Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second city and is set in the North of the country, high up in the mountains at the feet of the Ping River. The city is perceived as one of the most liveable in Asia and although not as slick as Bangkok is full of culture, tradition and history.
Things to do and see:
- Wat Chiang Man – To experience some of the traditional culture of Thailand visit Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. The temple dates back to 1296 and was home to the founder of Chaing Mai, King Mengrai.
- Bo Sang Umbrella/Parasol Village – Head out of the main city of Chiang Mai for a chance to visit this enchanting village in which young ladies make and hand paint silk and cotton umbrellas and paper parasols.
- Elephant Camps – There are many opportunities in Chiang Mai to watch these beautiful creatures at work and have a chance to see them face to face. There are many camps to chose from including; Mae Taman, Mae Sa or Pong Yang.
- Doi Inthanon National Park – Doi Inthanon is Thailands highest mountain standing 2,565m above sea level. The mountain is set within the grounds of the park which offers picturesque scenery and a chance to see the natural beauty of Thailand.
Getting there: Chiang Mai International airport is small but well run and is a mere 10 minutes away from the city centre. There are minibuses available from the arrivals gate charging around 100 Baht to the centre, taxis are also available and cost a little extra.
Location and weather: Chiang Mai is located in the North of Thailand and has like most of the country, a tropical climate. March and April are the hottest months but most tourists chose to visit after May when the rain hits and cools things down.
Top tip: Thailand is famous for its excellent shopping and Chiang Mai boasts some of the best handcrafted items Thailand has to offer, head down to the local emporium to examine the wares.
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