Chiang Mai, Thailand: attractions, photos and reviews of tourists

Colorful Thailand, famous for its luxurious resorts in the south of the country, surprises with its north - a completely different world with a special cosmopolitan atmosphere. Rich in rice fields, pineapple, tea plantations, it fascinates travelers at first sight.

The eventful history

Chiang Mai - the capital of the province of the same name, the population of which grows at the expense of visitors. The main center of northern Thailand, devoid of a beach area, is located along the river Ping flowing through the heart of the city, 700 km from Bangkok. The oldest Chiang Mai was founded in 1296. It is then that the king of the state takes the capital to a cozy village and gives it the name "new city". Surrounded by a huge moat, which for a long time served as a defense against enemy raids, in 262 years it will fall before the Burmese invaders, and in another two centuries it will be transferred to the protectorate of Siam. And only in the last century the territory of the hiking center officially became part of the territory of Thailand.

Tourist Centre

By the end of the 1980s, the city has become one of the most visited resorts in the country. Of course, its main advantages are natural and historical attractions, but modern achievements should not be underestimated. Exotic Chiang Mai (Thailand), which has preserved its charm and fully corresponds to the status of the cultural capital of the country of smiles, pleases the developed tourist infrastructure.

The main income of the city is the export of vegetables, fruits and rice, but recently the increase in the flow of foreign visitors brings tangible profits. Russian travelers here are still not enough, because our compatriots prefer a relaxed holiday on Thai beaches, absent from Chiang Mai. The fast-growing second largest city of the kingdom will be enjoyed by those who are interested in the culture and way of life of local residents. Therefore, active tourists who are hungry for new experiences, will not be bored here.

There are several ways to get to the resort

Travelers who choose to travel north of the country are interested in the question of how to get to Chiang Mai in Thailand. I must say that it is impossible to get directly from Russia to a unique resort, since the city airport accepts only domestic flights. Therefore, guests of the country arrive in Bangkok and from Suvanarbhumi airport fly the nearest flight to the city (and they are made up to 30 per day). The flight takes no more than an hour. Also there is an opportunity to reach the tourist center from Samui, Phuket and other islands of the state.

Buses are the most uncomfortable way to travel to the pearl of Thailand. They come from the northern bus station of Bangkok, and the journey time is 9-10 hours. Often buses come to Chiang Mai (Thailand) at dawn, when hotels and guesthouses are still closed. The ticket price depends directly on its class - the first, second and VIP, differing in the number of seats. As tourists say, the fewer seats, the better, but more expensive.

In addition, the city can be reached from Bangkok by train. And if you buy a ticket to a bed, then you can and sleep normally for 14 hours. In order not to lose the whole day on the road, it is best to take an evening flight.

Weather and climate

Located at an altitude of 316 meters above sea level and drowning in greenery, Chiang Mai is characterized by a tropical climate, the coldest in Thailand. The tourist season lasts a whole year, but the best months for visiting the city are the winter months (December to February), when no precipitation falls. Cool weather like the guests, not welcoming a strong heat. But from March to June, the air temperature, rising to 40 degrees, accompanied by high humidity, and at this time it is worth not to visit the cultural capital of Thailand. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until October, and this is also not the most favorable period for excursions around the city, and even more so for hiking in the mountains. Peak rains reach their peak in September. In the evenings, the air temperature drops to 15 degrees, so you should stock up on warm things.

Old city

Those wishing to get acquainted with the unique sights of the picturesque corner should begin an inspection from the Old Town - a truly magical place, which has its own spirit. Within its boundaries, historical monuments can be walked around on foot, armed with a free map of Chiang Mai.

The old city is called the center of an unusual resort. Previously, this place was surrounded by a moat fortress, and now you can get here through the numerous gates. The first thing that visitors see in the historical center are the ruins of an ancient brick wall erected several centuries ago. And everything that is inside it is of special interest for tourists. It is a real open-air museum that Chiang Mai is proud of, and it's nice to walk around a wonderful place and even do not regret spending the whole day exploring the romantic Old Town.

There is also a national museum, where everyone will get acquainted with the unique artifacts that tell about the ancient kingdom of Lanna that existed on the territory of Thailand, and the most beautiful park, which is a green oasis surrounded by ponds and fountains.

