Chiang Mai: A Cool and Calm Escape from the Hustle and Bustle of Bangkok
Compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai is cool and calm. The city lies in a river valley and is surrounded by thickly overgrown mountains. The hectic hustle and bustle in Bangkok is quickly forgotten here. The old town fascinates every visitor and the beautiful landscape invites you to go on hikes for one or more days. On narrow paths, remote and sometimes difficult to access mountain villages can be visited, where time seems to stand still. On top of Doi Suthep Mountain is the admirable Phra Thart Doi Suthep Temple. The view of the city and the surrounding area is marvelous.
Chiang Mai Thailand
Elephant Chiang Mai
Temple-Chiang-Mai
Chiang Mai monks
Temple Chiang Mai
Thailand Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is about 700 kilometers from Bangkok. With around 148,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in northern Thailand. It is the capital of the county and province of Chiang Mai. For centuries it was the capital of the Kingdom of Lan Na, to which almost all of northern Thailand belonged. The first kingdom in what is now Thailand was established in the second part of the 13th century. The territory of Lan Na was not annexed to Thailand until 1932. Most of the approx. 200 temples that are in Chiang Mai are in the old town. This part of the city is surrounded by the remains of a protective wall and a moat that is still intact. The new center of Chiang Mai is east of the old town. Compared to the many skyscrapers in Bangkok, Chiang Mai looks like a village. The arts and crafts are an important branch of the economy, which is also reflected in the city's markets. Many of the textiles, wood carvings and jewelry found in Thailand come from this region.
Activities to do and see in Chiang mai
Chiang Mai is surrounded by many forests and mountains. With the small, rural villages the contrast to Bangkok increases significantly.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Thailand's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, is the park's landmark. It has a height of 2565 meters. At the summit, the temperature can drop below 0 ° C in the cooler months. The view is phenomenal. There are those enchanting waterfalls like the Mae Klang, Vachiratharn and the Mae Ya. In less than two hours, you can take a leisurely hike along the Gew Mae Pan Trail.
Phra Thart Doi Suthep
About 15 kilometers from the city is the Phra Thart Doi Suthep. Rent one of the many Songtheaws for the ride. This vehicle is a pick-up whose loading area is equipped with benches. The over 600 year old temple was built below the Doi Suthep mountain peak. From the temple you have a wonderful view of Chiang Mai and the Ping Valley. The temple can be climbed via stairs from the parking lot. But there is also a cable car. In the middle of the temple is one of the holiest chedis in all of Thailand.
Mae Sa Orchid Farm
The remarkable Mae Sa Orchid Farm is only 20 minutes away from Chiang Mai. The biodiversity of the orchids to be admired is impressive.
Elephant camps
There are several elephant training camps around Chiang Mai. Pang Chang Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center, and Pang Chang Mae Sa are the better known. In these places you can watch the elephants at work and while bathing. For the more adventurous, there is white water rafting and a Chiang Mai Night Safari Tour .
A couple of hours at the night marketSpending from Chiang Mai is certainly very worthwhile. There are countless objects that are manufactured in the city or in the surrounding villages.
The range of handicrafts in particular is large. It is an ideal place to buy a small present for those who stayed at home. But do not forget; the price should be negotiated which is part of the pleasure.
Arrival and transport in Chaing Mai
The quickest way to get to Chiang Mai is by plane and the airport is just minutes from the city center.
From the main train station in Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) there is a daily express night train to Chiang Mai. This takes about 13 hours for the route. The second class sleeping cars and of course the first class are comfortable. If time is not too short, this popular travel option should not be ruled out. The prices are very cheap compared to Europe.
Chiang Mai is best explored with a rented bike. There are also taxis, tuk tuks and the tried and tested songtheaw to explore the city and the surrounding villages.
Climate & travel time for Chiang Mai
The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during the colder months from November to February. While this time the weather is mild and sunny. The average temperatures are 21 ° C-24 ° C. In the higher areas it can get considerably cool at night and the temperature can reach freezing point. It is therefore advisable to bring warmer clothing such as sweaters and jackets with you.
In the summer time, which lasts from March to June, the temperature can be between 35 ° C-40 ° C. The rainy season starts in July and ends in November and temperatures are around 30 ° C.
