Things to See in Chiang Mai

Overlooking a lake in Suan Ratchamangkhala on the northern outskirts of the city, the octagonal Tribal Museum houses a collection of handicrafts, costumes, jewellery, ornaments, household utensils, agricultural tools, musical instruments and ceremonial paraphernalia.

This extensive market sprawls along several blocks. Roofed concession areas, regular shops and street vendors offer a huge variety of Thai goods at bargain prices. Designer goods - real and fake - are also on offer. The Night Bazaar attracts foreign importers, impressed by the discounts given to bulk purchases.

This temple complex surrounds a large and venerable Lanna-style chedi (monument housing a Buddha) dating from 1441. It's now in partial ruins, damaged either by a 16th-century earthquake or by the cannon fire of King Taksin in 1775 during the recapture of Chiang Mai from the Burmese. The Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok, sat in the eastern niche here in 1475.