Chiang Mai

Fast Facts

Location: Located on the Ping River in the Chiang Mai Province, around 700 km north of Bangkok in Thailand.
Attraction Type: City.
Significance: Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally rich city as well as the hub of northern Thailand.
Best time to Visit: October to April.
Visiting Hours: During the daytime and evening.
How to Reach: Flights from a number of Asian destinations come at Chiang Mai International Airport. You can also reach Chiang Mai by train from Hualamphong train station in Bangkok. Buses are also available from Bangkok, Pattaya and Rayong.
Nearest Airport: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).

This city was a pioneer in bringing the new era of Thais from the domination of Mon and Khmer culture. More than three hundred temples and other historic architecture bear testimony to its rich heritage. It is Chiang Mai, the city with more than three hundred temples. In the recent times, the city has been pretty successful in blending its rich history, culture and tradition with modernization, Chiang Mai has lot in store for the visitors. A quaint, moated and walled city surrounded by mountains, it'd be a sheer pleasure for you as you go on exploring Chiang Mai.

Located on the Ping River in the Chiang Mai Province, around 700 km north of Bangkok in Thailand, the city of Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally rich city as well as the hub of northern Thailand. Currently a must-visit destination for the tourists, Chiang Mai was the place for handcrafted goods, woodcarvings, umbrellas and jewelries. So, make it a note to buy some of those while visiting the city.

Things to Do

The city of Chiang Mai has plenty to offer to the visitors. As the city is rich in culture, therefore, a cultural trip to the city would be quite enjoyable. Temples are certainly one of the popular attractions of the city, whereas, the city also has several museums and other attractions that are quite exciting to explore.

Temples:

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Chiang Mai could well be described as the city of temples due to its vast number of temples. The Buddhist temples in the city have mixed architectural styles where elements from Lanna Thai, Sri Lanka, and Burma could be found. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a famous temple in Chiang Mai with large gold-plated chedi. But arguably the most popular temple in the city is Wat Phra Sing located at the intersection of Singharaj and Rajdamnern Road. You can also visit the other temples like Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Jao Mengrai and Wat U-Mong etc.

Museums:

The museums of Chiang Mai are also quite popular among the tourists. You can visit Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center, Hilltribe Research Institute Museum, Chiang Mai National Museum, Chiang Mai Numismatic Museum, Chiang Mai University Art Museum, Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders, Postal Museum, and Art Galleries and Exhibitions etc.

Other Attractions:

There are several gardens and parks in Chiang Mai. Visit Elephant Nature Park, Dokai Garden, Maesa Elephant Camp etc. You should also visit Bhuping Palace, Chaingmai Zoo, Chiang Mai Foreign Cemetery etc. And don't forget to go for Chiang Mai Night Safari, you will enjoy it.

Night Bazaar:

It is another popular attraction of Chiang Mai, especially if you are shopping-fanatic. It is an extensive market sprawls along several block. You will find Phrae-style síªua mí¢w hí¢wm, hand-woven fabrics, woodcarvings, silver jewelries, and many more. Remember, you need to be good at bargaining.

Accommodation

You will be flooded with options for accommodation in Chiang Mai. Some of the hotels in Chiang Mai could be listed as below:

Chiang Mai Gate Hotel
11/10 Suriwong Rd.
Sriphoom, Amphur Muang
Chiang Mai 50200

Buri Gallery House
102 Rachadamnoen Road
Sriphoom, Amphur Muang
Chiang Mai 50200

Amora Tapae Hotel
22 Chaiyapoom Road
Amphur Muang
Chiang Mai 50300