Map of Chiang May in Russian. Chiang Mai map

We have prepared a super list for you, which includes the attractions of Chiang Mai and its surroundings, the best places and events that are worth visiting. Most of them are free or not that expensive. You can read more detailed information using the links.

Chiang Mai attractions and interesting events

1. Trip/hike to Doi Suthep Mountain. Thousands of people flock to the mountain during the pilgrimage in May to walk from the university gates to the temple. You can go with them or make the journey yourself. However, you can climb the mountain on a rented bike or songthaew and explore deeper.

Sunrise at Doi Suthep National Park - Pui

2. Sign up for a meditation course at a temple. It is located on the outskirts of the city near the university. You can stay for as many days as you like - food and shelter will be provided free of charge. You really need to make a donation at the end of the course.

3. Chiang Mai Temple Tour. There are many temples in the old town square, and you can take a full day tour of them! .

One of the temples in Chiang Mai

4. Visit the waterfalls, of which there are many in the vicinity of Chiang Mai. For example, Huay Kaew Waterfall next to the zoo.

5. Take a walk to the lake on a bike or bicycle. This is a favorite vacation spot local residents at the foot of the mountains with cafes by the water. Only 20 baht for entry.

6. Listen to live music. In the Northgate Jazz cafe, which is at the northern gate of the old city, great musicians often play, always different and different music, not just jazz. People are even standing on the road and on the opposite lawn - the place is popular!

7. Take short meditation courses. They are held at the Wat Sri Gerd temple in the center every Monday at 3.00 for a couple of hours.

8. Eat at a Hindu temple. Every Tuesday at 6 pm a special ceremony is held at the Devi Mandir temple, after which there is free food))

9. Go to the market for groceries. You can come to the largest food market, where all restaurants buy provisions, and buy mangoes for 20 baht per kilogram! Large selection of fruits, vegetables, seafood, spices and everything. .

Muang Mai Market

10. Wander around the university. There are several universities in the city, but the largest and most famous is Chiang Mai Univercity, located on a vast area with a park and a lake.

11. Relax in the park at the southwest corner of the square. Here in the morning people do gymnastics and yoga, and some run. You can work out on exercise machines outdoors.

12. Sing at an Open Mic. Gallery Srimankalgarn Soi 5 hosts an open mic where everyone can sing something on Thursdays starting at 8pm.

13. Attend a Buddhist festival. They are marked by lunar calendar, so every year on different dates. The main celebrations take place in the central temples of Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang.

14. Freeze in Thai Switzerland. In Doi in winter the temperature drops to zero, but what mountains and views! Visit the botanical garden there and spend the night in a house with mountain views.

Road to Doi Ang Khang

Tham Lod Cave

20. Dance. Come to one of the parties at the Zoe in yellow club. There are also free salsa classes starting at 8.30pm every Tuesday and Thursday.

21. Look at the monks in the morning. Around 6 am they start walking around the city and collecting alms and food.

22. Visit the Saturday and Sunday promenades. There are a lot of people, a lot of goods for every taste and color, including folk crafts and souvenirs.

23. Be afraid of firecrackers exploding at the festival and Yi Peng. They take place at the end of November and are celebrated on a grand scale: krathong boats are launched along the river, hundreds of sky lanterns soar into the sky, music, parades, fireworks and explosions of firecrackers are everywhere. And this continues for 3-4 days!

Yi Peng Festival

24. Eat street food. With the onset of darkness, entire food markets appear on the streets. For example, at the northern gate of the old city or on Saturday or Sunday street.

25. See artisans at work in Baan Tawai Village. You might even want to buy yourself some wood carvings or other folk art products.

26. Volunteering. Try yourself as a volunteer on one of the farms in the vicinity of Chiang Mai.

27. Try Thai tea. People from China live here and grow tea and coffee. You can also watch and taste there))

Small tea factory in Mae Salong

28. Stumble upon ruins. Chiang Mai - ancient city, and you can literally find the ruins of an ancient fortress in the middle of a residential area.

29. Hover at Thapae Gate. In the evenings, a lot of people gather here, street musicians play, and other events are held. In addition, the gate is the center of the city and one of the attractions of Chiang Mai.

30. Learn about local tribes. There are several villages of local tribes in the province, and the museum will help you get to know them better. Address: Ratchamangkla Chotana Road (Hwy 197)

31. Look at the famous one with your own eyes. It is located near Chiang Rai, and although there is an entrance fee, you will remember the spectacle!

White Temple

32. Watch the sunset overlooking the city. In Doi Suthep - Pui Park you can spend the night in a tent, watching the sunset and sunrise, and it is literally 25 km from Chiang Mai.

33. Go to . There are pandas here, as well as other exotic animals, even penguins (in the tropics!). The children will be happy!

Chiang Mai Zoo

34. Dotattoo This is not just a tattoo, but a kind of blessing from a monk, better known as a magical Sak Yant tattoo. You can try to make it in the monastery in the village of Doi Saket. Ask some salon about this.

35. Walk around and buy something at the JJ market antiques market. Here you can find anything you want, from furniture to photographs and interior items.

36. Float down the river from Thaton to Chiang Rai by boat along the current.

37. Get wet at Songkran. In Thai New Year(in April) it is customary to pour yourself on the streets. Water madness!

38. . Travel to places where opium was once grown and smuggled into neighboring countries. Located at the junction of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.

39. Talk to the monks. In some temples (Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Umong) you have the opportunity to chat with the monks and ask questions. And they are not averse to practicing their English.

In one of the temples in Chiang Mai

40. Live like a local and relax. The whole atmosphere of this city is relaxing and puts you in a leisurely mood. Contemplate while sitting in the temple and inhaling the aroma of incense!

Here is the list! In fact, you can think of as many more :-) What other attractions of Chiang Mai do you know? Maybe there are some more interesting places and events to watch in the city and surrounding areas?

Chiang Mai is located in northern Thailand, close to the border with Laos and Burma. It is the second largest city in the country, after Bangkok.

