Royal Princess Chiang Mai is located in the heart of the city close to the Night Bazaar. Very convenient to reach from airport and bus station just 7km or around 15 minutes. About 5km or 10 minutes away from the train station.
Chiang Mai Overview
Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of northern Thailand. Historic temples, distinctive festivals and ancient hill tribes are all easily accessible from Royal Princess Chiang Mai, a distinctive hotel that provides a superb introduction to a unique location.
The most popular attractions in Chiang Mai belong to the natural world: Doi Inthanon, Thailand's tallest mountain, the Mae Klang, Wachirathan and Siriphum waterfalls, and the Doi Pui National Park. Each is not far from the Royal Princess, Chiang Mai.
The hotel is also close to several temples, some of which date back to the 1300s. These include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (in Doi Pui National Park), Wat Ku Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang. To experience more of the city's history from the Royal Princess, Chiang Mai, hotel guests can visit the nearby Old City, including the Tapae Gate, originally constructed as part of the city's defences.
The Royal Princess Chiang Mai is also in a prime position for a day, or night, of shopping. Chiang Mai's major department stores offer a VAT refund of tourists during the day, while bargains of a different kind can be purchased at the traditional Chiang Mai Night Bazaar after darkness falls. A short drive from the Royal Princess will also take you to Bo Sang, home of the famous hand-painted Bo Sang umbrellas, and the market at San Kamphaeng, where visitors can buy traditional handicrafts and Thai silk.
Chiang Mai Attractions Close to the Hotel
- Night Bazaar
- Doi Intanon National Park
- Chiang Mai Old City
- Wat Chedi Luang
- Bo Sang / San Kamphaeng
- Wat Ku Tao
- Chiang Mai Cultural Center
- Butterfly and Orchid Farms
- Elephant Show
Historical Places of Interest
- Wat Ku Tao
This temple was formerly called Wat Veru Vanaram, so named because of its uniquely shaped pagoda, which looks like five watermelons piled on top of one another. - Wat Chedi Chet Yot
Wat Chedi Chet Yot is remarkable for an Indian-style stupa, supported by beautiful sculptures at the base, representing the prosperous Lanna Thai art. Wat Chedi Chet Yot, also called Wat Photaram Viharn, is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. King Tilokarat had this temple built when he hosted the Eighth World Buddhist Council, which was convened to purify the scriptures. Unfortunately, the results of the conference were lost. - Chiang Mai National Museum
The Chiang Mai National Museum was established by the Fine Arts Department as an education and conservation centre for the art and culture of Chiang Mai and the northern region. The museum building was built in modern Lanna Thai architecture, showcasing the priceless collection of Lanna heritage. - Wat Chedi Luang
Among the several ancient temples in the city of Chiang Mai, Wat Chedi Luang is distinguished with the largest chedi in the province and the most beautiful man-made nagas in the north. Wat Chedi Luang was built in the reign of King Saen Muang Mak, the seventh king of the Mengrai dynasty. - Wat Suan Dok
Dating back to the 14th century, Wat Suan Dok is closely connected to the Lanna Thai monarchy. This beautiful temple houses the ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family, a relic of holy Buddha and much-revered Buddha images. - Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park
The famous Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park is a must for all visitors to Chiang Mai. Covering an area of 262 square kilometres, the magnificent national park offers not only fascinating natural scenery, but also religious attractions and historical and cultural sites. Nature lovers and adventure seekers will enjoy the sightseeing opportunities provided by the verdant forests, mountain ranges and beautiful waterfalls. The national park is home to various species of flora and fauna, ideal for such eco-tourism activities as trekking, rafting, mountain biking and elephant riding. - Op Luang National Park
Op Laung National Park offers spectacular scenery and is notable for the wild river that flows through a narrow gorge. A sunset scene at Op Luang Gorge will stun you with its striking beauty. Op Luang National Park covers an area of 553 square kilometres and is teeming with many species of plants and animals. It is worth visiting at any time of the year. - Wat Chiang Man
Wat Chiang Man is Chiang Mai's oldest temple, featuring traditional Lanna Thai architecture. The temple was the former residence of King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai, and houses the much-respected holy Buddha images Phra Kaeo Khao and Phra Sila Khao. Wat Chiang Man probably dates from 1296. When the construction of the new city of Chiang Mai finished, the King donated the palace for use as a monastery. - Wat Phra Sing
The historic Wat Phra Sing's temple compound is an exquisite example of northern Thai architecture. The temple is a focal point during the Songkran festival, when people process the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image that is enshrined there across the town for traditional bathing. The splendid scripture library provides visitors with an exquisite example of Lanna art, consisting of a wooden building on a tall base and a magnificent bas-relief.
