytime. It's like a gift that we meet by chance. When you meet a magnificent old tower, you will be amazed without realizing it. It's also good to go around the huge tower and enjoy the various Buddha statues around you.
Lee Thomas — Google review
An indescribable experience! I had found it on the list of attractions ....and was intrigued. But it is one of those things - you can never really experience it until you have been there physically. The grandness of this monument is simply stunning and left me utterly speechless. And I must mention these absolutely grand and mammoth trees that left me awestruck. They were one of the most beautiful things I have seen.
Sorabh Gupta — Google review
Beautiful temple with a small entrance fee for kids and adults. Free for 2 years old below. easily accessible by grab or tuk tuk at the old town. The smaller temple near the ticket counter is where women are not allowed. The main building when we came was under maintenance. There is large gong where my kids were so excited about. You can see some parts of the temple were ruined. We got a better picture behind the temple where most of the elephant structures were still intact. Nice garden around it and you can see monks walking around.
Irina Ishak — Google review
Beautiful temple area.
You'll get some lovely photos and there are lots of shady areas under the trees on a hot day. You cannot fail to be impressed here. Some parts of the complex do not allow Women in. There is a small entry charge and you can hire trousers and tops if you forget to dress appropriately.
Well worth a visit
Scott Freem — Google review
One of the biggest temple complex located at the heart of Old City, Chiang Mai. At the center lies the remains of centuries old ancient temple building surrounded by many newly built structures. This is a very touristy place so not much serene like other Chiang Mai temples. But worth a visit.
Maruf Hossain — Google review
Beautiful temple, very chill vibes all around the site. Not to crowded. They encourage you to talk to the monks at the “monk chat” area which is a great way to learn about their culture.
Roxanne Binet-Robert — Google review
The main temple complex in Chiang Mai's innermost old city, absolutely stunning and should not be missed. Come with knees and shoulders covered and be respectful and go into the smaller temples, they are beautiful. The largest temple is currently being worked on, but don't let this stop you from visiting, it will only give you another reason to come back again, and you will want to come back!
Traci — Google review
A place you can't (afford to) miss when visiting Chiang Mai. The giant stupa (or Chedi as it is locally called) dominates the skyline of the old town and beckons everyone to come and view its majesty. Over 600 years have passed since the building of it started and it has seen kings and kingdoms come and go. Currently it is surrounded by a complex of temples and side buildings that are also worth visiting. The main temple at the entrance of the complex just underwent remodeling in April 2024 and so looks as good as new now, although for me personally I prefer to see some of the wear of time like on the smaller temples more at the back. Perhaps best to avoid going during the hottest time of day since shade is scarce and the stones radiant quite some heat.
Maarten van den Dungen — Google review
The Chedi Luang Temple, also known as the “Grand Stupa”, is a historic Buddhist temple located in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was originally built in the 14th century and served as a symbol of the city’s wealth and power. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations and additions, with the most significant expansion taking place in the mid-14th century.
Chedi Luang Temple is a popular tourist destination and a cultural hub for the local community. Visitors can explore the temple grounds and admire the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn the buildings and chedi. The temple also serves as a venue for religious ceremonies and cultural events, and offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and religious traditions of Chiang Mai and Thailand.
Ambati Rohit — Google review
The most spectacular temple complex in all of Chiang Mai and a must visit. I love how pigeons are inhabiting the small little broken gaps in the structure. I also loved the plants and flowers in the grounds!
Victor — Google review
It's the main city temple with old temple from the ancient time.. so good , if you're in chiang Mai shouldn't miss out this place. Its so relaxing and when you see the temple with your own eyes , you will feel the vibes around.
Siddhartha Gajurel — Google review
Really cool set of temples within the centre of the old town. Very different to all of the other temples in Chiang Mai, and very different to anything we’ve seen before anywhere else. You have to pay a 50 baht entrance fee, which is not a problem. If you’re nearby definitely worth a visit
Tom Hunt — Google review
4.7
(12013)
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4.5
(8085)
103 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Located in the heart of Chiang Mai's old city, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan is a magnificent Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. The temple showcases exquisite Lanna-style architecture and houses the revered Phra Singh Buddha statue, believed to have been brought from Sri Lanka. Visitors can admire intricate woodcarvings, ancient manuscripts, and murals that adorn the temple grounds.
A stunning temple complex where every detail reveals extraordinary stories. On the walls of one of the main buildings there are some old pictures where we can see some of people selling food, eating together around the temple, as for an instance. Inside the walls of the temples there is a Cafe in the entrance selling a very cold and sweet coconut water, along with Hmong beautiful clothes.
Tain? Guedes — Google review
This temple was within view and walking distance from our hotel. A small fee was collected to enter, and they were very strict about the dress code. Women must have their shoulders and legs covered. The grounds are large, and there are so many things to see. We found it very peaceful to sit in the gardens and listen to the bells and water fountains and to take in the smell of incense and candles burning.
Tammy Schur — Google review
Very impressive collection of Temple buildings set in tranquil grounds. Has to be one of the best Temples in the Old City. Magnificent large Gold Stupa. There are little gems of Buddhist teaching pinned to trees in the grounds. In the main building a group of monks were gathered sitting in a line and chanting. People come here to make merit and light candles.
Miles Macdonald — Google review
Gold shines from every corner at the temple. Plus, you'll find lifelike wax monks inside. It's nestled in the old city and free, but donations are appreciated.
Alwin Goh — Google review
Wat Phra Singh is one of the oldest and most popular temples in Chiang Mai. This amazing temple located in the heart of the old city, contains supreme examples of Lanna Art. The temple consists of many buildings, but the most spectacular is the golden wihan that houses the Phra Singh (Lion Buddha
Image). It is possible to go inside to see the Buddha Statue but just remember to remove your shoes first!
Bimalangkar — Google review
Such an amazing wat! So many beautiful details and statues! Loved my time here. One of the coolest things wad to walk into the temple and see the statues of the monks sitting there, and then walk into the main temple and see the monks praying there!
Mathias Skjæran Landrø — Google review
Chang Mai's greatest temple. Home to the city's most revered Buddha image, the Lion Buddha. If you only have the energy for two or three wats, start here. I loved the murals, the chanting and all the buildings you can poke into here.
Knud Hermansen — Google review
This temple in Chiang Mai, which is also the most famous in the city, is located in the heart of the city center and is absolutely beautiful to visit.
Lanterns are hung in a temple at the back of the main one and seem to fly in the sky. It's all the more remarkable to admire during a sunrise or sunset.
It's really worthwhile to stop and stroll around the garden, and simply take your time.
Cl?mence Valette — Google review
It’s as beautiful in person as you would expect from the pictures. Also you will find a few small shops and some one selling some delicious flavored water. I recommend the butterfly pee. Worth a visit and probably won’t take you more than 20 minutes to see it all
Baron Migs — Google review
One of the most beautiful and wonderful temple of Thailand. A place that worthy to visit. A touch of history within surrounding of the changing world. Fantastic and always love this place.
Bossficial — Google review
😊 I visited Wat Phra Singh during my solo backpacking adventure in Chiang Mai and It was absolutely amazing!
Walking through the historic courtyards and admiring the beautiful architecture. I found a lot of serenity in this place. It's a must-visit for any solo traveler/ traveler looking to learn more about his historical significance and his religious importance for the community. 😇
Marcus Around the world — Google review
Pros
1. ticket prices might be of 40 THB, i have missed it.
2. Free parking
3. It is a big temple complex with a couple of new and old temples.
4. The buildings are magnificent
5. One of the buildings has life sized vax statues of the Buddhist monks
Considerations
1. Please wear full length clothes
2. In case you are interested in Buddhist chanting and prayers, you might visit the temple around 5 PM but before the closing time.
Asheesh Gupta — Google review
Very beautiful Temples / Wat and absolutely worth seeing :)
Very well maintained, clean and friendly staff.
It's definitely one of our favorites in the Chiang Mai old town area :)
I visit a view temple and either way you pay just a few THB for entry or it is for free. But compared to Bangkok the entry on some of the temples in Chiang Mai are only 40/50 THB per person
Joe “Weltbummler” — Google review
Beautiful complex of temples with a lovely garden. The monks chanting were mesmerising. The colours (particularly the gold) are stunning and the atmosphere is very calm, even though the hustle and bustle of traffic is not too far away.
Bryan D — Google review
This is one of the most beautiful temples I’ve seen in Chiang Mai. Glistering gold in the sun, it looks magnificent.
I came on a Sunday morning and even though there are tourists but everyone was polite. There’s no wait to enter.
Diane Zheng — Google review
One of the greatest temples I have seen in Thailand.
A must-see when in Chiang Mai. There are several attractions culminating with the golden pagoda in the photos. There are lots of large and smaller buildings that are full of history and serenity. Additionally, there are many small sitting areas for contemplation and enjoying the serenity and peacefulness that the temple provides. Remember to read the many phrases of wisdom that are displayed in the gardens and sitting areas. No tickets are required, but donations are welcomed.