If in Russia St. Petersburg is called the cultural capital, then in Thailand Chiang Mai is such - this is evidenced not only by numerous royal temples, parks and residences, but also by constant festivals, exhibitions and similar cultural events and activities.

There is no sea here, and therefore Chiang Mai is significantly less popular among tourists compared to other regions of Thailand. But for those for whom the presence of the sea is not a determining factor when choosing a place to live, Chiang Mai does not leave them indifferent. We came to Chiang Mai for the second time, and again only for 1 month, but if it weren’t for our pre-thought-out future plans and purchased tickets, we most likely would have stayed here for 3-4 months. Why? Read on.

One of the most significant advantages of Chiang Mai for us is the climate; it is much milder here than in the southern part of Thailand. This may seem strange to those who are now reading this article, looking out the window at a snow blizzard, but the constant heat is very tiring. Here now the weather is just perfect, in our opinion - I don’t know how many degrees exactly, probably around 27-28 during the day, about 20 in the morning and evening, and 16-18 at night, it’s just wonderful to breathe.

In general, we both love freshness - if possible, we open all the windows wide open, and if it’s hot outside, we turn on the air conditioning. When we were visiting our parents in St. Petersburg last fall, we couldn’t get used to the heating, which made the apartment very stuffy - it was easier for us to put on sweaters and open the windows so that there was a constant flow of fresh air. So in Chiang Mai now this is what is needed in this regard. We don’t even turn on the air conditioner during the day, although when we were looking for housing, this item would have been mandatory for us.

Also, Chiang Mai is located on a hill, among small mountains, and there is no such humidity as in coastal cities and, especially, on the islands - it’s easier to worry about equipment, which in conditions of high humidity has the unpleasant property of becoming moldy.

2. People

Chiang Mai is home to a prestigious university and offices of many IT companies. European, Australian, American, and Russian expats who come to live here are more focused on working in comfortable conditions than on idleness in the tropics. So here, there's a lot less of that Rastafarian crowd that smokes weed and plays drums on the beach all day.

Of course, there are different people, IT specialists also have their own specifics, but in general, we can say that the intelligentsia lives here to a greater extent, in the good sense of the word

3. Infrastructure

Chiang Mai is not the capital, so it doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. We have already expressed our dislike for the Thai capital more than once.

With all our tolerance and desire to find the positive in everything, Bangkok somehow doesn’t grab us, no matter how hard we try to love it. It’s not that there is any disgust towards it, no, it’s just, for example, it’s not a city, but a dream, and it’s just a great city, and Ho Chi Minh City is not bad, but for some reason I don’t like Bangkok, we don’t understand why many people love it that way.

The shops

So, Chiang Mai does not have the disadvantages of the capital, but at the same time it is Big City, and accordingly, the infrastructure here is well developed. There are shops and hypermarkets for every taste (including Macro with cheese and chocolate), shopping centers with cinemas, .

There are also specialized stores, including those with photographic equipment. Prices, however, are a little higher than in Bangkok, as it seemed to me, and now is not the best time for purchasing equipment, but still. When I needed to change the polarizer (filter), I couldn’t buy it.

Cafes and restaurants

The city has a huge number of cafes, restaurants and coffee shops, and for any budget, from Thai small-town eateries to pretentious and themed restaurants

Coffee shops, by the way, are especially popular here. We now live 4 kilometers from the center, there are, in principle, not many foreigners here, and there are at least 5 coffee shops in the area, and Thais hang out there all the time. Well, the prices are good news - a good cappuccino starts from 40-50 baht ($1.3-1.5).

Medicine

Chiang Mai has several excellent hospitals of European level, as well as good Thai hospitals (we wrote a little about this in an article about).

Although, however, in Thailand everything is generally fine with this, there are large hospitals almost everywhere, even on the islands (Phuket,) with the exception of very small islands, like Koh Chang, etc.

Distant work

Coworking spaces are also popular in Chiang Mai. We work at home, so this doesn’t particularly concern us, but for many, for one reason or another, it is more convenient to work in specially equipped places where there are work desks, good Internet, a snack bar, coffee, etc.

True, working in such a place may not always be safe - in the summer, one of these coworking spaces was raided by representatives of the immigration office due to suspicion of illegal work. Then, however, everyone seemed to be let go, they thought something was wrong there, mistook this place for some kind of hangout, but the sediment, as they say, remained.

By the way, the issue of remote work in Thailand is not completely clear. On the one hand, working without a work visa is prohibited here. On the other hand, an employer who is located in another country does not seem to be a violation - and just the Chiang Mai immigration office itself made an official explanation confirming this hypothesis. But at the same time, this clarification is not the ultimate truth, so this point can be interpreted in different ways.

Services

The service sector in the city is well developed in every sense - there is a huge selection of hairdressers, beauty salons and massage parlors with a variety of types of massage, at reasonable prices.

There are even a couple of centers where massages are given to the blind (they are famous for their skills) - this is the type of activity that allows them to earn a living, despite their illness.

We had such a massage - it’s tough, friends. In ordinary salons, we always ask you to do it harder, because masseuses very often suck and do it half-heartedly, but here we almost died!

Those. They do everything correctly and very well, it’s clear that it’s useful, but still, it’s very painful, so we don’t dare to go again yet)) But it’s definitely worth trying at least once, we recommend it.

Housing

Chiang Mai has a very good selection of housing - from simple rooms for $150 per month, to multi-room houses for $1000-2000 per month and more. Studios and 1-2 apartments in condominiums, including those with a swimming pool and fitness center on site, are very popular.

Moreover, you can live in the city - in a busy or quiet area, in the center or on the outskirts, in a 20- or 3-story house, or even in a separate house with its own green area or in a protected village, also with all the amenities.

We now live in a 19-story condominium, in a studio apartment on the 17th floor, with this view from the window

The balloons, of course, do not fly all the time, but only a few days a year, but the view is still not bad. True, there is a large road under the windows, and because of this, the apartment, even though it is located so high, is still quite noisy.

But the building has its own swimming pool, so we go swimming almost every day - it’s very convenient, it’s a pity that the fitness center is under renovation.

