Chiang Mai, Thailand: Rose of the North
The comparison with the Queen of Flowers is no coincidence. Chiang Mai was founded as a royal city more than 700 years ago and is today one of the cultural and economic centers in Thailand. The capital of the province of the same name is located on the Ping River, surrounded by idyllic landscapes. It inspires with temple buildings, shopping opportunities, diverse educational institutions and authentic Southeast Asian flair.
Some facts about Chiang Mai
With a little more than 130,000 inhabitants, Chiang Mai has a rather tranquil size. However, the heartbeat of this center of Thai handicrafts is fast. Students from several universities keep the city young, and trade, production and tourism are in full bloom. The 700 km distance to the capital Bangkok is no problem for travel and study trips, as the entire Chiang Mai region is well connected to long-distance traffic through the city’s airport. The border to Myanmar runs just a few kilometers to the north. Nothing stands in the way of a trip to the neighboring country. Chiang Mai has been an important cultural and religious center since its inception. Traces of this living history can be found above all in the old town center. The view from Doi Pui with its 1.
Climate, weather and traffic
The former Siam offers good travel conditions all year round. From November to April it stays dry in northern Thailand, although it can get very cool at night in the two months at the turn of the year. Extensive ventures should be approached cautiously in March and April. Here the mercury column often shows up to 35 ° C. During the rainy season between June and September, the weather repeatedly surprises with short, sometimes very heavy showers. Those who don’t shy away from it will be rewarded with images of nature in lush spring green.
Long-distance travelers can easily reach the north by domestic flight via Bangkok Airport. There is also a regular rail link within the country. If you like, you can take the bus or car.
Knowledge, worth knowing and culture
Like other Asian countries, Thailand prides itself on education and educational institutions. In and around Chiang Mai, young people study at no fewer than nine universities, which are often divided into many subdivisions. These include, for example:
- Chiang Mai University
- Rajamangala Lanna Technical University and the Lanna campus of the Mahamakut Buddhist University.
Sacred buildings with a Buddhist character, which were built in the northern Thai style, shape the image of the old town behind the former city wall. In parts of the former protective wall against external enemies still exists today. Architectures worth seeing include the temple Wat Phra Sing, Wat Suan Dok and the Bhubing Palace.
Chiang Mai attracts lovers of high quality handicrafts like a magnet. You can marvel at and buy silk, wood, ceramics and more here. In general, the Thai people are happy to trade. In Chiang Mai there is a large market at Tha Pae Gate every Sunday. At the Night Bazaar, traders offer whatever your heart desires. More relaxed shopping trips take place in the centers along Huay Kaeo Road. In addition to sightseeing and shopping in the old royal city, Chiang Mai attracts with an attractive surrounding area. No one should miss a visit to the Doi Angkhang, Huai Nam Dang and Doi Inthanon national parks.
Chiang Mai is suitable as a stage for a round trip or study trip through Thailand. This is where the individual tour through the “Land of Smiles” can begin or end.
What speaks for a trip to Chiang Mai:
- historically significant and impressive city with a modern and at the same time authentic flair
- suitable for cultural study trips as well as relaxation in the area
- popular center of trade and handicrafts
- good accessibility at national and international level
- ideal starting point or destination for round trips
