Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Guide
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Intro to Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is immensely delightful. Imagine a green and peaceful travel haven for backpackers, honeymooners, adventure seekers, families, party-goers and everyone in between. Enter Chiang Mia, one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world.
Chiang Mai is located in northern Thailand and tucked at the base of a mountain range called Doi Suthep. At the heart of Chiang Mai stands Old City, founded in 1296 by King Mengrai. Chiang Mai’s nearly square-shaped Old City is guarded by a moat and the remains of walls – what used to be a fortress to protect the people of Chiang Mai from Burma invasions of old. Now, the walls of the Old City have all but collapsed except at the corners of the Old City and the five gates, which are restored and located at the center of each of the four walls.
Chiang Mai offers a reprieve both in pace and temperature from the big city of bustle of Bangkok, Thailand. However, Chiang Mai’s vibrant culture offers much in the way of fascinating tourist attractions, numerous cheap and delicious restaurants and a bar scene and nightlife. You can say that Chiang Mai blends plenty of the smaller but growing city, urban features with the traditional, natural characteristics and charm of a historic city.
One of the great pearls of Chiang Mai is its people. The people in Chiang Mai are very relaxed and they welcome tourists with a natural sense of hospitality. The Thais in Chiang Mai have a natural way of conducting themselves, putting visitors at ease. The deep respect for Buddha and life rests at the core of the Chiang Mai culture. It is this respect that permeates the people’s attitudes towards themselves and towards visitors. Every couple/few months, Chiang Mai will shut down business to observe Buddha (two days).
Even though life is more relaxed in Chiang Mai than in Bangkok, Chiang Mai has much to offer tourists. Visit any of the 300 plus temples – Doi Suthep is the creme de la creme of temples – or spend a couple of nights at Chiang Mai’s night bazaar. Spend time white water rafting or riding some elephants. Dine at one of the many restaurants, followed by a night out at any of the countless bars in Chiang Mai. Take a deep breath. Enjoy. You’re in Chiang Mai.