Cultural Attractions
- Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
Chiang Mai Cultural Centre provides a rare opportunity to enjoy both a northern-style Khan Tok dinner and spectacular cultural shows. Chiang Mai Cultural Centre is the source of Lanna art and culture. Beautifully adorned with crafted wood, the marvelous northern-style Thai teak wood houses display a gorgeous collection of Lanna Thai art. Tourists can also visit the hill-tribe villages in the neighbourhood. Souvenir shops are available within the area. - Trekking Tour
The shady forests and high hills of Chiang Mai provide an exquisite setting for nature treks. Visitors can explore the beautiful countryside and experience the exotic hill-tribe culture in the northern highlands. Popular treks usually take tourists through forested mountains, high valleys and meadows and include visits to remote hill-tribe villages. There are six major hill-tribes who inhabit the northern highlands: Karen, Meo, Lahu, Yao, Akha and Lisu. Each tribe has distinctive ceremonial attire, rituals, language and culture. - Bo Sang / San Kamphaeng
Bo Sang and San Kamphaeng villages are renowned for handicrafts. The area is well known as a major source of silk and cotton weaving, as well as umbrella making. The Bo Sang / San Kamphaeng area is home to many handicraft factories and souvenir shops, selling a wide range of products. Thai silk, cotton, earthenware, lacquerware, silverware, ceramics, leather products, umbrellas, woodwork, jewellery and antiques can all be found along this road. - Handicraft Villages
Aside from Bo Sang and San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai also features different craft villages, each famous for a particular product, which are well worth a visit. These villages have been creating various types of crafts for decades and are promoted by the Industry Promotion Centre. - Traditional Cotton Weaving Village
The Traditional Cotton Weaving Village is notable for its distinctive cotton designs. The beautiful fabric produced by the villagers is a popular souvenir for visitors to Chiang Mai. The local people of this district are very skillful in weaving Teen Chok cotton. This traditional fabric is unique in colour and design. Around 150 households produce this distinctive cotton, and each has its own cotton weaving machine, or loom. Visitors can watch the weaving process then shop around for the fabric, which is available at value-for-money prices.
Shopping
- Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
Chiang Mai Cultural Centre provides a rare opportunity to enjoy both a northern-style Khan Tok dinner and spectacular cultural shows. Chiang Mai Cultural Centre is the source of Lanna art and culture. Beautifully adorned with crafted wood, the marvelous northern-style Thai teak wood houses display a gorgeous collection of Lanna Thai art. Tourists can also visit the hill-tribe villages in the neighbourhood. Souvenir shops are available within the area. - Bo Sang - San Kamphaeng
Bo Sang and San Kamphaeng villages are renowned for handicrafts. The area is well known as a major source of silk and cotton weaving, as well as umbrella making. The Bo Sang / San Kamphaeng area is home to many handicraft factories and souvenir shops, selling a wide range of products. Thai silk, cotton, earthenware, lacquerware, silverware, ceramics, leather products, umbrellas, woodwork, jewellery and antiques can all be found along this road. - Night Bazaar
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a lively shopping spot for bargain hunters. Here, different department stores, shops and vendor stalls display all sorts of products, from traditional Thai handicrafts, silverware and antiques, to designer goods and many other products. Starting from a simple, three-storey building, the Night Bazaar is now the largest shopping venue in Chiang Mai. - Handicraft Villages
Aside from Bo Sang and San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai also features different craft villages, each famous for a particular product, which are well worth a visit. These villages have been creating various types of crafts for decades and are promoted by the Industry Promotion Centre.
Sports
There are several golf courses in Chiang Mai, ranging from 9- to 18-hole greens. A sample is given below:
- Chiang Mai Golf and Country Club
There is a pleasing valley setting for this scenic and relaxed 18-hole, par 72 course deep in the countryside. Designed by Denis Grifiths, the golf course has an excellent, pretty terrain. - Lanna Golf Course
Tel: +66 53 221 911
Lovely, well-established 18-hole, par 72 course overlooking the racetrack and with distant views of Chiang Mai's Doi Suthep temple. It is owned and managed by the Royal Thai Army. - Chiang Mai Gymkhana Golf Course
Tel: +66 53 241 035
One of the oldest member clubs in Thailand, which was established in 1898 and is situated on a 101-rai piece of land. It has beautiful, landscaped gardens with plenty of shade from a number of century-old trees. It's the only sports club in town. - Mae Sah Resort Golf Course
Tel: +66 53 248 180
A residential course designed for local and mainly military use. It has pleasant surroundings and is quite close to a couple of Chiang Mai's excellent new championship courses. The greens and caddy fees are cheaper on weekdays than at weekends. In Chiang Mai there are a few driving ranges that charge between Baht 25.00 and Baht 30.00 for a tray of 50 to 60 balls.
