Chiang Mai is Thailand’s sparkling gem of the north. While most people flock to the country’s tropical beaches, there is much to recommend Chiang Mai being added to any Thailand excursion! Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand, and the second largest city in the country. Lying 700 kilometres north of Bangkok in the mountainous Thai highlands, the city has a population of 1.2 million people.
Chiang Mai’s cooler climate and friendly vibe make it a popular venue for Thai businesses and organizations to hold their annual meetings and celebrations, the luxurious Chiang Mai hotel banquet room is busy all year round hosting these popular events. If you come to Chiang Mai on business or for pleasure, the city and its surroundings offer a plethora of fascinating natural and historical sites to explore, so be ready for some top-notch sightseeing! The following are just a few of our favourite must-sees!
Chiang Mai Old City – Comprising the very centre of town, this is the ancient but still healthily beating heart of Chiang Mai! The Old City is chock-a-block with budget-friendly fun things to do and see, the original city walls, canals, and remnants of the old times sit side by side with delicious restaurants and gift shops perfect for picking up a unique Thai handicraft as a souvenir!
Namtok Bua Tong, The Sticky Waterfalls – if you want to get out of the city for a day of adventure, this is one of the most unusual and beautiful natural attractions the area has to offer. The waterfalls are a kind of natural wonder in that the rocks the waters run over are ‘sticky’, the minerals in them providing excellent traction so you can actually walk up them! Unlike most river rocks that are treacherously slippery, these are sponge-like and provide a firm foundation for the adventurous hiker!
The Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre – Located near the centre of Old Town, this wonderful museum is where you can learn more about Chiang Mai’s rich history from its treasure trove of artefacts and art. The museum’s most exciting and popular feature is the recreation of an entire Lanna Kingdom (the original inhabitants of the region) village located on the upper floor! You will feel as if you have stepped through a doorway in time as you get a first-hand look at how these ancient people lived.
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – This vibrant marketplace is located in the centre of town, and comes roaring to life just after sundown! The iconic bazaar is one of Thailand’s most famous thanks to its august age, festive atmosphere, and unique local products on sale like traditional jewellery, art, handicrafts, clothing, food, and more! The bazaar has just about everything under the sun, but you will have to wait until after dark to shop!
Chiang Dao Cave – Thailand is well known for its marvellous limestone caves, and this is one of the most famous due to its mysterious beauty and easy accessibility. The massive subterranean complex is well lit so you can stroll among the eerie stalactites and stalagmites of this underground wonderland feeling as if you have wandered into Jules Verne’s Centre of the Earth! The five main caves are easy to traverse, but the adventurous can see still more if they aren’t afraid of crawling through some tunnels, a rigorous activity that is not for the claustrophobic! This otherworldly place is truly a must-see!
There are so many things to do in beautiful and historic Chiang Mai, we are really just scratching the surface. We hope we have inspired you to take a side trip away from the southern beaches up into the rugged mountain fastness of the north, a world of delights awaits you!
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