Visiting Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is known as a base for trekking around Thailand’s scenic north. However, the city also holds significance as a major player in the history of Thailand. It is also easy to get off the beaten path and explore this small but colorful city.

To get a grasp on the history and culture of the area, a good place to start is The Chiang Mai Arts & Cultural Center. This is a modern museum that keeps tourists in mind by offering most information in English, and subtitles on multimedia exhibits. Walking through the exhibit halls is a good way to get some understanding of the rich and turbulent past of the region. A nearby museum on devoted to Hill tribes is also worth a visit, especially for people who are interested in visiting the various peoples of northern Thailand.

Despite being a much smaller city than Bangkok, Chiang Mai, is, in some sense, more diverse. With all the regions hill tribes represented as well as neighboring countries whose history is tied to Thailand’s.

Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple is a popular postcard photo. It’s golden roof and three hundred step staircase make it a popular tourist destination. It is crowded, but still spectacular. Those wishing for some atmosphere can find it at Phra Jao Mengrai Temple. This wooden structure is quite beautiful and never crowded. Oo-Mong Temple outside the city has beautiful natural surroundings and is known as a place for solitude.

Kawila Stadium is a good place to take in Thailand’s national sport: Kickboxing. Called “Muay Thai,” this sport is a violent, but revered tradition. The fighters have to perform a traditional dance before the bout. Traditional folk music is played before and during the fight.

Chiang Mai’s markets are second to none. The Night Bazaar is a happening event. There are innumerable choices when it comes to food and shopping at this lively market. Plus, the bustling atmosphere is a great place to people watch. There are markets throughout the city, many open only on weekends. There are good places to eat in or around most of them, though restaurants like Galae Garden provide a delightful dining experience (at a price).

A brief list of outdoor activities has to include motorcycle riding around the hills outside Chiang Mai. Some of these ventures can last for several days. There are also opportunities for hiking and river rafting. Guides are easy to come by, and the number of travelers makes getting recommendations on which outfitter to choose easy to come by.

Finally, Maesa Elephant Camp offers elephant shows and rides for those not wishing to travel too far afield. Chiang Mai is a great base for traveling around Northern Thailand, but the city offers its own attractions and is worth a look.