Chiang Mai
CHiang Mai
EXPLORE THE INS & OUTS
Let’s take a tour of Chiang Mai, a delightful Thai city famed for its long history, diverse culture, and stunning natural surroundings.
Population:
Chiang Mai was home to around 1.69 million peopl in September 2021. The cultural and economic hub of the area, it is the biggest city in northern Thailand.
History:
Chiang Mai has a rich, more than 700-year-old history. As the seat of the autonomous Lanna Kingdom, which prospered in the area, it was established in 1296. The Burmese and Thai cultures, among other influences, are represented in the city’s architecture, art, and customs.
- One of Chiang Mai’s most recognizable sites is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a temple with breathtaking views of the city and a reverent atmosphere. It is perched on a mountain overlooking the city.
- Old City: The Old City, which is encircled by historic walls and moats, is home to several temples, markets, and traditional wooden dwellings, giving visitors an insight into the city’s lengthy past.
- Sunday Night Market: The Old City hosts a thriving Walking Street Market every Sunday that offers regional handicrafts, street fare, and live entertainment.
- Doi Inthanon National Park: This park has the highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, and it also has lovely waterfalls, hiking paths, and unusual flora and wildlife.
- Elephant Nature Park: A refuge where guests can ethically and responsibly watch and engage with rescued elephants.
- Art and Cultural Centers: The Lanna Folklife Museum and the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre are two locations that highlight the cultural legacy of the Lanna region. Chiang Mai is known for its vibrant art scene.
Food:
Chiang Mai is well-known for its delicious and unique cuisine. Sai oua (grilled herb sausages), gaeng hang lay (pork curry with Burmese influences), and kanom jeen nam ngiao (rice noodles in a fiery tomato-based broth) are a few of the meals that are popular. In addition, the city is well-known for its thriving street food scene and its night bazaars that sell a wide range of delectable foods.
Culture:
The Lanna Kingdom helped to form the distinctive cultural identity of Chiang Mai. The locals are renowned for their friendly hospitality and long-standing customs. Festivals like the Songkran (Thai New Year’s Water Festival) and the Yi Peng Lantern Festival highlight the city’s vibrant culture and spiritual traditions.
Religion:
Buddhism is the most common religion in Bangkok and all of Thailand. Numerous Buddhist temples (wats) can be found all across the city where locals and guests can pay homage, meditate, and take part in religious rituals. In addition to Buddhism, the city has sizable populations of Muslims, Christians, and Hindus.