Chiang Mai is considered to be the second most important city in Thailand and the regional center of northern Thailand. It’s the gateway to the hill tribes. It’s got a comfortable climate. It’s got great shopping. It’s got fabulous Buddhist temples and there is never a shortage of things to do. It’s no wonder that it’s a premier vacation destination for foreigners and Thais alike.
Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai and became the capital of the Lanna Kingdom of northern Thailand. It served as important link in trade between central Thailand and southwestern China. Chiang Mai became a part of the Kingdom of Siam in 1774 after being captured from Burmese invaders.
Chiang Mai is located 435 miles (700 km) north of Bangkok. The climate is considered to the most comfortable in Thailand with relatively cool winters and a refreshing raining season. With a population of close to 1 million, it ranks as the third largest metropolitan area in Thailand. but because of its traditional status as the commercial, cultural, and educational center of the north, it is considered by many to be Thailand’s second most important city behind Bangkok.
Chiang Mai is home to the Chiang Mai International Airport that serves both international and domestic passengers. Chiang Mai serves as an air and land gateway to southwestern China. If you prefer land transportation, several bus lines service Chiang Mai from Bangkok and other locations in northern and northeastern Thailand. From Bangkok, the Bangkok-Chiang Mai train line is one of the most convenient ways to get to Chang Mai while seeing the beautiful Thai countryside.
The fascinating Hill Tribe people live in the mountains surrounding the city of Chiang Mai and most of northern Thailand. The Hill Tribes consist of nomadic tribes people who have long roamed the mountains before there were national borders. Because of their long term links with countries throughout the region, their nationality has long been in question. Relatively poor economically, they are very rich in cultural heritage. Many of their villages are open to tourists who can experience village life that has been relatively unchanged for centuries. The unique handicrafts and textiles made by the Hill Tribes people are world renown for their quality and attention to detail. With interesting designs and patterns, it’s not surprising that Hill Tribes handicrafts contribute to the shopping experience in Chiang Mai.
The shopping is fantastic in Thailand and Chiang Mai is no exception. The Hill Tribes handicrafts are a colorful and exquisite addition to the shopping experience in Chiang Mai, but hardly represent the entire shopping experience available to shoppers . Not only are handicrafts available from local artisans, but hand made items can be found from all over Thailand thanks to the Sunday Market, Night Bazaar and OTOP. Colorful clothes, quality textiles, traditional dresses and shirts, hand crafted conversation pieces, they can all be found while shopping in Chiang Mai.
No visit to Chiang Mai is complete without a visit to several of the temples, locally called Wats, that are used by Chiang Mai’s Buddhist faithful. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is the most famous Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai and is one of the most famous in all of Thailand. It was built in 1383 and sits on a hill overlooking the city of Chiang Mai. The view from the temple is simply breathtaking.
With everything there is to do in Chiang Mai, it’s hardly surprising that many visitors enjoy their time and come back again and again to discover more about this interesting city.