Despite being one of the biggest cities in Thailand, Chiang Mai, or "The Rose of the North" is known for its laid back feel. Founded in 1296 by King Mangrai of the Lan Na kingdom, Chiang Mai has been and remains today an important religious and cultural center. Besides the cooler climate and the abundance of enjoyable restaurants, Chiang Mai has many rich cultural and spiritual learning experiences to offer. Many who visit end up staying longer than planned having enrolled in a class on massage, cooking, Yoga, Tai Chi, or meditation. An easy city to get around, at its center are the remnants of the ancient Lanna wall and moat. The old city within the moat contains most of the city's temples as well as many quaint buildings of older architectural style.

Things to Do and See:

~Festivals

Flower Festival
Come see why Chiang Mai is called "The Rose of the North". Located along the moat in the old city, this event takes place on the 1st weekend in February.

Songkran Festival
An ancient Thai-Indic traditional new year, this very popular festival is celebrated all over Thailand in the growing heat of mid April (13th -16th). During these few days you probably won't get too hot, however, as the city is overcome by a torrent of water wars. Water from squirt guns, hoses, and buckets fly in every conceivable and inconceivable direction in the spirit of child-like fun. Do not walk the streets expecting to retain a spot of dryness for these 3-4 days.

Loi Krathong Or Yi Peng
Also having ancient roots, this festival is traditionally about giving thanks for water, stopping the rains, and purification or the release of bad luck and/or negativity. It lasts for three days over the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually in November). The most colorful festival of the year, fireworks and fire balloons (glowing paper lanterns released into the sky containing the negative energy of those who released it) litter the sky. Most of the action takes place along the Ping river where thousands of small floats (Krathong) which contain offerings such as flowers, incense, and candles are released.

~Night Bazaar

Here you'll find it, what ever it may be you are looking for. An extensive market located about 1000 meters east of Tha Phae Gate, you can find very good deals on authentic (as well as fake) goods from all over Thailand as well as other regions of S.E. Asia. Don't forget to Bargain!

~Doi Suthep

Visible from many areas of town, the Doi Suthep temple rests high up on one of the mountains of this national park. To get there, simply follow Huay Kaew Road from the old city until you reach the temple. Follow the many steps up to the temple and you can enjoy a panoramic view of Chiang Mai. If you pass the temple and drive further into the national park, one can encounter the lush, diverse ecosystem of the area.

~Wat U Mong

There are many, many temples to visit in Chiang Mai. This one probably has more to offer than most. Re-established in the 1960's, this temple contains a nice collection of modern Buddhist artwork as well as a bookstore with many English books on Buddhism. To get there, go west from the moat on Suthep Rd. for approx. 2 km then turn left after Wang Nam Kang. Follow signs for 2 more km's until you reach the temple.