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Chiang Mai Travel Guide

December 29, 2007 |

A trip to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city, covering some 20,000 square kilometres and situated among the verdant hills of Northern Thailand. In this welcoming and atmospheric city, you will find a variety of restaurants and shopping, cool nights, rich and proud culture and friendly people.
The number of attractions is plentiful and you may wish to extend your vacation in order to take in all of the sites and experiences available to visitors. Among the noteworthy attractions include the scenic moat surrounding the old town, intricately designed temples, the amazing handicrafts and fantastic hiking and trekking opportunities.

Flights to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai International Airport is a well equipped facility that receives flights from national and international destinations. The Airport serves daily international flights from Singapore, Taipei, China, Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Domestic flights connect to Bangkok, Samui, Phuket, Mai Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Mae Sot, Phitsanulok, and Sukhothai.
There are quiet a few options for getting around the city. Taking a tuk-tuk is an inexpensive option that allows passengers a scenic view of the city. There are also a number of ‘red buses’ otherwise known as songtaews. You don’t have to worry about find them—they will find you. Always agree on a price before you set off to your destination.

Sightseeing in Chiang Mai
While visiting the city, there are a wide selection of attractions that you should see and quite a few that you ‘must-see’. One of these is the majestic Doi Suthep Mountain and Temple. The famous temple sits on the mountain and overlooks the city offering fantastic views. The mountain offers the chance to get close to nature. The Chiang Mai Arboretum is a charming landscaped garden that contains a variety of tropical trees and flowers as well as a small display of Asian and African mammals and exotic birds.
The Huay Kaew Waterfall is not only a great place to relax and cool off, it also makes from some truly amazing photo opportunities while the valleys of Mae Taeng and Chang Dao offer the chance to get up close and personal with elephants as well as great trekking opportunities. The small towns of Lampang and Lamphun are a short drive away and offer some stunning architecture and scenery.

Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
The city has a vibrant nightlife. There are bars, discos and eateries dotted throughout the city. There is the chance to enjoy a relaxing meal on the river in one of the many riverside restaurants or sit back and enjoy the live bands. Eating plays a big part in the social life of Chiang Mai and with so much wonderful food to tempt your palette, you will never go hungry.

A visit to this city is not complete without visiting the local stalls and shops. The famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a colourful market offering everything from local souvenirs and handicrafts to silks and works by local artists. Haggling is not only an important aspect of your shopping experience, it is also fun and expected.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
Shopping opportunities abound in Chiang Mai. In fact, it is one of the bast places to pick up a souvenir in Thailand. There are gem factories, umbrella factories, silver outlets, handicraft centres and silk shops. For a great daytrip, head to the woodcarving village in Ban Tawai and pick up a unique souvenir or two.


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