THE CITY OF CHIANG MAI
 

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s principal northern city, is an ancient city with a proud heritage. It was found in 1296 by King Mengrai the great, and is located in a fertile valley 300 meters above sea level, some 700 kilometers from Bangkok.

Chiang Mai was the capital of Lanna Thai (Kingdom of a million rice fields), the first independent kingdom in the world famous Golden Triangle. Chiang Mai flourished as a major religious, cultural and trading centre until 1558 when a Burmese invasion reduced it to a vassal state. Lanna Thai again became part of Thailand in 1774 when the Burmese were expelled.

Historically, Chiang Mai had not been in the mainstream of Thai events. Because of the mountainous terrain, it remained isolated from Bangkok, and could be reached only by an arduous river trip or an elephant-back journey that took several weeks. Such isolation allowed Chiang Mai to develop independently, somewhat influenced by Burma, and accounts for much of Chiang Mai’s present charm.

The people of Chiang Mai have their own customs, their own architectural traditions, their own lilting dialect, their own alphabet, their own dance, their own cuisine, and a wide range of indigenous handicrafts.

Chiang Mai is Known as the "Rose of the North" this northern province is one of the top adventure destinations, with its lush forested-mountain landscape, fascinating high-altitude flora and fauna, and various ethnic hill tribes.    Chiang Mai has three well-defined seasons, balmy summer from mid March to May, the rainy season from June to October and cool winter, from November to February.

Time to Go:

November to January for are rafting, driving and biking; any time of the year for other activities. Accommodation: Ranges from modest 10 luxury in the provincial capital.

Adventure in Chiang Mai

Bird Watching

Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand at 2,565 meters above sea level, is on of the area for birdwatchers. It forms the southerly end of the Himalayan range and thus provides a home for 364 species of birds, many of them not seen elsewhere in the country. Other bird havens include Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Doi Luang Chiang Dao Wildlife Reserve, Om Koi Wildlife Reserve. Best time for Bird watching is from November to February.

Mountain biking

The most scenic route is from Doi Inthanon to Oh Luang Gorge via Mae Chaem. The first leg, about 20 km. long, is strictly for experienced mountain hikers, while the second section, 30 km. long, is less demanding and suitable for bikers of intermediate skills and higher.

4WD Trek

Hill tribe trek by off-road vehicle is most enjoyable along the Chiang Mai-Ban Mae Saket route via Mae Suai, Ban Huai Krai and Doi Wawi, with stops at different tribal villages.

Elephant Rides

At Chiang Dao Elephant Camp in Chiang Dao district elephants are trained to perform for tourists and available for rides in nearby forest.

Mae -Meng Elephant Camp, Mae Taeng district, offers oxcart ride and bamboo rafting in addition to elephant-back rides.

Bamboo Rafting

A popular rafting route starts at Ban Tha Ton in Mae Ai district and continues down Mae Kok river to

Chiang Rai.

Rafting in Mae Taeng River, which is considered easy to moderate, is available through the local Elephant Camp. Contact Gem Travel (see directory).

Whitewater Rafting

Rafting down the Mae Chacm through Ob Luang Gorge in inflatable boats is available through Mac Sot Travel Chiang Mai (see directory). Another challenging route is the Mae Tuen in Omkoi district, which rushes through virgin forests to end at the thunderous Pha Dam waterfall. No rubber raft is available at the site, so it's best to book a trip with a tour agent in Chiang Mai.

Hiking

The best trails are found in Doi Inthanon National Park, where over 360 bird species, spectacular butterflies, wildlife, orchids and other distinct flora vie for the hiker's attention.

Motorbike Tour

Dirt bike adventure in rural Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mac Hong Son is available through Siam Bike Travel (sec Directory).

Hill tribe Treks

These consist of stretches trekked on foot, on elephant back, mountainbike, bamboo raft and rubber kayak. Popular programs include stops and overnight stay at ethnic villages: Karen, Lahu, and Shan.