Monkey Temples of Lopburi

For an experience slightly off the beaten tourist trail, spend a morning exploring the temples of Lopburi. The town is located 150 kilometers northeast of Bangkok and is known for its many ancient ruins, most of which are have not been restored. Unlike the historical parks of Ayutthaya and Sukothai, the ruins of Lopburi are more spread out and will require more effort to see them all. The temples draw visitors, however Lopburi’s resident monkeys are the main reason people stop here. The town is literally overrun with hundreds of feisty, rambunctious crab-eating macaques. Most of them are concentrated around the two main temples – Phra Prang Sam Yot and Phra Kaan Shrine (across the street from one another).

The macaques are everywhere! Dangling from the light poles, crossing the street, scaling the temple walls, and constantly on the lookout for scraps of food. The monkeys are fed regularly at Phra Kaan, which is where many like to hang around. Across the street at Phra Prang Sam Yot, the monkeys have more space to play and bully tourists out of their snacks. You can’t leave anything on the ground that you wouldn’t want a monkey to grab. Locals will try to sell you juice and food to feed to the monkeys, but I would not recommend this. If you’ve got food, pandemonium will ensue, and these monkeys are not scared to jump on people’s shoulders or snatch food right out of your hand. The best thing to do is come an admire the monkeys… from a distance.

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Chiang Rai White Temple

Wat Rong Khun, or the “White Temple,” is a visually striking, ornate Buddhist temple located a 20-minute drive south of Chiang Rai. Conceptualized and built by Thai artist, Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, the White Temple has become a highlight on many Thailand itineraries. The White Temple’s design does not match the traditional styles of other Buddhist temples throughout Thailand, and that was the artist’s intention. Chalermchai has created a surreal representation of what he sees are obstacles to the path of enlightenment.

He chose white instead of the typical gold to symbolize the Buddha’s pure nature. His use of mirror fragments in the mosaics represent wisdom. From beginning to end, the White Temple is both a thought provoking art piece and impressive place of worship. Around the temple you will find coffee shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants. Admission to the temple is 30 THB.

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Tiger Kingdom

Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai provides the rare opportunity to come eye-to-eye with some of nature’s most impressive predators, tigers! Tiger Kingdom is a short half-hour drive from Chiang Mai’s city center to the town of Mae Rim. The center allows guests to interact with tigers of all ages and sizes (from three months to adults). All the tigers that live here were born in captivity. They are fed twice daily and spend the day playing with their keepers and amongst themselves

Since they are hand-raised, the tigers do not pose a threat to visitors. To dispel a few myths about Tiger Kingdom: these tigers are NOT drugged, no tranquilizers or sedatives. They are bright-eyed, active, healthy, and could inflict a fare amount of damage to anyone if they so desired. With that said, guests are escorted through the park at all times. A day spent with the tigers in Tiger Kingdom is something you won’t forget. Fifteen minutes at each tiger enclosure will run you about $60 USD.

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Elephant Nature Park

When in Chiang Mai, a day at the Elephant Nature Park is an exciting and unforgettable eco-tour for animal lovers. Elephant Nature Park is a rescue and rehabilitation center for abused, elderly, and injured Asian Elephants. What began as a personal quest for Sangduen “Lek” Chailert in 1992 has blossomed into one the world’s most respected elephant sanctuaries. Lek and her team of caretakers, vets, groundskeepers, and volunteers are devoted to ensuring that each rescue elephant lives out the rest of its life in peace and health at the Elephant Nature Park. The herd, currently made up of 30 members, is free to wander the park, bathe and feed at their leisure, as well as interact with park guests.

Visitors will learn about the plight of the Asian Elephant in street begging and logging industry, have the opportunity to observe their natural behavior, feed them, and bathe them in the river. All proceeds from admission go towards feeding the elephants (each one consumes nearly 100 pounds of fresh produce each day!) and general upkeep of the park. This is a fantastic day trip to take with the family or a group of friends. After listening to their stories and witnessing their individual personalities, visitors will come away with a newfound respect for the species, and beautiful memories and photographs.

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Chiang Mai Sunday Night Walking Street

Chiang Mai is known as the “Rose of the North.” Expats from all over the world are seduced by Chiang Mai’s laid back culture, beautiful Buddhist temples, plentiful restaurants, and spirited nightlife. Even if you don’t plan on moving here, you should definitely check out Chiang Mai’s bustling shopping culture. 

Every evening, the city hosts its night bazaar – a favorite among bargain shoppers. You can browse the clothing, street food stalls, DVDs, jewelry, Thai silk, accessories, and shoes along Chang Khlan Road, east of the old side of the walled city. The scene is pretty much the same every night, with locals and tourists turning up for some delicious street food and people watching. But the best night of shopping in Chiang Mai is the Sunday Night Market, or “Walking Street.”

This market is the largest one of the week, and stretches one kilometer down Ratchadamnoen Road. Unlike the regular nightly bazaar, the Sunday market has more arts and crafts for sale. 

Thais from neighboring villages come to sell their handmade items. Lanterns, wooden boxes, masks, paintings, and string lights are just some of the things you will see. The Sunday Market also brings local musicians and street performers. Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Walking Street last from 4 p.m. to midnight. Remember to bring cash and don’t be afraid to negotiate with the vendors.

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