Chiang Mai

The city of Chiang Mai is located in the northern region of Thailand, approximately 700 km away from Bangkok. Located in Chiang Mai Province, among the highest mountains in Thailand, Chiang Mai sits at an elevation of 316 metres, giving it a more temperate climate. Once considered a major trading route, the city runs along Ping River, a major tributary to the Chao Phraya River.

Chiang Mai, meaning ‘new city,’ was founded by King Mengrai in 1296 and succeeded Chiang Rai as the capital of the Lanna kingdom. Nearby Burma (now Myanmar), as well as troops of the Mongol Empire, were constant threats, so the city was surrounded by a wall and moat. Eventually occupied by the Burmese in 1556, Chiang Mai later became part of Siam in 1775. Chiang Mai started growing economically and culturally and soon became the unofficial capital of Northern Thailand.

Today, Chiang Mai’s walled city is its historic centre and features 30 ancient Buddhist temples. One of the most famous is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Founded in 1383, this temple overlooks the city from Doi Suthep Mountain, located 13kms away, and stands as one of Chiang Mai’s cultural icons and can be experienced on Chiang Mai tours.

Amidst its cultural heritage and found on the outskirts of the city, Chiang Mai features an elephant farm, where visitors can take elephant rides through the lush jungle, leading to the nearby Karen Hill Tribe Village, home to various tribes including the Long Necks, best known for neck rings worn by their women.