One of the historically most significant parts of the kingdom, Chiang Mai is home to numerous temples and ancient sites; Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Sing and Wat Chedi Luang among the more important. The area is also home to a living cultural tradition of tribal peoples (such as the Akha, Lahu and Lisu) whose traditional ways of life transcend the advent of modernity. Museums like the Hill Tribe Research Institute Museum and National Museum help protect this tradition while helping safeguard the area’s ancient history. Chiang Mai is also home to the traditional song and dance shown through the area’s splendid Khantoke Dinners. And the province maintains a number of areas (such as the Borsarng Umbrella and Sankampaeng Handicraft Villages) where traditional trades survive and flourish. Chiang Mai is a big province with a lot to offer. If you in Chiang Mai for any length of time you should try to visit some of its historical and cultural sites.
