Chiang Mai population. What hotels in Chiang Mai have nice views? Eventful history

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 located in northern Thailand, close to the border with Laos and Burma. It is the second largest city in the country after Bangkok.

If in Russia St. Petersburg is called the cultural capital, then in Thailand Chiang Mai is such - this is evidenced not only by numerous royal temples, parks and residences, but also by constant festivals, exhibitions and similar cultural events and events.

There is no sea here, and therefore Chiang Mai is much less popular among tourists compared to other regions of Thailand. But for those for whom the presence of the sea is not a determining factor when choosing a place of residence, Chiang Mai does not leave indifferent. We came to Chiang Mai for the second time, and again only for 1 month, but if it were not for the well-thought-out further plans and purchased tickets, we would most likely have stayed here for 3-4 months. Why? Read on.

One of the most significant advantages of Chiang Mai for us is the climate, it is much milder here than in the southern part of Thailand. It may seem strange to those who are reading this article now, looking out the window at a snow blizzard, but the constant heat is very tiring. Here, now, the weather is just perfect, in our opinion - I don’t know exactly how many degrees, probably somewhere around 27-28 during the day, about 20 in the morning and evening, and 16-18 at night, breathing is just fine.

In general, we both love freshness - if possible, we open all the windows wide open, and if it's hot outside, we turn on the air conditioner. When we visited St. Petersburg last fall, our parents couldn’t get used to the heating, which makes the apartment very stuffy - it was easier for us to put on sweaters and open the windows so that there was a constant flow of fresh air. So in Chiang Mai now - what you need in this regard. We don’t even turn on the air conditioner during the day, although when we were looking for housing, this item would be mandatory for us.

And yet, Chiang Mai is located on a hill, among small mountains, and there is no such humidity as in coastal cities and, moreover, on the islands - calmer for equipment that, in conditions of high humidity, has the unpleasant property of becoming moldy.

2. People

In Chiang Mai there is a prestigious university, offices of many IT companies. European, Australian, American, and Russian expats who come here to live are focused more on working in comfortable conditions than idleness in the tropics. So here, there is much less of this rastaman public who smokes weed and plays drums on the beach all day long.

Of course, you meet different people, IT people also have their own specifics, but in general, we can say that the intelligentsia lives here to a greater extent, in the good sense of the word

3. Infrastructure

Chiang Mai is not the capital, so there is no hustle and bustle here, as in Bangkok. We have already spoken out more than once about our dislike for the Thai capital.

With all our tolerance and striving to find pluses in everything, somehow Bangkok does not cling to us, no matter how hard we try to love it. It’s not that there was some kind of disgust for him, no, just, for example, it’s not a city, but a dream, and it’s just a great city, and Ho Chi Minh City is not bad, but for some reason I don’t like Bangkok, we don’t understand why so many people love it.

The shops

So, in Chiang Mai there are no shortcomings of the capital, but at the same time it is a large city, and, accordingly, the infrastructure is well developed here. There are shops and hypermarkets for every taste (including Makro with cheese and chocolate), shopping centers with cinemas,.

There are also specialized stores, including those with photographic equipment. The prices, however, are a little higher than in Bangkok, as it seemed to me, and the time is not the best for buying equipment, but nonetheless. When I needed to change the polarizer (filter), I could not buy it.

Cafes and restaurants

The city has a huge number of cafes, restaurants and coffee houses, and for any budget, from Thai small-town eateries to pretentious and themed restaurants

Coffee houses, by the way, are especially popular here. We now live 4 kilometers from the center, there are, in principle, not so many foreigners here, and there are at least 5 coffee shops in the area, and Thais constantly hang out there. Well, the prices cannot but rejoice - a good cappuccino from 40-50 baht ($ 1.3-1.5).

Medicine

There are several excellent European-level hospitals in Chiang Mai, as well as good Thai hospitals (we wrote a little about this in an article about).

Although, by the way, everything is fine with this in Thailand, there are large hospitals almost everywhere, even on the islands (Phuket,), with the exception of, perhaps, very small islands, like, Koh Chang, etc.

