Visiting Chiang Mai is a truly unique opportunity to explore the contrast between Thailand’s fascinating historical past and future ambitions. Known as Thailand’s ‘Rose of the North’, the charming city offers visitors a plethora of fascinating attractions to enjoy and local hospitality that is second to none.
Many of the city’s beautiful Buddhist temples and pagodas are housed within the fortified walls of the old city, accessible by one of four gates which takes visitors over a historic moat which surrounds the area.
Whilst the surrounding area of Chiang Mai can offer adventurous explorers the opportunity to discover remote villages and indulge in adrenaline-seeking rafting and hiking expeditions, the city itself offers a multitude of exciting activities for visitors too. Chiang Mai’s cooking classes, massage schools, artistic performances, handicraft workshops and elephant camps ensures travellers can engage with local Thai people and enjoy a packed cultural experience on their Thailand holiday. With its activities complemented by stunning vistas and fascinating ethnic diversity, Chiang Mai holidays offer an opportunity to experience a very different side of Thailand.
What you’ll love most about Chiang Mai
- Contribute to caring for the elephants – Chiang Mai has a number of elephant reputable sanctuaries and orphanages where elephants are looked after
- This is a truly peaceful and serene place to be so enjoy a massage while surrounding yourself in the beauty and old world heritage of the region
- There are around 300 Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai to explore with various architectural styles
- Enjoy a wide selection of street food at the nightly Chiang Mai Gate market
- Just 20 minutes north of Chiang Mail City is Huay Tung Tao. Here you can escape to nature followed by some really great cuisine from the bamboo huts that surround parts of the lake
“(Chiang Mai is) a beautiful place with lots to see. Been there a few times and the people are very friendly” – Steven G, Inspire My Holiday Facebook page fan.