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Chiang Mai Thailand

INTRODUCTION

Chiang Mai is located north of Bangkok in some of the highest mountains in the country. It is also the second largest city in Thailand and, thanks to its cooler climate and more laid-back atmosphere, it is a favourite tourist destination. The city is home to many traditional Thai festivals, and it is also a hub for cuisine, adventure-seekers and traditional Northern Thai folk art. Chiang Mai's night markets are a popular place to pick up traditional arts and crafts, and many local cooking schools cater to foreign visitors eager to try their hand at Thailand's rich culinary tradition. More adventurous travellers will be eager to explore the nearby mountainous jungle, where they can ride elephants, raft rivers, take guided jungle treks and even visit tribal villages.

HISTORY

Before Chiang Mai became a part of Thailand in the 18th century, it served as the capital of the Lanna kingdom. Even today, Lanna culture is recognized as distinct from the rest of Thai culture, with its own cuisine, dialect, dance style and art forms. Chiang Mai's history is also reflected in the architecture of the city, which includes over 300 wats. The region boasts one of the greatest concentrations of handicraft industries in the country, and the Sunday Market is the best place to see the rich colors and intricate designs of this traditional Northern Thai art form. In addition, Chiang Mai is also an excellent base from which to trek into the highlands, where many outfitters offer the chance to visit hill tribe villages. There, history lives in the present, and visitors will have the unique chance to experience the Akha, Hmong, Karen, Lahu, Lisu and Mien cultures firsthand.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Travellers interested in visiting hill tribe villages should be aware of the potential danger posed by fighting along the Burmese border. It is a good idea to ask questions and brush up on current events before beginning a trek, and a guide is essential.

Some controversy surrounds the so-called "ethno-tourist" trade, with detractors claiming that tourist visits to hill tribe villages promote exploitation and encourage resurgence of archaic practices like the wearing of neck rings. Visiting a hill tribe village can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but as always it is better to be an informed traveller. Travellers will be well served by taking the time to find out more about their guide, the village they will visit, the tribe and the issues they face as a marginalized people group.

ATTRACTIONS

Wat Prathat Doi Suthep

Local legend says that the site for Chiang Mai's most famous temple was chosen by one of the king's royal white elephants. Precious Buddhist relics were tied to the elephant's back, and it was set free in the jungle. To the surprise of everyone present, the elephant ran for the hills, and did not stop until it reached the summit of the mountain where the temple stands today.

At the top of 309 brick steps, the temple courtyard provides a breathtaking view of the modern metropolis of Chiang Mai far below. The view alone is worth the dizzying climb, but the temple itself is resplendent. Its golden chedi is dazzling in the late-afternoon sun, and intricate murals tell the story of the life of the Buddha. On the other side of the wall, long rows of "merit bells" stand waiting to ring out news of supplicants' good works.

Visitors to the temple are welcome, but appropriate dress is required for entry. Since Doi Suthep lies well out of town at the top of a set of vertigo-inducing hairpin turns, the best way to get there is by songthaew. These red share taxis boast a double row of benches and have no seatbelts, but they are the best way to see Chiang Mai.

Wat Chedi Luang

A chedi or stupa is a bell-shaped structure meant to house Buddhist relics. The imposing ruins of the chedi at Wat Luang are 500 years old and once housed the famous Emerald Buddha. Though the Emerald Buddha is now housed at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the chedi is an attraction in its own right.

Wat Suan Dok

To the west of the town, Wat Suan Dok contains the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family.

National Museum

There are many National Museums scattered about Thailand. Chiang Mai's National Museum houses an impressive collection of Buddha images and Swankhalok china.

Folk Art Museum

Northern Thai folk art is one of the region's best cultural attractions, and the museum itself occupies a beautiful 130-year-old traditional Thai house.

Chiang Mai Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The zoo occupies an attractive position on a hillside overlooking the Chiang Mai valley and covers 85 hectares of parkland.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Travellers looking for bargains, spectacle and an easy introduction to Thai cuisine can climb into a songthaew on any night of the week and ask for the "Night Bazaar." Situated on the Chang Klan road, the Night Bazaar consists of a number of purpose-built buildings with hundreds of stalls selling a huge array of tribal goods as well as clothing, jewelry and furnishings.

Much like an open-air mall, the Night Bazaar also boasts a food court that operates on a ticket system. Visitors purchase a booklet of tickets at a central counter, and may then choose from a long row of brightly lit kiosks, each well-furnished with photographs of its culinary specialties. The food is cheap and plentiful, which makes it the perfect way to make one's first foray into Thai cuisine.

Next to the food court sits a stage, where musicians or traditional dancers perform often. Between the stage, the food court and the market stalls, many travellers find a week's worth of evening entertainment at the Night Bazaar.

Sunday Walking Market

Every Sunday evening, the Rachadamnoen Road, just inside the old city walls, lights up with a mind-boggling array of market stalls. Local artists sell traditional handicrafts and modern printwork; street carts tempt shoppers with everything from papaya salad to blueberry waffles to fried insects; musicians sit in the middle of the road , nearly lost among the crowds. This is a popular tourist spot, and visitors will hear every language spoken on the street, from Czech to Japanese. Even non-shoppers will want to visit the Walking Market just to soak in the atmosphere -- the market's festive spirit and riot of colors, sights, sounds and smells makes it a feast for the senses.

RESTAURANTS

LODGING