Distant work

Co-working spaces are also popular in Chiang Mai. We work from home, so this doesn’t really concern us, but for one reason or another, it is more convenient for many to work in specially equipped places where there are desktops, good Internet, a snack bar, coffee, etc.

True, working in such a place may not always be safe - in the summer, one of these coworking spaces was raided by representatives of the immigration office, due to suspicion of illegal work. Then, however, they kind of let everyone go, they didn’t think something there, they took this place for some kind of hangout, but the sediment, as they say, remained.

By the way, the issue of remote work in Thailand is not fully understood. On the one hand, it is forbidden to work here without a work visa. On the other hand, for an employer who is located in another country, it does not seem to be a violation - and just directly Chiang Mai immigration made an official explanation confirming this hypothesis. But at the same time, this explanation is not the ultimate truth, so this moment can be interpreted in different ways.

Services

The service sector in the city is excellently developed in every sense - there is a huge selection of hairdressers, beauty salons and massage parlors with a variety of types of massage at reasonable prices.

There are even a couple of centers where blind people massage (they are famous for their skill) - this is the kind of activity that allows them to earn a living, despite their illness.

We were on such a massage - it's a gesture, friends. In ordinary salons, we always ask you to do it harder, because the masseuses very often hack and do it halfway, but here we almost died!

Those. they do everything right and very well, it’s clear that it’s useful, but still, it hurts a lot, so we don’t dare to go again)) But it’s definitely worth trying at least once, we recommend.

Housing

Chiang Mai has a very good selection of housing options, from simple rooms for $150 per month to multi-room houses for $1000-2000 per month and more. Studios and 1-2 apartments in condominiums are very popular, including those with a swimming pool and fitness on site.

Moreover, you can live in a city - in a busy or quiet area, in the center or on the outskirts, in a 20 or 3-storey building, or even in a detached house with its own green area or on the territory of a guarded village, also with all amenities.

We now live in a 19-story condominium, in a studio apartment on the 17th floor, with this view from the window

Balloons, of course, do not fly constantly, but only a few days a year, but the view is still not bad. True, there is a large road under the windows, and because of this, in the apartment, even though it is located so high, it is still quite noisy.

But the building has its own swimming pool, so we go swimming almost every day - it's very convenient, it's a pity the fitness center is under repair.

For an apartment with an area of 46 sq.m, "full furnitured", i.e. with furniture and a fully equipped kitchen (there is a microwave, and 2 multicookers, and an electric stove, with all sorts of fancy features), we pay 8,500 baht + internet (350 baht / month) + water and electricity.

In principle, this is a pretty good option, and if not for the noise, it would be ideal in general. We were offered an apartment with windows on the other side, it is most likely much quieter there. But it already costs 14,000 (although there is also newer furniture). Previously, we probably would have chosen it, but now, paying almost 30,000 rubles for an apartment somehow didn’t raise a hand =)

4. Transport connection

Despite the fact that Chiang Mai is far from the central part of Thailand, intercity transport links are well developed here - there are bus terminals and a railway station and an international airport.

For example, we're flying right out of here. Well, more precisely, we fly from here, and besides this, there are many direct flights to Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Macau, not to mention domestic flights to (Bangkok, Surat Thani, Hat Yai, Phuket).

So, the sea is not so far from here - only $70 and two hours of flight 🙂 By the way, you can find a good flight here.

The only thing that is significantly worse developed here than in Bangkok is public transport. Its role here is played by songteos (covered pickups), which, in principle, travel along certain routes, but the drivers do not always speak English, and periodically strive to offer the farangs (us, that is), their services as a personal taxi.

You can probably get used to this if you live longer, but we generally don’t use public transport, we usually ride a motorbike everywhere.

5. Leisure

With the organization of leisure in Chiang Mai, everything is also fine. The center, also known as the old city, the so-called "square", surrounded by a canal and the remains of a fortress wall, is quite compact, 2x2 km, you can walk around the whole if you wish.