Ahmad — Google review
As you enter the temple grounds you’ll notice how grand the temple grounds are, with a main temple and several smaller buildings and some really nice bamboo scenery.
The temple itself is ornate, clean, and well-maintained. At the front you’ll see several gold Buddhas, the biggest one is massive and a sight to behold.
One thing to note is that most of the signs are in Thai, so if you don’t understand the language you’ll need a translator if you want to read about the history of the temple.
Vaughn Friesen — Google review
Very nice temple complex I'm my opinion the best in chiang mai, its free to enter the grounds and 40baht to enter the main temple. Lots of gold everywhere and some very realistic wax figures in one of the smaller temples.
hall 6263 — Google review
4.7
(14856)
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4.5
(3600)
2 Samlarn Rd, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50280, Thailand
Nestled in the foothills of the Doi Suthep Mountains, Chiang Mai Zoo is a sprawling 200-acre wildlife haven that's home to over 400 animal species. This family-friendly destination offers a diverse range of attractions, including a snow dome, panda exhibit, kids' water park, and animal feedings.
My kids would love to be there every now and then. You can definitely get new experiences every time. It's our first time to meet flamingo chicks this close and they're so adorable!! Just can't get it why nobody is lining for this. Maybe others just didn't notice these cute babies. And the otters are energetic. One of them even gave us a wink.
Joey W — Google review
It was a place that softened my perceptions as someone who does not take kindly to zoos. They have been able to provide the true natural life of many animals and allow you to see them at a distance rather than behind fences. Being able to see it so close and unobstructed can make both sides feel freer. It's a pretty big zoo and it can take you a whole day to walk around without a car.
Gokmen Deniz — Google review
If I look at other reviews of 5 years ago it's a must see. I think covid really hit this place. 50% is in construction/maintenance. The place feels like a post apocalyptic place where some animals are left. Sadly most of them look sad and thin. Would recommend to go here so hopefully they can fix the place to apparently their former glory. Would not recommend it for a fun activity sadly. Walking is also quite intense since it's up a mountain. When we were there there were no panda or aquarium.
Dominic den Drijver — Google review
A really nice zoo with a large selection of animals and plants. A bit hard to see everything without paying for transportation. Quite a few things were missing like the wild cats section, there was a picture of a giraffe on the map, but none were to be found. The Aquarium was also not open. Overall an enjoyable and learning experience.
Timothy Thiem — Google review
So nice place have many types of animals to see and make good memories. Just suggested to the people visit this zoo one time in your life may be you like to go again and again. I love that place
Have 40B bus fare that bus can move you arroyos zoo
parvinder singh — Google review
We wasn't sure coming to the zoo reading the reviews. Entry is 150baht, the panda is on its own so there isn't much to see I wouldn't advise. The aquarium was the best part of the zoo, so much to look at. The beer enclosure is pretty much shut. They have minimal animals, but the experience was still very good, the golf carts was very fun but abit expensive.
Charlie Cook — Google review
We enjoyed our time at this zoo. The animals are kept and fed well. They seem to be really quiet and relaxed. The territory of this zoo is huge. You can use golf carts or buses to make your journey easier. I recommend coming to this zoo earlier so that you can see all the animals and have a good time here. My experience was amazing. It's a real fun for both adults and children. Must have for visiting when coming to Chiang Mai.
Anastasia Kazanina — Google review
We had a pretty poor experience. It's a nice, big place to go for a walk. We were quite early. Most of the enclosures were empty. No pandas, although you could enter the panda house there were only life size pictures.
Sven Gillessen — Google review
Pretty fun place to go but a lot of the animals have been removed and a bunch of cages are empty.
Covid has impacted the zoo pretty badly.
Updated: Just went recently with my nieces and nephew and we had a blast. Most if not all the animals are back. Conditions seem better and still a fun walk around the whole zoo.
Charles Vane (Saintmarker) — Google review
An amazing zoo! The walking trails are well shaded and the whole park feels like a rainforest. We saw lots of animals. All the exhibits were clean and the animals had lots of room, foliage and enrichment toys. We are used to walking so we had zero problems getting around the park. There are golf carts and buses for those that need it.
Bex McK — Google review
I concur with the previous review. While we can attribute Covid for reduced no of visitors and less revenue, Zoo staff can definitely improve on the cleanliness and upkeeping of the Animals. It has lot of potential if the Staff work whole heartedly. Ticket is for Zoo and Aquarium. When Aquarium itslef is closed for maintenance money minded ticket selling agents outside should tell that.
If Government and staff are willing to improve on the facility, Tourist can support by paying a visit but only worth 150baht per person. Authorities please consider reducing the price to bring back the glory.
Tourists can rent battery car for 350b and one hour is more than enough to cover in its current state.
Venkata Chalam — Google review
Over all amazing zoo, lots of exhibits to see. All your typical zoo among. Big cats, giraffes, zebras, bears, exotic birds and much more. We rented a golf cart, 350 for first hour then 300 after.
In the end we had it for 3 hours, we planned for 2 hours but there is not enough time to see the zoo in only 2 hours. I would plan for 3-4 hours it’s huge. The zoo is in good condition it did have a few empty enclosures but not that many. It’s still worth coming. You can also feed Asian elephants, feed the deer and cows. All very interesting.
The only thing I was let down by was the reptiles section. Not many snakes and the turtles water is so filthy and very smelly. They could do a much better job of keeping on top of this. Not good for the animals Heath to have them In such poor conditions.
We didn’t see the panda either as it was extra charge to go into the panda enclosure and I believe they no longer have one.
Overall I would recommend the price is very cheap. If you want to rent golf cart bring your driving license as a deposit. If not they have a shuttle bus service (it’s not free)
Flying Turtle Dragon — Google review
It was fun to visit this place and we saw some exotic animals from Australia, South America, red panda and a lot of Indian and South East Asian herbivores as well. The collection of flora and fauna is nice although a part of me wished that the animals had a larger enclosure or were free to roam.
I didn't like that foreigners were charged 350 while Thais are charged 130.. Discriminatory and insulting, especially as someone who pays taxes in Thailand and even bothered learning intermediate level Thai (although I'm sure if I had claimed I was Thai no one would have forced me, but it's still wrong to discriminate on principle)! And this while the aquarium and panda and some other enclosures were shut down for maintenance and because the panda died, no discount was offered.
Me and my Thai friend walked instead of taking the 350 baht golf kart and it was fairly pleasant although she got a bit tired at the end but felt satisfied we chose to walk as we got to go up close and find some unfrequented routes up some hills, overall about 5kms and 500 calories to do the loop, with a bunch of stalls around. I'd suggest walking for young people for a more immersive experience especially when it's not summer.
I think some of the animals looked happy and some looked lonely and sad. I didn't see any starving animals atleast so they're being fed and the money isn't all being wasted. Pretty happy with the animal care.
Some of the views from uphill is quite nice.
Arvind G B — Google review
It was a fun experience! We rented a golf cart that ended up coming with a lovely framed photo for only an extra 150 Baht. Its a beautiful zoo, with a lot to see. We were a bit disappointed that the aquarium was closed while we were there, but upgrades! Love that you're able to feed and interact with some of the animals as well!
Care — Google review
Aquarium closed, seal display closed, panda died recently so closed, water park closed, the animals look sad, ostriches have pulled out their feathers. The hippo exhibit was good, some of the monkey exhibits were good. Tiger exhibit closed. Giraffe and zebras were good. If you go, plan on 2 hours and pay for the golf cart. Golf cart 350 baht an hour. The zoo is hilly. I walked and is doable but recommend the cart.
Reginald Drake — Google review
Pretty good zoo. It's big. And many animals have big territories to walk. Unfortunately, some places with animals were not available. But it still has things to see. I saw girafs, zebras, some monkeys, a rhino, different birds (mostly they were parrots) and a lot of reptiles. Also there were Australian animals like kangroos. It sad that pandas weren't available to see. Also there was a koala, but it was sleeping.
Max Lich — Google review
It was fascinating!!! Such a great place for the whole family to enjoy. There’s a lot to see and to do and it might take all day. No need to work, there are stains where you can have a break, snack or even lunch. It’s beautiful and has a lot of spots for photos and videos. Absolutely must visit in Chiang Mai
Sandra Zinovchenko — Google review
Had quite a bad experience here, strongly recommend do not coming here and wasting your time. Dual pricing system in place, foreigners pay 350baht per person and 130baht per person if you are thai. Ticket lady said the panda display is closed since it died and the aquarium is closed. Turns out this was just the tip of the iceberg as so many other displays were closed such as penguins, some reptiles and birds.
The conditions the animals are kept in are quite poor. In the 2hours I was there, I probably only saw 1 zoo staff and it was some guy selling vegetables to feed giraffes for 20baht. Its quite clear that not alot of money was put in maintenance of the zoo and care for the animals. Alot of the reptiles were kept in small enclosures with stagnant water. The experience made me feel quite sad for the animals, had I known this earlier I wouldnt have come to support such a place.
