What hotels in Chiang Mai have nice views? Should I go to Chiang Mai? chang mai

Chiang Mai is the northern province of Thailand, which has long been recognized as its cultural center. The picturesque landscape, abundance of greenery, many cultural and national monuments and a special cosmopolitan atmosphere attract travelers and expats from all over the world.

General information

The provincial capital is Chiang Mai Town. It is the center of all Northern Thailand and the fifth largest city in the kingdom. It is located 316 meters above sea level on a plain surrounded by rural settlements and mountains. Among them, the highest peak in Thailand (2776 m) - Doi Inthanon (Doi Inthanon). It is located 90 kilometers west of the city, and is the only place in the kingdom where snow sometimes falls.

Atmosphere of Chiang Mai

Climate

Chiang Mai's northern location on high ground makes its climate more temperate than in the south. Here, on the previously mentioned peak of Doi Inthanon, the Thai cold pole is located, where the temperature can drop to -8°C.

As in the rest of the kingdom, Chiang Mai has three seasons:

1. Moderate. It is considered the most successful period for trips to this region. It starts in November and lasts until February. During the day the temperature rises to +25…+30°С, but at night it can drop to +15°С and lower.
2. Hot. This season runs from March to June. At this time, the heat reaches its temperature maximum of +40 ° C, and the jungle and numerous agricultural lands begin to burn (in March-April). In addition to the melting temperature, the city is also enveloped in a smoke screen. This is the worst time to travel to Chiang Mai.
3. The rainy season covers 4 months from July to October. At the beginning of summer, the monsoon comes from India to the province, which brings with it plentiful, but short-lived downpours and considerable relief. The temperature drops a little, it becomes easier to breathe, the vegetation is quickly restored, and with it the mosquitoes arrive. This period is more successful for visiting the cultural capital of Thailand than the previous one.

Geography

Chiang Mai is located at 18°47′20″ north latitude and 98°59′00″ east longitude, 700 kilometers north of Bangkok. The province borders Burma and Laos and is part of the legendary Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia (Southeast Asia).

Population

About 170,000 people live in the capital, Chiang Mai, and over a million in the entire province. At the same time, local residents differ significantly from the main population of Thailand. Outwardly, they are more like the Chinese, have darker skin and are relatively small in stature. In addition, it is impossible not to notice the differences in the temperament of the inhabitants of the north. They are much calmer and friendlier than other Thais, although some may say: “Where is it, calmer?”. This is largely due to the fact that the Lanna kingdom, whose capital was Chiang Mai for a long time, developed separately from Thailand, forming its own genotype and cultural characteristics.

A large number of mountain tribes and nationalities live in the province, which have their own characteristics in culture and way of life. Most of the population professes Buddhism.

Nature and landscape

The northern nature of Chiang Mai fascinates with its splendor and leaves no one indifferent. The mountainous landscape of the province is covered with lush tropical forests, among which numerous villages of local tribes are scattered. The city itself is comfortably located in the floodplain of the Ping River, among mountain ranges and hills.

Economy

The inhabitants of the highland villages are engaged in agriculture (growing rice and tea), raising livestock and hunting. Most of the population of Chiang Mai makes a living from agriculture or related professions. In addition, the capital is famous throughout Thailand for its artisans and carpet production. Tourism is in second place.

Time in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai clock shows 3 hours ahead of Moscow. As in Bangkok, Chiang Mai's UTC is UTC+7.

Language

Most of the locals speak one of the dialects of the Thai language. To communicate with tourists, residents use English, but it should be noted that as you move away from the capital, it becomes more and more difficult to speak it.

Holidays

One of the most colorful and fabulous holidays not only in Chiang Mai, but throughout Thailand is Loi Krathong. Residents of other regions of Thailand and foreigners come to see the launch of thousands of sky lanterns. Loy Krathong is celebrated in every province of the kingdom, but it is here that it reaches such scope and beauty!

Story

The kingdom of Lanna, whose name translates as a million rice fields, covered most of northern Thailand and flourished even before Ayutthaya got stronger. Chiang Mai's rich history can be traced back 700 years, making it the most historically significant city in Thailand.

After his victory over the kingdom of Haripunjaya, King Mengrai of Lanna decided to move his capital from the city of Chiang Rai, and in 1296 founded a new city. Without further ado, he called it the “new city”, which in the Thai version sounds like Chiang Mai.

During the struggle for power between the princes of Lanna and the governors of Burma, Chiang Mai was severely devastated. Because of this, five hundred years after its foundation, the city had to be founded again and in 1796 the inhabitants of the surrounding settlements were resettled here. After that, the vassals of Siam began to rule the capital, whose influence was abolished only in 1939, with the death of the last of them.

A remarkable moment in Chiang Mai's recent history is that it became the birthplace of one of the kingdom's prime ministers, Toxin Shinawatra.

Orientation

The capital of the province is the city of Chiang Mai, with a total area of ​​about 40 km². Along the perimeter of the old part of the city stretches an ancient wall and a moat. Unlike other Thai cities, attractions here are evenly distributed throughout the territory.

The province is divided into 21 districts and 2 sub-districts. In total, there are about 1050 highland villages in the region. Most of their inhabitants are representatives of the Karen and Lua tribes.

Superhighway road

From Phitsanulok and Lampang, Outer Highway No. 11 leads around Chiang Mai from the east and north. This road is also called super-highway (Superhighway).

Other routes leading from the city:

• No. 107 (Th Chang Phueak) - leads north to Phang;
• No. 1095 - departs from the 107th and leads to Pai and Mae Hong Son;
• No. 118 (Th Charoen Muang) - leads to Chiang Rai;
• No. 108 - leads to Me-Sariang and to Mount Intanon;
• No. 1004 (Th Huay Kaeo) - to Mount Suthep.

The transport center of the city is the largest bazaar, Varorot, around which Chinatown is laid out.

10 kilometers from Chiang Mai is a rather high mountain Doi Suthep, covered with a lush rain forest. It is visible from anywhere in the city, and sometimes Thais even say: "If you haven't seen Doi Suthep, you haven't seen Chiang Mai." This is a relatively high wooded mountain located in the national park of the same name. At its top is a majestic Buddhist temple.

Districts

Chiang Mai is divided into new and old districts. Their main difference lies in the different concentration of temple complexes and ancient ruins. The tourist center with its hotels and restaurants is located in the east of the old town. The central street is Moon Muang. At its intersection with Tha Pae Street, the main city square is located. At the intersection of the super-highway with Huai Keo Street, there is a fashionable area with expensive hotels and restaurants.

Map

Recreation features

There is no sea in Chiang Mai, and accordingly, adherents of a beach holiday have nothing to do here. Tourists from Russia, for the most part, choose the coast for their travels, and therefore there are very few of our compatriots here, although recently there has been a tendency to increase the total number of Russians in Chiang Mai. However, the majority of tourists are Europeans.

