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Chiang Mai is truly the Gateway to the North of Thailand and all that is peaceful - yet breathtaking! Chiang Mai City is the Second largest City in Thailand. Chiang Mai Province is the first choice for many visitors and settlers alike. |
Some of the most stunning landscapes and terrain are to be found in Chiang Mai province, together with incredible temples - some 300 or so! Together with this, the area of Chiang Mai is awash with traditional handicrafts - and the centre of the city is host to Thailand's largest handicraft market and bazaar! There are countless shops, but it is the night bazaar and waling street that are the min attraction for the handicraft hunter!
Things to do
Countless markets, Zoos, Elephant
treks, waterfalls, forests, mountains, restaurants, food, arboretum,
national parks, monuments, temples, people, caves, jungles, arts and
crafts, hire a mountain bike, hill tribes, white water rafting,
river cruises, golf, rock climbing, spas, shopping! This then, is
Chiang Mai!
The Chiang Mai night life includes, but is not confined to, Pubs,
restaurants, Music - western and Thai, discos, Karaoke, BBQs to die
for, people! The Thai pub - enormous - is not the place to go
for a quiet chat and drink!
There are various festivals throughout the year in Chiang Mai -
including flower festivals and of course the umbrella festival,
lanterns, beauty, fireworks, religious festivals,
You may also wish to spend time learning one of the traditional Thai
sports/activities such as Thai Boxing, Thai Massage or even Thai
cooking.
Amphoe Omkoi Lahu people
Bathing of Elephants
Retirement!
Chiang Mai is a very popular area for those wishing to retire to an
area of beauty, cooler temperatures, lower cost of living, peaceful
surroundings, the food. In excess of 5,000 ex-pats have made that
decision already!
The Area
The province of Chiang Mai is around 700 km north of Bangkok, 300m
above sea level and is surrounded by mountain ranges. It is also
home the the highest mountain in Thailand - Doi Inthanon. It's
reputation as an area of natural beauty is highlighted by the fact
that it has several national parks within easy reach and access.
The mountains are generally jungle with plenty of wildlife and plant
life for visitors and 'explorers'! Top the North, there are the
famous, enigmatic 'Hill Tribes'. It is possible to visit the high
hills to the hill tribe villages.
The city of Chiang Mai dates back to c 1296. It was then capital
city of the Lanna kingdom and seen as the centre of Buddhism in N.
Thailand. The many temples in the area are testimony to this.
November - February is a good time for western tourists.
Temperatures are at their lowest at this time, with a day
temperature of around 28C and nights 15C. In the higher parts, the
temperature can drop considerably lower at night. T shirts are not
advisable! March to May are considerably hotter, with day
temperatures of 35C+ not uncommon in Chiang Mai city itself. Cooler
in the suburbs, but still hot!
Rain! The rainy season in Northern Thailand is june - October.
Transport
Bus, bike, motorbike, train, Tuk-Tuk, taxi, Rickshaw, hire a car, fly in. It's all here - come and join us!
Accommodation : Hotels : Resorts : Guest Houses : Apartments
Places of Interest : Bo Sang - Boo Sarng - The Umbrella Village