The zoo is quite massive and if you do for some reason decide to go, renting a golf cart for 350baht is recommended. I did the whole zoo on foot and it was regretfully tiring.
William — Google review
4.0
(8812)
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3.5
(3179)
100 Huay Kaew Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a revered temple in Northern Thailand, is known for its gold stupa, pagodas, and museum. Perched on a mountainside, the temple offers stunning panoramic views of the city. To explore off-the-beaten-path routes in the region, consider hiring a local trekking guide through a reputable company. This allows access to non-touristic areas and an authentic experience.
Love this place and spent over an hour here. Once up at the Temple a sign asks you to purchase an entry ticket, but there's no one staffing the ticket office. Great views over the valley and Chiang Mai, and a lovely Temple with many shrines. Fairly quiet when I was there around 9.30am and nice and cool.
Before you get to the Temple there are many stalls selling local crafts and beverages. Lots of spaces available for motorcycle parking.
Miles Macdonald — Google review
A temple of extraordinary beauty and monastery for those who wish to learn about meditation. You can walk around and see the city from the view point (if there is no burning).
A lot if people visiting this temple but if you go early in the morning you get to enjoy it in peace.
There are some steps but it's not bad. Anyone can do it.
For foreigners donation is 30 baht.
You can receive a blessing here as well.
Maria Eretnova — Google review
Cool temple on top of the hill. The steps are really not very high but you can always take the lift. The scenery is very majestic but we met the mist and enjoy the chilling hilly atmosphere instead 😎 We took grab to go up and tuktuk to go down. The tuktuk will wait for passengers to fill the vehicle before it starts moving down. We waited almost 20 minutes. A little jumpy since the road is winding. Better take car if you can.
Keane Leow — Google review
Lovely place - entrance is 30 baht per person for anyone who is not Thai. It's lovely to see how others practice their faith. Though I felt like I was encroaching on their spiritual space at times. There's an observation deck on the far side (check satellite view if you get lost like we did) with a gorgeous view of the city including the airport.
Ehab Aboud — Google review
Really cool temple at the top of a mountain. Amazing views out across Chiang Mai. Temple and surrounding buildings and shrines are interesting. Not the most dazzling temple you'll ever see but certainly worth checking it out. 30 baht entry fee for tourists.
Mikey Smith — Google review
This lovely temple area is located around 35 minutes from the center of Chiang Mai, well worth the visit with some incredible nice views. There's a dragon inspired 300 steps path way leading up to the hill where the temple is located. There's currently no entrance fee charged for entering this temple grounds.
J & J Travels — Google review
If you are in Chiang Mai, this beautiful temple is a great place to spend a few hours. It's peaceful and fairly easy to spend some time here because it's not crowded. Bring pants to wear if you go inside the main stupa. You can pay the entry fee at the top of the stairs before you go into the complex. Have plenty of cash to pay for tickets, refreshments, souvenirs, and donations (up to you).
David HUDGENS — Google review
Chilly weather as it was high up on the mountains. Serene atmosphere above here to appreciate the majestic architecture. Thise interested could also walk around the main chedi while praying a chant, or else, you could just admire the architecture. Price for the funicular up is 20 Baht. If you want a challenge, you could walk up the steps too! Come earlier in the morning as it might get busy towards noon
Ivan Chua — Google review
A must see place that is only 40 minutes away from Chiang Mai. The weather is cooler and it was overcast and a little bit rainy while we were there. The views were breath taking and the temple was very ornate.
Brent Haroldsen — Google review
Beautiful Temple with fine art. Very old and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A must visit just after the Chiang Mai Zoo.
If you have a group then transportation costs 500 up and 500 down. Vehicle can take around 8 persons. Cost of going to the temple via lift and entering the temple costs 50 total per person.
Azfar Isa Mahmood — Google review
Nice temple to visit in your travel to Chiang mai. We take the lift to go Up but its a better experience to go on foot. We go there using grab app paying 400 bats more or less for each travel (40 mins travel) and we thing this IS the BEST way to go there. There are cheaper solutions but the travel IS very long.
Rubén Maldonado Fernández — Google review
One of the very great place to visit if you are new to Chiang Mai, well but even I travel to Chiang Mai almost every year I still visit there every time, still enjoy the view up there, temple is well restoration and maintain. Very beautiful.
BOSS KS — Google review
A beautiful temple with lovely views from the observation deck. We were welcomed by friendly monks who will offer you a blessing regardless of your religion. There is plenty of peaceful seating areas to rest and meditate. However, the temple itself is probably not as memorable as other temples in Chiang Mai.
Grigoris Godevenos — Google review
Mountain temple 🌄🏯 with a golden stupa, pagodas, museums and panoramic views of the city 🏰.
This is my favorite temple in Chiang Mai, I booked a one day tour with elephant camp and visiting wat phra that do Suthep by 50€ /person💶💶
⚠️IMPORTANT: pay the cable elevator to go up and go down by the ladder because this lastter is amazing and you can not miss it.
Pedro A — Google review
Marvelous.Definitely the Most beautiful temple near Chiang Mai... I recommend to go there early in the morning, to enjoy the solemn solitude without tourists, it's very famous plsce
Rare Russian — Google review
Another beautiful temple in Chiangmai that’s worth the visit. You the entire temple and it’s architecture is beautiful. You have to take the stairs though. It wasn’t very crowded when I visited. You can also get a beautiful view of Chiangmai on top.
There many shops for souvenirs and food at the entrance of the place
Rosemary Pattem — Google review
Overrated and overcrowded with tourists. Doesn't even feel like a spiritual place. Saw disrespectful tourists in their tank tops and no authority was enforcing the dress codes.
Visited this place a decade ago, but now it's more like a tourists destination rather than a Buddhist temple. There are many other beautiful temples within the city that have interesting history, architectures and very spiritual.
Save yourself the hassle of coming up here. If so inclined, be prepared for motion sickness as the drive up the mountain can be unpleasant and hazardous since some of the drivers think it's a speedway thru the many twists and turns.
We visited the temple in mid February, and you can't see the view of the city because it's covered up by the haze from the crops burnings and pollution.
amie k — Google review
Love this place. Entrance fee is 30 thb and 20 for cable car is very friendly fee. Place itself is amazing, lot of statues and Gold everywhere. Its little crowded, lot of local peple. Incredible view.
Jana Chloupkova — Google review
This temple was highly recommended by the locals in Chiang Mai. We made our way by taxi to the hilltop temple. There were many stray dogs along the way. When we reached the temple, there were numerous vendors near the entrance. We climbed 309 steps to reach the temple. For a small entrance fee, we made our way in. Shoes can not be worn, and women can not show their shoulders or legs. So dress accordingly. I carried a lightweight gauze type shawl and wore long sun dresses during my visit just so I wouldn't be denied access anywhere. I had never been in a temple prior to this. It was beautiful with the morning sun shining on the gold structures, monks praying, offerings, flowers, incense, water, candles, and bells. We spent hours wandering through the property. It's burning season in January, so the views were hazy.
Tammy Schur — Google review
Doi Suthep is a functioning temple for Buddhist monks, as well as a tourist attraction. It sits at the top of a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai. The drive is about 30 to 45 minutes from downtown. You can either climb the 309 steps to the temple or take a cable car.
We visited at the full moon on March 24 and were treated to the first hours after the scaffolding came down, which had prevented prior visitors from enjoying the full beauty of this golden temple.
The monks were evidently equally enthralled by the uncovered beauty of the temple, because they were filming it on their cell phones as they chanted, and walked around the temple.
Because our visit also happened to occur during a school holiday, there were also a number of young novice monks with the more senior monks. This was something you often don’t get to see.
Surrounding the temple grounds, there are numerous food, stalls, and souvenir shops as well as a restaurant.
Our guide informed us that there is a whole community built around the temple of non-Buddhist monks, and those people live there on the mountain, rather than commuting up and down to other villages, or the city of Chiang Mai.
Ellen Stiefler — Google review
Famous beautiful temple and viewpoint located up hill. It is worth your time to visit. Even It takes about 30 mins drive from the major street downhill to the temple, but this temple and mountain is a must to visit once you're in Chiangmai.
PAM NIMPOOLSWARD — Google review
The most famous temple in Chiang Mai and a challenge for those who don't like stairs. It is actually good exercise. On the top you can see many sculptures and also you can go around the centre of the temple 3 times. The views are great and the temple is very crowded and hot during the day. I would suggest you take the evening tour from 4pm. The weather is great in the evening and there aren't as many people. Make sure you bring a bottle of water to keep hydrated. You will be asked to dress accordingly to their rules, so no shorts and also you have to remove your shoes to enter the temples.
Always Reviewing — Google review
It was very beautiful and large temple with a fantastic view of Chiang Mai. I would 100% recommend going at night - it’s more beautiful that way!
We took the cable car up and it was a complete waste of time and money(!) — take the beautiful stairs. Especially at night it’s really easy and not too warm!
