Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the second biggest city of Thailand in Southern Asia. Chiang Mai's (means "new city") rich history stretches back 700 years to the time when several small tribes, under King Mengrai, banded together to form a new nation called Anachak Lanna Thai. Their first capital was Chiang Rai, but after three decades they moved it to the fertile plains near the Mae Ping River to a place they called Napphaburi Sri Nakornping Chiang Mai. The Lanna Thai eventually lost their independence to Ayutthaya and, later, to Myanmar. Not until 1774—when the Burmese were finally driven out—did the region revert to the Thai kingdom. After that, the region developed independently of Southern Thailand. Even the language is different, marked by a more relaxed tempo. In the last 50 years the city has grown well beyond its original moated city walls, expanding far into the neighboring countryside. Despite being more than 700 years old and filled with 300 elegant Buddhist temples, Chiang Mai Thai history lives on in its original square, surrounded by a moat, sections of fortified wall and restored entrance gates. But boutique hotels and modern amenities are plentiful. When the shopping urge strikes, beeline for the Night Market. The temple atop Doi Suithep mountain, offering sweeping valley views, or the 13th-century ruins of Wiang Kum Kham settlement are easy day trips. When visiting Chiang Mai one should be prepared for a lot of interesting walks both inside and outside of the city. The most famous and fascinating temples in the city – Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Chiang Man – are clustered conveniently close to each other in the old town, but there are many other interesting spots that you may wish to explore furthermore. The main local place of pilgrimage, for Buddhists and tourists alike, is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which glitters in the sun from its perch some 1300 metres up the neighbouring mountain. The city is also well-endowed with museums: the Arts and Cultural Centre in the old town for high-quality displays on Chiang Mai and Lanna culture, the National Museum to the north for the best of the region's historical artefacts, and, further north again, the Tribal Museum for a useful introduction to the hill-tribes of northern Thailand. Several festivals attract throngs of visitors here too: Chiang Mai is considered one of the best places in Thailand to see in the Thai New Year – Songkhran – in mid-April, and to celebrate Loy Krathong at the full moon in November, when thousands of candles are floated down the Ping River in lotus-leaf boats. Trekking to the villages of Thailand's hill tribes has become one of the quintessential travel experiences from Chiang Mai. Other thrills include elephant rides, mountain-biking, white-water rafting, rock-climbing expeditions and zip-line adventures through the rain-forest canopy. And don't forget - there are tons more of attractions, activities and interesting places to see in Chiang Mai, visit them and write here at HolidayStreets.com about their beauty and mystery!