For an apartment with an area of ​​46 sq.m., “full furnitured”, i.e. with furniture and a fully equipped kitchen (there is a microwave, and 2 multicookers, and an electric stove, with all sorts of fancy functions), we pay 8,500 baht + internet (350 baht/month) + water and electricity.

In principle, this is a pretty good option, and if it weren’t for the noise, it would be ideal. We were offered an apartment with windows on the other side; it was most likely much quieter there. But it already costs 14,000 (although there is also newer furniture). Previously, we probably would have chosen it, but now we couldn’t bear to pay almost 30,000 rubles for an apartment =)

4. Transport connections

Despite the fact that Chiang Mai is located far from the central part of Thailand, intercity transport links are well developed here - there are bus terminals and a railway station and international Airport.

For example, we're leaving straight from here. Well, more precisely, we fly from here, and besides that there are many direct flights to Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Macau, not to mention domestic flights in (to Bangkok, Surat Thani, Hat Yai, Phuket).

So, the sea is not so far from here - only $70 and a two-hour flight away :) By the way, you can find a good flight here.

The only thing that is significantly less developed here than in Bangkok is public transport. Its role here is played by songthaews (covered pickup trucks), which, in principle, drive along certain routes, but the drivers do not always speak English, and periodically strive to offer their services to the farangs (us, that is), as a personal taxi.

You can probably get used to this if you live longer, but we generally don’t use public transport; we usually go everywhere on a motorbike.

5. Leisure

Everything is also fine with the organization of leisure time in Chiang Mai. The center, also known as the old city, the so-called “square”, surrounded by a canal and the remains of a fortress wall, is quite compact, 2x2 km, you can walk around the whole thing if you wish.

Inside is the old city with temples and palaces,

restaurants, hotels and guesthouses for tourists of any income – from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels.

Behind the square there are many green corners, parks with lakes, flowers, fountains. Also very picturesque surroundings - national parks, waterfalls, mountains.

For example, I like the Doi Suthep Temple, it is located very close to the city, at the foot of national park with waterfalls, but from the temple itself, from the observation deck, there is an excellent view of the city, if there is no fog or haze))

Also, some people go to Chiang Mai for enlightenment, both spiritually and materially. There are centers for teaching yoga, meditation can be learned in the same Doi Suthep,

or go to the Dharma Center and take it (the center is an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai) - this was the second time we took the course there.

You can also learn different massage techniques, there are about a dozen massage schools here, each with its own concept, but in general, the technique from northern Thailand is highly valued among massage therapists.

There is also plenty of room for sports fans. There are several stadiums in Chiang Mai, one of which has an excellent 50-meter open-air swimming pool. Just the other day, annual running competitions were held - you could run a marathon, half-marathon or 10 km.

And, of course, there is entertainment for every taste - culinary master classes, walks along the river, Segway excursions, in one of the shopping complexes there is even an ice skating rink))

Chiang Mai is also famous for its huge zoo - we walked around it for a couple of hours, and then we only managed to see a third, probably :) Some animals can be fed, and some you can just watch

Pandas are of the greatest interest to everyone - not every zoo has these funny little animals, so many people come here just for them

There is also plenty of entertainment in the vicinity of the city - elephant riding and bathing, rafting, kayaking, eco-tourism, extreme parks in the jungle, etc.

And if we are just about to go to the cinema and the skating rink, then we have already spent the day in an extreme park in the jungle. Read about how we had fun on all kinds of zipping and met wild gibbons in the forest in the next article :)

Chiang Mai is also the starting point for the charming village of Pai and the city of Chiang Rai, with its famous White Temple. We’ve been both there and we’ll tell you someday, so stay with us!

In all of Thailand, we love two places most of all - Koh Phangan and Chiang Mai. What are your favorite places in Thailand?

Or maybe not in Thailand, but in other countries :) Share in the comments!

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 and tea plantations, it captivates travelers at first sight.

Eventful history

Chiang Mai is the capital of the province of the same name, whose population is growing due to visitors. The main center of northern Thailand, devoid of a beach area, is located along the Ping River flowing through the heart of the city, 700 km from Bangkok. The oldest city, Chiang Mai, was founded in 1296. It was then that the king of the state moved the capital to a cozy locality and gives it the name " new town"Surrounded by a huge ditch, which for a long time served as protection from enemy attacks, after 262 years it would fall to the Burmese invaders, and two centuries later it would be transferred to the protectorate of Siam. And only in the last century the territory of the center hiking officially became part of Thailand.

Tourist centre

By the end of the 80s of the last century, the city became one of the most visited resorts in the country. Of course, its main advantages are considered to be natural and historical attractions, but modern successes should not be underestimated. Exotic Chang Mai (Thailand), which has retained its charm and fully corresponds to its status cultural capital“land of smiles”, pleases with its developed tourist infrastructure.

The city's main income is the export of vegetables, fruits and rice, but recently the increase in the flow of foreign visitors has brought significant profits. There are still few Russian travelers here, since our compatriots prefer a relaxing holiday on Thai beaches, which are absent in Chiang Mai. The rapidly developing second largest city in the kingdom will appeal to those interested in the culture and life of the local residents. Therefore, active tourists hungry for new experiences will not be bored here.

Several ways to get to the resort

Travelers who choose the north of the country for their holiday are interested in the question of how to get to Chiang Mai in Thailand. I must say that from Russia you can directly get to unique resort will not work, since the city airport accepts only domestic flights. Therefore, guests of the country arrive in Bangkok and take the next flight to the city from Suvanarbhumi Airport (and there are up to 30 of them per day). The flight time takes no more than an hour. It is also possible to get to the tourist center from Koh Samui, Phuket and other islands of the state.

