Welcome to Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Chiang MaiSource: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General Information
Popularly known as the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique indigenous cultural identity. Founded by King Mengrai the Great as the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom by merging the various city-states in the region in 1296. Today Chiang Mai is the economic, communications, cultural and tourism centre of Northern Thailand.
About 700 kilometres from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is situated on the Mae Ping River basin some 310 metres above sea level. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometres. The terrain is mainly jungles and mountains, parts of which are within national parks which are still fertile and verdant with plentiful flora and fauna. There are many sites and locations where tourists prefer to visit to study the lifestyle of the tribal people who live on high hills.
Attractions
Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
at the beginning of Chiang Mai-Hang Dong road has an excellent collection of Lanna Thai art, and displays of traditional northern culture. A spectacular folk dance is performed while the typical northern dinner “Khan Tok” is served. The Khan Tok comprises Kaeng Hang Le, a gingery pork curry; the chilli-tomato-minced pork dip called Nam Phrik Ong; and the crunchy pieces of pork scratching, or Kaep Mu, for dipping into the rich gravy. Enjoyable tribal shows of Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Akha, Mien and Lisu are performed after dinner from 19.00 to 22.00 hrs. For more information, contact tel. 0-5327-4 540, 0-5327-5097.
Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park
Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park , the superb landscaped national park covers an area of 262 square kilometres of Amphoe Mae Rim, Amphoe Hang Dong, and Amphoe Mueang. The park consists of verdant forests and mountain ranges.
Major mountains include Doi Suthep, Doi Buak Ha, and Doi Pui. This is a main source of tributaries and streams in Chiang Mai. Sacred places, religious attractions and historical sites are located in the park complex.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai’ most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. This temple is 15 kilometres from town , 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383. The temple is approached on foot by climbing a steep Naga staircase comprising 290 steps.
The less energetic may ascend by funicular railcars. The temple’s pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year. The temple compound offers an exhilarating view of Chiang Mai city and surrounding countryside.
After Dark
Chiang Mai has an extensive night market running the centre of the town. Open
every evening, the market is a popular spot to buy gifts and local crafts.If you
bargain hard prices can be very reasonable.
Along the banks of the Ping River there are many excellent and popular
restaurants serving Thai and international cuisine. The most popular spot to
wine and dine in the evenings is undoubtedly The Riverside on Chareon Rat Road.
The restaurant was the first to set up on the banks of the Ping River twenty
years ago and still remains the most popular.It is also possible to book an
evening dinner cruise down the river. There are several other notable nighttime
eateries along the same road, including The Good View and La Brasserie, both of
which have good Thai and western food and reasonable live music.
The basement of the Pornping Hotel of Chareon Prater Road is home to the
infamous Bubble Nightclub. Popular after 11 the clup is a favourite dance spot.
Next door, Hot shot is very much more a Thai scene featuring live Thai pop
bands. A number of Karaoke lounges are scattered around Chareon Prathet Road and
heading out of town on Chang Klan Road.
The Drunken Flower at the bottom of Nimanhaemin Road is a friendly little
restaurant with a nice garden and a young, mixed clientele of Thai and
Westerners. Also on NImanhaemin Soi 1 is Modiwa bar and restaurant. This elegant
little hang out has live jazz on Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday
afternoons. Just around the corner on Sor 9 the popular Monkey Club. The trendy
restaurant/club gets packed with locals every night eager to hear the live band.
Time to Visit
Chiang Mai is a year-round destination but attracts most visitors during the
cool season, from November to March, and for major festivals scattered
throughout the year.
Getting There
Chiang Mai lies 800 kilometres north of Bangkok and just over an hour away by
air. Thai Airway fly direct whereas Bangkok Airways fly via Sukhothai.
The overnight train from Bangkok’s Hua Lompong station to Chiang Mai makes for
an interesting and considerably cheaper travel option. The air considerably
cheaper travel option. The air conditioned carriages are comfortable and the
train features a restaurant car. Of the two trains that travel the Chiang Mai
route the Nakornping Express is recommended. Be sure to book in advance and ask
for a bottom bunk. They are wider and more comfortable that the upper bunks.
How to get there
Car
- From Bangkok drive on Highway No.1 (Phahonyothin) to Highway No.32 passing the provinces of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, and Nakhon Sawan, then take Highway No. 117 to Phitsanulok and drive on to Highway No. 11 to Lampang, Lamphun and Chiang Mai. The route is 695 kilometres.
- From Bangkok drive to Nakhon Sawan and then take Highway No. 1 passing Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Lampang, and Chiang Mai. The route is 696 kilometres.
Bus
The 10-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on air-conditioned buses originating from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2), contact tel. 936 2852 for more information. Buses leave for Chiang Mai several times a day from 8.00 to 21.00 hrs. In Chiang Mai contact Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station, tel: 0 5324 2664.
There are services from Chaing Mai’s Chang Phuak Bus Terminal to various districts in Chiang Mai. Buses ply along the northern route (Highway No. 107) passing through Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, Chaiprakan, Fang and Mae Ai. Some buses continue to Tha Ton. Local city buses ply between Chiang Mai and Lamphun on Highway No. 106. Chang Phuak Bus Station tel: 0 5321 1586.
Train
The State Railways of Thailand operates daily services from Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong). Trains leave for Chiang Mai 6 times a day from 8.00-22.00 hrs. For more information, contact tel. 1690, 223 7010, 223 7020. Chiang Mai Railway Station, tel. 0 5324 2094.
Air
From October 20,2003, Phuket Air offers 2 daily shuttle service flights from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with YS-11 aircaft. The journey takes only 40 minutes and the flights time are available at 07.30 and 18.00 hrs. For more information, call Bangkok Office 66 2679-8999 or Chiang Mai Office 66 5392 2118-9 or view at www.phuketairlines.com
Thai Airways has numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route. In addition, they have daily flights connecting Chiang Mai with Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, and Phuket. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at Reservations by Phone 24 Hrs: Tel : 66 2628 2000, Chiang Mai office at tel. 66 5321 1044-7, or view their website at
www.thaiairways.com.
| Recommended Hotels in Chiang Mai
The Chedi Chiang Mai
123 Charoenprathet Road,
T. Changklan A. Maung Chiang Mai 50100
Why is this hotel?
The Chedi, Chiang Mai is a elegant retreat offering all the pleasures of resort living in the heart of a historical city.
Strategically located on the banks of the renowned Mae Ping River in central Chiang Mai, each of the resort's 84 exquisite rooms and suites boasts private courtyards, open balconies and breathtaking views.
The Chedi's nostalgic appeal, stylish amenities and discreet service are geared to discerning guests with a penchant for gracious hospitality.
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Rate & Location
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Travel Review
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Reservation
Lanna Accent Boutique Villa
50/2 Moo 4, T. Khuamoong,
A. Saraphee, Chaing Mai 50140
Why is this hotel?
In a tropical gardens, villas feature 3 varying Lanna designs. Reclaimed wood, antique windows, doors, traditional Lanna furnishings and decoration, creates a relaxing atmosphere filled with nostalgia yet with modern amenities, gently in tone with the surrounding nature. Lanna Accent Villa is the perfect hideaway for those who do not wish to be found and escape busy cities.
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Rate & Location
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Travel Review
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Reservation
Chiang Mai Hotels nearby Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai Hotels nearby Chang Klan
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