Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai (meaning 'New City' in Thai) was founded in 1296 as the new capital of Lan Na, succeeding the former capital, Chiang Rai.  The city's location on the Ping River (a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River) and its proximity to major trading routes contribute to its historic importance.

The city (thesaban nakhon, 'city municipality') of Chiang Mai only officially covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai District, with a population of 127,000, the city's sprawl extends into several neighbouring districts. The Chiang Mai metropolitan area has a population of nearly one million people, which is more than half of the total population of Chiang Mai Province.

The city is subdivided into four khwaeng (electoral wards): Nakhon Ping, Sriwichai, Mengrai, and Kawila. The first three are on the west bank of the Ping River, and Kawila is on the east bank. Nakhon Ping District includes the northern part of the city. Sriwichai, Mengrai, and Kawila consist of the western, southern, and eastern parts, respectively. The city centre—within the city walls—is mostly within Sriwichai ward.

Hotels and lodging

• Amari Rincome Hotel
• Bee Friend Hostel
• Oxotel Hostel — the only 5-Star Hostel in Chiang Mai
• Empress Chiang Mai Hotel
• Gap's House: Guest House
• Khemapira Beds&Breakfast

Attractions

Shopping

The Secret to A Fabulous Stay in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has long been a traveller’s favourite in Thailand, and still retains all the variety, charm and flavour visitors seek from this northern province. Whether looking for adventure, culture and sightseeing, or shopping and relaxation, Chiang Mai has a lot to offer even the most restless of adventurers and pleasure seekers.

Chiang Mai is not only to be considered as a destination for a short stop and overnight stays but is a destination in its own right, full of wonder and excitement, catering to every taste. From city to tropical mountainous terrain, Chiang Mai is full of natural beauty and rich history, as well as being the Northern Thailand centre of economic, cultural and communications development. Whether on a shoe-string budget or living it up in one of the brand new deluxe rooms at the like of the Amari Rincome Hotel, Chiang Mai deserves to be explored and experienced in full.

If you are looking for adventure, then why not try heading to the Lisu Lodge, enjoy mountain biking, elephant riding through the jungle, visiting the hill tribes or white water rafting, just one hour from the town centre. Take a drive through the Samoeng Loop, a road which guides you up and down the scenic hillsides, with a stop at good local restaurants along the way, or visit the orchid farms, elephant camps, snake farm or Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden. There is also the night safari in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, with themed tours. You can join in the ‘predator prowl ride’, take a 1.2 km walk through exhibitions around the lake, or journey through the jaguar trail.

To immerse yourself in the history and culture of this province you can take the sightseeing route up to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a famous temple on the mountain, with panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the Mae Ping river valley. Wiang Kum Kam, a lost city discovered by archaeologists in 1984, sits on the outskirts of modern Chiang Mai and is perfect for excursions.

Get your handbags and wallets at the ready, as Chiang Mai is a haven for shoppers. Up and coming, Chiang Mai is not only for tourist bargains and market shopping, although there are plenty of those, but the area is also seeing rapid growth in designer stores for clothing and original furniture designs. It is still the ultimate hotspot for traditional wooden creations in teak, rosewood and rattan, for home and garden, as well as artifacts, handicrafts, wood carvings and treasure finds, and this is part of Chiang Mai’s charm – rich diversity and the ability to combine the new with the old. The famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar offers all manner of shopping and bargaining possibilities, from music, to furnishings, art, clothing and souvenirs to take home and share the experience with family and friends not so fortunate to have visited Chiang Mai.

Maps and transportation

Getting to Chiang Mai

Exploring Chiang Mai

• Chiang Mai Fun

Practical information and resources

Restaurants

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Nightlife

Photo gallery

Everything else

External resources

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• Chiang Mai Fun
• Chiang Mai Review
• Sightseeing guide to Chiang Mai
• Tour Hub Asia

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Overview • Discuss! • Hotels • Restaurants • Photo gallery • Attractions • Shopping • Transport • Numbers to know • Maps • Everything else • External resources