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

You can also reach the city from Bangkok by train. And if you buy a ticket for a recumbent seat, you will be able to sleep normally for 14 hours. To avoid wasting a 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 surrounded by greenery, Chiang Mai has a tropical climate, the coldest in Thailand. The tourist season lasts the whole year, but the best period to visit the city is considered to be the winter months (December to February), when there is no precipitation. The cool weather will appeal to guests who don't like extreme heat. But from March to June the air temperature, rising to 40 degrees, is accompanied by high humidity, and at this time it is worth refusing 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, much less for hiking in the mountains. Heavy rains reach their peak in September. In the evenings, the air temperature drops to 15 degrees, so you should stock up on warm clothes.

Old city

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

The center of this unusual resort is called the old town. Previously, there was a fortress surrounded by a moat on this site, and now you can get here through numerous gates. The first thing guests see when entering historical Center, - the ruins of an ancient brick wall built several centuries ago. And everything that is inside it is of particular interest to tourists. This is a real open-air museum that Chiang Mai is proud of, and it’s nice to stroll around this wonderful place and you don’t even mind spending the whole day exploring the romantic Old Town.

There is also a national museum where everyone can get acquainted with unique artifacts telling about the ancient Lanna kingdom, which existed in Thailand, and a beautiful park, which is a green oasis surrounded by ponds and fountains.

Buddhism Center

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

The largest is Van Chedi Luang, founded in the early 15th century. Once its height reached 90 meters, but after a terrible earthquake that occurred four centuries ago, the temple was partially destroyed. Wat Chedi Luang, a golden chedi stupa that stands out among other buildings, is considered the symbol of the city. And the entrance is guarded by mythical creatures resembling snakes. An emerald was once kept here, but was later moved to Bangkok.

One of the most unusual temples is located in a forest area. The Wat Umong Meditation Center (Chang Mai) consists of several underground tunnels, the niches of which are illuminated by candle flames. Wat Umong makes an indelible impression on tourists who note the mystical atmosphere in the caves. Twilight and complete silence are conducive to a meditative state.

Located in the Old City, the former royal residence of Wat Chiang Man 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 smaller buildings. The Wat Phra Singh temple, designed 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 Lion Buddha, there is a library with ancient manuscripts.

City of Temples

As tourists say, to enjoy the temples, there is no particular need to book excursions and buy a city map. As soon as you leave the hotel, walk along the cozy streets, your eyes will immediately catch the religious sights of Chiang Mai, which are a man-made decoration of a paradise.

It is curious that many churches have special programs for foreigners who dream of touching a foreign culture. Meditation lessons heal not only the soul, but also the body.

What else to see in Chiang Mai?

The ancient settlement of Wiang Kum Kam, the ruins of which were found in 1984, was damaged by severe floods. People left Viang Kum Kam, and for several centuries no one remembered it. Archaeologists have discovered about 20 temples that have been well preserved to this day, as well as ancient manuscripts.

Doi Suthep - high mountain, located a few kilometers from the city in the national park of the same name. It is visible from all sides and is covered with lush vegetation. Locals say that those who have not seen Doi Suthep have not been to Chiang Mai.

With stone waterfalls and sculptures created by the hands of nature, the Chiang Dao Cave resembles an underground temple, as you can see the likeness of altars in the grottoes and Buddha images are everywhere.

Chiang Mai is the northern province of Thailand, which has long been recognized as its cultural center. The picturesque landscape, abundance of greenery, many cultural and national monuments and a special cosmopolitan atmosphere attract travelers and expats from all over the world.

General information

The capital of the province is Chiang Mai Town. It is the center of all of Northern Thailand and the fifth largest city in the kingdom. It is located 316 meters above sea level on a plain surrounded by rural settlements and mountains. Among them, the highest peak in Thailand (2776 m) is Doi Inthanon. It is located 90 kilometers west of the city, and is the only place in the kingdom where snow sometimes falls.

Atmosphere of Chiang Mai

Climate

Chiang Mai's northern location on a hill makes its climate more temperate than in the south. Here, on the previously mentioned peak of Doi Inthanon, the Thai pole of cold is located, where the temperature can drop to -8°C.

Like the rest of the kingdom, Chiang Mai has three seasons:

1. Moderate. It is considered the most successful period for traveling to this region. Starts in November and lasts until February. During the day the temperature rises to +25…+30°С, but at night it can drop to +15°С and below.
2. Hot. This season lasts from March to June. At this time, the heat reaches its maximum temperature of +40°C, and the jungle and numerous agricultural lands begin to burn (in March-April). In addition to the melting temperature, the city is also shrouded in smoke. This is the worst time to travel to Chiang Mai.
3. The rainy season covers 4 months from July to October. At the beginning of summer, the monsoon arrives from India to the province, bringing with it heavy but short-lived showers and significant relief. The temperature drops a little, it becomes easier to breathe, the vegetation quickly recovers, and with it the mosquitoes arrive. This period is more successful for visiting the cultural capital of Thailand than the previous one.

Geography

The city of Chiang Mai is located at 18°47′20″ north latitude and 98°59′00″ east longitude, 700 kilometers north of Bangkok. The province borders Burma and Laos and is part of the legendary Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia.

Population

The capital Chiang Mai has a population of about 170,000, and the entire province has a population of more than a million. At the same time, local residents differ significantly from the general population of Thailand. In appearance they are more similar to the Chinese, have darker skin and are relatively short in stature. In addition, one cannot help but notice the differences in the temperament of the inhabitants of the north. They are much calmer and friendlier than other Thais, although some may say: “Where is it, calmer?” This is largely due to the fact that the Lanna kingdom, whose capital was Chiang Mai for a long time, developed separately from Thailand, forming its own genotype and cultural characteristics.

The province is home to a large number of mountain tribes and nationalities, which have their own characteristics in culture and way of life. Most of the population professes Buddhism.

Nature and landscape

The northern nature of Chiang Mai fascinates with its splendor and leaves no one indifferent. The mountainous landscape of the province is covered with lush tropical forests, among which are scattered numerous villages of local tribes. The city itself is comfortably located in the floodplain of the Ping River, among mountain ranges and hills.

Economy

Residents of high mountain villages are engaged in agriculture (growing rice and tea), raising livestock and hunting. Most of Chiang Mai's population earns a living from agriculture or related occupations. In addition, the capital is famous throughout Thailand for its artisans and carpet production. Tourism is in second place.

