Chiang Mai City Guide
In addition to modern, urban sophistication, the city has managed to preserve some of its ancient atmosphere. Although Chiang Mai is considered Thailand's second city, the lifestyle and atmosphere here is a world away from frenetic Bangkok, particularly in the old quarter, which has retained its traditional wooden houses and tranquil garden spaces.
Once the focus for trade in silk, timber and opium, Chiang Mai is now a hub for cross-border trade with Myanmar and Laos. It is also northern Thailand's primary tourist destination. The city's temples are its primary draw, but interestingly these still function as community centres rather than just as museum exhibits. A thriving craft industry, an increasing number of cultural and spiritual learning opportunities, excellent and varied cuisine, lively nightspots and good-value accommodation add to the city's appeal, making it the sort of short-stay destination that people find hard to tear themselves away from.
Tours of Chiang Mai
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Travel Deals
-
Finland Activity & adventure holidays Finnish Lapland has enormous areas of untouched wilderness and mile upon mile of wild rolling fells. This vast open countryside, sparkling in the winter sunshine, just begs to be explored by
-
Orlando Adrenaline Whether you’re enjoying the hair-raising delights of the world’s only flying rollercoaster called Manta at SeaWorld or racing through the Everglades on an airboat in search of alligators, one thing’s for
-
Cambodia Luxury holidays Today Cambodia is symbolised by awesome Angkor Wat, the largest man-made religious structure in the world. However, Cambodia is also home to some of the finest boutique hotels in the world
-
Laos Inspire Me When the French colonised Indochina they had a saying: "The Vietnamese grow the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice grow, and the Lao people listen to the rice grow." This is
-
Vietnam Cultural breaks Vietnam is a country with a rich and varied history that is now firmly focused on her bright future. This is why it has become one of the hottest destinations for
-
Dominican Republic Family holidays The Dominican Republic has soared in popularity as a tropical hotspot for families seeking sun, sand and an affordable holiday in the Caribbean. The island's main attraction is magnificent golden sand
