Chiang Mai welcomes you!

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s ‘Rose of the North’, a 700 year old, laid back city surrounded by the mountains of Northern Thailand. It boasts plenty of culture and historical interest, excellent hospitality, plenty of adventure options, great spas and cheap shopping.

Chiang Mai tourist guide

The relaxing provincial city of Chiang Mai is the main tourist centre for visiting Northern Thailand and has a well developed infrastructure, including hundreds of great restaurants all over Chiang Mai, hotels of world-class hospitality at locals rates, plenty of bars, and many tourist services to provide you with tours and a guide.

Chiang Mai city is more than 700 years old with plenty of historical and cultural interests from the unique Lanna kingdom – one of Siam’s first. It is one of the few cities in Asia with a preserved moat and the restored corner bastions and city gates stand proudly as a legacy of the past. In addition more than 300 temples are located in the city, which are popular with tours, thanks to some impressive Buddhist Thai architecture. To truly appreciate and enjoy Northern culture, spend an evening at a Khantoke dinner event to witness classical Thai dancing and music, along with local food.

Northern Thailand itself is a wonderful adventurers’ playground, whether you have come to Chiang Mai for trekking, or to explore the national parks by hire car. Numerous waterfalls and wilderness areas provide exciting day trips or excursions, including the Doi Suithep mountain park that dominates the west flank of Chiang Mai, and the Mae Sa Valley with its fun family-friendly activities and elephant camp.

Shopping is another good reason to come, for the charming Thai handicrafts found at the famous Night Bazaar and Baan tawai crafts village make great gifts or souvenirs. Speaking of value for money, be sure to spend a day in one of the many spas or having your health and teeth checked.

Northern Thailand has its own special character, including the colourful and unique hill tribes whose lifestyle has barely changed in hundreds of years living off the land. The hotels are great, the food in Chiang Mai restaurants is delicious, the people friendly and the experience laid back.