Located in the center of the province of the same name, Chiang Mai is the spiritual capital of Thailand. Here, the big city conveniences and traditions of bygone centuries combine naturally, attracting tourists by the tens of thousands with its incredible outdoor world and numerous cultural and historical monuments.
Location
Chiang Mai is located in an attractive mountainous district, about 700 km north of Bangkok. The climate is much cooler here than in the regions further south, with temperatures rising to a maximum of +30 °C in the summer, and dropping to a bitter, by local standards, 13-14° C in the winter. Tourists should pack warm clothes if they plan to travel to this part of the country as there is no central heating regardless of the time of year.
Beach Vacations
Vacationing by the sea in the northern regions is not an option. If you’re planning a beach holiday but also want to take in this northerly province, it is recommended you include a few days in the south.
Sights
Chiang Mai is the cultural and religious center of the country. Its name can be translated as “new city”, which it was called after becoming the new capital of the Lan Na kingdom when it was founded in 1296. The area later became a part of Thailand in the 18th century.
There are several temples in the city wholly revered by Buddhists; one of these is Wat Phra Singh. Built in 1368, this temple is famous for its golden Buddha statue, which itself has a sordid history. The second most important sanctuary is Wat Chedi Luang, which was built 1381 and is in rough shape despite there being a local center for the study of Buddhism located on its premises.
Entertainment and Active Leisure
Among the various attractions are night safaris in one of the largest zoos in Southeast Asia, an underwater show at the local aquarium, and hiking in the jungle-covered mountains.
Chiang Mai also hosts many events and festivals. Some of the most spectacular include Loy Krathong; Thai Valentine's Day, which is not celebrated on such a large scale anywhere else in the country; International Balloon Festival; and Flower Festival, giving the city its second name, “Northern Rose”.
Shopping
The Chiang Mai Night Market is famous throughout the country for its quantity and variety of local handmade goods, including clothing and footwear, famous Chiang Mai umbrellas, household goods, bags, and jewelry.
Prices
In Chiang Mai, real estate is reasonable, restaurants are cheap, and there are plenty of opportunities for an inexpensive but interesting vacation.
Please note:
tourists who do not speak English may face difficulties; this is the main international language spoken in this area.
