(Chiang Mai - Lampang Superhighway, 09:00 - 16:00 except Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays. Tel: 221308. No entry fee).Ever since King Mangrai founded the city, the market has been of fundamental importance. Today the commercial heart lies where it has always been - between the old city and the river.
Away from the traditional center, the National Museum and the zoo are some of the places of interest in the larger city area.
(Chiang Mai - Lampang Superhighway, 09:00 - 16:00 except Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays. Tel: 221308. No entry fee).
Located in a modern Thai style building, the museum has reorganized and modernized its exhibits. The first floor is devoted to history, while the second floor has displays of secular (trade, health, etc.) and religious artifacts arranged by theme and by historical period. A pottery kiln from San Kamphaeng has been reconstructed in the grounds outside the main building.
(km. 3 Huay Kaew Road).
The most prestigious educational institution in northern Thailand, the University was the first to be opened outside Bangkok in 1964. Competition to get a place is fierce, and there are over 14,000 students served by 5000 staff. The university includes the Maharaj Nakhorn Chiang Mai Hospital [popularly known as Suan Dok (Flower Park) Hospital]. A map in English and Thai near the front entrance on Huay Kaew Road shows where things are.
The Tribal Research Institute library contains much information on the hill tribes, and the main library is also open to the public. The Center for the Promotion of Arts and Culture (on the south side of the canal road opposite Phayom market. Tel: 211552, 943621-7 Fax. 222680) periodically stages very interesting events associated with Lanna culture. Call for information on upcoming events or study the pages of the free magazines.
(km. 4 Huay Kaew Road. Open Daily 08:00 - 18:00; 30 Baht for adults, 5 Baht for children, 30 Baht for a car and 10 Baht for motorcycle parking, entry for motorcycles not permitted; Tel. 221179, 226194, 222479)
The zoo occupies a large area at the foot of Doi Suthep and is the best zoo in Thailand. Some of the species, such as gibbon and deer, are particularly well exhibited.
The Nakhorn Ping (walk-in) bird enclosure occupies an entire gully. At weekends around 1.30 PM near the elephant corral, selected animals are brought out of their cages to give the public a chance to get much closer than is usually possible.
The zoo is large and allows cars (but not motorcycles or bicycles) inside, which is useful if you have young children.
Snack bars in several places sell snacks, soft drinks and water. Outside the zoo on the opposite side of the road, the Thai-German Dairy serves home-made ice cream and locally-made cheese.
See also: [Lanna Artisans] [Boat Cruise on the Ping River]