Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand. Founded in 1296, it was capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center. It’s also home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents.
A sprawling modern city has grown up around ancient Chiang Mai, ringed by a tangle of superhighways. Despite this, the historic centre of Chiang Mai still feels overwhelmingly residential, more like a sleepy country town than a bustling capital. If you drive in a straight line in any direction, you'll soon find yourself in the lush green countryside and pristine rain forests dotted with churning waterfalls, serene wáts and peaceful country villages and a host of markets and elephant sanctuaries.
Top 5 activities to do:
- Tour Champasak Historical Heritage Museum
- Buy souvenirs at Dream Weaver
- Trekking to Phou Kong
- Visit Tad Fane Waterfall
- Cocktail at Rooftop Sunset
Top 5 attractions to visit:
- Chiang Mai Night Safari
- Wiang Kum Kam, the Underground Ancient City
- Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
- Doi Inthanon National Park
- Karen Long Neck Tribe & Chiang Dao Cave