Journey through the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is a popular tourist destination that includes the borders of three countries in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar and Laos). In the past, this territory was an opium paradise famous throughout the world. Today, in Thailand, this is reminiscent, perhaps, of the opium museum.

Chiang Mai's close proximity to Chiang Rai, Pai and Burma makes this city an ideal starting point for traveling through northern Thailand and Southeast Asia's Golden Triangle.

Bicycle tours

Many tourists go to Chiang Mai in order to conquer one of the most interesting mountain biking trails on Doi Suthep. The long and tricky route on this mountain is designed for professionals and may not be safe for beginner cyclists. For the latter, a cross-country route that runs through the eastern border of Doi Suthep Park is more suitable. This is a shaded and not very long track, the descent along which will cause a lot of positive emotions.

Features of life: longstay or wintering

Longstay in Chiang Mai is very different from living in other cities in Thailand, as the province itself is quite original and unique. The differences are visible in everything: in the temperament of the locals (the northerners are very kind, smiling, and calm), in a large number of cultural monuments, in the special charm of the northern tropics and the absence of the sea, the relative cheapness of life ... the list can be continued for a very long time. If we draw a parallel between Chiang Mai and some Russian city, St. Petersburg comes to mind.

Visas

It is better and more convenient to extend a tourist visa while in Chiang Mai at the border with Myanmar or Laos. Visa run from Pattaya or from the islands is more expensive.

You can get to the borders with Burma or Laos on your own, or by buying an excursion from local tour operators. All procedures at the border take no more than an hour, so it is quite possible to resolve the issue of extending a visa in 8 hours.

Urban transport

Speaking about the peculiarities of life in Chiang Mai, one cannot fail to mention the urban transport system, because for many it can become a real headache. Today, the city has two systems - the old and the new. The latter is an attempt by the authorities to streamline public transport and move away from the old system, and it is expected that this will be the case over time.

Smog in Chiang Mai

Another important point that travelers should be aware of. During the hot season (February-April), heavy smog hangs over Chiang Mai. The smoke screen extends as far as northern Laos and eastern Burma. Moreover, this is not just a gray haze, as, for example, in Bangkok or another large metropolis, this is real smoke from forest fires and burning garbage in rice fields.

At this time, the number of cases of exacerbation of pulmonary and heart diseases increases significantly, and healthy people feel very uncomfortable:

• The sky is clouded with clouds of smoke, and it becomes gray.
• A smoke screen hangs in the air, visibility is reduced.
• In many areas, there is a smell of burning, it becomes difficult to breathe, nasal congestion may appear, and tearing and pain in the eyes.
• There is much more dust in the rooms.

At this time, not only all tourists leave Chiang Mai, but also many local residents, preferring to escape from the smoke on the coast.

Medicine

Chiang Mai has a large number of medical centers of the highest level, so many people come here to solve their health problems. In particular, dentistry and the system of obstetrics are well developed here.

Transport

Chiang Mai has a very well established intercity transport system. Tourists have a fairly large choice in the way of transportation from bus and railway routes with a variety of comfort levels and ticket prices to air flights.

As for urban transport, everything is not so simple. Compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai's public transport system is not as developed. Locals prefer to travel by songteo or by private transport, so city buses become unprofitable and they are allowed on the route every half an hour or an hour. Basically, you can move around the city in the following ways:

songteo

The city has an old and a new songthaew system. According to the old one, colorful songteos walk around the city, the starting point for which is the Varorot market. The blue ones go south to Lamphun, the white ones also go south and east, and the yellow ones go north. Cars do not have license plates, destinations are in Thai, and travel within the city costs 10-15 baht. The main problem is that in some streets and throughout the old city, these songthaews do not go.

For this, there are red songteos, the fare for which, theoretically, costs 15 baht. Why theoretically? Because they don't have a route. Rather, it is, but it is known only to the driver, and changes depending on his wishes. In fact, this is a taxi, picking up several passengers, who are on the way with a driver. Locals usually ask the driver where he is going, and the question of whether they will continue their journey with him is decided by itself. But with foreigners everything is more difficult. Their songteo drivers are driven in any requested direction (even if it is not on the way), only the price is doubled or even tripled like a taxi.

This system annoyed everyone for a long time, and the city authorities tried to implement fixed routes. They are still described in Thai, but at least they differ in multi-colored lines on the windshield, the color of which corresponds to a particular route. So, having a map of Chiang Mai, it is not difficult to figure it out.

Knock Knock

By plane (as tuk-tuks are called here) you can move faster, although with less comfort. Depending on your bargaining skills and destination, the trip can cost between 40 and 150 baht. The main thing is to discuss the issue of the fare for one person before the trip. It is noteworthy that tuk-tuk drivers rarely have change, and therefore, it is preferable to have banknotes of small denominations with you.

Taxi

There are taxis in Chiang Mai, but they are rare. Usually they are ordered by phone, since it is practically impossible to catch a car on the street. In addition, it can be difficult to convince the driver to turn on the meter. If this can be done, the fare is 30 baht for the first two kilometers, and four baht for each subsequent one.

Motobikes and cars

The most successful way to travel in Chiang Mai is to ride a rented motorbike. There are a lot of rental points in the city; renting a motorcycle is not difficult. On average, the daily commission is 150 baht, and decreases with the conclusion of a long-term contract.

More expensive, from 600 to 2000 baht per day, it will cost to rent a car, which can be rented at the airport or in the city center. In addition, in Chiang Mai it is possible to rent a car or minibus with a driver. This is the most convenient option for small companies or for trips out of town. Prices for such services start at 1,500 baht per day, plus fuel costs.

Bike

For more sporty tourists in Chiang Mai, there are bicycle rentals. In the old town, this is a fairly calm and safe way to travel. Depending on the brand and quality of the bike, rental costs can be 30-250 baht/day.

Temples of Chiang Mai

In total, there are more than 300 temples in the province, about ten of which occupy a special place due to their historical and architectural features. Temples are undoubtedly the main heritage not only of northern Thailand, but of the whole kingdom as a whole, while they combine the styles of the ancient state of Lanna, Burma and Sri Lanka. Even if you are not a Watoman, you should visit the most outstanding temples of Chiang Mai.

The most famous Wat in the province is perhaps Wat Phra Singh. Here you can see ancient gold frescoes on red lacquer in Lanna style. Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in the city. Presumably, it was built before the founding of Chiang Mai. Within its walls is a miniature crystal Buddha, which, according to legend, is capable of making rain. And outside the city walls, among the forest, is the ancient temple of Wat Umong, which was built by King Mengrai for a revered forest monk. This is a fairly quiet, secluded place where you can relax near the ponds.

Food

Catering establishments in Chiang Mai please with their large number and relatively low prices. In addition, here you can try dishes unique to this part of Thailand, such as Khao Soi (wheat noodles in broth with chicken or beef) or Hang Lei (curried pork cooked according to the ancient Lanna recipe).