Inside - the old city with temples and palaces,

restaurants, hotels and guesthouses for tourists with any income - from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels.

Behind the square there are many green areas, parks with lakes, flowers, fountains. Also very picturesque surroundings - national parks, waterfalls, mountains.

For example, I like the temple of Doi Suthep, it is very close to the city, at the foot there is a national park with waterfalls, but from the temple itself, from the observation deck, there is an excellent view of the city if there is no fog and haze))

Also, some people go to Chiang Mai for enlightenment, both spiritually and materially. There are yoga training centers here, meditation can be learned in the same Doi Suthep,

or go to the Dharma center and walk (the center is an hour's drive from Chiang Mai) - we just took the course there for the second time.

You can also learn different massage techniques, there are a dozen massage schools here, each with its own concept, but in general, the technique from northern Thailand is highly valued among massage therapists.

There is a place to turn around and sports fans. There are several stadiums in Chiang Mai, on the territory of one of them there is an excellent 50-meter open-air swimming pool. Just the other day, annual running competitions were held - you could run a marathon, half marathon or 10 km.

And, of course, there is entertainment for every taste - culinary master classes, walks along the river, excursions on segways, in one of the shopping malls there is even an ice skating rink))

Chiang Mai is also famous for its huge zoo - we walked around it for a couple of hours, and then we managed to see only a third, probably 🙂 Some animals can be fed, and some just watch

Pandas are of the greatest interest to everyone - these funny little animals are far from being in every zoo, so many people look here just for their sake.

There are also enough entertainments in the vicinity of the city - elephant riding and bathing, rafting, kayaking, eco-tourism, extreme parks in the jungle, etc.

And if we are just going to go to the cinema and the skating rink, then we have already managed to spend a day in the extreme park in the jungle. Read about how we rode all kinds of zipping and met wild gibbons in the forest in the next article 🙂

Also, Chiang Mai is the starting point to the charming village of Pai and the city of Chiang Rai, with its famous White Temple. We were both there and there, someday we will tell, so stay with us!

In all of Thailand, two places we love the most are Koh Phangan and Chiang Mai. What are your favorite places in Thailand?

Or maybe not in Thailand, but in other countries 🙂 Share in the comments!

TOURIST ANSWERS:

The northern capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai is the second most visited city in the country, but in terms of size it certainly cannot be compared to Bangkok. It is much smaller, and many times less people live there. However, Chiang Mai attracts tourists from all over the world. It attracts with its center filled with sparkling temples, restaurants and unique markets - all this, moreover, can be easily reached on foot.

If restaurants and shops are the last thing you are interested in, and Thai temples are the first thing you are interested in, then Chiang Mai really has a lot to offer. Standing on top of the hill Wat Doi Suthep- the largest pebble in the crown of the city's attractions. The old city is filled with traditional Thai temples such as Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Chiang Man- three main temples of the region. The temples of the city and other architecture are so popular that one of the most luxurious hotels in Chiang Mai is even built in the likeness of such a beautiful temple.

The city also has some excellent museums, in particular, many of them in the center of the Old Town. You can say that Chiang Mai itself is like a huge living museum with sleepy alleys, pretty traditional houses and bustling markets.

The city is quite cosmopolitan compared to other northern Thai provinces, and the entertainment in the city is pretty good too. And yet - here are some of the best restaurants in northern Thailand - this is not a small town, so you definitely will not stay hungry here.
The most famous and any dish here - khao soi. A Burmese dish widely known in northern Laos and northern Thailand. This is, in fact, the usual rice noodles with all sorts of goodies, cooked in a special way. You can dine in the city right on the street, but there are plenty of more elite restaurants. The choice is impressive, just dizzy! And, if you are tired of Thai cuisine, you will find many restaurants of European cuisine on the streets. Due to its proximity to Burma and Laos, you can also taste the dishes and products of these countries in the markets and cafes of the city. Although they, for the most part, are very similar to Thai ones.
There are many places to stay in Chiang Mai. There are a lot of options - from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels and resorts. In the Old Town area, there is nowhere to step - only guesthouses!

