Thailand Guides - Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city and former capital of the Lanna kingdom, is the gateway to the mountainous north. In recent years the city has expanded rapidly and lost much of its charm but still remains a major tourist destination with many opportunities for adventure.

Overview
Founded by King Mengrai in 1296, Chiang Mai has long been considered the religious and culture centre of the north. Today the city is the major economic base in the region and despite its rapid expansion still retains its northern character. Steeped in history, home to dozens of ancient temples, high quality riverside restaurants serving distinctive northern cuisine and excellent shopping, Chiang Mai has enough to hold visitors for several days. Beyond the environs of the city Chiang Mai province is mountainous and tree-covered providing opportunities to trek across a rugged landscape to remote hill tribe villages.

Attractions
Chiang Mai is renowned for the scores of ancient temples and remnants of chedis scattered across the city. Undoubtedly the most famous of them all is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Set on the side of Doi Suthep Mountain, more than 300 steps lead to this magnificent temple and its golden chedi. The temple also provides spectacular views across the city and surrounding countryside.

Other temples of note in Chiang Mai include Wat Jet Yot, built in the mid 15th century to replicate the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, India, where the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Wat Chiang Man dates from 1296 and is recognised as the city’s oldest temple. Built in the time of King Mengra, the main hall, constructed using huge teak pillars, houses two ancient and significant Buddha images.

The Chiang Mai National Museum contains Buddha statues, pottery and other important northern Thai relics. On the outskirts of the city the Tribal Museum offers valuable insight into the hill tribes in the Chiang Mai region and their way of life.

Chiang Mai has an extensive night market running the centre of the town. Open every evening, the market is a popular spot to buy gifts and local crafts. If you bargain hard prices can be very reasonable.


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Thailand Guides - Chiang Mai



Along the banks of the Ping River there are many excellent and popular restaurants serving Thai and international cuisine. It is also possible to book an evening dinner cruise down the river.

Despite the many attractions in the city and its environs the true beauty of northern Thailand is to be found in the mountains. A popular scenic route is the Mae Hon Son Loop, a 600 kilometre winding drive through some of the country’s most impressive scenery. Major stop along the way include the town of Pai, Mae Hon Son and Mae Sariang. The journey makes for a fabulous week-long adventure. Jeeps and motorcycles are cheap and easy to hire in the Chiang Mai.

Activities and events
Chiang Mai is known as the place to come for trekking and over adventure activities. There are many guesthouses and agents in Chiang Mai, Pai and Mae Hon Son who offer a range of treks, from easy one day walks to several days in more remote areas.

Chiang Mai is famous for holding one of the biggest and most raucous Songkran New Year celebrations. Visitors flock to the city in droves for a week-long water fight and the city virtually grinds to a halt. Book hotels and flights well in advance.

The Loi Krathong Festival is also a major event in Chiang Mai with thousands floating their banana leaf rafts or krathongs down the Ping River. The festival is also known as Yi Peng in the north and lanterns are also released into the sky. The event takes place in November at the full moon.

In February Chiang Mai plays host to a massive flower festival featuring a parade of floats, competitions and flowers stalls.

Time to visit
Chiang Mai is a year-round destination but attracts most visitors during the cool season, from November to March, and for major festivals scattered throughout the year.