Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand travel guide and hotels
Voted 3rd in the Travel + Leisure Best Destinations Poll, Chiang Mai offers its visitors culture, adventure and good value hospitality. History, laid-back charm and cooler weather make Chiang Mai an ideal tourist base for mountainous Northern Thailand. For trekking, sightseeing, soft adventure, spa resorts, shopping or retirement delve into this fantastic 200 page guide.
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Completely updated: November 2009
Out and about
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SightseeingFrom 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...more |
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ActivitiesExperience the Asian jungle from the back of elephants or go trekking for days. Then there’s rafting, mountain biking, cooking courses, massage, shopping and sightseeing in Chiang Mai...more |
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EntertainmentWith hundreds of bars and cheap restaurants to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice, be sure to experience the unique Northern Khantoke evening...more |
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Day tripsSome 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...more |
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ShoppingGet your bargaining boots on and head for the famous Night Market, marvel at the handicrafts at Borsang and Baan Tawai or head for the malls and boutique shops...more |
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Northern ThailandChiang Mai is a perfect base to set out for the Golden Triangle, Mae Hong Son and Pai or some of the remote mountain villages of the North, be adventurous and hire a vehicle...more |
Warm hospitality is written all over the faces of Chiang Mai people, whether you choose a five star hotel (at three star prices) or relaxing guest house. It’s Thailand’s cheapest major travel destination with plenty to do; from wandering timeless Old Town lanes, to trekking to remote hilltribe villages, or unique Thai spa treatments. Visit the famous night market, ride elephants, or plan a road trip to the Golden Triangle or Pai. Discover Chiang Mai with this online travel guide.
Travel news
Weekly feature
Beginners’ guide to Thailand’s political deadlock
Security and stability in Thailand is likely to become tense following the Feb. 26th assets seizure verdict against former prime minister Thaksin, here’s the back story on this explosive issue…more
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Photo Album
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We've collected dozens of great pictures on Chiang Mai click on the images above to select a slide show
Blogs
Elephant day at Mae Rim
Posted: 15 March 2010, 8:17 pm
You may have missed it but Saturday was National Elephant Day in Thailand. And there was no better place to enjoy this momentous occasion than at Mae Rim Elephant Camp where a full festival of music, food and colour was underway from the early hours. It is a great experience to see these magnificent creatures up [...] More
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