Time in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai clocks show 3 hours more than in Moscow. As in Bangkok, international coordinated time in Chiang Mai is indicated as UTC +7.

Language

Most of the locals speak one of the dialects of the Thai language. Residents use English to communicate with tourists, but it should be noted that as you move away from the capital, speaking it becomes increasingly difficult.

Holidays

One of the most colorful and fabulous holidays not only in Chiang Mai, but throughout Thailand is Loi Krathong. Residents of other regions of Thailand and foreigners come to watch the launch of sky lanterns by thousands. Loy Krathong is celebrated in every province of the kingdom, but it is here that it reaches such scope and beauty!

Story

The Kingdom of Lanna, whose name translates to a million rice fields, covered most of Northern Thailand and flourished even before Ayutthaya became strong. Chiang Mai's rich history can be traced back 700 years, making the city the most historically significant in Thailand.

After his victory over the Haripunjaya kingdom, King Mengrai of Lanna decided to move his capital from Chiang Rai, and founded a new city in 1296. Without further ado, he called it “new city”, which in the Thai version sounds like Chiang Mai.

During the power struggle between the Lanna princes and the governors of Burma, Chiang Mai was greatly devastated. Because of this, five hundred years after its founding, the city had to be founded again, and in 1796 the inhabitants of the surrounding settlements were resettled here. After this, the capital began to be ruled by the vassals of Siam, whose influence was abolished only in 1939, with the death of the last of them.

Remarkable moment modern history Chiang Mai is that it became the birthplace of one of the prime ministers of the kingdom - Toxin Shinawatra.

Orientation

The capital of the province is the city of Chiang Mai, with a total area of ​​about 40 km². Along the perimeter of the old part of the city there is an ancient wall and a water ditch. Unlike other Thai cities, attractions here are evenly distributed throughout the territory.

The province is divided into 21 districts and 2 sub-districts. In total, there are about 1,050 high mountain villages in the region. Most of their inhabitants are representatives of the Karen and Lua tribes.

Superhighway

From Phitsanulok and Lampang, outer highway No. 11 leads around Chiang Mai from the east and north. This road is also called the Superhighway.

Other routes leading from the city:

• No. 107 (Th Chang Phueak) - leads north to Phang;
• No. 1095 - departs from the 107th and leads to Pai and Mae Hong Son;
• No. 118 (Th Charoen Muang) - leads to Chiang Rai;
• No. 108 - leads to Mae Sariang and Mount Intanon;
• No. 1004 (Th Huay Kaeo) – to Mount Suthep.

The transport center of the city is the largest Varorot bazaar, around which Chinatown.

10 kilometers from Chiang Mai there is a fairly high mountain called Doi Suthep, covered with a lush rain forest. It is visible from anywhere in the city, and sometimes Thais even say: “If you haven’t seen Doi Suthep, you haven’t seen Chiang Mai.” This is a relatively high forested mountain located in the national park of the same name. At its top there is a majestic Buddhist temple.

Districts

The city of Chiang Mai is divided into new and old areas. Their main difference lies in the different concentration of temple complexes and ancient ruins. The tourist center with its hotels and restaurants is located in the east of the old town. The main street is Moon Muang. At its intersection with Tha Pae Street, the main city square is located. At the intersection of the super-highway with Huai Kaeo Street there is a fashionable area with expensive hotels and restaurants.

Map

Features of the holiday

There is no sea in Chiang Mai, and accordingly, adherents beach holiday there's nothing to do here. Tourists from Russia, for the most part, choose the coast for their travels, and therefore there are very few of our compatriots here, although recently there has been a tendency towards an increase in the total number of Russians in Chiang Mai. However, the bulk of tourists are Europeans.

Traveling the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is a popular tourist destination that spans the borders of three Southeast Asian countries (Thailand, Myanmar and Laos). In the past, this territory was an opium paradise famous throughout the world. Today in Thailand the only reminder of this is the opium museum.

Chiang Mai's close proximity to Chiang Rai, Pai and Burma makes the city an ideal base for exploring northern Thailand and the Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia.

Bike trips

Many tourists go to Chiang Mai to conquer one of the most interesting mountain bike trails on Doi Suthep. The long and challenging route on this mountain is intended for professionals, but may not be safe for beginner cyclists. For the latter, the cross-country route, which runs through the eastern border of Doi Suthep Park, is more suitable. This is a shaded and not very long route, the descent along which will cause a lot of positive emotions.

Features of life: longstay or wintering

Longstay in Chiang Mai is very different from living in other cities in Thailand, as the province itself is quite distinctive and unique. The differences are visible in everything: in the temperament of the local residents (northerners are very kind, smiling, and calm), in the large number of cultural monuments, in the special charm of the northern tropics and the absence of the sea, the relative cheapness of life... the list goes on for a very long time. If we draw a parallel between Chiang Mai and any Russian city, St. Petersburg comes to mind.

Visas

It is better and more convenient to extend a tourist visa while in Chiang Mai at the border with Myanmar or Laos. A visa run from Pattaya or the islands is more expensive.

You can get to the borders with Burma or Laos on your own, or by purchasing an excursion from local tour operators. All procedures at the border take no more than an hour, so it is quite possible to resolve the issue of visa extension in 8 hours.

Urban transport

When talking about the peculiarities of life in Chiang Mai, one cannot fail to mention the city transport system, because for many it can become a real headache. Today there are two systems in operation in the city - old and new. The latter is an attempt by the authorities to streamline the movement public transport and move away from the old system, and it is expected that this will happen over time.

Smog in Chiang Mai

Another important point that travelers should be aware of. During the hot season (February-April), heavy smog hangs over Chiang Mai. The smoke screen extends as far as northern Laos and eastern Burma. Moreover, this is not just a gray haze like, for example, in Bangkok or another large metropolis, this is real smoke from forest fires and burning garbage in rice fields.

