Visit Chiang Mai
Visit Chiang Mai
Easy-going Chiang Mai is found at the foot of northern Thailand’s picturesque peaks, surrounded by lush vegetation. The pace of life here is slower than other Thai cities, so embrace it and take your time to wander the many markets, haggle for handicrafts, meet the orange robed monks, hike in the hills, or stroll around the tranquil temples, of which there are more than 300.
To start planning your visit give our Chiang Mai Travel Experts a call today on 0800 707 6010.
It’s all about the temples in Chiang Mai. Boasting over 300 of the golden-spired, incense-scented, stupa-filled buildings, the city is the place to come for Buddhist buildings of all shapes and sizes. Other than temple touring, Chiang Mai is a good spot for relaxing among the cooler climes, particularly if you’ve come from Bangkok, but the more active can explore the surrounding hills, trek to traditional villages and look out for the Asian elephant. The food here is excellent too, as are the markets, and when you’ve had your fill you can always try cooking it yourself at one of the many cookery schools.
Did you know?
There are over 300 Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai city, the most famous of which is Wat Prah That Doi Suthep, perched on a hill.
Chiang Mai’s Old City is encircled by a walled moat four miles in length and built in 1296.
Chiang Mai is a popular place to take a Thai cookery class, with numerous high quality cookery schools dotted throughout the city.
Around 20% of Thailand’s 4,000 elephants are found in Chiang Mai province.
How to get around
Take a tuk-tuk or songthaew
While Chiang Mai does have a bus network and car rental is possible, by far the best way to travel is to join the locals and travel by tuk-tuk or songthaew. Tuk-tuks, essentially a three-wheeled motorbike with two seats in the back, are easy and quick, and not very expensive, especially if you have good bargaining skills. Songthaews are larger, like covered pickup trucks with benches in them, and follow a fixed route. Flag one down and agree the price beforehand.
