Chiang Mai
and with an enchanting location on the banks
of the Ping river, the city and its surroundings
are blessed with stunning natural beauty
and a unique indigenous cultural identity.
Located some 700 km. from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is
the principal city of northern Thailand and capital of
the province of the same name.
Popularly known as “The Rose of the North” and with
an enchanting location on the banks of the Ping River, the city and its
surroundings are blessed with stunning natural beauty and
a uniquely indigenous cultural identity. Founded in 12 by
King Mengrai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang
Mai has had a long and mostly independent history, which has
to a large extent preserved a most distinctive culture. This is
witnessed both in the daily lives of the people, who maintain
their own dialect, customs and cuisine, and in a host of ancient
temples, fascinating for their northern Thai architectural Styles
and rich decorative details.
Chiang Mai also continues its renowned tradition as a handicraft
centre, producing items in silk, wood, silver, ceramics and more,
which make the city the country’s top shopping destination for
arts and crafts.
Beyond the city, Chiang Mai province spreads over an area of
20,000 sq. km. offering some of the most picturesque scenery in
the whole Kingdom. The fertile Ping River Valley, a patchwork
of paddy fields, is surrounded by rolling hills and the province
as a whole is one of forested mountains (including Thailand’s
highest peak, Doi Inthanon), jungles and rivers.
Here is the ideal terrain for adventure travel by trekking on
elephant back, river rafting or four-wheel drive safaris in a
natural wonderland. Adding a special feature to the landscape
are the traditional villages of the region’s hilltribe people, distin-
guished by their colourful tribal costumes and lifestyles mostly
untouched by the modern world. At the same time, visitors will
find deluxe hotels, mountain resorts and other facilities that
ensure today’s comforts and convenience.
Around Chiang Mai, the neighbouring provinces of Lampang,
Lamphun and Mae Hong Son have great appeal, offering
further opportunities to experience the North’s natural beauty
and distinctive culture.
