Chiang Mai holidays transport you to a land of laid-back charm, beautiful Buddhist temples and wondrous natural landmarks.
The majestic Mae Sa Waterfall and Doi Suthep-Pui National Park are just a short trip away from Thailand’s largest northern city. Famous temples such as Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Chiang Man, meanwhile, sit proudly among the traditional houses and relaxing gardens of the moated old quarter.
Shopping is another major draw here. Head to the legendary Chiang Mai Night Bazaar to find everything from locally made handicrafts to extravagant furnishings.
You can also discover an ultra-modern side to this fabulous destination. Restaurants, shops and boutique hotels abound along the fashionable Nimmanhaemin Road and its surrounding streets.
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Holidays in Chiang Mai give you the chance to explore the culture, countryside and cuisine of Thailand’s tantalising north. Here’s what to look out for when you go.
The Old City is the place to be if you want to gain a thorough understanding of Chiang Mai’s rich history.
Surrounded by moats and walls, this district’s wooden houses and quiet gardens give it the feel of a peaceful rural community. The Old City is also home to Wat Chedi Luang, an elevated and intricate Buddhist temple that dates to the 14th century – and boasts striking stone carvings and statues.
Be sure to visit Tha Pae Gate too, a beautiful and carefully preserved entrance to this part of the city.
Chiang Mai is renowned for its delicious food, and there’s no better way to taste some of the local specialities than a visit to its thriving, colourful markets.
Head to Walking Street at the weekend – or to the Night Bazaar on any day of the week – to see what’s on offer. If you want a truly authentic dining experience, order a khantoke meal – served on a teak tray and eaten with your hands.
Our Chiang Mai holiday packages offer you the perfect opportunity to see the beautiful scenery of northern Thailand. Take to the mountains on a guided adventure, or set out on one of the many trekking trails that surround the city, where you’ll discover a serene world of leafy hillsides and rice fields.
Don’t miss the impressive eight level Mae Sa Waterfall in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. It’s the perfect place for a picnic – and is only about 40 minutes away from Chiang Mai by road.
There’s a chance to sample white water rafting on the Siam River too – if you like the sound of thrills alongside the stunning scenery.
A holiday to Chiang Mai wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of its most famous shopping streets. Known as the ‘handicraft highway’, San Kamphaeng is a long stretch of road where vendors gather to sell everything from pottery to silver and silk products.
Good-natured haggling is part of the way of life here, so you’ll have a chance to test your bargaining skills. Look out for celadon – a type of pottery with a green glaze that’s particularly popular in Chiang Mai.
The fabulous, colourful flower stalls are sure to catch your attention too.
With more than 300 Buddhist temples dotted across the city and surrounding area, Chiang Mai is one of the best places in Thailand to see these enchanting structures.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is perhaps the most famous. This gold-plated mountainside wonder is located about nine miles from Chiang Mai – and well worth the trip.
Make the hike up to the temple and you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views of the local countryside, as well as the chance to explore a truly spectacular site.
Consider a stay in the Old City if you want to soak up the atmosphere – and be close to many of Chiang Mai’s major visitor attractions. This part of town has accommodation to suit every kind of holiday, from romantic options to good family hotels.
De Naga Hotel is just a stone’s throw from Tha Phae Gate – and boasts an outdoor pool and international restaurant.
A great choice for serene stays, the mountainside neighbourhoods of the Mae Rim valley are full of excellent hotels and resorts. Famed for its tranquil atmosphere, this area comes complete with superb views and plenty of activities to keep you entertained, from orchid farm visits to golf courses.
Panviman Chiang Mai Spa Resort even has rooms with mountain and valley views – making the most of its spectacular setting.
Treat yourself to a stylish Chiang Mai package by booking a stay at one of the destination’s highly rated five-star hotels.
The Rachamankha Hotel is close to Wat Phra Singh temple, with 25 guestrooms and amenities including an outdoor pool, spa rooms and relaxing garden. The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai meanwhile has similarly impressive facilities – and no less than four restaurants.
The currency in Chiang Mai – as with the rest of Thailand – is the Thai baht (THB). Money exchange facilities are widely available in the city centre.
It’s possible to visit many of the top tourist attractions in the heart of the city on foot. Taxis and tuk-tuks are also convenient ways of exploring this exciting destination.
The local language in Chiang Mai is Northern Thai. Many people in the main tourist areas will also speak some English.
Public holidays in Chiang Mai include Chakri Day (6 April), Songkran Festival (13 to 15 April), Labour Day (1 May) and Constitution Day (10 December).
Food in northern Thailand has its own special and cherished identity, distinguishing it from the menus of Bangkok and around the Gulf of Thailand.
Cuisine in Chiang Mai and the surrounding region incorporates influences from neighbouring countries such as Burma, Laos and China. Rather than using coconut milk, broth-like curries are instead quite popular.
The most famous dish here is khao soi – a rich and spicy meat dish served with two types of noodles. Jackfruit salads and sticky rice are both staples – while coconut custard wrapped in banana leaves makes for a delicious desert.
Home to many magnificent temples and other historic landmarks, Chiang Mai was founded in the 13th century, with its name translating as ‘new city’.
Originally the capital of the Lanna kingdom, over the next few hundred years it was occupied or politically assimilated several times, ultimately transforming into a significant trading centre thanks, in part, to its plentiful local supplies of teak. The opening of a railway linking northern Thailand with central Thailand in the 1920s also played an important role in the city’s development.
Today, the thriving markets, spellbinding monuments and array of cultural influences pay ever-compelling tribute to this eventful and fascinating past.
Thai people are renowned for being extremely friendly, so much so that their country has earned the affectionate nickname of ‘The Land of Smiles’. Visitors to Chiang Mai can therefore be assured of a warm welcome.
The city enjoys traditional water games and celebrations during the festival of Songkran in spring, while you can explore local heritage and traditions at various museums around the area.
Lanna Folklife Museum offers insights into crafts and dance, the local Arts and Cultural Centre is home to captivating artefacts and charts the story of the region – while the National Museum is dedicated to preserving northern Thai art, sculpture and architecture.
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