At this time, the number of cases of exacerbation of pulmonary and heart diseases increases significantly, and healthy people feel very uncomfortable:

• The sky becomes clouded with clouds of smoke and turns gray.
• A smoke screen hangs in the air and visibility is reduced.
• In many areas there is a burning smell, it becomes difficult to breathe, nasal congestion, and watery and stinging eyes may appear.
• There is much more dust in the rooms.

At this time, not only all tourists leave Chiang Mai, but also many local residents, preferring to escape the smoke on the coast.

Medicine

Chiang Mai has a large number of medical centers of the highest level, so many people come here to solve their health problems. In particular, dentistry and the obstetrics system are well developed here.

Transport

Chiang Mai has a very well-established intercity transport system. Tourists have a fairly large choice in the method of travel, from bus and train routes with very different levels of comfort and ticket prices to air flights.

When it comes to urban transport, things are not so simple. Compared to Bangkok, Chiang Mai's public transport system is not as developed. Locals prefer to travel by songthaew or personal transport, so city buses become unprofitable and are launched on the route once every half hour to an hour. Basically, you can move around the city in the following ways:

Songthaew

The city has an old and a new songthaew system. According to the old tradition, multi-colored songthaews walk around the city, the starting point for which is the Warorot market. The blue ones go south to Lamphun, the white ones also go south and east, and the yellow ones go north. The cars do not have license plates, destinations are indicated in Thai, travel within the city costs 10-15 baht. The main problem is that in some streets and throughout the old city these songthaews do not walk.

For this purpose, there are red songthaews, the passage of which, theoretically, costs 15 baht. Why theoretically? Because they don't have a route. Or rather, it exists, but it is known only to the driver, and changes depending on his wishes. In fact, it is a taxi that picks up several passengers, who are on the way with the driver. Locals usually ask the driver where he is going, and the question of whether they will continue their journey with him is decided by itself. But with foreigners everything is more complicated. Their songthaew drivers will take you in any requested direction (even if it is not on the way), but the price at the same time is double, or even triple, like a taxi.

This system irritated everyone for a long time, and the city authorities tried to implement fixed routes. They are still described in Thai, but at least they are distinguished by multi-colored lines on the windshield, the color of which corresponds to a particular route. So, having a map of Chiang Mai, it’s not difficult to figure it out.

Knock Knock

You can travel faster by samlo (as tuk-tuks are called here), although with less comfort. Depending on your bargaining skills and your destination, the trip can cost from 40 to 150 baht. The main thing is to discuss the issue of the cost of travel for one person before the trip. It is noteworthy that tuk-tuk drivers rarely have change, and therefore it is preferable to carry small denomination banknotes with you.

Taxi

There are taxis in Chiang Mai, but they are rare. Usually they are ordered by phone, since it is practically impossible to catch a car on the street. In addition, it can be difficult to convince the driver to turn on the meter. If you can do this, the tariff is 30 baht for the first two kilometers, and four baht for each subsequent one.

Motorbikes and cars

The best way to get around in Chiang Mai is to ride on rented motorbikes. There are a great many rental points in the city; renting a motorcycle is not difficult at all. On average, the daily commission is 150 baht, and is reduced when concluding a long-term contract.

It will cost more, from 600 to 2000 baht per day, to rent a car, which can be rented at the airport or in the city center. In addition, in Chiang Mai it is possible to rent a car or minibus with a driver. This is the most convenient option for small companies or for trips out of town. Prices for such services start from 1,500 baht per day, plus fuel costs.

Bike

For more sporty tourists, there are bicycle rental shops in Chiang Mai. In the old city this is a fairly calm and safe way to get around. Depending on the brand and quality of the bike, rental costs can range from 30-250 baht/day.

Temples of Chiang Mai

In total, there are more than 300 temples in the province, about ten of which occupy a special place due to their historical and architectural features. The temples are undoubtedly the main heritage not only of northern Thailand, but of the entire kingdom as a whole, while they combine styles ancient state Lanna, Burma and Sri Lanka. Even if you're not a "Vatoman", you should visit the most outstanding temples in Chiang Mai.

The most famous Wat in the province is perhaps Wat Phra Singh. Here you can see ancient gold frescoes on red lacquer in the Lanna style. Wat Chiang Man is the oldest temple in the city. Presumably, it was built before the founding of Chiang Mai. Within its walls is kept a miniature crystal Buddha, which, according to legend, is capable of causing rain. And outside the city walls, among the forest, there is ancient temple Wat Umong, which was built by King Mengrai for the revered forest monk. This is a fairly quiet, secluded place where you can relax near the ponds.

Food

Catering establishments in Chiang Mai please with their large number and relatively low prices. In addition, here you can try dishes unique to this part of Thailand, for example, “Khao Soi” (wheat noodles in broth with chicken or beef) or “Hang Lei” (pork curry prepared according to an ancient Lanna recipe).

In addition to restaurants serving traditional Thai cuisine, tourists can easily find establishments specializing in international cuisine in Chiang Mai. Here you can taste dishes of Italian, French, Irish, German, Spanish, Mexican and many other cuisines of the world. These can range from cheap eateries and snack bars to sophisticated restaurants. There is no such choice anywhere else in Thailand.

Housing

Housing in Chiang Mai is cheap even by the standards of the kingdom. There is a very wide offer on the real estate market with accommodation options from economy to premium class. In the city you can rent a room in a guest house for 350 - 500 baht/day. More comfortable condos cost tenants, on average, 500-1,500 baht per day.

Housing of an even higher level from 1,500 baht. The Chiang Mai hotel base includes an offer of conditions from 2 stars and above. For example, the cost of a double room in a two-star hotel will start from 5,500 baht per week, and in a five-star hotel - from 25,000 baht per week.

For those wishing to stay in Chiang Mai for a long period of time, there is a large selection of accommodation in different price categories and degrees of distance from the center. For example, a good condo here can be rented for 7,000-15,000 baht per month, and a house for 10,000-20,000 baht/month. Moreover, when concluding a contract for a year, landlords give a good discount and offer a wider choice.

