Chiang Mai - The northern capital of Thailand

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s northern capital. Though it is Thailand’s second largest city, it has a population of just a quarter of a million compared to the population of more than 6 million in Bangkok. It is a pleasant and vibrant city, which has more than 300 temples in which some Burmese architectural influence can be seen. It is particularly nice to bicycle around. Devoid of fast-paced discos, high-end retail shops and warm, soupy beaches, the city instead offers a different variety of treasures; culture and landscape rich in history, tradition, and spirituality.

The city prides itself in 300 centuries-old stone and teak temples which are vestiges of ancient civilizations and the long-ago Lanna Kingdom. Chiang Mai’s oldest temple is Wat Chiang Man which dates back to 1296 and is known for its two Buddha images, one made of the stone and the other made from crystal. Almost as old, Wat Phra Singh in the centre of town contains a 1,500 year old Buddha image and another wat, Wat Chedi Luang, holds the ruins of a huge chedi or stupa that collapsed in an earthquake in 1545.

The Chiang Mai National Museum has an extensive collection of Buddha images and northern Thai handicrafts. Another museum is the Tribal Museum which houses a good display of hill tribe textiles, jewelery, musical instruments, weapons and other artefacts. Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center takes the visitor on an engaging journey in the past. The Three Kings Monument, situated right in front of the building, commemorates the three kings of the thirteenth century. The kings selected the site for the ‘new city’ of Chiang Mai. The Night Bazaar keeps Chiang Mai’s centre busy after hours, and there is plenty of late shopping and eating.

Around 15km east of Chiang Mai is Bo Sang, also known as the Umbrella Village, where handmade paper umbrellas and many other hill tribe handicrafts are sold. Also worth seeing is the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre where attractions include elephant rides, elephant bathing and an elephant exhibition. Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, is set in a large national park offering some pleasant walks among the mountain scenery of forests and waterfalls and a popular site for birdwatchers.

So, if you are to explore Thailand to its fullest, just do not forget to include this wonderful historic city in your itenary.