Chiang Mai travel guide and hotels
The ‘culture capital’ of Thailand is a charming and laidback 700-year-old town famous for sightseeing, trekking, soft adventure, shopping, spas and mountain resorts. It’s no wonder Chiang Mai was runner-up favourite city in the 2010 Travel + Leisure readers’ poll.
Plan and book your Chiang Mai travel with this comprehensive 100-page online travel guide.
From 700-year old temples and the pretty moat, to cascading waterfalls and bustling markets, there’s a lot more to see in Chiang Mai than you thought...click and read more
Some of the best attractions in Chiang Mai are in the national parks and sites outside the city, hire a bike or sign up for tours and get the most out of your visit north...click and read more
Experience the Asian jungle from the back of elephants or go trekking for days. Then there’s rafting, mountain biking, treetop ziplines, cooking courses and even a Night Safari...click and read more
Check into a five star mountain resort or cultural boutique hotel in the city centre at guesthouse prices, Chiang Mai presents excellent value for hospitality…click and find good deals
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Hospitality
The people of Northern Thailand pride themselves on their warm hospitality and unique culture. When you travel to Chiang Mai expect to see hotel staff wearing traditional costume, and stay in rooms decorated in classic Lanna styles from centuries ago. Even the humble backpacker guesthouses are a particularly social experience, not to mention great value. Then there’s the casual atmosphere of the city bars and some of the best value dining in Thailand. Even Chiang Mai’s numerous spas have become famous!
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Chiang Mai travel highlights
The ancient city of Chiang Mai is a travel guide favourite, mainly because it oozes culture and history with its pretty moat, crumbling bastions and ruined pagodas at every turn. Staying among the old town lanes offers an authentic taste of provincial Thailand, with centuries-old temples, bustling street markets and cosy guesthouses and coffee shops on every corner. Then there’s soft adventure trips to mountain national parks and waterfalls nearby, trekking, elephant riding, family attractions and more. Shopping is another notable advantage in Chiang Mai, along with very affordable hotels and restaurants.
Weekly feature
The delights of Doi Mae Salong
Doi Mae Salong is just 250kms by road from Chiang Mai, yet seems like a different world. The hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai is replaced by a serenity and old-worldliness which when coupled with magnificent mountain vistas makes a relaxing place to spend a few hours or even a couple of days. …more