By Northern Thai standards, Chiang Mai offers an all-encompassing nightlife, from trendy waterfront bars with live music to cheap, fun student bars and expat pubs.
In the center, everything is designed to ensure that tourists meet as many tourists as possible - something like a mini Khao San Road (Bangkok street). Not quite, but very similar. Lots of fun places too. in the Ping River area.
In general, the city is fun late at night (and early in the morning too). Local residents tend to live their normal lives mostly in the eastern part of the city (near Nimmanhaemin Rd) and in the north of the city.

Many travelers now prefer to start their hikes in the mountains of Mae Hong Son, Pai or Soppong, such an experience is perceived as "genuine", but it is also more difficult. Just as popular trekking in Chiang Rai or Nan areas. But if you decide to make a similar move from Chiang Mai, then set aside a few days for this excursion - three days at least.

Take a trip to Doi Suthep Park, which is less than an hour from the city center. An excursion to the park will be offered to you at various travel agencies in the city at completely different prices - from 1300 baht to 500 baht. And be prepared for the fact that the guides will not speak English at all. By the way, the entrance fee to the park is only around 30 baht, so it’s much more economical and easier to come there yourself, stocking up on brochures with information. By the way, the way back from the park is much more expensive than going there (if you take a taxi), they are cunning, taxi drivers, they see that the tourist has nowhere to go!

Walk along night market where you can buy all kinds of stuff.
There are really a lot of wats (temples) in Chiang Mai, but an unprepared and ignorant tourist may quickly become bored and “tired”.

It's best to rent a car or motorbike and explore the area rather than spend too much time in this city, which is basically just a smaller (and less interesting) version of Bangkok. Or sign up for a guided tour. Although it's tougher on its own. While the Old Town can sometimes be overcrowded, walking around the neighborhood can take you to untouched areas of the city where you feel like the only foreigner for miles. Yes, and this is very interesting - how do local Thais live?
It seems that every time you go to the center, it is somehow different. Ignore what your guidebook tells you and instead wander around and discover the city on your own. The only negative, perhaps, is that in some areas of the city the air is polluted.
The city offers a breathtaking look at a more modern, more cosmopolitan, more "urban" Thailand. This is a great place to stay in Thailand that boasts everything a fussy traveler could want (except for the beaches, although there are a couple along the rivers in the south of the city, but this is also not the sea). Chiang Mai is arguably the most livable city in Thailand - it's fun, it's quiet, it's beautiful, it's inexpensive, and the people are friendly and welcoming. Incredibly friendly!
Even when you know they are trying to screw it up, it's hard to get angry. Just laugh at yourself! In general, come and enjoy!

Helpful answer?

Chiang Mai is a city in the northern part of Thailand with many temples, the Ping River and busy roads.

The beauty of this city is that you can walk around the central part of it in a day (which I did), only occasionally resorting to taxi services. You can rent a bike. You can enter the temples without hindrance, the main thing at the same time is to behave quietly and civilly, without disturbing the idyll of a holy place for Buddhists. In the Wat Ketkaram temple, which is located near the bridge over the Ping River, there is an interesting museum with all sorts of things - ancient weapons, radios, opium scales and more.

At Wat Ketkaram Temple:

The main difference between the temples in Chiang Mai is the absence of a crowd of tourists, unlike Bangkok. Maybe it's because I was not there at the peak of the tourist season.

As for housing, I can advise the guesthouse where I stayed - it is located next to the bridge over the Ping River and is called Nakornping Guesthouse. I had a room for 350 baht - air conditioned, shower fan and double bed. Quite acceptable and cheaper than in Bangkok on Khaosan. There I had to rent a much worse room for 500.

Bridge over the Ping River, Nakornping Guesthouse is located behind a tall white building:

Here it is, by the way:

Food in Chiang Mai is inexpensive, I ate in a street cafe, also located near the bridge over Ping, only on the other side. Then even in the city center in a decent cafe - the prices do not "bite".

