Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colourful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned travellers and a delight for adventurers. On a trip to this tranquil city, curious travellers can expand their horizons with Thai massage and cooking courses. Others will be bowled over by the variety of handicrafts and antiques. There are plenty of lively nightlife spots and excellent eateries specialising in local cuisine.
Chiang Mai is 700 km north of Bangkok, set in a verdant valley on the banks of the Ping River. The city was founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and it still proudly wears its distinctive culture and long history for all to see. However, it’s now a place where the past and the present seamlessly merge with modern buildings standing side by side with venerable temples. Despite its relatively small size, Chiang Mai truly has it all.
Getting around Chiang Mai is fairly easy as many attractions are within easy walking distance of the main hotels and each other. Walking is a great way to appreciate the city’s ancient charm. An afternoon spent wandering the twisting sois (alleyways) of the old city is a pleasant way to lose yourself amid genuine Thai life.
If you don’t wish to walk, there are still plenty of ways to get around Chiang Mai. The songthaews are the ubiquitous red, open-air buses that constantly orbit the moat. These are a cheap but slow method for getting around. A flashier and faster transport option is the tuk-tuk, or 3-wheeled, open-air taxi. These generally crowd in ranks near the major hotels and tourist areas. They are a lot quicker than the songthaews but a little more expensive.
Having your own car or motorbike is a great way to explore some of the landmarks and attractions just outside of Chiang Mai. If you’re taking any kind of day tour or package tour, don’t worry about transport. Many hotels and travel agencies provide some kind of shuttle service.