Thailand’s “Rose of the North” is a cultural and natural wonderland with ethnic diversity, a multitude of attractions and welcoming hospitality.
Chiang Mai literally means “new city” and has retained the name despite celebrating its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai the Great founded the city as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom on Thursday, April 12 1296 around the same time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai even conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded. Henceforth, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also to be the center of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was a very religious leader who even founded many of the city’s temples that remain important to this day. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to experience both historical and modern Thai culture coexisting side by side: the city features centuries-old pagodas and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. This dichotomy is best appreciated within the moat-encircled old city, which retains much of the fortified wall that once protected the city center as well as the four main gates that provided access to the former Lanna capital city. Strangely, for many years tourists had mistaken Chiang Mai simply as the base from which they could plan trekking and rafting trips to hill tribe villages and explore other provinces. Once in Chiang Mai, however, tourists are surprised by the fact that there are so many things to discover other than its beautiful and historic temples. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes, a number of elephant camps, many cooking and massage schools, numerous outdoor activities, a variety of handicrafts workshops, various cultural performances, and breathtaking scenery make Chiang Mai one of Asia’s most attractive tourist destinations. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around town" was once a common expression. Today, two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for travelers to experience all that Chiang Mai has to offer.
The old city of Chiang Mai is a showcase of the north’s fascinating indigenous cultural identity that includes diverse dialects, a delectable cuisine, distinctive architecture, traditional values, lively festivals, numerous handicrafts workshops, northern style massage, and classical dances. Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources including mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. The presence of numerous hill tribes that feature a wealth of unique cultures enhances Chiang Mai’s distinctive diversity. Hill tribe trekking, often combined with river rafting and elephant riding has always been one of Chiang Mai’s greatest tourist attractions. Nowadays there are innumerable activities and attractions both in the city and the surrounding province, including massage instruction and golf. Moreover, visitors can visit workshops where they can learn about the production of silk or silver, and purchase memorable, hand-crafted souvenirs. With such a diverse range of attractions and an equally grand selection of dining and accommodation options, Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy the ultimate Thailand holiday.
Bhubing Rajanives Palace is a beautiful and famous tourist attraction located on Buak Ha Mountain, Suthep sub-district, Mueang district, Chiang Mai province. It was built by the order of King Rama V i...
The Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang is the project from the idea of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej in order to support agriculture instead of opium planting. The project began when His Ma...
This national park which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain which is 2,565 meters above sea level. This national park which cover...
Pha Hom Pok National ParkThe name was changed from Fha Hom Pok National Park because of the name of a high hill at Dan Lao Moutain Range. The highest hill in the park is about 2285 meters above sea le...
Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail – Doi Inthanon National Park
3 kilometers of the nature trail at 2000 meters high from the sea level, Kew Mae Pan nature trial is a popular trail of Doi Inthanon National Park, the most famoust and highest mountain of Thailand. A...
Mok Fa Waterfall, A beautiful waterfall is part of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, surrounded by lush forest. It is located on the 20th kilometer of Mae Malai-Pai road. To get there, take a left turn at...
Mon Cham is located on a hill ridge in the area of Mong Nong Hoi village, Mae Rim. It is 40 minutes far from the central of Chiang Mai. The area was previously a desolate forest and was named as Kiu S...
A visit to Ob Luang is a national park in Chiang Mai offers a chance to discover the natural beauty of amazing landscape shaped by curvy river and limestone mountain ranges. The river stream runs thro...
Pa Kia Mae Taman Highland Agricultural Research Station
Pa Kia Highland Agricultural Research Station is the institute under Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University. It is very popular among the tourists because they can obviously see Doi Luang Chian...
Pha Chor - Mae Wang National Park
Pha Chor, Chiang Mai. Nature can create many unexpected wonderful things. The passing of time can change the topography of a place and can create strange sights. If you have visited Phae Mueang Phi in...
Thailand’s very first botanic garden is now major travel destination in Mae Rim district covering a mountainous area of 560 acres and displays a vast collection of plants from different climates aroun...
The Highest Spot of Siam - Doi Inthanon
The Highest Spot of Siam is on the top of Doi Inthanon to getting there using the Ang Ka Nature Trail at the end of 1009 street. Ang Ka is the old name of Doi Inthanon that was changed in 1897. This t...
The Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang
The Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang is the project from the idea of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej in order to support agriculture instead of opium planting. The project began when His Ma...
Tunnel temple and meditation center - Wat Umong Chiang Mai
the 13th century temple near Doi Suthep, opens daily from 6 am until 5 pm. Admission is free. This temple is reccommended as top 10 things must do in Chiangmai from my point of view because this templ...
“Luang” means “large” in northern dialect, and as the name suggests, Wat Chedi Luang temple is home to Chiang Mai’s largest Buddhist chedi built featuring 98 meters tall and 54 meters in diameter. The...
Wat Phan Tao (Lantern Ceremony)
Wat Phan Tao is an ancient temple that sits right next to the sacred Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai town. It is known for its exquisite Lanna-style ordination hall (Wihan) entirely made of teakwood, wh...
Wat Si Suphan (Si Suphan Temple) is located on Wualai Road, Tambon Hai Ya, Amphoe Mueang of Chiang Mai Province. It was built in the reign of King Mueang Kaeo of Mangrai dynasty in 1500 (2043 B.E.) by...