Independent hotels in Chang Khlan

Chang Khlan is the name of both a sub-district and busy street on the left bank of the Ping River in the picturesque Thai city of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai's legendary Night Bazaar is undoubtedly the most famous Chang Khlan attraction, but visitors do not need to travel very far from this bustling market to find sanctuary at Wat Chai Mongkol or the Elephant Nature Park. This corner of the city has also recently become the home of the world's largest 3D art museum.

Nearly all Chiang Mai visitors come to Chang Khlan for the Night Bazaar, but far fewer people set foot inside Wat Chai Mongkol. This temple and monastery was first founded over six centuries ago. Today, this riverside temple and its surrounding grounds are two of Chiang Mai's most serene spots.

No other 3D art museum in the world can match the size of the recently opened Art in Paradise. There is no shortage of fascinating exhibits or photo opportunities at this three-floor museum containing about 130 three dimensional paintings in eight zones.

Elephant lovers may not be allowed to ride the magnificent beasts at Elephant Nature Park, but visitors to this sanctuary for rescued animals will be happy to know the elephants and other abandoned creatures are able to roam freely and happily around the grounds. Visitors can even decide to spend the night as volunteers.

Chiang Mai's first McDonalds now stands alongside several other fast food chains on Chang Khlan Road. However, shoppers craving more authentic Thai dining experiences at the Night Bazaar also have no shortage of mobile food vendors or cheap restaurants to choose from. There are also plenty of dining choices at the lesser known Asunarm Market and Kalare Night Bazaar. Some of Chiang Mai's liveliest drinking places, including a German bar, are also found here.

No other Chiang Mai shopping experience can match the size of the market or variety of goods sold at the Night Bazaar, which stretches over a kilometre along Chang Khlan Road 365 evenings a year regardless of the weather. Authentic handmade Thai goods are sold alongside stalls filled with clothing, shoes, DVDs, and CDs. Bartering can take up to 30 per cent off the asking price of some goods. Shoppers can also venture off the path of the main Night Bazaar to browse at Asunarm Markets or the smaller Kalare Night Bazaar.