In addition to restaurants with traditional Thai cuisine, tourists can easily find establishments specializing in international cuisine in Chiang Mai. Here you can taste dishes of Italian, French, Irish, German, Spanish, Mexican and many other cuisines of the world. It can be from cheap eateries and snack bars to sophisticated restaurants. This choice is not found anywhere else in Thailand.

Housing

Housing in Chiang Mai is cheap even by the standards of the kingdom. There is a very wide offer on the real estate market with accommodation options from economy to premium class. In the city, you can rent a room in a guest house for 350 - 500 baht / day. More comfortable condos cost tenants, on average, 500-1500 baht per day.

Even higher level housing from 1500 baht. The hotel base of Chiang Mai includes an offer of conditions from 2 stars and above. For example, the cost of a double room in a two-star hotel will start from 5,500 baht per week, and in a five-star hotel - from 25,000 baht per week.

For those who want to stay in Chiang Mai for a long time, there is a large selection of accommodation in different price categories and distance from the center. For example, a good condo here can be rented for 7,000-15,000 baht per month, and a house for 10,000-20,000 baht per month. Moreover, when concluding a contract for a year, landlords give a good discount and offer a wider choice.

Attractions

The main attraction of Chiang Mai, of course, are the temples. However, it is a mistake to believe that this is the only thing you can see in this province. There is a wide variety of art galleries and thematic exhibitions, where you can see the work of both local masters and Myanmar artists. In addition, Chiang Mai has many magnificent gardens and parks. For example, the garden of the royal winter palace Phu Ping. Outside the city, you can admire the most picturesque landscapes in the kingdom. The floodplain of the Ping River is surrounded by rice fields, green hills and mountain ranges. Among them, the highest peak in Thailand is Doi Inthanon. And under the canopy of the rainforest, the settlements of hill tribes are hidden.

Animal lovers will find plenty to do at the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium. Also, in the province there are a lot of places where you can communicate with elephants. Moreover, not just to stare at the performances or ride a horse, but also to learn the features of the life of gray giants and personally take part in caring for them.

Entertainment

In Chiang Mai, nightlife lovers will easily find entertainment to their liking, although their scope cannot be compared with entertainment events in Bangkok or Pattaya. There are discos, go-go bars and live music here.

One of the most popular entertainment in Chiang Mai is the Sunday Market. Huge numbers of people flock here every weekend from all over the region to buy or sell all sorts of locally produced goods. They are based on agricultural products and handicrafts. Also in the market you can see a variety of performances by local residents.

Few tourist areas in Thailand can boast of decent places for rafting. They are in Chiang Mai. The most interesting rafting takes place during the rainy season, at which time the rapids on the rivers have 4-5 steps. Also, lovers of outdoor recreation are offered walks under the canopy of the rainforest, elephant riding, river cruises, rock climbing and the already famous Flight of the Gibbon excursion.

Very often, tourists come to Chiang Mai for knowledge and spiritual enrichment. There are a huge number of various schools and courses. Here you can practice languages, learn yoga, culinary tricks, shamanism or Thai boxing. In addition, there are special places where people come for retreat and practice meditation.

Prices

If you compare prices in Chiang Mai and Pattaya, then accommodation, food and locally produced clothes are cheaper here. And the cost of trips on songteo is more expensive.

How to get there

There are several options for how to get to Chiang Mai:

By plane

The province has its own international airport. It is located just three kilometers from the provincial capital and serves a large number of international and domestic flights. You can get here by flight from Bangkok, and you can buy very inexpensive tickets from low-cost companies that fly in large numbers from Don Muang Airport.

By bus

From Bangkok, from the Mochit terminal, many buses leave for the northern capital. These can be either public flights, costing 200 baht per ticket, but spending at least 12 hours on the road, or highly comfortable 1st class cars, 550 baht per ticket, which cover the distance in 9 hours.

By train

It will take 12-15 hours to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by rail. Trains with carriages of different comfort depart from Hualamphong station in accordance with the regular schedule. The cost of tickets depends on which class the tourist chooses for himself.

Ticket prices depending on the time of day and the level of comfort of the car:

Day flights: Night flights:

2nd class - 281 baht 1st class - 1400 baht

3rd class - 121 baht 2nd class - 900 baht

Cellular and Internet

Cellular communication in Chiang Mai is presented unchanged in Thailand 1-2-Call, TrueMove and DACT Happy. As in other regions of the country, it is much more profitable to use the services of Thai operators than to overpay for roaming.

The quality of Internet connection in Chiang Mai is better than on the islands. In public places there are many points where you can connect to the network via Wi-Fi for free or for a moderate fee. Internet cafe prices range from 10 to 60 baht/30 minutes. Connecting to the network via 3G with a local SIM card is the cheapest option.

Safety

As we wrote above, during the hot season in Chiang Mai there is a very high level of smoke, which can be a serious danger for people with cardiopulmonary diseases and allergies.

Tap water in Chiang Mai is not potable. For these purposes, bottled water is used here, which can be purchased in large quantities anywhere in the city in special vending machines, or you can order a delivery service.

The province as a whole is a safe region. However, tourists should still be vigilant about their property. Like all places with a large concentration of tourists, Chiang Mai is not without thieves, scammers and other swindlers who dream of easy money.

Hotels in Chiang Mai, where to stay?

The map below contains accommodation options from all major booking services, so you can easily find the right hotel for yourself and book it online right there.

Many tourists think that Thailand is an island with incredibly beautiful beaches, palm trees, azure water and eternally blue skies above. Yes, yes, this opinion is formed from the fact that most people go to rest in Thailand exclusively on the islands, whether it be Phuket, Phi Phi, the Similan Islands or Koh Samui. There are really many islands in the kingdom. But like any other country, in addition to the south, there is also a north.

The north of Thailand is rich in rice fields going to the foot of the silent mountains, tea and pineapple plantations, diverse nature, numerous temples and gardens, colorful villages, one of which is inhabited by women with long necks, and a completely different mentality and character of the local population. The northerners are very kind and smiling, sincere and calm, next to them you yourself begin to feel much better. And this is only a small part of the advantages of northern Thailand, which he reveals to the traveler little by little, step by step.

One of the most famous northern cities, Chiang Mai, is also the cultural capital of Thailand, just like St. Petersburg in Russia. Culture in Chiang Mai was embodied in numerous old Buddhist temples, of which more than 300 (!) gathered here in a relatively small area, in colorful local markets, somewhat different from their southern counterparts, in the singing of monks, traditional dances and in the scale with which the city celebrates Yipeng festival.

Of course, all this was reflected in the calm atmosphere of the city, which every guest will feel, especially during religious holidays. On such days, all the temples are decorated with bright fabrics and flowers, the streets become crowded, and the courtyards near the temples are filled with shops with street food, ritual bunches and incense. So, make yourself comfortable, now we will tell you in detail why you should definitely visit this northern city, where charters from Russia do not fly.

