Chiang Mai

Thailand's second city Chiang Mai Thailand is located in the North of the country. Chang Mai is in a mountainous region and is close to the Ping River . Chiang Mai is most famous for it's culture, as it has a very long history, yet today Chiang Mai is a modern bustling city. There is an old moat that encircles the old city that dates back to the 13th century and there are over 300 temples in the region.

Chiang Mai offers some great shopping as there are a number of markets and a nigh bazaar, which is good for arts and handicrafts. Food and accommodation in Chiang Mai are cheap and plentiful. Trekking is very popular in Chiang Mai and is almost a must for any traveller spending a few days here. There are many agencies that offer trekking as a service. Treks will typically last a couple of days and will visit a hill tribe such as the Akha or Karen and will perhaps include an elephant ride and rafting. There are also an abundance of Thai massage parlours as well as cookery schools which offer courses in culinary Thai food.

Chang Mai can be reached by bus, train or plane from Bangkok . There are also regular bus services to Chang Rai and Pai.

Chiang Mai Thailand Tip:

Go an a 3 day trek and visit some hill tribe villages. Make sure you do a trek with some rafting as well as elephant treking. Definitely go on a Thai cooking course and learn how to cook some awesome spicy numbers. And visit the night market and pick up some bargains, there is some wicked stuff sold in Chiang Mai.