Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is located in Northern Thailand surrounded by mountains and villages. It is the fifth largest city of Thailand with a population of more than 170,000. It is situated at at an elevation of 1,043 feet. The city is also known as the “Rose of the North” and is 700 km north of Bangkok. 

The city of Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 AD as the capital of the historic Lanna Thai kingdom. It was surrounded by a defensive wall and moat due to constant threats from neighbouring Burma. After the fall of the Lanna Thai kingdom, the city gradually lost its importance. It was frequently occupied either by the Thais from Ayutthaya or by the Burmese.

In May 2006, Chiang Mai also got prominence in the political sphere, when the Chiang Mai Initiative was concluded between the ASEAN nations and the "+3" countries (China, Japan, and South Korea).

Over 30 temples are situated inside the remains of Chiang Mai’s city walls. The temples are built in a combination of Lanna Thai, Sri Lankan and Burmese styles. Structures like wood carvings, leonine and angelic guardians, pagodas fastened with gold filigree, Naga staircases and gilded umbrellas were used to decorate the temples.

Of all the temples, Wat Phratat Doi Suthep is the most popular and provides a complete view of the city. It is situated on a mountainside, some 13 km from the city. Chiang Mai also has numerous waterfalls, mountains and rivers. Tourists visiting this city can opt for activities like river rafting, trekking, elephant riding and golf.

Chiang Mai is well connected by air, train and road. It also acts as a local hub for other northern cities like Phrae, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. The city is served by the Chiang Mai International Airport. Several flights are available from Bangkok daily. From Bangkok, around 14 state railway trains connect Chiang Mai daily. Several bus stations connect the city to northern and central Thailand.

The Night Bazaar located near the Ping River, the handicrafts and food market located on Rachadamnoen Road and Wua Lai Road are the popular shopping destinations of the city. The Loi Kroh Road is considered the hub of the city’s nightlife.

Chiang Mai celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year among which Loi Kratong, also known as the Yi Peng is the most popular one. The Chiang Mai Flower Festival, which takes place every year, in the first weekend of February and the Songkran scheduled in mid-April are other popular festivals. The city’s cultural diversity is enhanced by the presence of various hill tribes.