Temples of Chiang Mai

Temples are the first thing people visit in the city. They are a man-made decoration of the northern capital, and this distinguishes it from other Thai cities. Multi-colored, gold, light, dark, underground, ancient, modern, wooden, large, small, ruined, decorated with pieces of mirrors, located high in the mountains - the traveler has a great choice.

To see the temples, there is no need to buy a tour or order transport. And it is not necessary to take a map of the city with you. It is enough to leave the hotel, go for a walk along the streets in the center, and you will definitely stumble upon at least a dozen temples in the first hour of your walk.

In one of them you will find a monk, meditation master Acharna Mun Bhuridarto, sitting in a glass box in a state of Samadhi. In the spring of 1949 he was stricken with an incurable disease. According to one version, the soul of a monk in meditation left the body, leaving it incorruptible, in order to show the limitless possibilities of man.

The only thing to consider when visiting them is clothing: it should cover the shoulders, stomach and knees. For those who do not know how to behave in temples, where you can take pictures and where you can’t, what these or those religious objects and actions mean.

Old city

The old city, the very heart of Chiang Mai, has the shape of a square and is surrounded by an old wall and a moat around the perimeter, destroyed in places. Almost everything that is inside these walls can be called museum pieces, so living here is quite unusual and interesting.

Oddly enough, the center of this northern city is very cozy, there is no huge flow of cars, tall buildings and business centers. On the contrary, everything is very small and compact. Most of the first floors are occupied by all kinds of cafes, pubs, shops, massage parlors and other tourist pleasures. On the upper floors, as a rule, rooms are rented by business Thai or Chinese aunts.

The old city is a very important part of Chiang Mai, here are ancient Buddhist temples and one of the most popular events among tourists is the Sunday market. In this market, you can see national dances performed by children, hear the amazing play of blind musicians, eat delicious food and buy various handicrafts from the villagers. At the Sunday Market, you will find things that you didn't even know existed before. The fact is that the inhabitants of northern Thailand are very creative, they create a lot of gizmos designed to make life easier and delight the eyes, nose or ears.

Communication with foreign travelers

A lot of tourists come to Chiang Mai from European countries, as well as Australia, Canada, the USA, China, and a few from Russia. Ask why? At the very beginning of the article, the answer was already given - all Russian-speaking tourists rest on the islands or mainland of Thailand, where there is a sea. Since there is no sea in Chiang Mai, and it is far from Bangkok to get there, then, according to many, it becomes uninteresting.

Why is it good? Here you can perfectly practice your Chinese, Japanese, French and Spanish, especially English. Communicating with foreigners, you will get new experience and make friends. To do this, just go to one of the many bars, sit at a table and watch. Someone will probably speak to you, and not in your native language, so you will have to learn English, even if you do not set such a goal. Moreover, among foreign travelers there are often very interesting interlocutors.

locals

This is another good reason to visit Chiang Mai. Sociable people will definitely make Thai friends here, to whom they will really want to return later to see again the owner of the shop with fruit necks, the aunt with eleven fingers, who sells the most delicious sweet rice with mango, the Thai calmly stirring vegetables in boiling oil with his hands, and meet other interesting residents.

Of course, good people are everywhere, they have no gender, age or nationality. However, in Thailand it is much easier to be open, cheerful and friendly.

Beautiful nature

Chiang Mai is surrounded by greenery, and if you look at it from a height, you can see how the houses peep through the dense thickets of trees. There are many lakes and parks in the city, and in its vicinity there are picturesque Thai villages framed by a chain of mountains, and national parks with waterfalls, which have become a favorite vacation spot for Thais.

To really feel the beautiful nature of northern Thailand, you need to rent a bike or car, take goodies, good company and ride along the roads leading out of the city. Then you will definitely enjoy everything that was written above.

Lots of attractions and entertainment

Here you will find everything that the cultural soul of man desires:

And this is not yet a complete and detailed list. Although, let's not hide it, Pattaya lovers may find it boring. It's all about personal preference. Chiang Mai is good for families or friends.

good location

Minibuses run constantly from the city center to the main attractions, places of entertainment, as well as the airport and bus station, although the prices for city transport are quite high.

There are many bike and car rental points in the Old Town, so the city becomes a convenient starting point both for hiking in the surroundings and for further travels in northern Thailand: to Pai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and other interesting places.

Attractive prices

Prices in Chiang Mai are very attractive. An unpleasant exception, perhaps, can only be a songteo ticket, which costs 20-30 baht (1 ruble = 0.9 baht) per person inside the walls of the Old City. Trips outside of it will cost 150-200 baht for two, and in some cases can reach up to 500 baht. Considering that here for 20 baht you can buy a coconut, half a liter of fruit shake or fried chicken fillet, this is an incredible amount.

shopping

Most recently, all residents of the city celebrated in style the opening of two large shopping and entertainment complexes: the Chiang Mai Central Festival and the Promenade Resort Mall, which present many familiar European brands of clothing, shoes and accessories. The opening of the Maya shopping center is on the way. In addition to them, the Airport Plaza and the Kad Suan Kaew shopping center are especially popular with tourists. As you can see, Chiang Mai has no shortage of familiar brand stores.

There are even more markets here: Night Bazaar, weekly Saturday and Sunday markets in the city center, markets on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Tesco Lotus and Big C, Varorot Market, student markets, markets at the south and north gates and so on.

Your reason to visit Chiang Mai

We leave the tenth point free so that you yourself come to the northern city and find something that will enchant you and leave you with a aching desire to return without fail. Those who have already been here, please write your reason in the comments to the article, even if it coincides with the above. Share with us your experience.

Friends, travel, experiment, discover new facets of life and savor the sensations received from the rest!

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand, millionaire and cultural capital of the country. The city, to our great regret, has become the main disappointment for this whole and all the last trip. Today we will try to figure out what is special about thousands of tourists and expats from Europe, the USA, Australia and Russia in the northern capital of Thailand.

1. The city is divided into two parts: the center, or "square", where pagodas, guesthouses and service facilities for expats are concentrated, and the periphery. The photo shows an ordinary and unremarkable Chiang Mai street outside the square.

2. Do you think the inside of the square is more interesting? Fig from two! Most of the streets are like in a village and without sidewalks. some, not a cultural capital.

3. Outside the center, green is only in select places.

4. But even there it is temporary: Chiang Mai is being actively built up and soon the greenery will thin out.

5. Between the outer part of the city and the square there is a moat and the surviving remains of the wall of the ancient city.

6. There is nothing to catch the eye, think, fragments of the wall. Pigeons are fed.

7. You don’t visit our blog to admire the channels, do you?

8. That's just the fish swam in a dirty canal, and then it will be served to you in a macaroon.

9. Rat sculptures on the bridge. Yes, there are more than enough mumusiks in Chiang Mai.

10. Gentlemen's set: tuberculosis, STDs and treatment of travelers.

11. Police department.

12. Thai McDonald's serves chicken rice on a real plate with real utensils. Shock!

13. But the locals do not care about Western fast food, they prefer street cafes with small plastic tables and chairs.

By sunset, on the sidewalks along the street, along which every evening the townspeople migrate from the center to the outskirts, gluttonous rows open. People stop by and take dinner in bags and trays with them.

