Chiang Mai tourist guide
Also known as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s third largest city and a popular destination for tourists seeking to catch a glimpse of the ‘real Thailand’, away from the sea and beaches. Straddling the Ping River, Chiang Mai is located in a lush valley surrounded by some of Thailand’s highest mountains. An ever increasing number of high-class hotels and the improving infrastructure is attracting a steady stream of tourists.
It is the laid back environment and charming character of this historic city that really appeals to visitors. Some stay for months or years, and it supports a large expat community who choose Chiang Mai as the most affordable and unspoilt of Thailand’s cities. With its 700 year old moat and nearby national parks, this city offers a pleasant and more traditional Thailand experience.
More than 300 temples, many ancient relics, are scattered about the town and Chiang Mai perhaps boasts the greatest concentration of Fine Arts sites in the country. Parts of the old city walls, gates and corner bastions remain, giving it the air of a living museum. In among all this a more modern city of coffee shops, walking street markets, and handicraft arcades has been tastefully added.
Only an hour by air from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is linked by a growing number of domestic and international direct flight connections. The city is a great base for tourists to discover the many natural and cultural attractions of the north and rural Thailand, and a gateway to the infamous Golden Triangle and the countries bordering it.
Daytrips to the many mountains including Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, as well as to the plenty of caves and waterfalls nearby are highly recommended. Tourists can find soft adventure in the form of hill tribe trekking, mountain biking, motorbike touring and even ATV-riding.
The essence of Chiang Mai lies in discovering its ancient Lanna culture and sampling its rich local cuisine. This can best be done by taking one of the cooking courses popular with tourists, or even a traditional Thai massage course. There are plenty of excellent international restaurants and tourists will enjoy the relaxed but plentiful nightlife, where locals and visitors mingle.
This tourist guide to Chiang Mai is a summarised version of our partner site 1stopchiangmai which features over 200 pages of information to help make your visit enjoyable.
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AttractionsSample the highlights you’ll find in Chiang Mai with a virtual tour of Chiang Mai’s top sights...More |
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ActivitesChiang Mai is all about getting out and exploring the city and its natural surroundings, with soft adventure...More |
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HotelsWith more and more upmarket hotels opening in Chiang Mai, plus plenty of guesthouses, you’re spoilt for choice with our online booking selection...More |
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Eat & partyDon’t miss out on a traditional cultural Lanna khantoke dinner before hitting the bars to mingle with the locals...More |
