Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the hub of Northern Thailand and the Capital City of the Province of this name. With a population of over 170,000 in the city proper (but more than 1 million in the metropolitan area), it is Thailand's fifth-largest city.

Located on a plain at an elevation of 316 m, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, it is much greener and quieter than the capital, and has a cosmopolitan air and a significant expat population, factors which have led many from Bangkok to settle permanently in this "Rose of the North".

Chiang Mai's historical centre is the walled city (city is chiang in the northern Thai dialect while mai is new, hence Chiang Mai or New City.) Sections of the wall dating to their restoration a few decades ago remain at the gates and corners, but of the rest only the moat remains.

Inside Chiang Mai's remaining city walls are more than 30 temples dating back to the founding of the principality, in a combination of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai styles, decorated with beautiful wood carvings, Naga staircases, leonine and angelic guardians, gilded umbrellas and pagodas laced with gold filigree. The most famous is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which overlooks the city from a mountainside 13 km away.

Modern-day Chiang Mai has expanded in all directions, but particularly to the east towards the Ping River (Mae Nam Ping), where Chang Klan Rd, the famous Night Bazaar and the bulk of Chiang Mai's hotels and guest houses are located. Loi Kroh Rd is the centre of the city's night life. The locals say you've not experienced Chiang Mai until you've seen the view from Doi Suthep, eaten a bowl of kao soi, and purchased an umbrella from Bo Sang.

Of course this is touristic nonsense, but the Kao Soi, Bo Sang umbrellas, and Doi Suthep are important cultural icons for Chiang Mai residents. Ratchadamneon Rd hosts the main Sunday night walking street market from Tha Phae Gate to the popular Wat Phra Singh.

There are many tours that will take you to places outside of the city. Travel companies, hotels and guest houses can arrange tours. Be sure to ask if the tour you are booking uses a truck or a van. Avoid trucks as they are uncomfortable (you will sit in the back on a bench seat without air conditioning) and unsafe (no seat belt). If your agent can't tell you, try another company. The car or van option above is better and just as cheap if you have a group.

Things to do in Chiang Mai

■ Go and vsiit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
■ See Wat Chiang Man
■ Discover Wat Chedi Luang
■ Visit Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
■ Visit Chiang Mai National Museum
■ Explore Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium
■ Elephant tour
■ Visit Hilltribe villages

Eat in Chiang Mai

■ Anusarn Market
■ Kalare Food Centre
■ Suthep Road outdoor eating
■ Sukontha Buffet
■ Funkydog Cafe
■ Ghekko Garden Bar and Restaurant

Stay in Chiang Mai

■ Supanich Guest House
■ Chang Home Guest House
■ Chiang Mai Hostel
■ Boonthavon Apartment Hotel
■ Sakulchai Place
■ Baan Thai Resort
■ Four Seasons Resort
■ RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort

Scheduled Flights to Chiang Mai (from Kuala Lumpur)

■ Air Asia
■ Malaysia Airlines (MAS)
■ Thai Airways (1 Stop)