Attractions

The main attraction of Chiang Mai, of course, are the temples. However, it is a mistake to believe that this is the only thing you can see in this province. There is a wide variety of art galleries and themed exhibitions, where you can see the work of both local and Myanmar artists. In addition, Chiang Mai has many magnificent gardens and parks. For example, the royal garden winter palace Phu Ping. Outside the city you can admire the most picturesque landscapes in the kingdom. The Ping River floodplain is surrounded by rice fields, green hills and mountain ranges. Among them, the highest peak in Thailand is Doi Inthanon. And under the canopy of the tropical forest hide the settlements of mountain tribes.

Animal lovers will find plenty to enjoy at the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium. There are also many places in the province where you can interact with elephants. Moreover, not just to watch the performances or ride a horse, but also to learn the peculiarities of the life of gray giants and personally take part in caring for them.

Entertainment

In Chiang Mai, lovers of nightlife will easily find entertainment to their liking, although its scope cannot be compared with the entertainment events of Bangkok or Pattaya. There are discos, go-go bars, and live music here.

One of the most popular attractions in Chiang Mai is the Sunday Market. Every weekend, huge numbers of people flock here from all over the region to buy or sell all sorts of locally produced goods. They are based on agricultural products and crafts. Also at the market you can see a wide variety of performances by local residents.

Few tourist areas in Thailand can boast of having decent rafting spots. They are in Chiang Mai. The most interesting rafting takes place during the rainy season, at which time the rapids on the rivers have 4-5 steps. Outdoor enthusiasts are also offered walks under the rainforest canopy, elephant rides, river cruises, rock climbing and the now famous Flight of the Gibbon excursion.

Very often, tourists come to Chiang Mai for knowledge and spiritual enrichment. There are a huge number of different schools and courses here. Here you can practice languages, learn yoga, culinary tricks, shamanism or Thai boxing. In addition, there are special places where people come for retreat and practice meditation.

Prices

If you compare prices in Chiang Mai and Pattaya, then accommodation, food and locally produced clothing are cheaper here. And the cost of trips to Songthaew is more expensive.

How to get there

There are several options for how to get to Chiang Mai:

By plane

The province has its own international airport. It is located just three kilometers from the provincial capital and serves a large number of international and domestic flights. You can get here by flight from Bangkok, and you can buy very inexpensive tickets from low-cost airlines, which fly in large numbers from Don Muang Airport.

By bus

From Bangkok, from Mo Chit Terminal, to northern capital There are many buses leaving. These can be either public flights, costing 200 baht per ticket, but spending at least 12 hours on the road, or highly comfortable 1st class cars, costing 550 baht per ticket, which cover the distance in 9 hours.

By train

To get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by railway it will take 12-15 hours. Trains with carriages of varying comfort depart from Huala Phong Station according to a regular schedule. The cost of tickets depends on which class the tourist chooses.

Ticket prices depending on the time of day and the comfort level of the carriage:

Day flights: Night flights:

2nd class – 281 baht 1st class – 1400 baht

3rd class – 121 baht 2nd class – 900 baht

Cellular communications and Internet

Cellular communications in Chiang Mai are represented by 1-2-Call, TrueMove and DACT Happy, which are unchanged in Thailand. As in other regions of the country, it is much more profitable to use the services of Thai operators rather than overpay for roaming.

The quality of Internet connection in Chiang Mai is better than on the islands. There are many points in public places where you can connect to the network via Wi-Fi for free or for a reasonable fee. Prices at internet cafes range from 10 to 60 baht/30 minutes. Connecting to the network via 3G with a local SIM card is the cheapest option.

Safety

As we wrote above, during the hot season in Chiang Mai it is very high level smoke, which can pose a serious danger to people with cardiopulmonary diseases and allergy sufferers.

Tap water in Chiang Mai is not drinkable. For these purposes, they use bottled water, which can be purchased in large quantities anywhere in the city in special vending machines, or you can order a delivery service.

The province as a whole is a safe region. However, tourists should still be vigilant about their property. Like all places with a large concentration of tourists, Chiang Mai is not without thieves, scammers and other scoundrels dreaming of easy money.

Hotels in Chiang Mai, where to stay?

The map below contains accommodation options from all major booking services, so you can easily find a suitable hotel for yourself and immediately book it online.

© Chiang Mai is one of the large, beautiful and historical cities in Thailand.

The province of Chiang Mai is considered one of the most popular among tourists. One of the factors that influences this is that the place has a rich history and culture.

Unlike the newly built resort towns, of which there are many on the map of the kingdom, here you can not only take a walk, but also spend several days sightseeing.

According to experienced travelers, in order to truly get to know Thailand, you need to visit Chiang Mai at least once, because it is in this city that the spirit of the kingdom is felt best.

The capital of the province and at the same time the center of all Northern Thailand is Chiang Mai Town. Near the provincial town are Laos and Burma, which together make up the legendary Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia. This city is the fifth largest in the entire kingdom.

Chiang Mai on the map of Thailand

Not far from it is Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in the entire kingdom. Its height is 2776 meters above sea level. This place is the only one in the entire kingdom where snow falls.

Since the city is located in the north of the country, the climate in Thailand is mostly temperate. At the top of Doi Intahanon is the coldest point in Thailand, where the temperature sometimes drops to minus eight degrees.

In Chiang Mai, as throughout the kingdom, there are three main seasons:

• Moderate season. Lasts from November to February. At this time, the heat subsides, although the nights are still warm. It is this period of time that is considered to be the most suitable for a holiday in Chiang Mai.

• Hot. The season begins in March and lasts until the end of June. It is at this time that the heat rises to a maximum of 40 degrees. This heat contributes to the outbreak of fires in the jungle and surrounding areas. The city is periodically shrouded in a smoke screen coming from the burning forests. This time is the worst time to visit the town.

• Rain season. As throughout the kingdom, the rainy season begins in Chiang Mai from July to the end of October. The cold monsoon brings coolness and regular showers from India.

