Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai the Second City of Thailand

We all know that Chiang Mai is the city that travellers both Thai and foreign value highly for it charm, extraordinary sites, and people. Also, the reputation for craftsmanship has made Chiang Mai become the centre for exports in the North of Thailand. These are the reasons that visitors are impelled to come here again and again. Therefore, information is always the priority for tourists.
Chiang Mai, 700 km northwest of Bangkok, is Thailands second city and the gateway to northern Thailand. There over 300 temples and monasteries in Chiang Mai, almost as many Bangkok, and city has a long tradition for arts and crafts.
Once described as one of the loveliest cities imaginable Chiang Mai still retains a certain flavour of the past with its moated old city, ancient wats and leafy back streets. Chiang Mais oldest temple is Wat Chiang Man which dates back to 1296 and is known for its two Buddha Images, one made of the stone and the other made from crystal.
Almost as old, Wat Phra Sing in the centre of town contains a 1,500 years old Buddha image and another Wat, Wat Chedi Luang, holds the ruins of a huge chedi or stupa that collapsed in an earthquake in 1545.
The Chiang Mai National Museum, just to the north of the city centre, houses an extensive collection of Buddha images and northern Thai handicrafts. Another museum that is worth a visit especially for those preparing to go trekking is the Tribal Museum which houses a good display of hill tribe textiles, jewellery, musical instruments, weapons and other artefacts.
Around 15km east of Chiang Mai is Bo Sang, also known as the Umbrella Village, where handmade paper umbrellas and many other hill tribe handicrafts are sold. Another popular excursion from Chiang Mai is a visit to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre where attractions include elephant rides, elephant bathing and an exhibition on the importance of the elephant in Thai history and culture.
Chiang Mai has a distinct international atmosphere with many foreign businesses and organizations locating in the city over the past decade due to her excellent infrastructure with international direct flight connections to all countries in the region including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Cambodia and Taiwan.
Shopping is great, be it for handicrafts, clothes or luxury items. Everthing can be found at great prices in stores ranging from small family run shops to world class luxury outlets and shopping malls.
Shopping is great, be it for handicrafts, clothes or luxury items. Everything can be found at great prices in stores ranging from small family run shops to world class luxury outlets and shopping malls. (Douglas Scott)