CHIANG MAI THAILAND
Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand. Founded in 1296, it was capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center. It’s also home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents.
With beautiful nature blended with Lanna Culture and colours of contemporary perfectly Chiang Mai is, therefore, a province that has many tourists, both Thai and foreigners, come in many millions each year. Popular tourist activities in Chiang Mai include worshipping the Phra That doi suthep, which is an important Landmark of Chiang Mai people. Experience the Local way of life and shop for stylish handmade products at Thapae Walking Street. Visit various species of plants at the Queen Sirikit botanicalGarden and Rajapruek Royal Park. Do not miss to shop art products, taste local CUISINE and see cultures on Nimmanhaemin Road.
In addition, nature and mountain tours are another activity that should not be missed when visiting Chiang Mai, whether stepping on the highest point of Thailand at the top of doi inthanon. Absorb the beauty of the rice fields, feel the Cool breeze while watching the giant tiger flower at Doi Ang Khang. Experience EcotourismHomeStay in Mae Kampong and visit Hmong villages in Doi Pui and many more.
Is Chiang Mai worth visiting? Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, perhaps second only to Bangkok in its appeal. It's a cool mountain town known for its hill tribes, lush rainforests, elephant sanctuaries, rivers, Buddha temples and interesting cuisine. Because of its low cost of living many digital nomads have made Chaing Mai their home. One blogger said "I love Chiang Mai it is easy to meet friends with many wifi coffee shops . You can walk, ride your bike or rent a scooter and get the real feel of old culture Thai living"
Elephant Nature Park is one of the best-known elephant conservation projects in Thailand. Set on the edge of a rainforest near Chiang Mai, in Thailand’s north, the sanctuary was founded by award-winning conservationist Lek Chailert in 1995. More than 75 elephants roam free here and each has a heart-breaking story: many have been saved from torturous camps that exploit elephants for tourism or logging purposes or other abusive situations.
The refuge is also home to a ragtag menagerie of adopted cats, dogs, horses, warthogs, water buffalo and other animals. There are a few different ways to visit Elephant Nature Park, with both single day or overnight stays available. Volunteers help prepare fruit and vegetables for the elephants and food for the other animals, or you can stay overnight to spend more time with these gorgeous creatures. Longer volunteer placements are also available here and must be booked well in advance.
Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colourful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned travellers and a delight for adventurers. On a trip to this tranquil city, curious travellers can expand their horizons with Thai massage and cooking courses. Others will be bowled over by the variety of handicrafts and antiques. There are plenty of lively nightlife spots and excellent eateries specialising in local cuisine.
Chiang Mai is 700 km north of Bangkok, set in a verdant valley on the banks of the Ping River. The city was founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and it still proudly wears its distinctive culture and long history for all to see. However, it's now a place where the past and the present seamlessly merge with modern buildings standing side by side with venerable temples. Despite its relatively small size, Chiang Mai truly has it all.
What to see & do in Chiang Mai?
Things to Do in Chiang Mai range from visiting ancient ruins and elaborate Buddhist temples to exploring traditional markets and a massive zoo. This mountainous city in Thailand offers stunning art such as the serpent carvings at Wat Chedi Luang, as well as national parks like Doi Suthep-Pui, where you'll find waterfalls and utopian forest surroundings. At the Warorot Market, you can shop for local handmade arts and crafts. Acording to adventure travelers David Hunt & The Grasshopper local Thai food is to die for.
Want to go off the beaten path chose a moutain adventure with a local guide.
THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW: Chiang Mai is a 13th-century ancient city of the Lanna Kingdom with over 700 years of history. In here you will certainly see the spiritual side of Thailand, as there are over 300 Buddhists temples in the city. Chiang Mai is a city of culture and tradition in transition. It has a distinct culture (of the Lanna Kingdom), with more temples than any other cities in Thailand, and has a lot of historical sites including portions of an old city that are still intact.
THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO SAVE: Your spiritual well being. Chiang Mai is a great place to kick back and get in touch with your spiritual side.
ZENTRAVELER SAYS: Book an International flight, arrive by bus, train, horseback, water buffalo, or elephant to discover Chiang Mai. You will be glad you did? Some x-pats like Chiang Mai so much it's now their new home.
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