Only here the traffic is intense, it can be very difficult to cross a rather narrow road. There are a lot of motor scooters, and the sidewalks are quite narrow in places.

In the vicinity of Chiang Mai there are many temples - about 300, there are reserves, a zoo and other attractions. There are museums in Chiang Mai. I only saw the museum I mentioned above, as I was traveling alone and didn't really prepare much. If you go with a tour, you will probably be shown more.

Chiang Mai province is considered one of the most popular among tourists. One of the factors that influences this is the fact that this place has a rich history and culture.

Unlike the recently built resort towns, which are very numerous on the map of the kingdom, here you can not only take a walk, but also spend a few days sightseeing.

According to seasoned travelers, in order to really get to know Thailand, you need to visit Chiang Mai at least once, because it is in this city that the spirit of the kingdom is best felt.

The capital of the province and at the same time the center of all Northern Thailand is Chiang Mai Town. Near the provincial town is Laos and Burma, which together make up the legendary Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia. This city is the fifth largest in the entire kingdom.

Chiang Mai on the map of Thailand

Not far from it is Doi Inthanon - the highest mountain in the whole kingdom. Its height is 2776 meters above sea level. This place is the only place in the whole kingdom where snow falls.

Since the city is located in the north of the country, the climate in Thailand is more temperate. At the top of Doi Intahanon is the coldest point in Thailand, where temperatures sometimes drop to minus eight degrees.

In Chiang Mai, as in the whole kingdom, there are three main seasons:

Moderate season. Runs from November to February. At this time, the heat subsides, although the nights are still warm. It is this period of time that is considered to be the most suitable for relaxing in Chiang Mai.

Hot. The season starts in March and lasts until the end of June. It is at this time that the heat rises to a maximum of 40 degrees. Such heat contributes to the occurrence of fires in the jungle and in the surrounding areas. The city is periodically shrouded in a smoke screen coming from the burning forests. This is the worst time to visit the town.

Rain season. As in the whole kingdom, from July to the end of October, the rainy season begins in Chiang Mai. The cold monsoon brings coolness and regular showers from India.

These four months are perfect for visiting the cultural capital of Thailand. At this time, it is not very stuffy there, the abundance of rain contributes to the restoration of vegetation, and even the air becomes cleaner.

Despite the changeable weather, the nature of the city remains picturesque all year round and fascinates everyone who comes there. On the map of the country, you can see that Chiang Mai is located among high mountain ranges and green hills, next to the Ping River. In the mountains that surround the province, there are many small villages where local settlers live. They hide in dense rainforests, but visitors to the kingdom can still visit them to immerse themselves in Thai culture.

Province population

More than a million Thais live in the province of Chiang Mai, of which 170,000 are in the capital alone. The population of Chiang Mai outwardly differs from other Thais: people there are more swarthy, short and outwardly more reminiscent of the Chinese. But they differ not only in appearance, but also in character.

Thais, in general, are known for being very smiling and friendly people. The local population of Chiang Mai seems to tourists to be an ideal nation. Calm and pleasant in communication, they are ready to help everyone and everyone.

On the territory of this small province live various ancient tribes and nationalities with their own history and customs, whose small villages are not even marked on the map. They are mainly engaged in growing tea and rice, hunting wild animals and raising livestock.

Other local residents living in the main part of the village also devote a lot of time to agriculture. But the main profit they bring, of course, the tourism industry. In addition, the capital of the city is known throughout the world for high-quality carpets, which are created by local artisans.

Most of the locals speak one of the dialects of the Thai language. But, since there are always a lot of tourists in the city, in communicating with them, the Thais switch to quite acceptable English.

City `s history

Chiang Mai is a city with a truly rich history that goes back more than 700 years. It is considered one of the most significant in all of Thailand. The Lanna Kingdom, which covers a huge part of the north of Thailand, has always been prosperous, and the area where Chiang Mai is located at the moment is amazingly picturesque.

In 1296, King Mengrai founded a new city in the area called Chang Mai.

