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Overview of Chiang Mai

The northern city of Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s most distinctive provincial capitals, steeped in tradition and local culture. With its own dialect, delicious northern cuisine and unique architectural style, the former kingdom of Lanna - the 'land of a million rice fields' - stands apart from the rest of Thailand. In recent years the city has undergone considerable change. Several leading hotel chains have established a strong presence in the city within the last year, each following the style of the many successful boutique resorts and guesthouses by creating environments that reflect the regions rich cultural heritage.

Attractions

Doi Suthep is a 1600 meter peak overlooking Chiang Mai. It is also home to the famous temple Wat Pra That Doi Suthep. The ride up to the temple is a rollercoaster ride of a mountain road. There is a viewing point halfway up and spectacular views across the city from the temple.

The Walking Street Market is on Ratchadamneon Road in the old quarter and it now teams with eager shoppers every Sunday. Starting in mid-afternoon, the market continues into late evening. There is also a small evening market around Thae Pae Gate on Sunday afternoon.

Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city built in the reign of King Mengrai in 1286. The city was surrounded by ditches in every corner and they were used as reservoirs. There are 20 ancient remains in and around Wiang Kurn Kam to see. Wiang Kum Kam is southeast of Chiang Mai, between kilometer 3-4 along Chiang Mai-Lamphun route.

After Dark

A chic restaurant and a bit of a trendsetter in The House Restaurant, Wine and Tapas Bar, centrally located on Moon Muang Road. Dalaabaa on Bumrungraj Road at Watgate is a slick looking joint that bills itself as a bar and restaurant selling 'nouveau Thai cuisine'.

On Nimanhaemin Soi i is Modiwa bar and restaurant is an elegant little hang out has live jazz on Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoons. Just around the corner on Soi 9 is the popular Monkey Club. The trendy restaurant-cum-club gets packed with locals every night eager to hear the live band.

The Riverside on Chareon Rat Road and the nearby La Brasserie, both feature good live bands and also serve Thai and western food. La Brasserie in particular is renowned for the talented Thai guitarist, Took. He rocks the house nightly with Hendrix, Dylan, Clapton and other rock classics. Check him out after 10.30 p.m.

Time to Visit

Chiang Mai experiences cool season from November to January with morning and evening temperatures dropping as low as 60 C. During February, l\/larch and April the level of pollution can be extremely bad in Chiang Mai and the north due to burning fields to clear land, and the heat. The region is best avoided during this period. The rainy season of June to October is a pleasant time to visit.

Getting There

Chiang Mai lies 800 kilometers north of Bangkok and just over an hour away by air. Thai Airways fly direct whereas Bangkok Airways fly via Sukhothai. The overnight train from Bangkok's Hua Lompong station to Chiang Mai makes for an interesting and considerably cheaper travel option.