Chiang Mai qualifies as a ‘must-see’ destination for any visitor to Thailand and the city’s many charms – its warm hospitable people, rich culture, laid-back atmosphere and proximity to verdant national parks and other popular northern sites - make it a place that many come back to time and again.
A walk through Chiang Mai’s sleepy old town reveals its centuries-old history with ancient temples shaded by towering trees hidden down winding alleyways and historic landmarks dotted along its main streets. The city moat, brick ramparts and numerous gates hint at the strategic role Chiang Mai played as a Northern capital and center of trade in the past. Bustling local markets and colorful shops add flavor to any visitor’s experience of the city.
A short drive out of town in any direction takes you to into northern Thailand’s scenic countryside. The lush valleys of the north are surrounded by rolling hills, which are perfect for day trips to local waterfalls or for the more adventurous, for trekking to remote areas to visit northern Thailand’s hill tribe villages. The north’s unique Lanna culture invites exploration of a different kind. Chiang Mai offers those interested in art and architecture, history and Buddhism a number of unique opportunities to study and discover its traditions.