14. The main square of the city. In Thailand, Asians don't understand why squares are needed, so it's empty and uncomfortable here.

15. Have you ever seen a clock set to the local time of different cities work correctly?

16. Wherever you go in the city, you will either come to a massage parlor, where an hour of Thai massage costs only 180-200 baht (about 350 rubles),

or to the pagoda (17).

18. Wax statues of monks can be seen inside the Wat Prah Singh pagoda.

It's amazing how realistic they are. Below on the plate is a signature on the wax origin. Madame Tussauds should hunt down this master.

19. Among all this temple tinsel, which looks like it was built yesterday, only once we met a stupa, from which it smells of antiquity.

20. Another temple, "silver". Correctly called Wat Si Supan.

21. Deception is all around: it is not silver at all, but made of inexpensive metal.

Women are not allowed to enter inside the silver temple. From the outside you can see, and only. This is not the only pagoda with such a restriction, another has been seen explaining the sign "women are not allowed inside, because they are menstruating".

22. Collection of donations in temples is obligatory, and the call is always translated into English. Here it is proposed to throw donations to people born under the sign of the dragon according to the Chinese calendar. Of course, the matter is not limited to the dragon, there are twelve such boxes according to the number of characters.

23. Another way to collect donations: gentlemen, tourists, please write your wishes on pieces of paper and do not forget to attach the donation.

24. If this is your first time in Southeast Asia, then the local pagodas will definitely impress.

25. But if you spent at least a week in Thailand or other countries of the region, then you won’t say anything other than the phrase “boring” by Homer Simpson. Here the stupa with elephants is a whole event.

26. In Russia, elephants are considered exotic animals, and in the countries of this region they used to be used to transport heavy loads, like our horses, and now tourists ride them. So none of the locals open their mouths at the sight of an elephant.

27. Authenticity in these pagodas is no more than in the Chinese copy of the Austrian town of Hallstatt. You will not meet locals here so often, but there are a lot of Chinese tourists.

28. The Russian Orthodox Church also loves such restoration: whitewash everything

and gold, more gold! The main thing is to look richer and brighter (29).

30. Well, not to admire a bush in the form of an elephant in a strange position?

31. The exact date and even the time of the foundation of the temple is indicated in the Wat Chiang Man pagoda: April 12, 1296, 4 o'clock in the morning.

32. And here is the stele itself with the date (gray in the center of the frame), you can’t go to it.

Early the ancient working day began. After spending a month in Thailand, we understand them perfectly: between 12 and 15 it is impossible to engage in any meaningful activity, I want to go to a hammock and arrange a hakuna matata.

33. Dogs in the heat are amorphous and immobilized. The only thought in the dog's brain: to dig a deep hole for himself and to snuggle up to the coolness of the earth with the maximum area of ​​​​the body.

34. They get up only to drink water and again back to the pit.

35. Well, if he finds a whim on a passerby, and he comes to feed kebabs.

36. Chiang Mai has public transport. It is represented by minibuses, songteo. The color determines the approximate direction of movement.

For example, a red minibus keeps its way from different parts of the city in the direction of the center and often circles around the center. The itinerary may change depending on the wishes of the passengers. If you catch an empty minibus, it can turn into your personal taxi, and the fare will cost more, so you need to be on the lookout.

37. "Songteo" is translated as "two benches" according to the number of benches on which passengers sit.

Do you want to go out? You press the button on the ceiling and the driver stops. After stopping, you just need to remember to go to the cab and pay for the trip.

38. The only place in the city that does not look like a reservation for tourists is Buak Had Park.

39. At sunset, both expats and locals flock here for a run,

play sox (40)

or just lie on the grass (41).

Many expats choose Chiang Mai as a wintering destination or even move here for permanent residence. We do not understand this choice. Yes, Chiang Mai is located in the north of Thailand, in winter the weather is more comfortable here, and in the hot season, in spring, it is easier to breathe. Yes, it is inexpensive here and there are all conditions for comfortable work. Yes, there are several contemporary art galleries for the soul and co-working spaces with smoothies and fast internet for work. And you won’t be left alone here, because the same expats from all over the world come here. But all this does not outweigh the fact that Chiang Mai is boring. You can, of course, rent a bike and ride through the villages and waterfalls on weekends, but still, you will squirm out of boredom! This is not Bangkok :)

42. Finally, let's show graffiti at an abandoned gas station

and many other graffiti we met while walking around the city. These drawings are our most vivid impression of Chiang Mai (43).

In the city, of course, there is mortal longing, but outside the city we managed to find one interesting place, which we will tell about very soon.

Chiang Mai is located in the northwestern part of Thailand and is one of the most fragrant cities in the world. Locals call it the Thai flower capital. "Multicolor" can be seen in the design of the streets, Buddhist sculptures, as well as in the clothes of ordinary passers-by. Around the city are flower fields of all possible shades. Not surprisingly, Chiang Mai is a significant contributor to Thai flower exports.

The name of the city is translated as "new fortress". The province of Chiang Mai has a population of 1.6 million and speaks Thai. The province's industry is based on logging enterprises based on valuable teak forests, and tobacco production is also developed.

More than 700 years ago, a state peacefully existed in the north of the country. Lanna Thai, which was ruled by the wise king Mengrai. " Endless rice fields” is a literal translation of the name of the country and the way of life of the population. It was Mengrai who laid the "new fortress" (Chiang Mai) at the foot of Doi Suthep mountains. At the same time, the warlike Ancient Siam (Ayutthaya) was located in the southern part of Thailand. For six hundred years, Siam tried to subjugate Chiang Mai, but achieved its goal only after 1900. Only by mutual agreement was Bangkok able to send a representative of the authorities to the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai region. As a result of such a long confrontation and struggle for independence from Siam, it was possible to preserve the unusual "Lanna Thai" culture. Therefore, Chiang Mai is rightly called the northern capital of Thailand. Families usually come here for sightseeing purposes.

Climate and weather

The maximum average monthly temperature is observed in April (+36 ˚С). The nights from April to June are the warmest (average monthly temperature is 22…24˚С). The coolest thing in Chiang Mai is in December and January: around +27 ˚С during the day. The largest amount of precipitation occurs in September (up to 260 mm), February is unproductive in terms of precipitation (up to 5 mm).

It should be borne in mind that the north of Thailand is located in the mountains, therefore, in closed lowlands, the temperature can drop to +8 ° C degrees, and the amount of precipitation will be minimal. The best time to visit is from March to August.

Nature

Chiang Mai is located on a mountain plateau Korat at an altitude of over 300 meters. Be sure to visit the national park doi Inthananon, where you can admire the scenery from the highest peak in Thailand (2565 m).

