Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chiang Mai
The name Chiang Mai means "rose of the north" and it is certainly a gem to experience.
Whether you are just passing through or you have a few days to stop Chiang Mai has a lot
to offer. With graceful temples, historic ruins and adventurous activities you will find plenty
of things to see and do in Chiang Mai and even more nearby. Just 430 miles from Bangkok
you can fly there in a little more than hour or take a full day bus journey to see more of the
country in between.
Chiang Mai was founded more than 700 years ago in 1296 and since that time each king
built his own temples totaling to over 200 in Chiang Mai today. Start off your day with some
fresh coffee from a local cafe and step inside Chiang Mai's ancient walls to check out Wat
Phra Singh with paintings from the 1800s and the ruins at Wat Chedi Luang. Others worth
visiting include Wat Chiang Man the first temple built in Chiang Mai, and the underground
Wat U-Mong.
There are many markets to choose from in Chiang Mai selling just about anything you can
imagine. There are Saturday and Sunday markets from afternoon to night while the Muang
Mai market sells fresh produce and meats during the day. For souvenir ideas you can go to
the Thipanet market to see the local arts and crafts. When you need a snack check out the
local central market, Warorot, to try a variety of tasty foods while you poke around. Once
night falls you can attend the famous open air bazaar, open every night of the week from
afternoon to midnight.
As a growing hotspot for tourists there are plenty of options all around town but in the high
season or during holidays be sure to book ahead. Chiang Mai has many types of accommod-
ation for all budgets of travelers, from numerous dormitories and guesthouses all the way up
to villas and resorts.
Chiang Mai makes a great base while you explore the many nearby sights on day trips. Just
10 miles northwest of Chiang Mai is the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep located in the mountains
of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Possibly the holiest wat in the north it was established in
the year 1383 as a Buddhist monastery, and still functions as a monastery today. To reach the
wat you can climb the 306 stairs leading to the summit of Doi Suthep or you can opt to take
a leisurely ride up on the tram. At the top you will be greeted by a golden spire decorating
the mountain and on clear days you can see great views of Chiang Mai. If you walk around
the outside you will find one of the world's largest gongs which is yours for the ringing.
 
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