Center of Buddhism

Ancient Chiang Mai is a city of temples, many of which were built relatively recently. For seven centuries here there were about 300 religious monuments, therefore it is called the center of Buddhism of the state. During the holidays, all the temples are decorated with bright colors, aromas of incense are in the air, and the streets are filled with people.

The largest is Wang Chedi Luang, founded in the early 15th century. Once its height reached 90 meters, but after the terrible earthquake that occurred four centuries ago, the temple was partially destroyed. Wat Chedi Luang, which stands out among other buildings as a golden chedi, is considered a symbol of the city. And the entrance is guarded by mythical creatures resembling snakes. Once there was a statue of a Buddha from an emerald, but later it was transferred to Bangkok.

One of the most unusual temples is located in the forest. The Wat Umong Meditation Center (Chang-Mai) is a series of underground tunnels, in which niches there are statues of the Buddha illuminated by a candle flame. Wat Umong makes an indelible impression on tourists, marking in the caves a mystical atmosphere. Semi-darkness and complete silence have a meditative state.

Located in the Old City, the former royal residence of Wat Chiang Mang is famous for its relics - Buddha statues made of marble and quartz. The architectural complex of Wat Chiang Man consists of a main building and small buildings. Temple Wat Prah Singh, made in a classical style, is admired by tourists. Restored two centuries ago, it is considered the main sanctuary of the country. On the territory of Wat Phra Singh, which houses the golden statue of the Buddha-Lion, there is a library with ancient manuscripts.

City of temples

As tourists say, to enjoy the temples, there is no special need to book excursions and buy a map of the city. It is necessary to leave the hotel, walk along cozy streets, and immediately come across the religious sites of Chiang Mai, which are a man-made decoration of a paradise town.

Curiously, many churches have special programs for foreigners who dream of touching someone else's culture. The lessons of meditation heal not only the soul, but also the body.

Chiang Mai: what more?

An ancient settlement of Wiang Kum Kam, whose ruins were found in 1984, suffered from severe flooding. People left Viang Kum Kam, and for several centuries no one remembered it. Archaeologists found about 20 temples, well preserved to our days, as well as ancient manuscripts.

Doi Suthep - high mountain, located a few kilometers from the city in the homonymous national park. It is visible from all sides and covered with lush vegetation. The locals say that those who did not see Doi Suthep were not in Chiang Mai.

The caves of Chiang Dao Cave with stone waterfalls and sculptures created by nature's hands resemble an underground temple, as in the grottoes one can see the semblance of altars and Buddha images everywhere.

Reviews of holidaymakers

Those who visited the north of the country agree that it was not in vain that they visited hospitable Chiang Mai (Thailand). The tourists' reviews are full of enthusiasm, and it is quite understandable: smiling people, sunny weather, a lot of attractions make a stay in a wonderful corner with a stunning atmosphere unforgettable. Unfortunately, not everyone chooses a city without a sea and traditional beaches as a place of their rest, but they are eager to visit other resorts, where day and night are in full swing.

It is noted that things and products here are much cheaper than in Pattaya or in Phuket. It's not for nothing that shopping fans are in a hurry, after several years ago two huge shopping malls were opened in the city, where European brands of clothes and shoes are presented. In addition, in local markets you can buy everything that your heart desires.

Calming Chiang Mai (Thailand), reviews of which excite the imagination - this is the city where so-called wild tourism is spread. It should be inspected on foot, and also it is customary to rent bicycles to independently explore a nice corner that is admirable. For a few days it is difficult to get acquainted with all the interesting monuments of the city, so it's best to stay in the cultural capital of Thailand for at least a week.

The tourists who arrived here note that when you turn off from the main streets into small alleys, you find yourself in a fabulous labyrinth of narrow roads leading into the picturesque courtyards of private houses that are green. The guests of the city even get the impression that every resident is engaged in floristry. In the shade of the trees you can take a breath after long walks and relax, enjoying the delicious silence.

A new direction that is gaining popularity

In recent decades, an incredible popularity among travelers from all over the world enjoys an original Thailand. Chiang Mai is a new direction, not yet fully developed, among Russian tourists. However, those who visited the modern northern city with rich cultural traditions, admit they want to return here again.