An hour's drive from the northern capital (70 km) stretches a unique chain of caves Chiang Dao. Only two caves are available for self-examination ( Tham Phra Nawn And Tham Seua Dao). The total length of the passages is about 12 km, the passages themselves are very low and narrow, so the path is quite tiring. It is recommended to take a flashlight with you so as not to get confused in the numerous moves. The entrance to the caves will cost $ 0.3, if you want to take a guide - then $ 3. At the entrance to the caves there is a large ancient temple and a lake with clear water. The caves have preserved sinter formations in the form of crystals on the walls, so without a powerful flashlight you will not be able to see all this.

There is a small lake 10 kilometers from Chiang Mai. Huay Tueng Tao. Along the coastline there are built thatched pavilions where vacationers can place their belongings. Renting a gazebo will cost $ 10 in the nearest cafe. There are many cafes around the lake with inexpensive and tasty food, so there will be no problems with food.

In Chiang Mai itself, there is an overgrown lake, which is visited only by monks. Natural reservoir located behind the monastery Wat Chang Tai.

Fishing resorts are especially popular dream Lake fishing resort(habitat of arapaima), Queen Sirikit dam(snakehead), Mae Ngat reservoir(tilapia and mud carp).

For healing, it is recommended to visit hot springs. San Kampheng(36 km from Chiang Mai). The entrance will cost only $ 1.5, since the source belongs to the state. You can swim in separate male and female mineral baths, there is a common mineral pool. Twenty minutes of such pleasure will cost $ 2. It is possible to stay at the hotel San Kampheng. Nearby is a similar private thermal spa Roong Arun where you can make mud masks.

Attractions

There are five large national parks in the vicinity of the northern capital:

• Huay Nam Dang with geysers;
• Op Khan with granite mountain ranges;
• Pui with waterfalls;
• Doi Inthanon with evergreen forests and Vachiratkhan waterfall;
• Op Luang with the canyon system.

The average entrance fee to the national park is from $0.5.

Noteworthy botanical garden Mae fah Luang covering an area of ​​10 acres. The garden was created for the Thai people so that the local population could admire exotic plants. Previously, there was a village located here, remote from the benefits of civilization, which served as a transshipment point for opium traders. Now the village has been preserved, but the lifestyle and occupation of the inhabitants have changed. Flower lovers will be able to see the rarest types of orchids in Mae Fah Luang.

Famous but more secluded gardensDokmai can be seen at Moo 10, Namprae, Hang Dong.

You can get to know the main Thai symbol (elephant) on the farm Patara. The program includes a trip through the jungle on an elephant without a saddle, by the way, quite painful entertainment from the habit. Elephant Nature Park (209/2 Sridom Chai Road) offers to spend the whole day with the elephant family, feed them, watch them wash and play.

There are several elephant training centers near Chiang Mai, where the animals carry logs and help around the house in every possible way. One of them is located in the village Ta-Yaak. Ma Ping elephant Village invites you to a performance where elephants paint and even massage.

You can see and feed other animals in the Night Safari Park: giraffes, deer, rhinos and hippos - such a variety delights even an adult. In the evenings, a laser show program is offered here. We also recommend visiting the Chiang Mai Zoo (entrance $ 3), but you will have to pay extra for individual attractions (bird house, oceanarium, panda house).

Citizens spend their free time in the park suan buak hut is a kind of oasis of calm and solitude in the city center. In artificial reservoirs, you can feed the fish (food costs from $ 0.3), and in a cafe you can rent a mat for $ 0.1 and stretch out on the grass.

There are many religious buildings in Chiang Mai, each of which has its own distinctive feature:

• Wat Suan Dok is the burial place of the royal family.
• Wat Ched Yod is famous for its green spaces: the seedlings of the tree under which the Buddha became enlightened.
• At the entrance to Wat Lok Molee, symbolic trees are exhibited: gold and silver. All visitors consider it their duty to see them.
• Tourists are also interested in the wooden temple Wat Phan Tao with a lattice roof and a stupa trimmed with gold, located in Phra Pok Klao.

The most visited temple in Chiang Mai Wat Phra That doi Suthep. This temple rises above the city, and to get to it, you need to climb the mountain road. The relics of the Buddha are considered the main shrine of the temple. The legend says that the white sacred elephant brought the relics in the 14th century and left them on the hill, where the golden temple was later laid. Inside you will see an emerald Buddha and unusual decor elements: a golden umbrella, a dragon's head. From the observation deck of the temple, planted with fruit trees, offers a magnificent view of Chiang Mai.

The oldest temple in Chiang Mai Wat Chiang Mai. This grandiose building was founded by King Mengrai in the 13th century.

On the site where the king was killed by lightning, Wat Chedi Luang was founded.

The palace is a place of amazing beauty. Bhubing- winter royal residence. The palace can be visited until 5 pm, except for the winter months (admission $ 1.5).

Nutrition

The cuisine of Northern Thailand is more diverse than the cuisine of other regions of the country: the influence of China and Laos is affecting. Seafood is slightly less represented in the north, but prices are much lower. However, Chiang Mai has other advantages as well. The northern capital is known for its extensive plantations of strawberries and small pineapples, which are not grown in the south. Strawberry-based jams and marmalades are sold in the city's markets.

One of the traditional dishes of the north - khao soi lam yai. The composition includes noodles and pork, richly seasoned with curry and fried with the addition of coke milk. As a snack, the local population uses cab mu(fried pork skin) - an analogue of the Slavic "greaves".

Vegetarian culture is developed in Chiang Mai, if you are a supporter of it, then visit establishments with the widest assortment: Pun Pun, Cafeé pandau, Blue Diamond. Walking in an expensive area Nimmanhamin, look into Salad concept: here you can make your own salad (a plate with 5 free toppings will cost $2) and generally assemble any dish (soup, side dish).

The city has a well-developed public catering network. Thanks to buffets, even with a minimum amount in your pocket, you can have a hearty lunch. Buffet is the cheapest Kun Churn(open until 14:00). There are also promoted establishments with "restaurant" prices (for example, Imperial Mae Ping).

Accommodation

Chiang Mai is a fairly compact city, so no matter where you live in the city, getting to the right place is not difficult. Overnight in an eight-bed mixed room will cost $ 3 ( sum sum Guest house, Mojito Garden Hotel, Green Oasis). Surprisingly, in cheap bedrooms there is always a shared shower or bath, fan, internet.

The cost of a private room for two starts from $6. A room in one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, for example in Khum Phaya Resort Chiang Mai, will cost you from $ 70 per night.

Entertainment and recreation

There are many museums in this city. Those who are attracted to Hinduism will be interested in private god ganesh museum(in the village Doy Lo), consisting of three halls: in the first two - statues and paintings of the deity, in the last - a place of worship.

Similar to each other MuseumMon Fai(museum of cloth of the peoples of the north of Thailand) and sbun Nga(textile museum, entry from $3).

