(Thailand) – Life in Chiang Mai

One of the many questions Thais may ask a foreigner visiting Thailand is ‘Have you been to Chiang Mai yet?’, underscoring the feeling that Chiang Mai is a keystone of any journey to Thailand. Along with Sukhothai further south, it was the first Southeast Asian state to make the historic transition from domination by Mon and Khmer cultures to a new era ruled by Thais.

(Thailand) – Chiang Mai

Located more than 700km northwest of Bangkok, Chiang Mai has in excess of 300 temples (121 within the thêtsàbaan or municipal limits) – almost as many as are in Bangkok – a circumstance that makes the old city centre visually striking. Thais idealise their beloved northern capital as a quaint, moated and walled city surrounded by mountains with legendary, mystical attributes.

(Thailand) – Chiang Mai

In reality, Chiang Mai is a dynamic and modern city, which has successfully managed to combine its rich history and traditions with its increasingly modern side. However, a result of this rapid development has been the rise in traffic and pollution. Environmentalists are also voicing concerns about development of the verdant and auspicious DoiSuthepmountain (1676m), located to the west of the city, and sometimes referred to as Chiang Mai’s lungs.

(Thailand) – Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has always had many feathers to its bow with its cultural riches, relative peacefulness, fantastic handicraft shopping, delicious food and proximity to many natural treasures. Changes are afoot however, with the city becoming somewhere to watch in the style stakes. Chic, Thai-style boutique hotels are popping up everywhere, and one look at the trendsetters setting up shop (and bars and restaurants), particularly in the ThNimmanhaemin area, shows that the city’s identity is changing.

(Thailand) – Chiang Mai

(Thailand) – Chiang Mai

Yet, the northern capital still manages to retain the relaxed, temple-sprinkled, cultural capital atmosphere of yore, alongside these new hip happenings. With its many and varied attractions, the days of Chiang Mai just being a quick stop off point before heading to the hills are long gone.

(Thailand) – Chiang Mai

(Thailand) – Chiang Mai

Some charming places in Chiang Mai that you can't miss:

(Thailand) – Chiang Mai

1. Wat Phrathat Doi SuthepThe pagoda of this temple is the symbol of Chiang Mai and this temple situated in Doi Suthep mountain in the city center of Chiang Mai as many travellers have to visit this historical site to pray and respect to the pagoda for good luck. It can be said that if you come to Chaing Mai and you don't visit this temple, it will be deemed that you have never come to this province.

(Thailand) – Chiang Mai - Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

2. Chiang Mai ZooSituated at the foothill of Doi Suthep, this zoo is very popular for travellers in the past 2 years because it is the home of the pandas family named Chuang Chuang, Lin Hui and Lin Bing which is the highlight of this zoo. Also, the new aquarium which is the one of the biggest aquarium in Thailand already opened.

(Thailand) - Chiang Mai - Chiang Mai Zoo

(Thailand) - Chiang Mai - Chiang Mai Zoo

3. Tha Pae Walking StreetThis is one of the most famous shopping street in the northern region of Thailand. Situated at Tha Pae Gate in the city center, this walking street opens every Sunday evening as you will see many travellers looking for traditional souvenirs and handcraft products. And Of course, every products selling in Tha Pae can be bargained that is the reason why tourists love this walking street.

(Thaialnd) - Chiang Mai - Tha Pae Walking Street

(Thaialnd) - Chiang Mai - Tha Pae Walking Street

4. Khantoke Dinner"Khantoke" is the name of traditional dinner set of local people it the northern region of Thailand. There're many restaurant in the city center serving Khantoke dinner together with "Lanna" traditional show. Then, you can enjoy delicious dinner in Lanna style with the great traditional show but keep in mine that the price for Khantoke restaurant is quite expensive for budget travellers.

(Thailand) - Chiang Mai - Khantoke Dinner

(Thailand) - Chiang Mai - Khantoke Dinner

(Lonely Planet & Thailand Travel Story)Phoebettmh Travel