There's a Reason for the World: What's about Chiang Mai, Touch the Experience of North

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

What's about Chiang Mai, Touch the Experience of North

Amazing Highlights of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand are one of the highlights of the Kingdom and well worth the trek up north. The city is older than Ayuthaya, Bangkok and nearly as old as Sukhothai. It's also one of the most relaxed and cheapest tourist places in the country. There are plenty of sites and activities that we could recommend but here are the main ones you shouldn't miss:

The Moat
This is the oldest surviving relic of the city and and has been well maintained with restored ancient bastions on each corner and five gates leading into the lanes of the old town. The moat itself is a nice oasis in the city, lined with grassy banks and trees. It's also a useful place to go swimming during the Songkran water fight festival! More on Chiang Mai city

Doi Suithep temple
This is one of the most important in the whole of Thailand and sits on a peak on the massive mountain to the west of the city. It's pretty impressive and the views are to die for! You can hire a motorbike (or bicycle if you are brave) and ride up to the top. Even if you're not really into temples the national park and waterfalls are brilliant.

The Night Bazaar and Walking street market
Get your bargaining boots on! Chiang Mai is the handicraft centre of southeast asia and produces an incredible range of fantastic Thai sounvenirs at unbelievable prices. Then there are the pirated CDs & DVDs fake designer labels and goods, silk, clothing, art and more. On that note, make sure you're in town on Sunday for the cool walking street. More on Shopping in Chiang Mai

Trekking
That's why everyone comes to Northern Thailand right? This is the best way to really get into the jungle, got elephant back riding, riding rivers on skiffs, spend the night in unique hill tribe villages and get away from all the silly old tourists. Many tour companies in town offer all sorts of options, from day trips to multi day excursions.

The temples
Chiang Mai is known for its 300 or more temples and the old town is just packed with them. Some are more than 500 years old and worth checking out. Wat Phrasing is probably the most famous, but also check out Wat Chedi Luang with it's massive landmark ruined chedi, Wat Lookmoli - another impressive ancient chedi and unique wooden temple,Wat Chiang Man, the city's oldest and several along Thapae road. Learn more, Chiang Mai guide

Khantoke dinner
OK, this one is strictly for the culture vultures, but for that unique Thai cultural experience sign up for one of these enchanting evenings that take place in antique pavilions and feature traditional Northern Thai classical dance, music (with thai traditional orchestra) and local cuisine served on you lap! Khantoke venue.

Labels: All about Chiang Mai, Reccomend all attractive places to go and things to eat and join, Thailand