The temple itself is very gold… we enjoyed the platform with the view over Chiang Mai and the stairs the most
Victoria Vivien Lauritsen — Google review
Must visit spiritual temple on the mountain. If you take a "red taxi" it will cost B250-300/person return trip. It's a 45 minute drive. Plenty of great photo opportunities.
cheekybulls — Google review
4.7
(8005)
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4.5
(7743)
Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
The Maerim Elephant Sanctuary is a famous tourist attraction in Cambodia that features elephants living in comfortable conditions. The sanctuary provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about elephant behavior and care, as well as appreciate their impressive size and strength. The sanctuary also offers photo opportunities with the elephants for a nominal fee.
A simply wonderful experience. I highly recommend this sanctuary as the elephants seem to be treated very well.
The definite highlight is the mud bath, you get up close and personal with the elephants themselves.
The guide himself was very funny and knowledgeable, and the photographer took some great shots which we couldn't refuse.
To top it off the lunch we had while we were there was very tasty!
Fraser McKnespiey — Google review
A lovely experience! The elephants are treated well and fed well.
We’ve had a great time feeding, bathing and interacting with the animals. They seem to be happy. All the best Dee and the team with the sanctuary and if you’re reading this and unsure if it’s worth the money, in my opinion it is 100% worth your money, for such an unforgettable experience, you can be sure the money goes towards the survival of these amazing animals. They as well as other real elephant sanctuaries were out of business during Covid so please go and support them!
Rado Danko — Google review
Wonderful and unique experience. Dee was a funny and talented guide in the sanctuary. The program was suited for all kinds of groups and ages and full of time together with the calm and lovely elephants. This activity is highly recommended!!!
Den K — Google review
The Maerim Elephant Sanctuary is an all round awesome trip. The staff are informative and friendly, ensuring that you understand and enjoy your time with the elephants who are truly gentle giants.
The Maerim sanctuary stands a cut above the rest, due to the facilities and activities. First, you will feed the elephants, then you will partake in a mud bath with the elephants and lastly there is a pool, bar and meal included after you have played with the elephants.
This was one of the most incredible half day experiences. Thank you
Rachelle Flambard — Google review
I really enjoyed my experience here. The staff was knowledgeable and the elephants seemed to be treated very well. They had large amounts of land to roam, an elephant hospital, and constant ‘friends’ from visitors. They do not allow riding here, no do they use hooks or chains as far as I could tell. There are a few reviews here that say they saw chains, but I was unable to find evidence of this.
We fed the elephants, petted them, hugged them, walked with them, fed them banana stalks, covered them in mud, and bathed with them. You are allowed to take your own photos, but they also have a pretty good photographer on staff who will take many photos of you as well, which you can view and buy for 400 baht at the end of the experience.
Transportation and a nice lunch of noodle soup in included in the price as well. The transportation is 2 hours round trip, which is considerable. I believe the price is a good deal. They also have Wi-Fi!
Christopher Gorrie — Google review
Had an absolutely wonderful experience and will be sure to go again! The staff clearly care about the elephants, giving you their history and referring to them by their names and introducing you to them. Although they may have the same routine each day the elephants could chose. So although they have 6 elephants only 2 actually cane into the mud spa which was lovely to see as they have the freedom to do as they please. Clearly well looked after and is a great experience for anyone. Young or old. Would highly recommend this place!
Ellie Coles — Google review
bought tickets upon arrival no problem. spent an hour feeding elephants bananas and petting them. watched them eat bamboo. very cute they seemed happy and well taken care of. no riding allowed
Natalia — Google review
I enjoyed the tour. I booked it on the official website and asked questions via email. My inquiry was responded to quickly.
The driver picked us up at the hotel on time. When we arrived, there was another car, in total , it was around 20 tourists for that day.
We were able to feed and pat the elephants. We had lunch, then we took a walk with the elephants. Each elephant is accompanied by a staff member who can assist us and take care of elephants.
The group had a photographer following us. He took pictures, and at the end of the trip, we can review the photos first before we decide if we want to purchase them.
Our guide also did a good job of explaining knowledge of elepants to us and taught us how to properly and safely interact with elephants.
I will recommend it to friends and families.
A Chen — Google review
After quite online research to find the right ethical sanctuary, I found Maerim Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai and it was a truly delightful experience. From start to finish, it was truly captivating.
Meeting the amazing rescued elephants from riding camps, circuses and illegal logging work, learning about them, feeding, playing, swimming and walking with the elephants in made it an unforgettable adventure. The focus on learning to respect these majestic animals added made the experience even more insightful.
Making our own noodle soup 🍜 was quite fun and got to enjoy it.
Highly recommend for anyone seeking a meaningful and enjoyable encounter with elephants in a responsible and caring environment!
Irina Catescu — Google review
Unforgettable experience.
I did the full day tour for 1700BHT - I don’t think you’d miss any extra activities per say if you did the half day tour, but you just miss out on time with the elephants.
Great photographer provided photos for 1 person cost 500 BAHT, I thought this was very reasonable given the quality of the photos - meant that you could put away your phone and fully experience the moment without worrying about capturing it!
The staff care about elephants clearly, and the conditions in which they live is good compared to other elephant sanctuaries (plenty of area to roam, well-fed & well treated).
Thanks so much
Rahul C — Google review
This place is really nice to visit elephants. They can live freely in the nature. They do not force elephants to anything. We can feed and shower with them. Elephants are quite friendly, they are also chubby. It is so cute! The price is quite expensive but it is worst it, 2000 bath for full tour and 800 bath for feed and take a photo. You can walk with elephant in the nature too. I am really enjoy and happy to visit here. I recommend to come.
Phat phat — Google review
So we stayed in Chiang Mai for a week and spent the better half of it trying to figure out which elephant sanctuary we wanted to go to that actually cared for their elephants. After looking online and in person for one to go to we eventually decided on this one after recommendation from a friend.
I’ve been to many places with elephants and this absolutely was the best one I’ve been to by far. They start you off with the history of the park, how COVID affected their ability to look after the elephants and the basics such as how to interact with them. From that they take you outside to fill up 2 huge bags worth of bananas to go and meet and feed the elephants. No chains, no ropes, no guides ushering them around just a bunch of elephants free to roam and eager for some bananas. Totally ethical interaction with them and really felt like the staff treated the elephants as family. After feeding it’s off into the mud bath and then on to washing them and saying goodbye.
Once that’s all done, a quick swim in the pool and then they briefly show you how to prepare a bowl of noodles with both meat and vegetarian options.
Overall a fantastic day, really felt like the elephants were happy to be there. Good food, good fun, and totally worth the money.
They also have photographers taking pictures of you all day and then afterwards they collate them into an album which you have the choice of purchasing. We bought ours for B.1200 as the pictures were fab but it isn’t necessary as you can bring along your phones and take as many as you want.
Michael — Google review
This is an excellent day trip out. You have the ability to really get to interact with the elephants. No riding here which is good. Your time will pass very quickly , the guides are knowledgeable and impart information well , often with a funny line. All in all good fun day.
Steve Orrick — Google review
We booked through our hotel the day before, got picked up from our hotel in time to the sanctuary which is about 45 mins away from the city. The place itself is very relaxed and not too touristy, and all the elephants there are females rescued from riding, logging, or circus. You can feed, give a mud bath, and wash the elephants. They don't force them to do anything (for example, if an elephant wants to get out of the water/mud they just do, which I really liked). Afterward you can relax for a bit, or bathe in a pool they've got, and then you have lunch which is them showing you how to make noodle soup, which was delicious. Tim the guide was very sweet and funny! Great place.
Nufar Gotfried — Google review
We chose the morning option . A lot of people , yes, but this is the way they put together the money to save more elephants by buying them . Honestly : I don’t understand the negative comments about this place , from people disliking the commandos the animals get . What do you think ? That 90.000 US dollars to buy an elephant and rescue him from the hell are coming from heaven down ??? They have to open the doors to visitors and they understood that the only way to interest people is to interact with the animals and they have to be trained . The guy explaining to visitors all those things was very funny and professional , the elephants are in a great shape and we learned about them a lot . The food was excellent , you cook a soup by yourself ( nice idea to get everything together) and the pool was clean . We were happy to choose this organization to spend some valuable time with those splendid creatures.
cinzia chiesa — Google review
One of the best days of my life.
If you hesitate about which sanctuary to visit, take this one. It is a no ride sanctuary, but you can pet, wash and feed them. The rule of the park is that the elephants decide and people have to follow them. For example when we went with them in the lake to wash them, they were free to go out whenever they wanted and were not forced to stay. So the moment they left, swimming time was over. You could just see they were treated with respect by the caretakers.
Just take the full day experience, you will not regret it. The noodle soup at lunch was amazing!
Our guide was funny and very kind.
Also the group was not too big which was perfect.
Cleo — Google review
A fun experience but too much cash and carry issues. I know it was for a good cause to protect and serve the elephants that were misused by tourist attractions. I felt like I had signed up to provide labor for the company at the same time paying a large sum for entry, water, towels as ND photos. But again to support a better life and living conditions for these majestic animals.
