Chiang Mai Travel Guide

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Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand. Accurate numbers aren’t easy to get though – the flux of people relocating from the countryside isn’t well recorded – but no figure tops 1 million. Most numbers have the population under half a million.

But Chiang Mai is not a sleepy town. Once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom (which included parts of Thailand, Burma, and Laos), there is plenty of historical significance scattered about the city. Mountains abound (actually, the foothills of the Himalayas). Rivers run through town. Anyone going to or coming from the north travels through Chiang Mai. Indeed, it still retains much of the feel of a capital.

What’s more, after the grime of Bangkok, visitors will find Chiang Mai refreshing and clean (the exception being during the harvest – around May – when farmers use controlled burns that pollute the city). A number of traditional hill tribes are easily accessible from the city – both in tourist and authentic form.

Hiking, nature, lakes, water sports, waterfalls – all these things are within a short drive.

In short, if you want a dose of true Thai culture – and a thriving aboriginal experience – you’ll want to make your way to this northern hot spot.

The prices here make Bangkok seem expensive, traditional craft trade is centered in Chiang Mai and true Thai massage is available everywhere a pittance. And in addition to the usual spicy Thai treats, Chiang Mai also offers up a local cuisine, much sweeter and silkier than its southern neighbor. Chiang Mai feels like the truest Thai city around.

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