Colorful Thailand, famous for its luxurious resorts in the south of the country, surprises with its north - a completely different world with a special cosmopolitan atmosphere. Rich in rice fields, pineapple, tea plantations, it captivates travelers at first sight.
Eventful story
Chiang Mai is the capital of the province of the same name, whose population is growing due to visitors. The main center of northern Thailand, devoid of a beach area, is located along the Ping River, which flows through the heart of the city, 700 km from Bangkok. Ancient Chiang Mai was founded in 1296. It was then that the king of the state transferred the capital to a cozy settlement and gave it the name "new city". Surrounded by a huge moat, which for a long time served as protection from enemy raids, after 262 years it will fall before the Burmese invaders, and after another two centuries it will be transferred to the protectorate of Siam. And only in the last centurythe territory of the hiking center officially became part of the territory of Thailand.
Visitor Center
By the end of the 80s of the last century, the city became one of the most visited resorts in the country. Of course, its main advantages are natural and historical sights, but modern successes cannot be underestimated. Exotic Chiang Mai (Thailand), which has retained its charm and fully corresponds to the status of the cultural capital of the "land of smiles", pleases with a developed tourist infrastructure.
The main income of the city is the export of vegetables, fruits and rice, but recently the increase in the flow of foreign visitors brings tangible profits. There are still not enough Russian travelers here, as our compatriots prefer a relaxed holiday on Thai beaches, which are absent in Chiang Mai. The rapidly developing second largest city of the kingdom will appeal to those who are interested in the culture and life of local residents. Therefore, active tourists who are hungry for new experiences will not be bored here.
Several ways to get to the resort
Travelers who choose the north of the country for their holidays are interested in the question of how to get to Chiang Mai in Thailand. It must be said that it will not be possible to directly get to the unique resort from Russia, since the city airport accepts only domestic flights. Therefore, guests of the country arrive in Bangkok and depart from Suvanarbhumi Airport on the next flight to the city (and there are up to 30 flights a day). Flight time takesno more than an hour. It is also possible to get to the tourist center from Koh Samui, Phuket and other islands of the state.
Buses are the most uncomfortable way to travel to the pearl of Thailand. They go from Bangkok North Bus Terminal and travel time is 9-10 hours. Buses often arrive in Chiang Mai (Thailand) at dawn, when hotels and guesthouses are still closed. The cost of a ticket depends directly on its class - first, second and VIP, which differ in the number of seats. As tourists say, the fewer seats, the better, but more expensive.
In addition, the city can be reached from Bangkok by train. And if you buy a ticket for a lying place, you will be able to sleep normally for 14 hours. In order not to lose a whole day on the road, it is best to take an evening flight.
Weather and climate
Located at an altitude of 316 meters above sea level and immersed in greenery, Chiang Mai has a tropical climate, the coldest in Thailand. The tourist season lasts all year, but the best time to visit the city is the winter months (December to February) when there is no rainfall. Cool weather will appeal to guests who do not welcome extreme heat. But from March to June, the air temperature, rising to 40 degrees, is accompanied by high humidity, and at this time it is worth refusing to visit the cultural capital of Thailand. The rainy season starts in June and lasts until October, and this is also not the most favorable period for city tours, and even more so for hiking in the mountains. its peakheavy rains reach in September. In the evenings, the air temperature drops to 15 degrees, so you should stock up on warm clothes.
Old City
Those who want to get acquainted with the unique sights of a picturesque corner should start their tour from the Old Town - a truly magical place with its own spirit. Within its limits, historical monuments can be explored on foot, armed with a free Chiang Mai map.
The center of an unusual resort is called the Old Town. Previously, this place was a fortress surrounded by a moat, and now you can get here through numerous gates. The first thing that guests see when entering the historical center is the ruins of an ancient brick wall built several centuries ago. And everything that is inside it is of particular interest to tourists. This is a real open-air museum, which Chiang Mai is proud of, and it is pleasant to walk around a wonderful place and it’s not even a pity to spend the whole day exploring the romantic Old Town.
The national museum is also located here, where everyone can get acquainted with unique artifacts telling about the ancient Lanna kingdom that existed in Thailand, and a beautiful park, which is a green oasis surrounded by ponds and fountains.