Mark L. Gordon — Google review
This elephant sanctuary provided one of the best experiences ever! From start to finish, it was truly captivating. Meeting the amazing rescued elephants, learning about them, feeding, playing, and even swimming together in the mud and pool made it an unforgettable adventure. The focus on learning to respect these majestic animals added depth to the entire experience. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a meaningful and enjoyable encounter with elephants in a responsible and caring environment.
Mansour AlMalla (ThatSoMans) — Google review
We had an amazing time at the Maerim Elephant Sanctuary a few weeks ago.
It was so nice to see the elephants really looked after.
Our tour guide ‘Mek’ was so informative alongside having a fun personality to make the experience enjoyable. I highly recommend the full day tour🙂
Wat Tham Chiang Dao is a magnificent natural cave temple that houses various religious statues including Buddhas. The temple boasts of stunning stalactites and even has a fish pond. Visitors can explore the caves within the temple with the help of an English guide who works on tips. However, elderly individuals and pregnant women should exercise caution as some parts of the cave are slippery and narrow. While it is highly recommended to take the guided walk, visitors with mobility issues or small children may find it challenging.
Worth the visit! The cave is an eye opening experience! Must visit with a tour guide (200 baht per group not including tip for the guide). There are several local guides by the cave entrance. My two boys (3 and 5) are amazed! First time seeing bats!
Lily Chang — Google review
Cool cave. Gotta give a 200bht donation and you'll get one local to show you around with a lamp. Tourguide takes you around for about 15-20 minutes where the guide will describe rocks for you. You'll also need to go through a couple tiny spaces. The cave gets a bit hot after a while because of the lamp and little air circulation. It's also kind of slippery at some points.
Would recommend checking it out only if you're already in the area otherwise it's almost just like any other cave
Allen H — Google review
It’s a must visit place to check out the beauty that nature has created within this cave. There will be a nice local guide lighting and guiding your way through the cave, the session takes up 20 - 30 mins. So, be prepare and watch your steps.
Pawitchaya Chuaidu — Google review
During our visit to the cave Buddha temple, we were fortunate enough to have a knowledgeable ex-monk as our local tour guide. The temple was not too crowded, as it was a Sunday. It was fascinating to learn about the history and significance of the temple through our guide's explanations. The cave temple has two sides to it, and visitors can choose to explore either of them. One side requires some crawling effort, suitable for the adventurous heart, while the other is more of a walk through the cave. Both sides offer unique experiences that are worth exploring.
Besides the temple, the village outside is also worth a visit. The local food and goodies are a must-try and can add to the overall experience.
The Maldonado’s — Google review
A very enjoyable cave to visit. I would recommend taking the extra guided walk, but not for small children or people with lack of mobility.
The downside is the dual pricing system at the entrance.
Lee Haseley — Google review
Chiang Dao Cave has free parking, has restaurants on the outside of the complex, some smaller shops outside, And a beautiful temple complex on the outside. Once you pay the small entry fee to enter you come into the main complex entrance area and you will see a group of Thai people with lanterns. A pathway that is dark and says enter at your own risk without a guide who are the people with the lanterns and will cost you 200 Baht you show you around and a pathway that is lit up by electricity. We paid the money and had the guide take us into the dark area of the cave. It’s hard to take photos or film as you can see in some of my photos and there is also some areas where you have to get almost on your hands and knees to crawl through with poor lighting. The dark area was so so and the caves were large and open in areas and probably interesting to those that love caves. Personally I would recommend not pay the 200 Baht and just pay the entry fee and explore the well lit area as it’s just as beautiful and a nice walk and you don’t have to go in both directions. I thought it was one of those tourist traps where you pay the entry fee once you enter. But if you are a cave lover maybe it’s not a tourist trap for you. There are sections that maybe flooded in wet season in the poorly lit area I understand. I will put a YouTube video up on this shortly on my channel The Travelling Social Worker in Thailand.
GREGORY EGAN — Google review
One of the stops on our day trip, was to this cave. Pretty typical cave with prayer artifacts, tiny bats and crickets. There are local guides that will bring u through with a kerosene lamp. Small crevices to crawl through, challenging if u have knee/joint/back issues. Personally I'm larger and have mild back issues but was able to get through.
Evelyn ?Evie? Goh — Google review
Pretty cool cave to visit, 40 baht to enter and walk along the lighted portion, you can actually keep walking on the right by yourself beyond the first point where there are guides and signs saying you have to pay an extra 200 baht for a guided tour. You can go for a short walk around the surrounding forest as well
Cindy Liu — Google review
Pretty cool temple to visit. The regular entrance ticket gets you to just the illuminated areas of the cave temple which has a lot of Buddhist statues.
The real beauty of this place lies in the special tour where you need to book the local guide who takes you through all the secret tunnels with a kerosene lamp. It was a real adventure where you need to crawl on your knees to get through some of the passages.
Filled with bats and really beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, the guide, who speaks limited English tries to explain the different carvings and formations on the cave walls.
Ashley Fernandes — Google review
Beautiful cave, the deeper part required a tour guide which will hold a lanturn and lead you the way.
It is not very educative, though. It's more like the local imagination the shape of those stalactites.
There are a few great hugh halls with super high ceilings that impress me the most.
Bring your own head torch. it would be more fun to look around by yourself.
Ea Monphen — Google review
Strongly recommended as there are caves to explore inside the temple. The big cave is huge and needed a local guide to navigate (English guide is available for free but tips are welcome). Took about 30 mins in there but was worth it!
*Elderly and pregnant woman should beware as the cave is dark, slippery and narrow at some points.
Yosita — Google review
This place is worth a visit if you come to Chiang Dao. But in general, nothing special. The cave is divided into 2 parts - public and accessible with a guide. The entrance fee for the first is 40 baht, the guide fee is 200 baht. Pretty nice territory of the temple, there is a small museum and a small beautiful lake.
Oleh Lytvynenko — Google review
Naturally cool inside the temple cave, lit with electricity at public part if one does not want to hire a guide to explore the unlit part. Exterior is prettied up for taking photos. One can donate 9 baht to get a lucky ribbon and make a wish. Need a translator app because the ribbons come in specific colors that match the type of intention!
Gabrielle Iglesias — Google review
I visited this dark cave out of a random plan and it was worth it. It is a complete dark cave with the gas lantern as the only source of light.
Pros
1. Free parking
2. The ticket price is 40 THB.
3. You must get a guide around 200 THB, maybe a bit less. It is recommended to tip the guide. The guide comes with the gas lantern to explore deeper parts of the cave.
4. It is a different thrilling adventure to visit a completely dark cave with bats. Bats are mostly sleeping.
5. It is a big cave. It might get upto 50 meters high and wide at halls.
6. There are several shops that sell food, coffee and more.
Considerations
1. Please carry and wear sturdy shoes, maybe trekking shoes or crocs. The road could be slippery at times.
2. Might not be recommended for people with walking issues.
3. Might carry a torch 🔦 or flashlight though it is mostly not needed. The external flash might be a good idea for the camera.
4. The claustrophobic or nyctophobic persons might want to skip.
Asheesh Gupta — Google review
Nice place, nice atmosphere. Very close to the Giant Tree Alley. The entrance fee for the cave is 40 baht and if you like adventure, you can hire a lamp and local guide which costs 200 baht for a group. The trip is about 750 meters long. There are two very narrow places in the cave. There are places where you can slip so be careful.
sandar aung — Google review
It’s a cute cave, the illuminated part is rather short. Local guides will be super happy if you choose to go with them to the dark part of the cave, which is only possible with a guide. We didn’t do that.
If you are in the area already, it’s a nice activity for 1-2 hours. Just going to see the cave is not really worth it in my opinion.
Entrance was 30 or 40 Baht.
Tamara Bülow — Google review
The cave tour is 200 baht and is well worth it. The guide will bring a lantern and point out different landmarks, formations and shrines. It was much larger than I expected and turned into a fun little adventure.
Brian — Google review
I was really surprised by the clear water and such beautiful fish. You can truly enjoy the beauty of Thailand’s nature.
Regarding the cave, I’m not a big fan of caves, so I just walked around there. It was interesting, but it didn’t evoke any special feelings in me.
Ihor Anisimov — Google review
Interesting cave. I would recommend taking a guide to the other part with no lights - seems more unpaved path with a lot of bats and some spiders. It’s not that difficult but in few places you have to go on your knees. Entry is 40 bat plus 200 bat if you decide to go with the guide.
Karol D — Google review
Nice walk around temple, quite busy and lots of free parking space.
20-40THB ticket fee to the cave, once you enter there’re 2 paths to go
1. Short walk w/o guide in the cave
2. Long walk with 200THB fee with guide and lantern
I chose to pay more and it rewarded me surprisingly. Highly recommended for anyone who still good with thier back and knee. You would feel how scary it is once the light go dark, i mean completely dark !
