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Chiang Mai Travel Guide

Travel to Chiang Mai - Gateway to Adventure

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With a 700 year history, unbeatable setting, adventure on the doorstep and more, Chiang Mai is the major draw for visitors to northern Thailand. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates - enter to discover temples and towering chedis then head outside to trek in the hills where the north’s breathtaking scenery and hilltribes can be discovered as one explores on elephant-back, foot or raft. Chiang Mai truly is the Rose of the North.

Chiang Mai literally means ‘new city’ and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996! King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom in 1296. Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and bestowed the city with many temples, many of which are still important today.

Occupied by the Burmese for 200 years Burmese influences can be seen in many temples. It’s relative isolation from the south - only accessible by river and elephants until the railway line was completed in the late 1920's and first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok in 1932 - helped nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.

Attractions in Chiang Mai

Visit Chiang Mai to experience its fascinating indigenous cultural identity, diverse dialects, Lanna cuisine, Burmese architecture, fun-filled festivals, handicrafts and mountain landscapes. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.

Stunning Wat Phra That Doi Suthep overlooks the city from its mountain-top position; even if you’ve seen enough wats to last a lifetime don’t miss it. Descend to wander the walled old city streets on foot or take a bike tour through the city and its outskirts – you’ll see cameo shots of life and are bound to find yourself peeping into more temples such as Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chiang Man.

Head north out of the city to the Tribal Museum to give yourself a grounding in tribal customs and life, or perhaps to the Chiang Mai National Museum with its excellent displays.

Return to the city and explore the fascinating, if touristy, Night Market, enjoy a typical ‘khan toke’ meal and take a traditional cookery course. Finally walk it off with a hilltribe trek walking from village to village and staying as guests in remote villages.

Activities in Chiang Mai

There are some must-do’s whilst in Chiang Mai and the north. A guided bike tour of the city and its surroundings is worthwhile being both a fun and inexpensive way of orientating yourself and most can be tailored to your interests a little. Make sure that you take a hilltribe trek but choose your organiser carefully, choosing someone who treats their tribal hosts with respect and dignity – a little research goes a long way.

A cookery course is great fun and very popular whilst indulging in a traditional Thai massage is great after all that walking – ask for nuat phaen boraan; you can even take a course! Then there’s balloon and micro-light flights, horse-riding, motorcycle and river tours…

Relaxing

A traditional Thai massage - nuat phaen boraan – is perfect, or how about a traditional ‘khan toke’ dinner?

Getting Around

The city is just a little too big to keep on walking everywhere – hire a bike is our recommendation. Failing that there are tuk tuks, samlors and songthaews readily available.