Chiang Mai
Popular known as “The Rose of the North” and lovely places in the banks of the Ping River and the city environment is happy with the perplexity of a magnificent natural and unique indigenous cultural identity.
Located some 700 km. from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is the principal city of northern Thailand and capital of the province of the same name.
Popular known as “The Rose of the North” and lovely places in the banks of the Ping River in the city and the environment is happy with the perplexity of a magnificent natural and unique indigenous cultural identity. Founded in 12 by King Mengrai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai has long and mostly independent history, a large extent preserved a most distinctive culture. This is witnessed both in the everyday life of people maintain their own dialect, customs and food and a host of fascinating ancient temple over their Thai style architecture and rich decorative details.
Chiang Mai also continues its renowned tradition as a handicraft centre, producing items in silk, wood, silver, ceramics and more, which make the city the country’s top shopping destination for arts and crafts.
Beyond the city, Chiang Mai province spreads over an area of 20,000 sq. km. offering some of the most picturesque scenery in the whole Kingdom. The fertile Ping River Valley, a patchwork of paddy fields, is surrounded by rolling hills and the province as a whole is one of forested mountains (including Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon), jungles and rivers.
Here is the ideal terrain for adventure travel by trekking on elephant back, river rafting or four-wheel drive safaris in a natural wonderland. Adding a special feature to the landscape are the traditional villages of the region’s hilltribe people, distinguished by their colourful tribal costumes and lifestyles mostly untouched by the modern world. At the same time, visitors will find deluxe hotels, mountain resorts and other facilities that ensure today’s comforts and convenience.
Around Chiang Mai, the neighbouring provinces of Lampang, Lamphun and Mae Hong Son have great appeal, offering further opportunities to experience the North’s natural beauty and distinctive culture.