Car Hire Chiang Mai
Mini guide to Chiang Mai
Situated among the hills of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a pleasant and unhurried city which has been a significant city of the Lanna Kingdom since 1296. With an old town uniquely surrounded by a moat and ramparts, the city is famous for its crafts, Northern culture and hill trekking excursions into the nearby mountains.
Most guesthouse and hotels are situated within or near the square mile of the old town. A pretty moat and series of restored gates protect the hundreds of temples that are found among the quiet lanes within. Tapae gate (with its market square) is the most central and from here you can walk eastwards to the Ping river.
Of the 300 hundred ornately presented Buddhist temples in the city, the most famous include; Wat Phra Singh (with its Sinhalese Buddha), Wat Chiang Man (the oldest), Wat Chedi Luang (with an enormous landmark Chedi) and Wat Phan Tao (entirely constructed from teak). Wat Jet Yod and Wat Suan Dawk, a little out of town, are both over 500 years old and have fascinating histories.
A trip to the top of Doi Suithep (mountain) that presides over the west of the city, is a must. Its temple is one of Thailand’s most revered and the views of the entire valley are fantastic. Increasingly popular are trips to the excavated old Chiang Mai settlement of Wiang Kum Kam, south west of the city. These ancient 11th century ruins were only recently discovered. Chiang Mai is also a good launching point for hill treks which include river rafting, elephant riding and visits to hill tribe villages, and many tour operators are found in the city centre.
Chiang Mai’s enormous night market, is one of the best-valued in Thailand, and is loaded with silk clothing and handicrafts. Along the Ping’s riverbanks are a several lively restaurants and bars, some even offer boat trips up the river. The Loy Kroh and Moon Muang areas are a little seedy, typified by bars full of eager Thai ladies, though all are welcome, and it’s a good place for a (legitimate) traditional massage.
Food is an obsession in Thailand and its delicious (but spicy!) food is found on every street corner, as well as endless restaurants. Chiang Mai’s easy pace, good climate and cheap accommodation often persuades people to simply stay and relax for weeks, and festivals are held monthly. It’s celebration of the Song Kran water festival is legendary.
Chiang Mai’s international airport services regional flights, as far away as Singapore and Taipei, the other alternative is to arrive by overnight sleeper train from Bangkok.
More details on Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket.