Thinnawat Limtrakul — Google review
4.4
(3293)
•
4.0
(457)
273 หมู่ 5, Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai 50170, Thailand
I'll never travel to Pai without this trip planner again
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary offers an exceptional experience with hands-on elephant feedings and the opportunity for professional photos. Visitors are advised to bring sandals, a power bank, and a positive attitude. The sanctuary provides hotel pick-up, fresh fruit tea breaks, clean towels, and showers on-site. Feeding the elephants with bananas is a fun and muddy experience that's great for families. The staff is knowledgeable and ensures the elephants are well taken care of without forcing them into anything.
A truly magical experience. Our host called best (and his cousin: hero) were fantastic. They were knowledgeable and fun. The elephants which for my wife and I was most important seemed to be very well taken care off. I spent various hours looking for a “true” sanctuary and not just some show and Kanta really showed that they were a true sanctuary. The elephants seemed truly happy. For me a key sign was that the staff of the sanctuary didn’t force the elephants into anything. If the elephant had no interest in eating or bathing they simply let him walk away rather than keeping the elephant around for the tourists. Of course Kanta is making money and hopefully a profit (as it should be), contrary to some of the below leftist opinions (how can we save elephants if you make more money through bad tourism like elephant riding or elephant shows). Please visit this fantastic place and do your part.
Julien van Ophem — Google review
We had a lovely time at the sanctuary. Having physical contact with such magnificent creatures was wonderful. Feeding them was great but the highlight had to be washing them in the river. Great fun. The elephants seem well cared for and respected eg no riding on them. Interesting educational information was also provided to go along with the fun bits.
Chris (Just Roamin') — Google review
Great sanctuary, you can tell the staff really care about the elephants. We did a half day which was perfect, fed the elephants three times (different food), made protein balls and have them a wash. Was very special as it was a bit quiet due to things picking back up.
Ben Baily — Google review
A fantastic experience overall! Even just the half day visit packed in a ton of fun. We were able to feed the elephants twice in addition to petting and bathing them. We also learned numerous fascinating facts about elephants. The guides were top notch, as well as the facilities and other staff. The drinks, snacks, and showers provided are all additional great touches.
Jay Joshi — Google review
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary: A once-in-a-lifetime experience for the whole family
My family of 8, including 3 children aged 2.5, 8, and 10, recently visited the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary and had an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the friendly and knowledgeable staff who made us feel welcome and at ease.
Our day began with a briefing on the sanctuary's mission to provide a safe and ethical home for rescued elephants. We then had the opportunity to meet the elephants up close and learn about their individual personalities and stories. My children were particularly excited to feed and bathe the elephant.
One of the highlights of our visit was the informative talk given by one of the sanctuary's veterinarians. We learned about the many threats facing elephants in the wild, including poaching and habitat loss. We were also impressed by the sanctuary's commitment to providing the elephants with the best possible care, including regular medical checkups and a nutritious diet.
In addition to the educational and interactive activities, we also had the chance to simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the sanctuary.
To conclude :
The sanctuary is located in a beautiful, natural setting.
The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about elephant conservation.
The activities are designed to be educational and interactive for all ages.
The sanctuary is committed to providing the elephants with the best possible care.
Your visit will help support the sanctuary's important work.
Lexa Znif — Google review
My girlfriend and I loved this place. The elephants had lots of space to roam around and were well treated. Our guide spoke very good English and was very knowledgeable about the elephants there aswell as wild Thai elephants. Would definitely recommend!
James Norton — Google review
Our family had such a great experience here! Everything was so well done and we felt like we had plenty of time with the elephants. This might have been our favorite experience from our entire trip to Thailand!
Alanna Tenney — Google review
Highlight of our trip. Our guide Tom was kind, educational, and obviously loves the animals. We got to feed, bath, and hug both adult and baby elephants. Lots of laughter as the baby sprayed all of us as we bathed them in the creek. I highly recommend this experience. It was well organized. They had uniforms, water and snacks, showers and towels, all provided.
Stacy Higgins — Google review
BEST experience ever. The elephants were so well looked after and so gentle! My family and I had a great time learning more about them as animals, feeding and bathing them. The staff are great too, they take amazing photos for you and explain everything very well. Definitely a must visit if you're in Chiang Mai.
Janice Tan — Google review
It has been an exciting experience that will be keept in our minds for our Thailand Trip. This sanctuary is very respectful with the animals and from my point of view, the explanations from the guide make sense with how and what they do. The only thing we didn't do it was the elephant shower but we were taking pictures of other people we met there and it was also funny. Be kind and respectful with the nature and keep saving those animals. This is a bussiness for sure but the goal are the elephants not the money. Hope this is always clear in the mission of the sanctuary.
Sergio Alcala — Google review
Amazing tour! We fed the elephants and bathed them. All the time the guides were there to answer question and take photos.
Highly recommended!
אביב זלדיס — Google review
Outstanding experience! All you need to bring are a pair of sandals, power bank and good mood! They have pick-up from hotel (around 1.5h from the ancient gate), fresh fruit tea breaks, clean towels and showers at the site. Feeding the elephants with bananas can be very close and muddy, there's just so much fun! Very good for family trip. And their photo graph is really great and worthy to buy, we spent 1200THB for all photos of us and they're so much better than our phone hhh.
Chow Roger — Google review
Great fun for families, you get to feed the elephants get up close and wash them as well. We loved it. It was very important for us to see elephants in a sanctuary and this was an amazing experience
Shere Best Barkai — Google review
Staff are extremely knowledgeable and welcoming. The guide we had had a very good level of English. We had the opportunity to get some hands on experience with the elephants which was wonderful.
I would caution anyone against going into the water with the elephants however if they are of a nervous disposition. Fabulous for young & old.
Clothing provided
On site bathrooms & showers
Gift shop
Izzy Cotter — Google review
The elephants at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary were previously working elephants in circuses and the logging industry. These are domesticated elephants that will never be able to be rehabilitated into the wild. They are absolutely beautiful and deserve their happily ever after. It was so amazing to get up and close with them!
Pamela Christie — Google review
4.7
(918)
•
5.0
(805)
74/1 ม.9, ต.ขี้เหล็ก Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150, Thailand
Mae Sa Elephant Camp is a conservation-focused attraction located in the hills north of Chiang Mai. Visitors can view elephant shows, baths, and rides.
An elephant camp justnoutside of chiangmai.
Almost 60 elephants are kept here with great care from their mahout.
A good place to get close and experience extraordinary activity with elephant: feeding, bathing.
Wichayan Chobchai — Google review
This is the best elephant place I've been too. I love it that it's free admission, you don't have to spend a fortune to visit the elephants but you can donate. The free admission motivated me to spend more on food and feed every single elephant in the camp. Bought a few baskets and spent long time with the elephants. Loved every single one of them.
Kristina Chausheva — Google review
This is my second time visiting elephant sanctuary. Unfortunately they have suspended activities since COVID-19 due to low tourist attendance. So for now you can come visit and help feeding 6 daily rotating elephants. If you are looking for any type of shows, this is not a place for you. This is more to the purest purpose of rehabilitation of elephants. They do sell hand crafted items and freshly made coffee. Please consider this as an educational visit rather than looking for a circus ring. These people are genuinely care about the well being of elephants and they need more support. The entrance fee includes the feeding basket too.
Wind Napol — Google review
It's a nice little place you can go to feed some elephants. They have two other activities to choose from. At this time entry was free and no crowds.
Peter Sagi — Google review
In Maesa Elephant Camp, a few huge elephants were roaming around with their respective trainer and the elephants seem to be well-trained. The welcoming site includes elephants happily bathing in the river and the cheeky ones would splash water from their trunks at tourists!
The elephant show at Maesa Elephant Camp was really entertaining. It was certainly very impressive to witness the skills and patience mastered by these elephants. The elephants can perform and paint so well! The paintings of the well-trained elephants were on sale at the end of the performance so that visitors who are interested in the paintings can purchase them.
At Maesa Elephant Camp, visitors can experience riding on the elephant at an additional cost through the tropical jungle of Chiang Mai’s Maesa Valley. I skipped the ride partly due to the very long queue and it was mainly sad to witness the poor elephants working all day long under such hot and humid weather. However, my experience with Maesa Elephant Camp has left me with mixed feelings.
Ting Ting — Google review
No more elephant ride and show. So great. Ask for Mr T for your guide. He is te best. We prepare food, giving away, give elephant a bath and got a kiss
Sue My — Google review
❤ Entrance ticket 300 B/person. and banana fruit basket 100 B/basket. You are free to buy more bananas to give to the elephant
There are 4 elephants in the cage for everyone to feed and pet.
Elephants are very whiny and cry loudly when guests come, they are very smart and cute.
Please try to feed the elephants evenly, don't just focus on the adorable elephant in the first place.
The campus is wide but you cannot go deep if you only buy ticket 300B.
There is also a ticket for 800B that includes: making food for the elephants, and bathing them (seem like that).
What we like most is the spacious, airy campus with many natural rivers and streams
But different fun shows to experience more with the elephants, we will try to find out more in the future and will leave a review 🙏🙏
Demi's therapy Since 2008 — Google review
Such a great experience!! 100thb per person and get a bucket of banana to feed them. There are so many elephants and they’re friendly and not too scary.
prprouds — Google review
Wow, what an incredible experience it was at the Maesa elephant camp in Chiang Mai!
