CHIANG MAI, THAILAND: A Culturally and Historically Interesting City

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Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. It is located 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country.

The city is on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river. In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city and has been attracting over 5 million visitors each year, of which between 1.4 million and 2 million are foreign tourists (depending on the year) Chiang Mai is one of three Thai cities contending to host the World Expo 2020. It has also recently positioned itself to become a Creative City and is considering to apply for Creative City Status with UNESCO.

Flower Festival Float

Chiang Mai City  is the capital district (Amphoe Mueang) of Chiang Mai Province. The district contains the city of Chiang Mai. Neighboring districts are (from the north clockwise) Mae Rim, San Sai, San Kamphaeng, Saraphi and Hang Dong. The main river through the district is the Ping River. The city center of Chiang Mai is not to be missed on any trip to the North of Thailand. Chiang Mai is a great place to shop. Sprawling markets during the day and night carry items from cheap trinkets to skilfully made local craft. ATM's can be found all around, but all charge 150 baht to foreigners, except for Aeon. Their most convenient ATM's can be found at Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport on 3rd floor, and at Tesco Lotus north of old town at the superhighway, ground floor. The area is filled with shops, restaurants and entertainment  venues. The marvelous Chiang Mai offers a noteworthy and pleasurable experience for every traveler, from young travelers to seasoned tourists and families alike. The main sightseeing items are located 'intra muros' (inside the fortifications) while more and more recent development took place in the area around the city's walls.

Temples

There are more than 300 temples in Chiang Mai and its outskirts, with a dozen stand-outs of historical or architectural significance within walking distance of each other. Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai show a mixture of Lanna Thai, Burmese, Sri Lankan and Mon architectural styles that reflect the varied heritage of Northern Thailand. Though certain temples on the conventional tourist circuit can be overrun with loud groups it is not hard to find many less well known, but no less interesting, temples quietly and gently crumbling in the absence of tourist hordes. Whichever you visit, keep in mind that the temples are sacred religious places of deep cultural significance for the locals. Show respect by wearing appropriate attire (long pants for men, modest tops and skirts for women, no bare shoulders or plunging necklines and women must wear a bra). You must take off your shoes before entering the temple or other buildings, but they may wear them in the courtyard. Taking photographs of Buddha images is no problem, but it is polite to ask before taking pictures of monks or locals. All temples are free.

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

The quintessential image of Chiang Mai with its large gold-plated chedi, visible from the city on a clear day, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep [20] is 18km from town, sitting at a 1,073m elevation on the slopes of Doi (Mount) Suthep. Built in 1383 during the Lanna Thai period, legend has it that the temples site was selected by an elephant sent to roam the mountain side, where upon reaching a suitable spot, it trumpeted, circled three times, knelt down and promptly died - which was interpreted as a sign indicating an auspicious site. The temple is and offers grand views over the city, but no reward is without effort as you must accent the 300-plus steps of the Naga lined stairs. The climb may be a strain in high altitudes thin air for the less fit so you may opt to take the cable car for 20 baht. The entry fee is 30 baht. During July it is traditional for people to walk from the zoo to the temple and vast numbers make the pilgrimage to the top, which takes around 4-5 hours.

Night-life

The Chiang Mai night-life is not as concentrated or outrageous as Bangkok's Nana Plaza area or Pattaya. There are many relaxing bars, several discotheques, live music venues and one street with hostess bars which cater to tourists, located along Loi Kroh Road. It includes a walk-in arcade with a Muay Thai boxing ring near the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel. The city maintains its liberal, laid back attitude with several areas and venues that accommodate the gay and lesbian scene. The Chiang Mai night-life is lively and goes well into the small hours. Bars and late-night restaurants are located all over the city, but many can be found on either side of the moat's eastern flank (in the Thapae Gate area), with some excellent live music venues along the Ping River near Nawarat Bridge, along Immanent road in the western part of the city or in the vicinity of the night bazaar. The Playhouse Theatre off Chang Puak road in the old city offers nightly shows and entertainment performed by Thai national performers. They also offer a unique Lanna dining experience surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. At the Galare Centre, there is a free display of Thai cultural dancing and music. There is also a cluster of bars, American franchise fast food and coffee outlets together with more eclectic restaurants near the intersection of Chang Klan and Loi Kroh Road. Karaoke lounges (which are undoubtedly a national and indeed Asian obsession) can be found all over the city. Many are found at Chiang Mai Land Road, and some very large establishments along the length of Chang Klan Road, extending south from the famed night bazaar. There are only a couple of go-go bars in Chiang Mai. 

Chiang Mai Night Safari was established as evening and night tourist attraction. Chiang Mai Night Safari  is the world's third nocturnal zoo and is a government nature theme park which is built to promote Chiang Mai tourism regarding to the government's policy apart from arts, cultures, traditions, and the beauty of nature which are the main fascinating tourist attractions.

Climate

Chiang Mai has a tropical wet and dry climate (Koppen Aw), tempered by the low latitude and moderate elevation, with warm to hot weather year-round, though nighttime conditions during the dry season can be cool and are much lower than daytime highs.

[hide]Climate data for Chiang Mai (1961-1990)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	28.9 (84)	32.2 (90)	34.9 (94.8)	36.1 (97)	34.1 (93.4)	32.3 (90.1)	31.7 (89.1)	31.1 (88)	31.3 (88.3)	31.1 (88)	29.8 (85.6)	28.3 (82.9)	31.8 (89.2)
Average low °C (°F)	13.7 (56.7)	14.9 (58.8)	18.2 (64.8)	21.8 (71.2)	23.4 (74.1)	23.7 (74.7)	23.6 (74.5)	23.4 (74.1)	23.0 (73.4)	21.8 (71.2)	19.0 (66.2)	15.0 (59)	20.1 (68.2)
Rainfall mm (inches)	6.9 (0.272)	4.6 (0.181)	13.0 (0.512)	50.1 (1.972)	158.4 (6.236)	131.6 (5.181)	160.8 (6.331)	236.0 (9.291)	227.6 (8.961)	121.9 (4.799)	52.8 (2.079)	19.8 (0.78)	1,183.5 (46.594)
Avg. rainy days	1	1	2	6	15	17	19	21	17	11	6	2	118
Sunshine hours	282.1	276.9	279.0	270.0	266.6	180.0	155.0	142.6	174.0	223.2	234.0	257.3	2,740.7
Source no. 1: Thai Meteorological Department[7]
Source no. 2: Hong Kong Observatory [8]