500 years after its founding, the city would be devastated and rebuilt. This happened during the struggle for power between the princes of Lanna and the Burmese governors. After restoration, in 1726 the city was repopulated by residents from neighboring villages. And the vassals of Siam began to rule the lives of the locals. The period lasted until 1939, when the last of the vassals died.

How to get to Chiang Mai

The easiest way to get to Chiang Mai is by plane. The city is located three kilometers from the airport () from which it is quite possible to take a taxi. A taxi that officially belongs to the airport will take you to your desired location in the city for 120 baht. Locals rate their services a little higher.

But you can also choose a cheaper way to travel - a bus ride. Buses are better to choose a tourist type. They move faster and are more comfortable to ride. Intercity buses that can take you to Chiang Mai are divided into three types: VIP, first class and second class. Travel conditions depend on the class.

Trains in Thailand should not be afraid either. quite developed. The trip will cost you less. True, a direct train runs to Chiang Mai only from the capital of Thailand.

Bangkok-Chiang Mai train schedule

train number	Train type	Departure time	Arrival time
9	Special Express	8:30	20:30
109	Rapid	14:30	05:10
11	Special Express	18:00	06:15
1	Special Express	18:10	07:45
13	Special Express	19:35	09:45
51	Express	22:00	12:45

Urban transport

In the city itself, you can also travel by different types of public transport. There is not as much of it as in the capital. Thais mostly use their own transport or songthaews.

Attractions and interesting places

Chiang Mai Province attracts both experienced tourists and beginners. There really is something to see there: natural beauties, original tribes living in the jungle, and, of course, old temples and architectural buildings.

You can explore all this either on your own or with the help of one of the guides. Those who choose the first option should read the list of the most interesting places to visit.

Museum of Natural Wonders

Founded by one of the entomologists, this museum has an extensive collection of various tropical insects and minerals. Also there are mysterious natural objects collected by the same entomologist.

Doi Suthep Temple

One of the most famous Buddhist temples in all of Thailand. This building, built back in 1328, is considered the hallmark of the province.

Zoo and Aquarium

It was built in 1955 by an American. Later, a huge underground aquarium was also built there, in which more than eight thousand different sea creatures live.

National Museum

The museum is one of the most important in the north of the kingdom. The exhibits in its halls reflect the rich culture of Lanna and the surrounding northern provinces.

Night market

There are several night markets in the city. But the one that is really interesting is located next to the river. Almost everything is sold there, but it attracts tourists mainly with various handicrafts that local artisans sell there. This is definitely the best place to buy souvenirs.

You can also just have fun in the city. There are plenty of appropriate establishments: from clubs and discos to go-go bars and live music venues.

Accommodation in Chiang Mai

The province is perfect for settling there for a long time. The province has fairly cheap housing, while tourists have plenty to choose from, as there are many rental houses, townhouses and rooms in the city and the surrounding area. In addition, in the city, of course, you can check into one of the hotels, the cost of living in which depends on their level.

A room in a guesthouse, for example, can be rented for 250-500 baht per day, rent for a month will cost 5-7 thousand baht. Renting an apartment or condo is 4-7 thousand baht, payment for water, electricity, is carried out separately. The cost of rooms in the hotel will be 5000 - 25000 baht per week, from the proposed conditions, 2 stars and above.

Despite the fact that Chiang Mai is located in a country with a hot climate, the nights here are sometimes very cold. Therefore, experienced travelers, along with light clothing and swimwear, are advised to bring a sweater or jacket.

But, going to the temple, be sure to cover your legs and shoulders. This is required by the local dress code.

When choosing which of the local dishes you should try first, be sure to pay attention to Chiang Mai sausages.
Of all the variety of transport in Chiang Mai, it is better to give preference to taxis with meters. This will help you save on trips around the city and avoid being scammed.
There are often traffic jams in the city, so when going somewhere, be sure to leave early in order to be in time.
Remember that in Chiang Mai, as in all of Thailand, it is customary to bargain, both with tuk-tuk drivers and in local markets.

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:

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.
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.
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. From Hualamphong station, trains with cars of different comfort depart 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.