Buddhism Center
Ancient Chiang Mai is a city of temples, many of which are relatively recent. For seven centuries, about 300 religious monuments have appeared here, which is why it is called the center of Buddhism in the state. Duringholidays, all the temples are decorated with bright flowers, incense is in the air, and the streets are filled with people.
The largest is Van Chedi Luang, founded at the beginning of the 15th century. Once its height reached 90 meters, but after a terrible earthquake that occurred four centuries ago, the temple was partially destroyed. Wat Chedi Luang, which stands out from the rest of the buildings with a golden chedi stupa, is considered a symbol of the city. And the entrance is guarded by mythical creatures resembling snakes. Once upon a time, an emerald Buddha statue was kept here, but later it was moved to Bangkok.
One of the most unusual temples is located in the forest. Wat Umong Meditation Center (Chang Mai) consists of several underground tunnels, in the niches of which Buddha statues are installed, lit by candle flames. Wat Umong makes an indelible impression on tourists who note the mystical atmosphere in the caves. Twilight and complete silence are conducive to a meditative state.
Located in the Old City, the former royal residence of Wat Chiang Man is famous for its relics - Buddha statues made of marble and quartz. The architectural complex of Wat Chiang Man consists of the main building and small buildings. Temple Wat Phra Singh, made in the classical style, is admired by tourists. Renovated two centuries ago, it is considered the main sanctuary of the country. On the territory of Wat Phra Singh, which houses a golden statue of Buddha-Lion, there is a library with ancient manuscripts.
Temple City
As tourists say, in order to enjoy the temples, there is no particular need to book excursions and buy a map of the city. It is worth leaving the hotel, strolling along the cozy streets, and the religious sights of Chiang Mai, which are a man-made decoration of a paradise place, immediately catch your eye.
It is curious that many temples have special programs for foreigners who dream of touching a foreign culture. Meditation lessons heal not only the soul, but also the body.
Chang Mai: What else to see?
The ancient settlement of Wiang Kum Kam, the ruins of which were found in 1984, suffered from severe floods. People left Wiang Kum Kam, and for several centuries no one remembered him. Archaeologists have discovered about 20 temples, well preserved to this day, as well as ancient manuscripts.
Doi Suthep is a high mountain located a few kilometers from the city in the national park of the same name. It is visible from all sides and is covered with lush vegetation. Locals say those who haven't seen Doi Suthep haven't been to Chiang Mai.
The Chiang Dao Cave, with stone waterfalls and nature-made sculptures, is reminiscent of an underground temple as altars and Buddha images can be seen everywhere in the grottoes.
Reviews from vacationers
Those who have visited the north of the country agree that it was not in vain that they visited the hospitable Chiang Mai (Thailand). Reviews of tourists are full of enthusiasm, and this is quite understandable:smiling people, sunny weather, many attractions make staying in a wonderful place with an amazing atmosphere unforgettable. Unfortunately, not everyone chooses a city without a sea and traditional beaches as their place of rest, but tend to visit other resorts where fun is in full swing day and night.
It is noted that things and products here are much cheaper than in Pattaya or Phuket. It is not in vain that shopping lovers rush here, because a few years ago two huge shopping malls were opened in the city, where European brands of clothes and shoes are presented. In addition, you can buy whatever your heart desires at local markets.
Pacifying Chiang Mai (Thailand), reviews of which excite the imagination, is the same city where the so-called wild tourism is widespread. It should be explored on foot, and it is also customary to rent bicycles to explore on your own a cute corner that arouses admiration. It is difficult to get acquainted with all the interesting monuments of the city in a few days, so it is best to stay in the cultural capital of Thailand for at least a week.
Tourists who arrived here note that when you turn off the main streets into small lanes, you find yourself in a fabulous labyrinth of narrow roads leading to the picturesque courtyards of private houses twined with greenery. Guests of the city even get the impression that every resident is engaged in floristry. In the shade of trees, you can take a breath after long walks and relax, enjoying the delightful silence.
New direction gainingpopularity
In recent decades, original Thailand has been incredibly popular with travelers from all over the world. Chiang Mai is a new, not yet fully mastered destination for Russian tourists. However, those who have visited a modern northern city with rich cultural traditions confess their desire to definitely return here again.
