Chiang Mai: Rose of the North
Chiang Mai, the fifth-largest city in Thailand, is one of the most beautiful locales in the whole of South East Asia. Located in the rolling foot hills of the Himalayas, Chiang Mai is popularly known as the “Rose of the North”. Chiang Mai is considered by many to be the cultural capital of Thailand and is a popular destination not only among the locals but also among Thailand’s expat community. The pleasant climate and the lush green environs make Chiang Mai, perhaps, the most relaxing destination you will ever visit. The mountainous terrain has also resulted in Chiang Mai emerging as one of the adventure sports destinations in Thailand. Chiang Mai’s religious grandeur only adds to the many Chiang Mai tourist attractions.
Places to Visit in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is home to some of the best and pristine natural environs in Thailand, and is particularly famous for its relaxed atmosphere and extremely lovable climate. Further, Chiang Mai is clean and is apt for both extended and short vacations. There is both much to experience and much to see in Chiang Mai.
Some of the more prominent Chiang Mai tourist sights include:
- Night Bazaar
- Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center
- Hilltribe Research Institute Museum
- Chiang Mai National Museum
- Chiang Mai Numismatic Museum
- Chiang Mai University Art Museum
- Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders
- Postal Museum
- Elephant Nature Park
- Maesa Elephant Camp
- Bhuping Palace
- Chiangmai Zoo
- Dokmai Garden
- Chiang Mai Foreign Cemetery
- Pai mountainous area
- The hot springs at Sankhamphaeng
- Pong Duet and Fang
The many art galleries more than 300+ temples prominent among these are:
- Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
- Wat Phra Singh
- Wihaan Lai Kham
- Wat Chiang Mun
- Wat Chedi Luang
- Wat Phra Jao Mengrai Wat U-Mong
Chiang Mai- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
Chiang Mai is pristine and has a very pleasant climate. Further, there are many natural attractions such as national parks, hot springs, caves, waterfalls, vantage points, etc., located in the vicinity of Chiang Mai. Owing to the excellent natural environs, the region surrounding Chiang Mai is blessed with spas, natural massage parlours, meditation centres, etc
Chiang Mai is a heaven for adventure tourists and some of the things that one must do while in Chiang Mai are taking elephant rides, trekking, bungee jumping, karting, rock climbing, off-roading, motorcycling (preferably cross country), taking river cruises, going on night safaris. English is very much understood by most of the locals. The local currency is Thai baht (THB). The local cuisine draws influences from a variety of cuisines and has its own unique and distinct flavour. What’s more, it is freely available at very affordable prices. Street food in Chiang Mai is a must. Chiang Mai is also home to a large number of eateries catering to all types of cuisines and suited to all types of budgets.
Best time to visit Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is from October to April.
Best way to reach Chiang Mai
- By Air: The Chiang Mai airport is one of Thailand’s more important air travel hubs, and is connected to most major destinations in the world via regular flights.
- By Rail: Train services between Chiang Mai and Bangkok are very good.
- By Road: Chiang Mai is well connected to all national and regional destinations and popular attractions. Further, Chiang Mai offers comfortable transport options for almost all of the nearby Indonesia attractions. Local intra-city transport is via songthaews (public passenger pick-up vehicle) and tuk-tuks.
Accommodation
The Chiang Mai accommodation scene is very active and wide enough to cater to all budgets and needs. Chiang Mai is home of some of the finest hotels in the continent. Further, many local and international tour operators offer Chiang Mai vacation package tours. These tours cover most of the Chiang Mai tourist destinations, but do not carry the element of risk and adventure that going solo does. One might even miss out on the many hidden attractions and surprises the Rose of the North may hold.