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visitor guides to Chiang Mai

Visiting Chiang Mai Temples

Visiting Chiang Mai Temples

Dec 29, 2011

The diversity in Chiang Mai can be found in the temples located in the region. There are cultural influences from many different areas that offer something for everybody. The temples are beautiful, peaceful, and a must-see while in Chiang Mai.

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A Guide to Thai Street Food

A Guide to Thai Street Food

Dec 29, 2011

Eating Thai street food is a must when visiting Thailand. The idea of street food sends some people running but you will miss one of the best experiences, sitting on the side of the street with a bunch of locals, eating cheap, delicious, and authentic food that has been cooked right in front of you.

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Chiang Mai Weather

Sunny
Sat, Jan 28 - Sunny
Max : 32°C (90°F) Min : 18°C (64°F)
Sunny
Sun, Jan 29 - Sunny
Max : 34°C (93°F) Min : 20°C (68°F)
Sunny
Mon, Jan 30 - Sunny
Max : 33°C (91°F) Min : 23°C (73°F)

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Chiang Mai is about 700 kilometers from Bangkok. It is found in the north of Thailand and is the area's center of life, culture and business. It is a famous city and has been for hundreds of years, beginning as a strong trading town, making use of its excellent position on the beautiful Ping River. Over the last few decades it has become a different place, one which reveres its traditions and heritage yet owns a sense of modernism that now suffuses this paradise of pleasure and culture.

It is nothing short a magical city, surrounded by Thailand's highest mountains and filled with historic Buddhist temples or, as they're known in Thai, "wats". There are over three hundred temples in the city and Wat Doi Suthep Buddhist temple can be seen from almost anywhere you are. It sits on Doi Suthep mountain, part of the Doi Inthanon National Park, and you'll probably be able to see it from your hotel or resort. There are many types of accommodation, and quite a variety within each type. The city sees around five million visitors throughout the year, and quite a significant proportion of them are those coming from the West to travel and enjoy some of the festivals which are a popular feature of local life.

Book into one of the grand resorts and you'll have a stay which transcends your expectations. These places have been created in variety of styles, so if you want a bit of colonial charm, you'll certainly find it in a place rich with teak wood features, high ceilings and spacious rooms, suites and villas which often open onto a balcony that looks onto a lagoon-style swimming pool. Swimming pools are a feature of all the good resorts and most hotels, and even if the pool isn't directly flanked by that marvelous tropical greenery which is found from one side of the region to the next, it will certainly be on the periphery. Both hotels and resorts offer spas. Not all of course, but there is, in Chiang Mai, a tradition of spa getaways and you'll be able to experience not only traditional Thai massage, but contemporary spa environments with a range of ancient and new treatments and therapies. You don't have to leave your villa for a Thai massage, and you might not want to with all the temptations that some places offer.

Don't miss out on the legendary Night Market, which offers wonderful shopping and curious activities. Without question, one of the great attractions of the city is its food. Thai cuisine has found a home in every city of the world, and this is where to savor its variety of exciting and unusual textures and flavors at their most lip-smacking. All of the good resorts and hotels offer Thai food, and you can even sit under the stars at night, a great Yang tree your only cover, and sample some rare dish which has been a favorite in the region for centuries. Just as you'll find great Thai food, so your hotel or resort is likely to offer European dining for those who like a a wider choice. For a bit of drama have a traditional meal in restaurant which offers the full experience of a traditional performance while you dine. Chiang Mai is well set to become a UNESCO Creative City, so any performances or art you encounter are likely to be something special.

For those on tight budget, there are more affordable accommodations. Even though these may offer fewer facilities and services, for many they are no less attractive. After all this is a destination which begs to be explored. Unless you're agoraphobic, you'll want to venture out as often as possible. There is the nightlife of Loi Kroh Road, where the bars and dancing goes on well into the morning. In the same area, you'll also be able to attend a traditional Muay-Thai Boxing match. On Sundays there is the Rachadamnoen Road market, which sells food and a variety of handicrafts. It's a city of shopping, bargains and good living. There never need be a quiet moment, although, if you attend one of the magical festivals, like Loi Krathong, you'll have your breath taken away by the floating banana leaves and the hot-air balloons made of paper. These celebrate the gods of water and sky respectively and the sight makes for a indelible memory.