We drove around 30kms from Chiang Mai to reach the camp. The place is quite offbeat and surrounded by nature and greenary.
When we got our tickets, we met our guide who was super cool. The camp is beautiful from inside, it’s super green, well-maintained and has a waterfall as well.
Our guide then gave us clean uniforms with everything we needed—clothes, caps, and sandals. The changing room and bathroom were really clean, and they even gave us lockers to put our belongings in them.
We got to do so many things there— from making elephant’s meals to preparing their medicines, feeding them, taking selfies, and giving them baths. Our guide knew so much about the elephants; he introduced us to some really old ones, like 70 years old!
Plus, he helped us get some amazing pictures.
We had an amazing hour long session inside and later we took a bath and they took our uniforms and shoes away to be cleaned.
If you're in Chiang Mai, check out this camp for a fun day with friendly elephants!
And YES! There’s No riding allowed.
Manali Dev — Google review
Free enterance for seeing inside of elephant camp. Good for visiting for refreshment and feeding elephant together.
??? — Google review
Great elephant encounter without having to join a tour for hours. This place is close to Chiang Mai. We drove there and paid 300 baht each as foreigners to enter the park, and it includes a basket of food for the elephants. A nice hour or so to spend time there.
Simon Q — Google review
Superb place for meeting Elephent
🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘
loving the feel of the place.
The elephants are all well taken care of.
I used to come here with my family before covid time. It was super happening. Sadly due to the covid, the place don’t have any show right now. However, do call them to check before you come if you want to see the show. Nevertheless, the place still brought me so much joy. The elephants are so friendly. It’s great to be able to spend my time here. 🥰🐘
Do come to visit our old friend here at pang Chang mea sa :) you won’t be disappointed :))) driving here is easy and the view along the way is great :)))
Enjoy! This is the time to explore the world :))))
naphak phiphatweerawat — Google review
Must visit place for you like elephant and with children.
This location is only 35 minutes from CM town.
Plenty of parking .
At the counter, choose what I wna to do .
1. Feeding elephant ( cheapest)
2. Learn how to make Make elephant foods .
3. Bathing with elephant.
I got cheapest ticket that includes a basket of bananas/ corns.
It was very pleasure to fed elephants.. can go to very clos DU o elephants and feed them bananas and corn.
There is extra food available to purchased.
One basket is only 10 baht.
I ate a banana that supposed to feed elephant, it was so sweet and tasty.
Highly recommend this place .
michelle Lee — Google review
Must visit!!! They had hard time during pandemic but they do well maintain place. More than 60 elephants here. Good for family and kids. Elephant show is temporary not available during period since pandemic was too long and elephant has not be trained during period. They are training them and hopefully show will be back soon.
Fai Chanthicha — Google review
Nice place to visit on the road to Mon Jaem. You will enjoy feeding the elephants and taking photo with them. The entry fee is for foods to feed the elephants and you still can buy more inside the place. Good for family activities.
Ittipon Cheowanish — Google review
Beautiful location. Friendly staff. There where a couple elephants you can feed. The rest of the elephants where not there and walking free. We slept in the mountains near the camp. The camp closes early and you can see them after closing hours walking free from the road side. You get one free basket per ticket you bought. After this a feeding basket costs 100 bath. My children loved it.
nana yace — Google review
Great place to bring the kids & the family. 300B/ adult to feed the elephants. It’s a beautiful place to spend a couple hours feeding the different elephants.
Joshua — Google review
Not the best experience and resent the fact that tourist pay more to enter. This is not an immersive experience location, just a few elephants behind barriers that you get to feed a basket of fruit.
The elephants did not seem to have enough space to walk around. You are better off paying more and going to a site where you can walk and play with the elephants.
B B — Google review
Nice elephant camp. Good for little kids if they are not scared of elephants. We paid 300B per person ( adults and kids same price, 2 years below is free). Only cash accepted no credit card. Given a full of basket of bananas each. when i was reading the review we thought it was free. Anyhow apparently you can upgrade your entrance ticket to 800 B per person to interact more with the elephant ( activities and bathing them). Beautiful well kept place anyhow. only 4 elephants that we could feed , the rest are in other places . the activity took almost an our and great for little kids with short term span.
Irina Ishak — Google review
Allowed us to walk in for a great price, elephant fruit basket included. 4 elephants available for feeding, apparently there are 90 more in the back that we do not have access to. Very beautiful spot and workers seem to have personal connections to each elephant.
Mike5000 — Google review
4.2
(3231)
•
4.0
(1712)
101, Mae Raem, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
Wat Tham Pha Plong is a Buddhist temple situated on a hilltop in the jungle. The temple can be reached via a staircase adorned with Buddha proverbs and scriptures written in English. Despite its peaceful and secluded atmosphere, the temple is currently closed due to Covid-19 regulations, but visitors interested in staying overnight must obtain permission ahead of time. This tranquil place offers an opportunity for meditation amid lush forests and diverse birdlife.
A very peaceful place to come and pray. Here is a complete forest with many kinds of birds.
Pedsi Siriraj — Google review
The temple is currently under reconstruction, but the beautiful walk through the serene garden leading up to it is well worth it. There are about 500 steps but the climb is not difficult and they go down in some parts too. Stopping along the way, you can relax observing the stream and the many interesting flowers and figures that embellish this meditative minihike.
Follow on ig for more travel 📸: xavaronius
Xavier Francuski — Google review
After a moderate strenuous walk you reach the end of the stairs. Along the walk are numerous Bhudist scriptures readable in English as well making this a walk well spent.
Unfortunately the pagoda is currently closed. So i must return another time!
Jaap Abrahamse — Google review
Really great temple where you can meditate after a short hike up (500 steps). Surrounded by lush forest, mountains and beautiful fog. The path up is lined with wisdom about dhamma and meditation and the entire place is kept very clean. Visitors are encouraged to help bring food and supplies up to the kitchen
Cy Liu — Google review
A secluded, peaceful and tranquil place for meditation. Temple stay is welcomed but you need to contact and get permission ahead of your arrival due to Covid-19 measure.
J. Khot — Google review
00 staircases. The temple is really nice. I recommend it because it is a quiet and good place to calm your mind.
Kevin — Google review
Beautiful temple that brings you to a wall through a path of stairs in the jungle to reach the temple itself.
The walk is relaxing and make you feel the instincts of meditation: peace, silence and breathing.
Totally recommended and please do not talk during the wall, just awareness.
Enrique — Google review
Peaceful. Serene. One with nature. Founded by a monk who wandered wilderness contemplating life & buddhas teachings for decades & came upon this his final place.
Ashton Lee — Google review
Of all the temples and monasteries I visited, this one is my 1A favorite. Home to Luang Pu Sim Phuttajaro, Rest in Aloha, his spirit and teachings are evident throughout the place. Located at the foot of a mountain, nestled within a well maintained tropical rainforest, it is the most peaceful temple I visited. I went there nearly every morning to do meditation then watch the sunrise. The energy there is powerful, fresh, and clean. The silence during that time of day just helps you to be with yourself and clear whatever inside may be coming up. There weren't very many visitors early in the day, so if you want an experience like I had, come early. But come... compared to many other temples which regrettably feel like tourist traps, this one retains a sacred aura and vibe.
Remember to dress appropriately and to take off your shoes when asked. I've encountered quite a few birders there as well as some hikers as there are nearby trails. On the weekend there is a small food stall there selling drinks and vegetarian fried rice. There are 500 steps to get to the cave, so be mentally and physically ready to do that. Enjoy 🙏🏽🤙🏽
Jerome Bautista — Google review
Amazing place for a leisurely walk. You will need to climb about 500 stairs to reach the cave temple. On the way up, you can read Buddhist wisdom on the tablets. Unfortunately, now chedi on the top is under reconstruction, but that doesn't make the trip any less interesting.
Oleh Lytvynenko — Google review
One of the best monasteries I’ve ever been too! Everyone was so welcoming and I even got to offer some food to the monks and was then invited to eat with the cooks. A memorable experience and one of the many reasons I absolute love Thailand and adore the people here 🙏🏻☺️✌🏻
Thomas Allen — Google review
A must visit. A nice walk up the steps with Buddhist quotes along the way. There are butterflies everywhere and the constant sound of wind chimes is soothing.
At the top you will be rewarded with a short history of a well respected monk (in English) and gorgeous views.
Ladies have to dress appropriately. There is no entrance fee.
Pamela — Google review
4.7
(686)
•
4.5
(166)
139 หมู่ 5, Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai 50170, Thailand
Thai Elephant Home is a tourist attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to meet, ride and swim with rescued elephants. In addition, they have a breeding program and provide treks for guests. The sanctuary is run by a Thai family and is located in a secluded area surrounded by lush tropical forests and rice paddies. This place provides an escape from chaotic society and allows visitors to experience simple environmental living. It's an incredible experience for animal lovers who enjoy nature and don't mind getting their hands dirty.
