A Weekend In Chiang Mai

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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Whilst Chiang Mai might translate as ''new city'' from Lanna (a dialect of northern Thailand) to English, this is a city packed with culture and history. It''s a great place to stop over for a weekend whilst travelling through Thailand ? and as one of the country''s major cities, it can serve as a great base for inbound or outbound flights to the UK and Europe.

Indeed, most tourists in Thailand picture the entire country as a never-ending run of white beaches, perfect blue clear water and stunning lush vegetation. Whilst the southern tips are decorated with beautiful coastline, made famous by books like The Beach, there is much more than the Koh Samui, Phuket and the tiny settlements along the Gulf of Thailand.

But these areas form only a portion of the country''s land mass ? move further inland, up into the northern reaches of the country near the borders with Cambodia and Laos to the east and Burma to the north and north-west, and you find a wealth of authentic Thai history that caters to more than just full-moon parties and tourists ogling lady-boys.

Over 400 miles north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is the ...
... capital of Chiang Mai province, located on the Ping river, which made it a trade centre for numerous Thai products and crafts, including woodcarving, jewellery and silver. The Ping river is its connection to the south of the country, and the capital Bangkok, as well as outward into neighbouring Burma and Laos.

Whilst the city might hold many ancient stories, it is nevertheless one of the most rapidly modernising areas of Thailand, alongside the major cities of the south. Take advantage of the city''s prime location nestled amidst the verdant northern mountains ? Doi Inthanon, the country''s highest peak, is nearby and well worth a visit. You can climb to the peak for stunning views, of stay near the lower slopes and visit the Vachiratharn waterfalls.

Yet Chiang Mai is also one of the most rapidly modernising areas of Thailand ? for those who want shopping malls, it can still provide. There is ancient architecture too - including an array of Buddhist temples. Make sure you visit Wat Chiang Man, the city''s oldest temple dating from the 13th century. There are over 300 to visit, in a variety of stunning locations.

If you want the kind of neon lights of Bangkok on a small scale, you can find go-go bars and the like; but a different type of Chiang Mai night might take you into the night bazaar, and vast array of stalls selling all sorts of handicrafts and fabrics. You could even have a go at the four-years-young Chiang Mai night safari. Bonny Kominek, a freelance writer, writes this article after being inspired by Octopus Travel on a break to Chiang Mai, and would recommend booking agents such as octopustravel.com when searching for Chiang Mai hotels.