Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Whether it be the Museums, the amazing shopping and bargains you can find at the Night Bazaar Markets, Chiang Mai really has it all
Whether it be the Museums, the amazing shopping and bargains you can find at the Night Bazaar Markets, Chiang Mai really has it all
Chiang Mai, located in northern Thailand, is a vibrant and cultural city that draws in tourists from all over the world. With a rich history that dates back to the 13th century, Chiang Mai has developed a unique identity, blending traditional and modern cultures in a harmonious way. With a focus on sustainable tourism, Chiang Mai offers visitors an array of experiences, from exploring ancient temples and museums to shopping for handcrafted goods at bustling street markets. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the ancient city walls, which are surrounded by a moat and still visible today. Inside the walls, visitors can explore over 30 temples, including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man, and Wat Chedi Luang, which once housed the Emerald Buddha. For those interested in the arts, Chiang Mai is home to numerous cultural centers and museums, including the Chiang Mai National Museum, which showcases the city’s history and culture through exhibitions and interactive displays. Beyond its rich history and cultural heritage, Chiang Mai offers a wealth of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. From trekking in the nearby hills to exploring the lush forests and visiting elephant sanctuaries, the city provides a perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of northern Thailand. Adventure seekers can go rafting on the Mae Taeng River, go rock climbing, or take a hot air balloon ride for a unique perspective of the countryside. For foodies, Chiang Mai is a delight with a wide range of local and international cuisine. From traditional street food to upscale restaurants, the city offers an array of options for every taste and budget. Visitors should not leave without trying khao soi, a delicious local dish made from soft noodles in a spicy coconut milk broth, or the famous Chiang Mai sausage. The city is also known for its vibrant night markets, where locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy food, drinks, and live entertainment. Shopping is another popular activity in Chiang Mai. From local handicrafts to handmade textiles and jewelry, the city is a treasure trove for shoppers. The famous Night Bazaar, which takes place every evening, is a must-visit for those looking to buy souvenirs and gifts. The city is also home to numerous traditional markets, such as the Warorot Market and the Saturday Walking Street Market, where visitors can browse and buy products made by local artisans. Chiang Mai is also a popular destination for wellness and relaxation, with numerous spas and wellness centers offering traditional Thai massages and other treatments. Visitors can unwind in the natural hot springs at Bo Sang or take a yoga class at one of the city’s many yoga studios. In conclusion, Chiang Mai offers a unique blend of history, culture, nature, and modernity, making it an ideal travel destination for those seeking a memorable experience. With its warm and welcoming people, rich heritage, and abundance of activities, Chiang Mai promises to be a journey of discovery and rejuvenation.
Chiang Mai is the beautiful city located in Northern Thailand, 700km’s North of the country’s capital Bangkok.
Chiang Mai is actually Thailand’s second largest city, with a population of around 200,000. However, in comparison to Bangkok being home to 9 million people, it is hard to identify it as such. The less populated city has become increasingly attractive not only for international tourism but also for the people of Thailand, as it is a break from the bustling crowds found in the capital. Holidays to Chiang Mai are easy to fit in to any vacation schedule as the city is only a one hour flight from Bangkok, making it a must see destination in your Thailand travel experience. The city is filled with many ancient temples and buildings as it was built in 1296, so if exploring the history of Thailand is something you’d like to soak up in your travels, there is no better opportunity to do so than with a holiday in Chiang Mai.
In a city filled with such rich history, it would be a mistake not to include visiting what is known as the ‘old city’ as a part of your Chiang Mai holiday. While there is a lot of new development in Chiang Mai, it is the ancient structures and the city walls that enclose them that date back over 700 years, that are the real sightseeing splendours of this incredible city. When taking the time out of your Thailand vacation to holiday to Chiang Mai, visiting the traditional Thai temples should be at the top of your list. The city is famous for its historical and architecturally beautiful Buddhist temples, the earliest built dating back to 1383. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is situated on a hill north of the city and is considered Chiang Mai’s finest and most picturesque temple out of the amazing 300 temples the city has to offer. Chiang Mai holidays are not complete without experiencing this breathtaking gem of the city.
Chiang Mai offers an endless list of activities and sightseeing pleasures. Whether it be the Museums that catch your interest or the amazing shopping and bargains you can find at the Night Bazaar Markets, Chiang Mai really has it all. The city not only offers a unique nightlife experience at its many bars and restaurants inside the city centre, but holidays in Chiang Mai are considered a perfect opportunity for trekking the countryside. Chiang Mai is renowned for its trek experiences, including tribal experiences and overnight stays, as well as elephant riding through the beautiful Thai forests
Accommodation in Chiang Mai is well balanced to meet every traveller’s needs with many luxury resorts spanning across the city, as well as guesthouses and smaller hotels for those sticking to a tighter budget. Hostels too, can be found all over the city. With most of the sights and activities close by, Chiang Mai is easily one of the most tourist friendly locations in Thailand when it comes to accessibility. Probably the most talked about accommodation can be found at the Rachamankha Hotel, which is situated next to Wat Phra Singh, one of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples. Built to be made to feel like a temple in itself, the luxurious and beautifully landscaped resort is a popular choice for many travellers looking for an authentic experience.
Attractions
Deciding when to go for a holiday in Thailand is a tough call to make as all of the seasons have their own delights.
The most popular time to visit is during the winter months from November to January, however being peak time, Chiang Mai is at its busiest. The summertime in Northern Thailand can be a good time visit also, with the temperatures rising to over 40°C, be prepared for some hot days in paradise! The rainy season begins in May and stretches out to September, though the temperatures are more manageable during this time, travellers need to anticipate heavy rainfall from time to time. This season is actually pretty popular as it doesn’t actually rain every day.
Being the most popular time for Thailand holidays as a whole, the winter season for Chiang Mai is no different. The season starts in November and brings in the most tourism for Chiang Mai right through until about January. While the temperatures generally reach about 25°C, the temperatures in the city can get down to as low as 10°C and in the mountains as low as zero degrees! Trekking and other outdoor activities become increasingly popular during these months, as the weather is perfect for hikes and enjoying many of the physical activities on offer in Chiang Mai. Strolling the city is also favourable at this time of year as the weather is almost considered perfect, and if you’re an early riser, the cool temperatures in the morning allow for some great walks along the city walls.
Holidays in Thailand during the hot season sees temperatures soaring above 40°C, so if it’s a hot tropical climate you seek for your holiday, Chiang Mai in the summer season promises you one. The mornings and the late afternoons, are the best times to get out and explore all that the majestical city has to offer. As these are the coolest hours in the day, the many temples can be visited before the heat sets in, and the Night Bazaar Markets are comfortably enjoyed in the evenings. A more relaxing type of Thailand holiday, with days spent laying by the pool, is perfect during the summer season. With less crowds and cheaper accommodation, the hot season allows you to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy a quieter holiday to Thailand.
The rainy season is also an encouraged time to holiday in Thailand, as the temperatures are much more mild and predictable than the other seasons. While you will experience heavy rainfalls from time to time, the scenery of Chiang Mai is at its best, as the mountains are greener than ever and the flowers are in full bloom. The rainy season allows you to see almost all of the sights the city has to offer. The many museums and shopping hot spots can make for an amazing day out when the rain does come in, and the trekking and temples are easily explored during this climate on the clearer days. May to September is a really popular time to visit Chiang Mai, although it is the rainy season, it definitely doesn’t rain every day, and even when it does, it clears quickly.
