Holidays in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Many locals and travellers alike will agree that no trip to Thailand is complete without visiting this 'Rose of the North'. And is rose it certainly is. With a kaleidoscope of exotic flowers, fragrant aromas, cultural experiences, gastronomic taste sensations, adrenaline pumping activities and affordable accommodation options, Chiang Mai provides the ideal escape from the daily grind of modern living. Chiang Mai is a magical destination, with thousands of curious travellers visiting the city each year to see exactly what all the fuss is about. Though not as popular and busy as Bangkok, Chiang Mai boasts a charm and character of its own, and truly deserves its affectionate reputation. Hospitable locals are eager to help you find your feet before guiding you to the numerous street stalls so you can purchase some of their wares. Here you will find an array of beautifully designed handcrafts, souvenirs, woodcrafts, jewellery, and silk clothing, among other things. Shopping addicts will never be disappointed in this city. Chiang Mai is well recognised as the cheapest destination in Thailand. Here, you can spend the day wandering the historic sites discovering ancient temples, trek to remote villages, tour mountains, indulge in a luxurious spa, sample authentic Thai cuisine, ride an elephant, or go shopping - the choice is yours. Indeed, Chiang Mai is a place of discovery and adventure.

Location:

Chiang Mai is located about 700 kilometres from the capital Bangkok, beautifully set on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountains, dense jungle and lush countryside, this area is rich in flora and fauna. Although much greener and lush than Bangkok, it boasts a sophisticated and cosmopolitan aura than many people in Bangkok have found appealing. This has resulted in them choosing this 'Rose of the North' as their permanent home. During the November to February months Chiang Mai experience the cool season, with pleasant to mild days. Temperatures in the city during this time average between 15 C at night and 28 C during the day. At higher elevations, temperatures have been known to drop to freezing point, however, snow is rare. During the hot season (March-May), temperatures in the city are high, rising into the high 30s. The rainy season is experienced from June to October.

Accommodation:

Accommodation in Chiang Mai is cheap, even by Thai standards. There is lodging available for all types of tastes and budgets, from affordable guest houses with minimal services and facilities, to typically luxurious hotels catering to your every whim, and elaborate garden resorts offering a hedonistic experience of a lifetime. The latest phenomenon is the boom in boutique hotels. Several have popped up in recent years and offer services and facilities par excellence. Most are located in a tranquil garden setting, are fairly small and intimate, and decorated with authentic Thai crafts and antiques. Chiang Mai is geared towards the budget traveller. The city is teeming with guest houses and backpacker lodges catering to the more budget conscious, younger guests. These accommodations provide a laid back atmosphere commonly associated with life in Chiang Mai - not as touristy as Phuket or as hectic as Bangkok. But be warned, this trendy, laid back and casual city many have you wanting to stay longer than expected, an option many travellers in fact choose.

Attractions and Activities:

If leisure and entertainment is what you seek, look no further than Chiang Mai. The city is a well known tourist destination, catering to the lifestyles of a myriad of travellers from around the world. However, many visitors are those focussed on enjoying a laid back experience - rest, relaxation, sampling cuisine, enjoying nature, shopping and discovering the culture of this amazing place. And don't forget about the adventure sports. Climbing, mountain biking, walking, trekking, bowling, swinging, tai chi, kick boxing, white water rafting and more can all be enjoyed in Chiang Mai. While staying uniquely Thai, this city offers a cosmopolitan edge, boasting tons of trendy bars, clubs, music venues and eateries to tempt young and old. Enjoy a evening of song and dance while tucking into an indulgent Thai feast, or retreat to a quiet noodle shop for a taste of this Thai staple. Now let's talk shopping. Here, shopaholics are catered for in a big way, with a range of goods and merchandise at affordable prices. Chiang Mai is considered the cheapest destination in Thailand, so leave your shopping for this city. Chiang Mai is the handicraft centre of Asia, so it comes as no surprise that there is a street stall on every corner. These stalls stock everything from silk, silver, clothing, rattan, ceramics, interior decor, antiques, artworks, lacquer and neilloware - something for everybody. A popular tourist feature is the buzzing Night Bazaar, a great place to wander through the stalls and arcades, admiring the handicrafts and possibly making some purchases. And for those wanting a more international shopping experience, the two well stocked malls, Kad Suan Kaew and Airport Plaza, provides you with all your gadget, clothes and multimedia needs.