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Chiang Mai is considered to be the capital of Northern Thailand as it’s the largest and most significant city in this part of the country. A popular tourist destination, Chiang Mai offers an alternative to the beaches of Thailand, and the busy streets of Bangkok, and has numerous sights to see.
Chiang Mai Tourist Attractions
Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 and has hundreds of years of history and culture to offer visitors. At one time it was the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, and today it is the fifth largest city in Thailand, though the most significant city in Northern Thailand.
The old walled city is popular though this is not the only attraction in Chiang Mai. The actual city walls remain in a very few places now though the impressive moat can still be seen. In terms of tourist development, there are many hotels to the east of the old city in an area that also includes the famous Night Bazaar where you should definitely visit to pick up all sorts of well priced goods.
Temples in Chiang Mai
One of the top attractions in Chiang Mai is its temples. You’ll find temples in this city’s streets from several different periods in history, showcasing the best of northern Thailand’s rich cultural heritage in their architecture. There are actually over 300 temples within the limits of Chiang Mai, so you won’t see all of them! Wat Chet Yot, Wat Umong, and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep are said to be three worth visiting for their differences.
Wat Chet Yot is on the outskirts of Chiang Mai and was built in 1455, while Wat Umong is set in the foothiils in the west of the city. This one is a forest and cave wat so it has beautiful surroundings and a peaceful setting. At the other end of the scale is the grandeur of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. This is Chiang Mai’s most famous temple and it stands atop a hill overlooking the city, offering fabulous views. Dating from 1383 the temple is ornate and ostentatious with its gold and highly decorated buildings and it’s one of the newer temples that were built during the Lanna Thai period.
Museums in Chiang Mai
If visiting the temples has left you wanting to know more about the history and culture of Chiang Mai you can visit one of the city’s several museums. The Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre is a good place to start and offers a multimedia look at the history and culture. Along the same theme is the Chiang Mai National Museum while the Hilltribe Research Institute Museum focuses more on rural life.
Flights to Chiang Mai
It's easy to get to the Chiang Mai International Airport (airport code: CNX) since it is less than 2 miles (3km) outside the city. There are public buses, taxis and shuttles to take you to and from the airport, or grab a tuk-tuk for a cheaper ride. All 1-stop flights to Chiang Mai from the UK have a connection in Bangkok, and can be booked with Thai Airways International, British Airways or Qantas Airways. Jet Airways has a 2-stop flight to Chiang Mai that travels through Bombay and then Bangkok. Alternatively, a flight to Chiang Mai with Lufthansa connects in Frankfurt and Bangkok.Chiang Mai Tourist Attractions
Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 and has hundreds of years of history and culture to offer visitors. At one time it was the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, and today it is the fifth largest city in Thailand, though the most significant city in Northern Thailand.
The old walled city is popular though this is not the only attraction in Chiang Mai. The actual city walls remain in a very few places now though the impressive moat can still be seen. In terms of tourist development, there are many hotels to the east of the old city in an area that also includes the famous Night Bazaar where you should definitely visit to pick up all sorts of well priced goods.
Temples in Chiang Mai
One of the top attractions in Chiang Mai is its temples. You’ll find temples in this city’s streets from several different periods in history, showcasing the best of northern Thailand’s rich cultural heritage in their architecture. There are actually over 300 temples within the limits of Chiang Mai, so you won’t see all of them! Wat Chet Yot, Wat Umong, and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep are said to be three worth visiting for their differences.
Wat Chet Yot is on the outskirts of Chiang Mai and was built in 1455, while Wat Umong is set in the foothiils in the west of the city. This one is a forest and cave wat so it has beautiful surroundings and a peaceful setting. At the other end of the scale is the grandeur of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. This is Chiang Mai’s most famous temple and it stands atop a hill overlooking the city, offering fabulous views. Dating from 1383 the temple is ornate and ostentatious with its gold and highly decorated buildings and it’s one of the newer temples that were built during the Lanna Thai period.
Museums in Chiang Mai
If visiting the temples has left you wanting to know more about the history and culture of Chiang Mai you can visit one of the city’s several museums. The Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre is a good place to start and offers a multimedia look at the history and culture. Along the same theme is the Chiang Mai National Museum while the Hilltribe Research Institute Museum focuses more on rural life.