Recommended to visit ethnological museum of hill tribes with models of dwellings, realistic mannequins of people, real dishes. Or Chiang Mai National Museum, which is open daily except Monday and Tuesday until 4 pm (admission - $ 0.7). Its exposition consists of the most valuable objects of religion, culture and life of Lanna times.

Those who wish can visit the museum dedicated to the history of the royal family - Dara Pirom Palace.

Stamp lovers will love the Philately Museum (15 Praisanee Rd.), while coin collectors will love the Numismatic Museum (52 ​​Ratchadamnoen Rd.).

There will be those who will be interested Aviation Museum on the basis of a military base near the Chiang Mai airport.

By the way, in Chiang Mai, as well as in Bangkok, there is a museum of dolls, but instead of miniature beauties, terrible freaks are released here.

In Chiang Mai, there is something to see besides the usual museums. For example, one of the most unusual workshops in Thailand is the solar umbrella workshop (111/2 Bosang Sankkamphaeng). Here you will be shown the entire technical process from start to finish and offered to place an order from the catalog of umbrellas, and for a nominal fee, local craftsmen will paint your things (t-shirts, cases, caps).

You can plunge headlong into outlandish microworlds in the museum-zoo of insects ( Siam insect Zoo) in the very center of Chiang Mai at Srimankalajarn Road Soi, 13. Collections of beetles and butterflies from all over the world are collected here, regular workshops and interactive games for children are held.

In the Hang Dong district of Chiang Mai, a piece of the African continent appeared in 2006 - a park Night safari. From the savannah zone in Kenya, raptors and ungulates were airlifted to Southeast Asia. There are three zones of activity in the park: "savannah", "predators", "the way of the jaguar". Throughout the route, you can feed the animals directly from your hands, and even play with some. A night laser program has been implemented. The first two zones are open from 6 to 11 p.m., and the "way of the jaguar" is open from 11 a.m. The cost of a ticket only to the “Jaguar Way” zone is $3, the cost of a subscription (three zones, laser show, fountains) is $15.

If you want to see a traditional Thai village, then look into the settlement Karen(one of the hill tribes of northern Thailand). The women of this tribe have necks of incredible length. This disproportion is achieved through the constant wearing of special rings.

Purchases

Shopping can be done immediately upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport. Next to it is the Central Airport Plaza shopping center with a unique department designed in the style of a “traditional Thai village”. Here they sell handicrafts of the mountain tribes of the north: costumes, bags, jewelry. A little further on is the Thai Art Hall, where antiques are exhibited. Central Airport Plaza has many boutiques with clothes, perfumes, and electronics.

No less famous is the five-story Kad Suan Kaew center with a convenient multi-storey parking lot, inside there is a Tops supermarket.

The city has a branch of the French supermarket chain Carrefour. There are also two branches of the English hypermarket Tesko.

Goods of Thai producers can be bought at a discount at the Big C Thai supermarket. Here, buyers note a good assortment of seafood, fruits and vegetables.

From Chiang Mai, it is worth bringing mulberry paper products (for example, a sun umbrella), silver jewelry, Burmese caskets, celadon ceramics, medicinal herbs and tea. Of particular note is electronics: the prices are the same and affordable almost everywhere.

A wide selection of souvenirs is presented at the Wararot market, where you can also look at products made from Thai silk.

Transport

There are almost no city buses in Chiang Mai, so residents have to be content with tuk-tuks or “lor itself”. “Sam lor” are modern rickshaws, rather strong wiry guys, the phrase is translated as “three wheels”, it is on them that these sports Thais move everyone. The average cost of such a trip is from $ 1.5, an additional charge for luggage is possible. There are far fewer taxi cars in Chiang Mai than in Bangkok. Those that are are equipped with taximeters, the average cost of a trip around the city is from $2 to $6.

Also, colorful songthaews (pickup trucks) run regularly around the city, on which you can get to anywhere in the city. The color of the songthaew indicates a specific route.

Another tourist in Chiang Mai can rent a car or motorcycle from $25 per day.

The traffic system in the city is built on the inner and outer multidirectional rings connected by passages. On some streets of the city you can only park on the left side. The coloring of the curb shows the permissible stopping places (red color - prohibits). Riding without a helmet is subject to a $15 fine, a $20 fine for not wearing a seatbelt and may result in your license being revoked.

Connection

To call Chiang Mai from a landline phone, dial 8-10-66-53-the number of the called party. Three major mobile operators (1-2-Call/AIS, Happy/DTAC, True) offer great rates for calling home. You can buy a SIM card at Seven Eleven and Family Mart supermarkets.

The city has a developed network of Internet cafes, many free access points to the global web. Relatively cheap Internet is possible only on a prepaid basis with a per-minute connection billing. Of all operators, only DTAC holds regular promotions for voice calls and Internet use.

Safety

Traffic on the road is almost unregulated. When crossing the road, you must look to the right, not to the left.

When shopping, do not trust the tempting prices for gemstone jewelry, most likely you are offered ordinary glass. The same situation with silver and gold. Original products can only be purchased at factories.

Do not trust Indians who offer tailoring for little money. The “divorce” is banal: you leave an advance payment, but you never get the suit, although you are promised to deliver it directly to the airport by the time the plane takes off. Episodes are known when "bar girls" slipped sleeping pills and took money from an unlucky tourist. Keep in mind that these "bar workers" even though they drink with you on an equal footing, but their beer is non-alcoholic, so they do not really get drunk.

If you bring a girl to your room, be sure to check your ID card (an analogue of a local passport). Very often, the provision of intimate services is carried out by minors. Such relationships in Thailand will inevitably lead to imprisonment. In Thai prisons, mostly tourists who have lost their vigilance are serving their sentences.

Business climate

Any foreigner who has chosen Chiang Mai as an investment should think about forced cooperation with the Thai side. The enterprise must necessarily be joint, and the workers for the most part are Thai by origin.

There are a number of reasons why foreigners invest their money in the Thai economy: obtaining a long-term visa, justifying residence, and others. At the same time, the authorized capital of an artificially created joint-stock company must be at least $30,000. 51% of the shares are assigned to Thai partners, the number of shareholders is set from 7 people. But these conditions can be circumvented without violating the law: if you use the support and support of local lawyers, then you will even be provided with Thais who will further write off their shares in your favor. Additional costs for registering a joint-stock company and paperwork will amount to about $50,000.

Real estate

Rental prices in the northern capital of Thailand are very affordable. A month of renting a two-story house on the outskirts of the city will cost $200. At the same time, round-the-clock security will be provided, the cottage will have several bedrooms, a large living room, furniture, air conditioning, hot water, and a European kitchen. If you choose a house with a garden, a veranda and a swimming pool, then the rental price will increase by $100. Renting a cottage in the historical center (for example, next to the university) costs about $600 per month.

The cost of small houses in a cottage village on the outskirts of Chiang Mai is $ 55,000 for 52 square meters (slightly more than a thousand per square). They usually buy houses of a larger area (from 107 squares). The price increases in proportion to the area, according to this offer from 90 thousand.

