Chiang Mai, Thailand - Travel Guide

Chiang Mai is found north of Thailand, located 700 km of Bangkok. It is the northern region’s largest city and Thailand’s fifth largest city. Chiang Mai is nestled near the Ping River, on a lush countryside embraced by mountains and unspoiled forests. In recent years, it has become one of the country’s growing modern cities and despite the cosmopolitan air, Chang Mai is still quieter and laid-back compared to the other cities of Thailand.

If you are going to Chiang Mai, you will land at Chiang Mai International Airport located 3 km southwest of the city center. At the north end of the airport’s terminal, you will see taxis waiting for passengers. You may opt to take the bus for a cheaper rate or go for that ride that is a must for every tourist: tuk tuk and songthaew. If you want a more comfortable way, you avail of the airport-to-hotel transfer service of the hotel you will be staying. You can also ride the bus, hire a taxi or rent a van but for a higher price. The old part of the city is compact and touring around by foot to see its attractions is the best way to go.

Chiang Mai is a favorite place for a quick vacation and there are around 33,000 rooms that will serve as your home for the weekend. Budget hotels such as 7 Century Guest House, Mid-range like Boonthavon Apartment Hotel, high-end like Central Duangtawan Hotel, and resort-type like Four Seasons Resort welcome visitors who are on a getaway. Eating out seals the Chiang Mai experience and it will be great if someone sponsors you for a Khantoke dinner, a Lanna Thai tradition of elaborate lunch or dinner. While old-styled restaurants serving authentic Thai cuisine are in all corners of the city, there are also restaurants that serve international dishes and fast food chains that offer comfort food.

Chang Mai proved that history, nature and modernity coexistence can turn into an ideal place for holiday, relaxation and recreation—the very reasons why tourists grew fond of visiting this thriving city. Its historic places finely preserved in urban, bustling setting create a lovely, contrasting scene. In Chiang Mai, museums, temples and galleries are prominent and due to their relevance in history and culture, it just fits that they be a part of the itinerary. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the city’s most famous temple, and Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple are two of the must-see religious sites.

Because Chiang Mai is abundantly blessed with nature’s glory, this has become the best place to be united with lush greens, flowing rivers and exotic animals. One of the must-do when in Chiang Mai is riding the elephants from the Elephant Nature Park, an elephant sanctuary 60km north of the city. Nightlife here is upbeat and going to discotheques, karaoke lounges and live music venues is a fun way to cap off the night. Shopping is always part of the travel and for a different kind of retail therapy, going to Chang Mai’s famous night bazaar found in footpaths, temple grounds and buildings will make you appreciate local handicrafts and food fair. With so much to see, do and feel in Chiang Mai, the reasons to come here is beyond relaxation and holiday-- the nature, culture, history and tradition it imparts makes Chiang Mai worth exploring.