Chiang Mai, Part of the Ancient Lanna Kingdom
The Most Culturally Significant City in Northern Thailand
Oct 25, 2009
Chiang Mai lies more than 400 miles north of Bangkok and because it has some of the highest mountains in the country it is a Mecca for many Bangkokians who flock to its cooler climes in the heat of the summer. Chiang Mai is also the most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand, part of the distinctive Lanna Kingdom that spanned 600 years of Thai history from 1250-1860.
Once a quiet country town, Chiang Mai is now a city to rival Bangkok. It provides accommodation from 5-star hotels to budget accommodation with food outlets in keeping. There are shopping malls and markets selling handcrafted good such as silver work, woodcarvings, umbrellas, silk and jade – all good buys in Chiang Mai.
Attractions in Chiang Mai
There are opportunities to ride elephants, take a night safari, and browse the famous night market for food, souvenirs and tee-shirts, as well as sight-seeing in and around the city. The Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River runs through Chiang Mai and there are numerous temples to visit.
One of the most popular attractions in Chiang Mai is the Patara Elephant Farm where visitors can spend a day learning all about elephants. Visitors to the Farm get the opportunity to clean and ride an elephant. The price is $180 which includes pick-up from hotels and a photo CD documenting the day and the money raised is used to support the elephants, all of whom have been rescued from unsuitable situations.
Hotels in Chiang Mai
Dusit D2: This is the new-style boutique hotel from the Thai Dusit Chain (Dusit Thani, Dusit Princess etc.) located in the heart of downtown Chiang Mai. The famous Night Bazaar is just outside the hotel which makes it ideal for that late night snack or last minute shopping. The décor is modern Asian, brushed steel and glass and with liberal use of vivid colours. The 131 rooms are well furnished and include very spacious bathrooms with upmarket amenities. The restaurant is popular with locals as well as visitors and there is an outdoor pool, an excellent spa and a fitness centre.
Just north of the city is the smaller Muang Gudi Lodge (26 rooms) which makes an ideal location for those wishing to visit the Butterfly Farm, the Elephant Camp and the Botanical Garden. Those in search of a game of golf need look no further than the nearby Green Valley Country Club. The restaurants serve Northern Thai food as well as international dishes. The rooms are furnished in ancient Sukothai style, and the tropical landscaping outside surrounds an outdoor pool. Taxis into town are reasonable and cycles can be hired.
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi: One of the all-time favourites with regular guests to Chiang Mai, the Mandarin Oriental stands as a homage to the Lanna Kingdom. Set in 60 acres of lush landscape through which the hotel offers daily tours, it also offers a cooking school, a 5,000 volume library and a white water buffalo! The accommodation can best be described as British colonial-style room and there are a few 2-storey villas overlooking paddi fields. No one should miss the Inner Flow Therapy at the Spa which is said to offer the deepest relaxation this side of Nirvana where the therapist stretches the client and dances on the body to free the mind and body of all stress.
Galare Guest House: A Thai-style guest house on the Ping River the 35-roomed guest house has wide, covered verandas overlooking a garden and courtyard. Thai and Western dishes are served for all meals taken on a covered deck overlooking the river. In a quiet section of the city but within walking distance of the Night Market area.
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