Chiang Mai Tourism

Chiang Mai is located 700 km (435 miles) from the north of Bangkok and outlooks a lush valley running through the banks of the Ping River. It was in the year 1296 that Chiang Mai was founded and named as the capital of the ruling Lanna Kingdom. At present, it is an example of that city where the past and present seamlessly merges into a wonderful city with modern buildings, heritage and green landscape. You might feel that Chiang Mai is a quiet city amidst the bustling capital but still be surprised by its rich tourism. The city of Chiang Mai is flecked by virgin rainforests and gurgling waterfalls along with peaceful, little villages. Chiang Mai, Thailand is also famous for its markets and distinguished elephant sanctuaries.

Chiang Mai etymologically refers to “new city”, and has been doing justice to its name since 1996. History has it that King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom during this year. It was also that time when the Sukhothai Kingdom was established. As King Meng Rai himself was a religious person by nature, he supervised the construction of the city’s famous temples that still find a place here. One can experience the wonders of two worlds simultaneously in Chiang Mai - the historical and the modern. You will find pagodas and temples which are centuries-old. Chiang Mai also offers some of the best adventure activities such as trekking and rafting. You can also locate some modern convenience stores and custom-made hotels. The people of Chiang Mai are true to their culture and thus one can find a number of elephant camps around the place. Chiang Mai remains one of the most beautiful destinations in Asia. For a traveler, Chiang Mai simply has a host of experiences to offer. For a resident here, Chiang Mai is the home one returns to!

Chiang Mai is bordered by Myanmar in its north. The Shan state of Myanmar is actually the border state of Chiang Mai in Thailand. The interesting thing is cross-border trade takes place here between the Kew Pha Wok checkpoint and the Ban Lak Taeng checkpoint. These places are also major tourist sites. On its South, Chiang Mai is engulfed by Amphoe Sam Ngao, Amphoe Tha Song Yang of Tak Province and Amphoe Mae Ramad. Some of the major attractions here are - Sam Ngao Cliff, Bhumibol Dam, Mae Kasa Waterfall, and Thee Mo Bo Waterfall. On its east, lie the provinces of Amphoe Mae Suai, Amphoe Mae Fah Luang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai and Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao of Chiang Rai. Chiang Mai borders its west with Amphoe Mueang Mae Hong Son, Amphoe Pai, Amphoe Mae La Noi, Amphoe Mae Sariang, Amphoe Khun Yuam, and Amphoe Sob Moei of Mae Hong Son Province.