Chiang Mai, Thailand

Named the “Rose of the North” for its abundance of flowers that thrive in the cooler mountain climate. Chiang Mai is blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique indigenous cultural identity.

About 700 kilometers from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is situated on the Mae Ping River basin some 310 metres above sea level. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers. The terrain is mainly jungles and mountains, parts of which are within national parks which are still fertile and verdant with plentiful flora and fauna. There are many sites and locations where tourists prefer to visit to study the lifestyle of the tribal people who live on high hills.

One of Chiang Mai's greatest attractions is Do Suthep Temple. This temple is Chiang Mai's most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. It is 15 kilometers from town, 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383. The temple is approached on foot by climbing a steep staircase comprising 290 steps. The less energetic may ascend by funicular rail cars. The temple's golden pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year.

Doi Inthanon National Park covers Thailand's highest mountain (2,565m). The lovely Wachirathan, Siriphum and mae Pan waterfalls share the mountain with Meo and Karen hill tribe settlements. Thailand's most photographed waterfall, Mae Klang Waterfall, lies at the foot of Doi Inthanon Mountain.

Chiang Mai celebrates many annual festivals. The Flower Festival held each February is a 3-day event which occurs when Chiang Mai's temperate and tropical flowers are in full bloom and at their colourful best. Festivities include colourful floral floats parades music and dancing and beauty pageants. Songkran Festival (April 13) celebrates the traditional Thai New Year. It is celebrated by Thai's ‘sprinkling' blessings onto each other with water. Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated every full moon night of November to thank the Goddess of the river for the use of the waterways by the people. People float away banana-leaf or wax paper boats bearing a lighted candle incense flower and a small coin to honour the water spirits and wash away the previous year's misfortunes.

Chiang Mai is, quite simply, Thailand's major centre for quality handicrafts. The visitor need merely visit the nearest city emporium or night market to purchase handicrafts. A major advantage of shopping in Chiang Mai is that the visitor may watch artisans working within the city and in several outlying villages, particularly along the Bo Sang-San Kamphaaeng Road where, in genuine cottage industries, parasols, silk and cotton weaving, jewelry, woodcarving, silverware, celadon, and lacquerware are manufactured.