Capital of Chiang Mai
Province, the city of Chiang Mai is the largest
in Northern Thailand. AsiaRooms provides
complete overview of Chiang Mai, its history,
culture and lifestyle.
Located about 700 kilometers from Bangkok,
Chiang Mai stands on the banks of River Ping,
amongst some of the highest mountains in
Thailand. Considered to be one of the topmost
tourist destinations in Asia, Chiang Mai is a
city that leaves tourists spellbound.
The city's strategic location as a major
trade route in the region has shaped the history
of
Chiang Mai. Founded by King Mengrai in 1296,
Chiang Mai formally became a part of Thailand
in the year 1774.
Even though it has not been able to match
the cosmopolitan magnificence of Bangkok, the
most popular city of Thailand, Chiang Mai has
carved a niche of as a highly progressive and
modern city. It is home to some of the world's
best resorts that attract millions of tourists
annually.
When we talk about Chiang Mai, the first
thing that springs to mind is its culture and
heritage.
The city is home to more than 300 temples and an
extraordinary amalgam of various ethnic
communities from all over the world.
Chiang Mai is the city that hosts a big
number of Thai festivals and events. It does not
matter whether you love adventure, nature,
cultural studies, or anything else; there are
numerous activities to choose from in Chiang
Mai.
The most popular tourist attractions in
Chiang Mai are its temples and caves. The city
also houses a zoo, heritage villages amongst
other natural and architectural marvels.
The weather in Chiang Mai is usually
pleasant throughout the year. Summers witness
hot
weather conditions with storms at some times.
Being a mountainous terrain, rainstorms are
common here during the rainy season.
The most convenient and easily available
mode of getting to Chiang Mai is via the Chiang
Mai International Airport. Most of the leading
world airlines in the region operate their
flights to
Chiang Mai on a frequent basis.
Chiang Mai Accommodation
Chiang Mai is a tourist town and has a good
selection of hotels to accommodate the large
influx of visitors. Hotels in Chiang Mai range
from cheap, basic family-run establishments
all the way to five-star resorts. Hotels are
good value in Chiang Mai. Internationally owned
and managed hotels in Chiang Mai meet Western
expectations for comfort and service,
and many have a full range of facilities,
including a pool, fitness centre, massage and
beauty salon, cable TV, and several bars and
restaurants to chose from.