These four months are perfect for visiting the cultural capital of Thailand. At this time, it is not very stuffy there, the abundance of rain helps to restore vegetation, and even the air becomes cleaner.

© The highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon.

Despite the changeable weather, the city’s nature remains picturesque all year round and fascinates everyone who comes there. On the map of the country you will notice that Chiang Mai is located among high mountain ranges and green hills, next to the Ping River. In the mountains that surround the province there are many small villages where local settlers live. They hide in the thick tropical forests

, but visitors to the kingdom can still visit to immerse themselves in Thai culture.

Population of the province

More than a million Thais live in Chiang Mai province, of which 170,000 are in the capital alone. The population of Chiang Mai looks different from other Thais: the people there are darker, shorter and look more like the Chinese. But they differ not only in appearance, but also in character. Thais in general are known to be very smiling and friendly people. Local population

Chiang Mai seems like an ideal nation to tourists. Calm and pleasant to talk to, they are ready to help anyone and everyone.

© Chiang Mai is different people and different nature.

On the territory of this small province live various ancient tribes and nationalities with their own history and customs, whose small villages are not even marked on the map. They are mainly engaged in growing tea and rice, hunting wild animals and raising livestock.

Other local residents living in the main part of the village also devote a lot of time to agriculture. But the main profit comes from the tourism industry, of course. In addition, the capital of the city is known throughout the world for high-quality carpets created by local artisans.

Most of the local residents speak one of the dialects of the Thai language. But, since there are always a lot of tourists in the city, when communicating with them, Thais switch to quite acceptable English.

City `s history

Chiang Mai is a city with a truly rich history that goes back more than 700 years. It is considered one of the most significant in all of Thailand. The Lanna Kingdom, which covers a huge part of northern Thailand, has always been prosperous, and the area where Chiang Mai is currently located is surprisingly picturesque.

© The majestic city of Chiang Mai.

500 years after its founding, the city would have been devastated and rebuilt. This happened during the struggle for power between the Lanna princes and the Burmese governors. After restoration, in 1726 the city was repopulated by residents from neighboring villages. And the vassals of Siam began to rule the lives of the locals. The period lasted until 1939, when the last of the vassals died.

How to get to Chiang Mai

The easiest way to get to Chiang Mai is by plane. The city is located three kilometers from the airport () , from which you can easily take a taxi. A taxi, which officially belongs to the airport, will take you to your desired location in the city for 120 baht. Locals rate their services a little higher.

But you can choose a cheaper way to travel - by bus. It is better to choose tourist type buses. They move faster and are more comfortable to ride in. Intercity buses that can take you to Chiang Mai are divided into three types: VIP, first class and second class. Travel conditions depend on the class.

You shouldn't be afraid of trains in Thailand either. quite developed. At the same time, the trip will cost you little. True, a direct train runs to Chiang Mai only from the capital of Thailand.

Train timetable Bangkok-Chiang Mai

Train no.	Train type	Departure time	Arrival time
9	Special Express	8:30	20:30
109	Rapid	14:30	05:10
11	Special Express	18:00	06:15
1	Special Express	18:10	07:45
13	Special Express	19:35	09:45
51	Express	22:00	12:45

Urban transport

You can also travel around the city using different types of public transport. There is not as much of it there as in the capital. Thais mostly travel by their own transport or songthaew.

Sights and interesting places

Chiang Mai province attracts both experienced tourists and beginners. There really is something to see there: natural beauty, original tribes living in the jungle, and, of course, old temples and architectural buildings.

You can explore all this either on your own or using the services of one of the guides. Those who choose the first option should familiarize themselves with the list of the most interesting places to visit.

Museum of Natural Wonders

Founded by an entomologist, this museum displays an extensive collection of various tropical insects and minerals. Also presented there are mysterious natural objects collected by the same entomologist.

© Museum of Insects and Natural Wonders.

Doi Suthep Temple

One of the most famous Buddhist temples in all of Thailand. This building, built back in 1328, is considered business card provinces.

Zoo and aquarium

It was built in 1955 by an American. Later, a huge underground aquarium was built there, in which more than eight thousand different sea creatures live.

National Museum

The museum is one of the most important in the north of the kingdom. The exhibits in its halls reflect the rich culture of Lanna and the surrounding northern provinces.

© Chiang Mai National Museum is the largest museum in Northern Thailand.

Night market

There are several night markets in the city. But the truly interesting one is located next to the river. Almost everything is sold there, but it attracts tourists mainly with various products self made, which are sold there by local artisans. This is definitely the best place to buy souvenirs.

© Chiang Mai: Night Bazaar.

You can also just have a lot of fun in the city. There are plenty of relevant establishments there: from clubs and discos, to go-go bars and live music establishments.

Accommodation in Chiang Mai

The province is perfect for settling there for a long time. The province has fairly cheap accommodation, and tourists have plenty to choose from, as there are many houses, townhouses and rooms for rent in the city and surrounding areas. In addition, in the city, of course, you can check into one of the hotels, the cost of living in which depends on their level.

© Hotel Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai 5* (Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai).

For example, a room in a guesthouse can be rented for 250-500 baht per day, rent for a month will cost 5-7 thousand baht. Rent an apartment or condo 4-7 thousand baht, payment for water, electricity is carried out separately. The cost of hotel rooms will be 5,000 - 25,000 baht per week, from the proposed conditions, 2 stars and above.

• Despite the fact that Chiang Mai is located in a country with a hot climate, the nights here can sometimes be very cold. Therefore, experienced travelers recommend bringing a sweater or jacket along with light clothing and swimsuits.

• But when going to the temple, be sure to cover your legs and shoulders. This is required by the local dress code.

• When choosing which local dish to try first, be sure to pay attention to Chiang Mai sausages.
• Of all the variety of transport in Chiang Mai, it is better to give preference to taxis with meters. This will help you save on traveling around the city and avoid being scammed.
• There are often traffic jams in the city, so when going somewhere, be sure to leave early in order to be on time.
• Remember that in Chiang Mai, as throughout Thailand, it is customary to bargain, both with tuk-tuk drivers and in local markets.