Chiang Mai City: the cultural capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai is preferred by many people to Bangkok for its cool air and superior choice of cultural amenities.
Mountains: Chiang Mai is framed by a mountain range that provides Chiang Mai with a distinctive atmosphere, and a realm of hidden treasures to explore.
What to do in Chiang Mai
Mountain tour: head up to the mountains, stay overnight or visit the heads of village elders. The mountains of Chiang Mai are a world unto themselves.
Museums: Chiang Mai is home to some of the best museums in the country, and days can be spent passing from collection to collection across the city.
Wat U-Mong: a forest cave temple in the west of the city, near Chiang Mai University, known for its fasting Buddha and hundreds of pithy Buddhist proverbs in English posted on trees.
Wiang Kum Kam: the site of an old city on the southern outskirts of Chiang Mai with many ruined temples and broken statues, wonderful to see.
What to do in Chiang Mai Central
Universities: visit some of the many Universities in the city to see an intellectual side to Thailand and explore the libraries and services on campus.
Restaurants: like any major tourist are in Thailand, the restaurants are excellent and worth browsing on foot to check menus, prices and deals of the day. Follow your taste buds.
Doi Inthanon: Thailand’s highest mountain and a magical climb, Doi Inthanon is popular with couples and families alike and is particularly popular with Thai city dwellers.
National Parks: Chiang Mai preserves its mountain ranges s part of protected national parks, open to visitors with unobtrusive accommodation at the borders.
What to do in Chiang Mai Province
Loi kratong: the November festival to thank the water goddess is awash with colour and music, full of hope, joy and community spirit.
Songrant: Thailand’s New Year celebration held in April at the height of temperatures when everyone cools off in a huge water fight.