But the villa-house (800 squares) with a land plot of 3000 square meters. meters as part of the Four Seasons resort is estimated at 4 million dollars.

Under the Thai real estate buying scheme, a foreigner can own all buildings except the land on which they are located. The only way out is to invest in the Investment Department for five years. Then, when the amount reaches at least $ 1.2 million, a permit will be issued for registration of 1600 sq. meters of land.

Chiang Mai is considered the starting point for trekking in northern Thailand. Such "forays" are far from traditional excursion programs and require some preparation. You need to take hiking shoes, warm and waterproof clothes, mosquito repellent with you.

When visiting villages, in no case do not give money to local beggars. If you are invited to enter a dwelling, do not forget to take off your shoes. Entering the house without permission is prohibited. You can chat with locals and take pictures (after asking permission), it is not recommended to get drunk. The village can be quite dirty, but that's no reason for you to litter too.

It is considered the spiritual and religious center of the country.

It is immediately worth noting that there is no sea in Chiang Mai. But it is here that you can get acquainted with the customs and traditions.

Chiang Mai was founded as a walled city, the name of the city itself translates as "new city". The center and tourist gathering place is the so-called "square" - an area isolated by a dilapidated stone wall. Numerous temples located inside the "square" will help tourists understand Buddhist traditions. The infrastructure of Chiang Mai is well developed - it is a large city that has all the benefits of civilization.

In addition to cultural and historical monuments, Chiang Mai, like any other city in Northern Thailand, will be remembered for its unusually beautiful mountainous area. Here, as well as possible, you can feel the hospitality of the locals.

Tours in Chiang Mai

Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow

Daytime +31 °C

Weather

The weather of the northern regions of Thailand differs from the hot climate of the south of the country. During the winter months, from November to February, temperatures in Chiang Mai drop to 15°C and rain is rare during this time. From March to June, the air temperature is around 30° - 40°C, it becomes very humid, although there is not much precipitation at this time. From July to October, as a rule, it rains constantly.

It is always cold in the mountains of the northern cities, the temperature at any time of the year can be only 5 degrees above zero. When going to the mountains, do not forget to take warm clothes with you. Unfortunately, the city experiences high levels of smoke, especially from January to March. At this time, rice fields are burned, so the whole of Northern Thailand smells of burning.

Hotels

The cluster of hotels is located inside and next to the "square" - the center of Chiang Mai. City center hotels, as a rule, are located close to each other, so the view from the room window may be on a neighboring building, and not on the picturesque mountains. In general, accommodation in Chiang Mai can be described as modest and at low prices. Although here you can find comfortable hotels with large rooms and all amenities.

Attractions and entertainment

Chiang Mai is the center of excursion tourism. Dozens of mountain tribes live in its vicinity, including the famous Karen, who decorate the necks of women with rings.

You can take a trip to a tribal village, go on a mountain hike or just explore the temples, of which there are more than 300 in Chiang Mai. Inside the ancient city walls of Chiang Mai are beautiful temples and stupas. The famous temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is striking in its beauty. According to legend, the place for the construction of the temple was chosen by an elephant loaded with sacred relics - the animal stopped and trumpeted, announcing the "decision". There are over 300 steps to get to the temple, but the view is worth it.

In addition to the temples, you can explore the gardens of the royal palace of Bhuping, and on the way look into the hill tribe village. There is a market near the village where you can buy authentic crafts or try a national dish. An excursion to the orchid farm or the elephant village will be interesting.

The most memorable national park near Chiang Mai is perhaps the Doi Inthanon National Park. Here you can visit the highest mountain in Thailand, the mark of which is 2565 meters above sea level.

The area around Chiang Mai is known for several natural hot springs. Thermal springs are located, as a rule, on the territory of the national park. Here you can take a walk, relax or get medical treatment by swimming in geysers with mineral water.

Animal lovers will be delighted with visiting the Night Safari. Here you can drive through a huge green area inhabited by zebras, giraffes, hippos, ostriches, monkeys, lions, tigers and many other animals. Most of all, it is the feeding of the inhabitants from the hands that will be remembered. The territory of the huge Chiang Mai Zoo is difficult to pass in a day. A huge number of animals, birds and insects live here in comfortable conditions. Near the enclosure where pandas live, you can stand watching such cute animals for more than an hour. Also here you can see a huge number of monkeys, tigers and lions, koalas, penguins, giraffes, roe deer and other inhabitants.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate rafting on the Me Teng River and rock climbing on Mount Crazy Horse (a huge monolith 60 m high). There are more than 130 routes.

In Chiang Mai, you can learn how to cook Thai dishes by visiting a culinary school. In a few hours, the masters of local cuisine will teach you how to cook Tom Kha, Tom Yam, Pad Thai or other Thai delicacy.

Chiang Mai is also called the "Rose of the North" for the Flower Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of February. The streets of the city are filled with flowers, festive processions, folk festivals take place, the atmosphere of general fun reigns.

The second interesting festival, Loi Krathong, takes place in November - among the events are the lowering of flower wreaths, festive processions, a parade of platforms and a real belly festival. At night, thousands of paper lanterns fly into the sky.

From Chiang Mai it is convenient to get to other cities in northern Thailand. You can use public transport services or go on your own journey in a rented car. Do not forget to be as careful as possible - in addition to the mass of impressions from visiting fabulously beautiful places, the difficulties of moving through mountainous areas await you. From Chiang Mai you can get to the city of Pai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and other equally interesting places in Thailand.

Kitchen

Inside the city there are many cafes offering Thai, Chinese, Indian cuisine. Finding restaurants with European cuisine is more difficult, but there are still a lot of such establishments in Chiang Mai. Restaurant menus are usually in Thai and English. The low cost of breakfast, lunch or dinner will pleasantly surprise you.

Transport

You can get to Chiang Mai by plane, train or bus. The airport, located in the city center, is the second largest after Suvarnabhumi, receiving flights to Bangkok. Inside the city, and especially in the center, unfortunately, traffic jams are almost always observed.

It is most convenient to move inside Chiang Mai on a songteo (a truck equipped for transporting passengers), which can be seen literally at every step. The route of the songteo is determined by the driver, depending on the stops required by the passengers. In Chiang Mai, you can ride a tricycle or even use the services of a rickshaw. Other transportation options are sedan taxis or motorcycle taxis. Also in Chiang Mai you can rent a car, motorbike or bicycle.

shopping

Chiang Mai is famous for its night market on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Here, at low prices, you can buy various souvenirs and decor items created by local residents. Northern Thailand and especially Chiang Mai are famous for their interesting handicrafts: clothes and shoes, souvenirs, toys, umbrellas, etc. If you can't get to the night market, don't despair. You can see and buy interesting and unique handmade souvenirs in small shops located in Chiang Mai literally at every step. Interestingly, here you can watch the process of creating masterpieces of local residents.