Have you ever dreamed of an ancient city with golden temples hidden among lush green mountains? Chiang Mai is the ideal destination to make that dream come true. With its ancient beauty, rich culture and stunning natural landscapes, Chiang Mai will take you on a journey of discovery full of surprises and attractions. Coming to this city, you will be immersed in the atmosphere of history and peace in every corner of the streets and temples.
Chiang Mai: The Ancient and Historical City Full of Glory of Thailand
Wat Phra Singh – one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Thailand.Located 700 km north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is an important metropolis of Thailand, spread over an area of 20,000 km² and nestled in the arms of lush green mountains, on the banks of the Ping River—one of the four main tributaries of the Chao Phraya River. Chiang Mai is not only a prominent tourist destination but also a unique intersection between a glorious past and a dynamic present. The city’s history dates back to 1296, when King Mengrai decided to build it as the capital of the Lanna kingdom. The traces of its golden age are still preserved through the ancient walls and deep moats surrounding the old town. When walking on the small streets, visitors will be immersed in the quiet space of more than 300 ancient temples, each a masterpiece of sophisticated architectural art.
Wat Chedi Luang stands tall with its giant Chedi, which once housed the sacred Emerald Buddha.Wat Chiang Mai, the oldest temple, was built by King Mengrai in 1296 and is considered the “foundation of the city”. Wat Phra Singh, with its shiny golden roof tiles and delicate reliefs, is one of the most famous temples in the city. Not far away, Wat Chedi Luang with its giant chedi that once housed the sacred Emerald Buddha, still stands tall as a solid symbol of the city’s history and culture.
Discover Unique Culture and the Sparkling Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is not only famous for its ancient beauty but also a vibrant cultural center, where the unique cultural identities of the ethnic groups are preserved and promoted. Every year in November, the Loy Krathong festival turns Chiang Mai into a sea of shimmering lanterns, with thousands of Khom Loi sky lanterns released into the night sky, creating an unforgettable magical scene.
In particular, Chiang Mai people still maintain the use of Kham Muang (also known as Lanna language or Northern Thai language) in daily communication, in addition to the common Thai language. This contributes significantly to the preservation and maintenance of the unique cultural identity of this land. For Thai people, not coming to Chiang Mai is considered not having truly experienced the full beauty and richness of Thailand.
Discover Chiang Mai Cuisine: From the Signature Khao Soi to a Street Food Paradise
Chiang Mai cuisine is an exciting journey of discovery for the taste buds, offering a different experience from other regions of Thailand. Unlike the typical spicy taste of Southern cuisine, the food in Chiang Mai has a milder and more delicate flavor. In particular, Khao Soi, the famous curry noodle dish of Northern Thailand, is a perfect combination of the richness of the curry broth and the crispiness of the fried noodles, creating a dish that cannot be missed when you come here.
Khao Soi – a typical curry noodle dish of Northern Thailand.
In addition, night markets such as Night Bazaar and Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market are not only ideal destinations for shopping but also street food paradises. Here, you can let your taste buds guide you through the stalls, enjoying everything from traditional dishes with rich local flavors to modern and creative dishes.
Join the bustling Night Bazaar and Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market.
Explore Traditional Crafts in Chiang Mai: Bo Sang Village and the Art of Colorful Paper Umbrellas
Chiang Mai is famous not only for its natural beauty and rich cuisine, but also for its unique traditional crafts. Bo Sang (Borsang) Village, famous for its colorful paper umbrellas, is an ideal destination for those who love folk art. Here, you will have the opportunity to witness the process of making exquisite umbrellas and participate in creative activities, including decorating a unique umbrella yourself. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience traditional crafts and bring home a meaningful gift from Chiang Mai.
Bo Sang craft village with colorful armbands.
The nature surrounding Chiang Mai is a treasure trove worth exploring with many attractive destinations. Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest mountain, attracts about 1 million visitors each year thanks to its majestic landscape and cool climate. In addition, elephant conservation centers offer unique experiences, allowing visitors to learn about the lives of giant elephants in their natural environment.
The ideal time to travel to Chiang Mai is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry, ideal for outdoor activities. Visitors can easily travel to Chiang Mai by plane from Bangkok or other major cities in Thailand, opening up the opportunity to fully enjoy the beauty and diversity of this land.
Chiang Mai, with its blend of tradition and modernity, between tranquility and dynamism, is truly a “Northern Rose” of Thailand. This place is not only a tourist destination but also an experience, an emotion, a place that every tourist wants to return to.
If you are looking for a place to temporarily leave the hustle and bustle of life and immerse yourself in the quintessence of culture and nature, why not Chiang Mai?
