Chiangmai Vacation

Chiangmai - Cultural Capital


Location

Chiangmai is Located in the north of Thailand and is the Most Culturally Significant City. The City is about 700Km North of Bangkok and is the second largest city in Thailand. Chiangmai is situated on a highland, along the banks of the Ping River and surrounded by Mountains. The climate here is hot in months of April, May and June. It experiences mild winter from the months of November to January. Temperatures as low as 4C have been recorded and every once in a while snow flakes form on the Mountainside where the Temperature dips below freezing occasionally. Due to its wonderful climate Tourism is the main economic activity. The city is famous for jewelry, wood carvings, Teak furniture. It serves as an ideal starting point for you mountain adventure in Thailand. The history of Chiangmai stretches back to AD 1296 when King Mengrai established it as the Capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Numerous Wars have been fought with the Burmese and there are many remnants of the Wars. The City is surrounded by a Walled moat.

Some Chiangmai Attractions:

City Moat

  • Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep built in 1383 is the most famous, located on a Hill on the North west of the City

  • Lanna Khantoke Dinner and elaborate dinner offered by a host on important occasions such as housewarmings, weddings etc, complete with traditional Thai dances.

  • Traditional Thai Massage!!! Hmmm!!!. Must Try!!

  • Meditation at the Wat Ram Peong, where they teach Insight Meditation using the traditional Vipassana techniques.

  • Tribal Hamlets-An hour outskirts of the City you can visit the local Tribal people Village Centers. The biggest Tribal community is the Akha and Meo. At the Tribal center you can get to see their lifestyle, colorful embroidered clothing and their nomadic history.

  • Jungle trekking with Tribal guides or visit nature reserves.

  • Elephant park - home to orphaned, sick and injured Elephants.

  • Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated with people releasing banana leaf boats filled with flowers and candles in the rivers in honor of the Goddess of Water. During this festival Candle lit Lanterns called Khom Fai are released into the Air. The festival usually takes place around the last week of November.

  • Lampang Handcraft - famous for beautiful umbrellas

Chiangmai nightlife is not as boisterous as in Bangkok. It is can be quiet but very Relaxing. People here are conservative, polite and friendly. Visitors can get to Chiangmai by Air, Train or by Road. Many International Airlines land directly on Chiangmai International Airport daily. Thai Airways offers good prices from North America to Bangkok.

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