We had a great time with wonderful elephants!!
Elephants and trainers are amazing professional.
They took us from our hotel to elephant place all the way.
So kind…
Thank you so much:)
I hope come back again !
Maru San — Google review
I spent a month here enjoying the elephants and the Thai family that run this Beautiful Elephant sanctuary. Definitely a experience of a lifetime, if you love Animals, nature, simple environmental living and don’t mind getting your hands dirty. A welcome respite from chaotic society; to really living off the land located In a secluded rice paddy’s surrounded by lush tropical forest. Looking forward to my next trip to the Thai Elephant Home…. Thank you For all you do for these wonderful elephants and the environment, the world needs more people like you!
Lisa Meyers — Google review
Ethical, convenient and honestly incredible. Easy booking via WhatsApp, collection from hotel, half day experience for around 2500 Baht. Great people who live with and care for the animals, no chains or beating or anything like that. Amazing experience
S — Google review
THIS IS ANIMAL ABUSE
If you love these beautiful creatures and you want to see them close by, consider going to a sanctuary instead: one with no bathing, riding or feeding! For example nearby Elephant Nature Park
Kirsten — Google review
It's not a sanctuary if you can touch and ride an elephant!!! They're telling you that they rescue elephants to provide a safe environment. Well they're making a tourist attraction out of wild animals, to make money. Inform yourself and don't go there.
Thomas Schmidt — Google review
It was a great experience to ride and play with an elephant!! The contact with the elephants and the nature is an experience of a lifetime! The elephants were well treated and the staff was kind! It’s hypocritical to say that the riding of an elephant is an animal abuse!
Martha Margariti — Google review
Looks like a more humane elephant farm. We got to meet and "bond" then each elephant gets only one person to ride a dog play in the river. Afterwards we saw other elephant farms that had herds of elephants, each with a saddle and carrying 3 people. So terrible experience at the elephant house was more personal and seemed more humane. We really enjoyed it!
Amir Hermelin — Google review
While other travelers went to cheaper elephant visits and received a cheaper experience, I had a very authentic and memorable time with some baby and full grown elephants. I think the elephants here are treated as good as any elephants in this human populated world could be. With beautiful grounds and a nice home cooked meal I highly recommend this place.
Alexander Gilbert — Google review
An amazing experience with Elephants that are clearly loved and cared for. The whole day was wonderfully planned, with informative guides and so much time to play with, feed and ride the elephants (I know this is a subject of debate but if you ride horses, or have domesticated house pets, then you should understand that unnatural does not mean painful, or negative for these magnificent animals)
Plus the lunch at the end was absolutely delicious and even nice hot showers to clean up before departure
Chris Moore — Google review
Geniunly one of the best experiences of my life and you can tell the elephants are happy! After searching long and hard for hours for a properly ethical elephant sanctuary I finally was recommended this one by my friend, and im so glad I listened to her. The people are some of the nicest, funniest people you will ever meet and even the drive there was made fun by chit who we did kareoke with! Once we arrived the whole experience was well thought out, good fun, mesmerising and above all ethical! The elephants were clearly healthy and cared for and were allowed to free roam the area. The waterfall and the lunch they give you are other highlights bur if u wanr a sanctuary that truly puts elephants first, come here without hesitation.
Joe Brown — Google review
4.5
(192)
•
5.0
(883)
102 moo 2, Kuedchang, Mae Taeng, Mae Taeng District, 50150, Thailand
Well I don't know where to start... I left this place with mixed feelings. On the one hand side it was a really hearttaking and happy feeling that you take care about such fantastic creatures. On the other hand side I felt really bad about how we treat our planet or our animals. Abusing and killing them for stupid reasons.. and then we need such nice and heartwarming places like the Elephant Sanctuary to cure and recover what we first destoyed.
I really hope you find a nice way to keep that place like it is without commercialising it to much! Thank you Adam and all the other people working on that place.
Adam as I told you I would like to help with a monthly donation. Even if it is not kinda a million I can afford I would be happy to help. It would be nice to hear from you for any details how I can help. It is important for me that the money goes directly into it.
Thank you for such an amazing feeling and a nice time with those elephants. I hope you make them all happy again!
Dennis
Dennis Bergner — Google review
I can not really compare, but I think the elephants are treated well and have a nice surrounding. I hope it’s really a place to rescue the animals, not only for the tourists. But the experience and the tour was great. We did a one day tour and went to both of their places. In the morning, at the first place we were maybe to many people but still okay. Second place was very calm, we were only four people and there were 3 big elephants plus the baby. Probably different every day.
Both places we got some clothes, were told how to act and fed them, had some time to get to know them and just play with them. Very special to be so close to those big and lovely animals. It was also nice to get some pictures via Facebook afterwards.
Laura Seybold — Google review
An amazing experience! We spent 2 days and one night and i highly recommend it. We befriended the staff (they are great and kind and just good vibes!) and enjoyed some amazing stories next to the bonfire about the Karen tribe and their beautiful relationship with the elephants. How they became Mahouts and their unconditional love for these animals (no abuse or violence is used)! One of the most beautiful experiences of my life!
Andrea Company — Google review
This was a phenomenal experience. We spent a full day with this organization that has created a sanctuary for abused elephants. They actually have 2 camps and we visited both. We fed the elephants, played with them in the water and made a mixture of vitamins for them to take. These gentle giants are now being well kept after years of being harmed. I highly recommend a visit. This is a small group experience, with about 20 at the first camp in the morning and only 4 of us at the 2nd camp - which was great! Do yourself a favor and do not leave the Chiang Mai area without a visit to the Maeklang Elephants Conservation Community.
Ellen Hurwitch — Google review
I've been traveling just over a week in Thailand and this definitely has been the highlight of my trip so far. Being able to be so close to the elephants was simply amazing! The elephants are not chained, no hooks or whips or anything harmful is used. Instead they are able to able to roam freely and are provided shade. You can tell they are indeed loved, appreciated and cared for.
I was picked up from my hotel just a bit after 7:30 in an air conditioned minivan. We drove for about 1 1/2 hours to the most gorgeous location ever!! After a brief introduction to the plight of elephants, we were loaned hilltribe clothes (shorts, shirt, and flip flops) to change into- very comfy- and a bag to hold bananas with a separate zippered pocket for our camera. There was a changing area, shower area, many toilets (western style!) and lockers for our valuables.
We loaded up our bags with bananas and off we went to feed the elephants. It was a bit intimidated to be surrounded by these large animals, but they were indeed friendly and eager to be fed... Plus many staff was there to guide us and encourage safety. Mr.T, our wonderful guide, also took many photos to be posted on Facebook.
After banana feeding, we went to give the elephants a mud bath followed by a rinse in the river. It was great fun and the baby elephant was especially having a good time, rolling and splashing in the mud and water. I was worried because I didn't have a swimsuit, but luckily we were able to just wear out hilltribe clothes.
We changed into normal clothes after and I was surprised that a delicious meal was included for us as well. What a bonus!
Overall it was an absolutely fantastic experience by an operation that does NOT exploit the elephant in any way.
Kathy F — Google review
We had an incredible day today, getting to spend so much time with the 6 elephants, we learnt lots about them and their pasts and then fed them lots of food, took a mud bath together and washed them all off afterwards. The staff are so fun and friendly and it's amazing to see how much they care and interact with the elephants. Easily one of the best days of my life, thank you.
Harley James Berry — Google review
We did 2 days 1 night. We had a great time, we fed the elephants a couple of times, prepared the food for them and bathed them. Our trip apparently didn't include seeing their 7 months old elephant, but we just mentioned it and then they took us there too :P
Great trip, they might not have the best English, but they are kind and helpful!
Jakob Yde-Madsen — Google review
After many hours of research was dedicated to finding the right sanctuary with ethical treatment of elephants, my partner and I were overjoyed with Maeklang Elephant Conservation. Many facilities call themselves "conservation centers" or "sanctuaries" and promote "no ride" elephant experiences, however bull hooks, bamboo sticks and chains are still used to control and abuse these incredible creatures. Meakhan Elephant Conservation was NOT like this and exactly what we were looking for! An hour and a half drive outside of Chiang Mai, this properly has 6 rescued elephants, including a 7 month old. The elephants seemed very happy and comfortable in their new safe environment! The carers were kind, concienscious of both elephant and tourist safety, and genuinely enjoyed their jobs. There were NO CHAINS and NO BULLHOOKS!!! The elephants were free to do as they pleased.
These gentle giants enjoyed taking bananas and watermelons from our snack pouches. They were very comfortable with us stroking them and taking photos, but if they wanted to leave, that was okay too. Afterwards, a few were happy to join in a mud bath. And when the elephants decided the bath was enough, they were free to do so.
For an up close elephant experience that is ethical and with the elephants safety and care as the top priority, Maeklang is the place to go!!! Let me save you the time endlessly researching- seriously!
Andrea Croc — Google review
4.6
(39)
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5.0
(313)
Thailand, Chiang Mai, Mae Wang District, Mae Win, chiangmai, 邮政编码: 50360