Welcome to Chiangmai

Chiangmai is a city built on the roots of a traditional heritage that dig deep into the soil of time.  It's a city with a beautiful cultural personality of its own.  In addition, it's been blessed with much majestic beauty in nature.  The people themselves are an unforgettable part of Chiangmai.  Handicrafts of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for visitors from all over this is Thailand's main mountain resort and second biggest province.

Facts and Figures
Location
Chiangmai is  700 kilometers north of Bangkok and is about 1,000 feet avoce sea level.

Topography
A large part of Chiangmai's land is covered by mountains and forests.  It's largest and most important river is the Ping, which originates in the mountains north of Chiang Dao and flows southwards for 540 kilometers.  It is along the banks of this river that Chiangmai's flat valley area lies.

Weather
Chiangmai is quite cool, with average yearly temperature of 25.4C.  Northern Thailand has three seasons: summer (hot and humid), rainy (wet,monsoon) and winter (cool and dry).

People and Culture
With a population of about 1.5 million, Chiangmai is one of Thailand's largest provinces.  Over 170,000 of its people live in the city area, the rest are distributed throughout its 22 districts and two sub-districts.  A number of hill tribes live in the mountainous districts surrounding Chiangmai.

Religion
For centuries past, Chiangmai was the centre of religious activity in Northern Thailand.  Today, 85 percent of the people are Buddhist.

Getting Around

sam-lor
For relatively short distances, you can take a sam-lor (pedalted tricycle) for Bt20-Bt30 per head.  Fare may go up to Bt40 - B50 for longer rides.

tuk-tuk
You may opt to ride in  a motorized sam-lor, also known as a tuk-tuk.  Prices are not standard but the ride is quicker.  Always bargain with a smile.

red cab
The most common means of transport is the red cab, which looks like covered pickup trucks where passengers sit on back benches.  Sometimes, these red cabs are mistaken for regular buses because of their size.  Others use it as a communal taxi.  Before boarding, ask where it is going.  Pay the driver BT10 if there are other passengers.  If not, tell him where you're going and ask how much would it cost.  Don't hestitate to bargain.

airport transfers
To get to or out of the airport you can take a private limousine or a song-taew (minibus).  Most hotels provide airport transfers.

train transfers
The Chiangmai-Bangkok route is serviced by three classes that operate from 5am - 10pm .  These are the Rapid (Bt421, Bt471); Springer (Bt481) and Special Express (BT611, Bt681, Bt1,193) classes.  Phone reservations are not accepted.  Call 053-247-462 to check seat availability, . 053-242-094 for advance trip schedules, and 053-245-361/4 for same day trips.  Or call the Chiangmai depot on Charoenmuang Road at 053-244-795 for more information.

bus transfers
Arcade Bus station:  The arcade is located on the eastern end of Kaew Nawarat Road near the super highway intersection (Highway 118).  Call 053-242-664 to check schedules.  The bus trip from Chiangmai to Bangkok takes about nine hours.  One-way fare is Bt378.  Most bus companies provide transfer services to and from the Arcade.  The majority of bus companies are located at the Anusarn Market and Saeng Tawan Cinema areas.

Chang Puak Bus Station:   Located on the southern section of Chotana Road (053-211-586).  Here, buses leave for Chiang Rai via the northern rounte (Highway 107), passing through Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, Chaiprakar, Fang, Mae Al and Thaton from where passengers can take a long-tail boat to Chiang Rai.

Chiang Mai, an old city of more than 700 years, situated 696 km to the north of Bangkok, boasts many interesting attractions for holiday makers in the cool season.  Doi Suthep-Doi Pu National Park is only 15 km from Chiangmai City.  You will be fascinated to see the glory of the golden chedi or Wat Phra That Doi Suthep where you can also see an impressive panoramic view of Chiangmai.  And at 4 km further up the mountain is Bhubing Palace where you can enjoy the beauty of the photogenic garden.  At Doi Pui there are several hilltribe villages, inhabited by Meos, Yaos, Akhas, Lisus and Lahus.  The famous Doi Inthanon National Park is also worth a visit.

The top of the mountain is the highest spot of Thailand (2,565 metres above sea level)  Nature lovers shouldn't miss bird watching and trekking in its fertile forest.    At km 42 before reaching the mountaintop is Kiu Mae Pan where you can see the beauty of Kulap Phan Pi (Rhododendron arboreum Smith), whose flowers will be in full bloom only from December to February, Huai Nam Dang National Park where the mountains are shrouded in mist is 107 km from the provincial town.  Here, there are many beautiful viewpoints such as Doi Kiu Lom, Doi Chang and Doi Sam Muen