Thailand's Rose of the North, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, the largest and the most culturally significant city in northern Thailand is known as "rose of the north".  It is also a city with ethnic diversity, a variety of attractions, and welcoming hospitality, making it one of the greatest travel destination in Thailand.

Chiang Mai is only an hour’s flight from the nation's capital, Bangkok.  The city is also accessible via  trains and buses, but not recommended for travelers in tight schedule at the ride can take over 10 hours.

The city is located 700 km north of Bangkok, situated between the highest mountains of the North. Through the city flows Ping River related to the Chao Phaya River.

Unlike most other major cities in Thailand and the Southeast Asia in general, Chiang Mai's climate is easier on travelers, being less humid and cooler due to its higher elevation.  However, the city is becoming more modernized by the year with annual visitors to the area reaching one million.

Chiang Mai is in fact one of the oldest city in the country and is where you can experience both historical and modern Thai culture. Chiang Mai's old town is surrounded by parts of the old city wall and moat as well as centuries-old temples. This charming city offers everything from beautiful temples to unique shopping opportunities.

For MMA or boxing fans, you can watch the real Muay Thai (Thai boxing) duel in person. One of the city’s two stadiums is located on Loi Krao Road (Night Bazaar, situated across one of the Starbucks) where you can experience this sport on Monday nights among others. The entrance fee is around 400 Baht.

Highest Rated Hotels in the Area

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Things To Do

Flight of The Gibbon

Flight of the Gibbon, adventure park, is famous for the ziplines among many other adrenaline pumping activities such as rock climbing and white water rafting.

See more info - http://www.treetopasia.com/

Chiang Mai Zoo with Chiang Mai Aquarium

A 200-acre (81 ha) zoo located on 100 Huay Kaew Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand, just north of Chiang Mai University. It is the first commercial zoo in Northern Thailand, and was established on 16 June 1977.

Overall, 400 animal species are represented in the zoo including koalas, Humboldt penguins, Cape fur seals, the only rhino in Thailand, hippos, flamingos, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, camels, lions, tigers, Barbary sheep, Malayan tapir, and many types of reptiles. The zoo is also home to two elephants and three giant pandas.

More info:  http://chiangmaizoo.peam.biz/

Tiger Kingdom Mae-Rim

You can get up-close and personal with the big cats at Tiger Kingdom.

More info: http://www.tigerkingdom.com/Home.htm

Mae Sa Snake Farm

Located located approximately on Km. 3 on Mae Rim - Samoeng road, the snake farm is home to various kinds of snakes, including dangerous vipers and cobras, found in Thailand. The 30-minute venom breeding and snake holding show are carried on daily. The farm, which also conducts snake breeding, provides 30-minute snake shows daily.

Mae Sa Snake Farm is, in addition to having beautiful snake shows, also the largest snake preservation center in Northern Thailand.

More info: http://maesasnakefarm.com/default.asp

Chiang Mai Night Safari

Chiang Mai Day & Night Safari is the world's third nocturnal zoo built to promote Chiang Mai tourism and is.considered to be the most beautiful night safari in the world.

With over 300 acres of natural land it is surrounded by Doi Suthep - Poi National Park. The amusement park offers visitors the opportunity to interact with real wild animals. The beautifully decorated carriages depart every half hour. During the day the animals are hand-fed, and in the evening you feel the thrill of having ventured out through the darkness. There will be family-friendly children's activities and a fantastic water light show.

More info: http://www.chiangmainightsafari.com/eng/visitorinfo.html