| Chiang Mai | ||
 | ||
| State | Thailand | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Northern Thailand | |
| Inhabitants | 135.757 (2012) | |
| POSTAL CODE | 50000, 50200, 50100, 50300 | |
Position
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| Institutional website | ||
Chiang Mai is a city of Northern Thailand.
To know
Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) is the gateway to the north of the Thailand. With a population of over 130,000, it is the second largest city after Bangkok.Situated on a plain surrounded by mountains, covered with lush vegetation, Chiang Mai has a cosmopolitan air and a significant amount of foreigners. It is much calmer and greener than the capital, which has led many from Bangkok to settle permanently in this "Rose of the North".
Founded in 1296 BC, the city of Chiang Mai is about 800 km from Bangkok. Until 1920 it could only be reached by an arduous journey up rivers or on the back of an elephant. This long isolation helped to preserve its particular character.
How to orient yourself
Chiang Mai: full screen map.The historic center of Chiang Mai is there City of the Walls (chiang in Thai, then Chiang Mai - "New City of Walls"). There are sections of the walls at the gates and corners, apart from that only the moat remains.
Within the remaining walls of Chiang Mai are more than 30 temples built at the time of the principality, in a combination of styles from Burma, Sri Lanka and Lanna Thai, decorated with beautiful wood carvings, Naga stairways, lion and angelic guardians, golden umbrellas and pagodas covered with gold leaf. The most famous is Doi Suthep, which dominates the city from 1,050m high to 13km away.
The modern part of Chiang Mai has expanded in all directions, but particularly to the east, along the Ping River (Mae Nam Ping), where Thanon Chang Klan, the famous one, are located Night Bazaar and the bulk of the hotels in Chiang Mai. Local people say Chiang Mai was not experienced until he enjoyed the view from Doi Suthep, ate a cup of kao soi, and bought an umbrella from Bo Sang.
How to get
By plane
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) domestic and international flights. The route to Bangkok is one of the busiest in the nation (Thai Airways flies almost every hour, with additional flights during peak tourist periods). Other airlines operating direct services to and from Chiang Mai are:
- Air Asia - from / to Bangkok is Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
- Air Mandalay - from / to Burma
- Bangkok Airways - forKo Samui (the flights from Ko Samui are not direct) and to / from Sukhothai; also Jinghong (China)
- Hong Kong Express - from / to Hong Kong
- Lao Aviation - from / to Laos
- Nok Air - from / to Bangkok & Udon Thani
- One-Two-Go (part of Orient Thai Airlines ) from / to Bangkok
- Silk Air - from / to Singapore
- Thai Airways - from / to Bangkok is Mae Hong Son; also Kunming (China); plus, flights to / from Phuket & possibly Nan may be available depending on the season
- Tiger Airways - from / to Singapore
The airport is approximately 3km southwest of the city center, only 10-15 minutes by car. Licensed taxi drivers charge 140 baht for up to 5 passengers from anywhere in the city; taking a metered taxi the price will be below 100 baht. Taxis leave from the north exit of the terminal - after collecting your luggage, continue through reception and then turn right. Alternatively, take bus number 4 to the city center for 15 baht, or rent a tuk-tuk or songthaew for 50-60 baht. Most hotels and hostels offer free or very cheap airport reception services.
How to get around
What see
Events and parties
What to do
Meditation courses
- 1 Wat Chom Tong, 39 /, 9 Ban Luang, Chom Thong District (Ban Luang, Chom Tong. About 60km southwest of Chiang Mai), ☎ 66 94 604 2952.
- 2 Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.
- 3 Wat Ram Poeng, Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District (Suthep, 7km south-east of Chiang Mai), ☎ 66 53 278 620.
- 4 Wat Sri Boen Ruang, Sansai, Fang, Amphoe Fang, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50110 (Fang, 150km north of Chiang Mai), ☎ 66 89 231 0581.
- 5 Wat Suan Dok, 139 Suthep Road, Chang Wat (Suthep, Chiang Mai, 1km west of the moat), ☎ 66 53 278 304.
- 6 Wat Umong, On Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District (Suthep, 6km from Chiang Mai), ☎ 66 5 381 0965, @[email protected].
Shopping
How to have fun
Where to eat
Where stay
Moderate prices
- YMCA, 11 Sermsuk, Mengrairasmi, ☎ 66 53 221 819.
- Montri Hotel, 2-6 Ratchadamnoen Rd, ☎ 66 53 211 069. Better than the YMCA and also cheaper.
- Eurana Boutique Hotel (Old City), ☎ 66 53 214 522, 66 53 219 402-3.
Safety
How to keep in touch
Around
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Chiang Mai
Commons contains images or other files on Chiang Mai
