Chiang Mai Vacations, Chiang Mai Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

Chiang Mai, the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, is the capital of Chiang Mai Province and the home of traditional Lanna culture. Seven hundred km north of Bangkok, it sits among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping river (or Mae Ping as the locals call it), a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.

In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city, although it lacks the cosmopolitan gloss of Bangkok. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Among the attractions are the wonderfully friendly local people and the delicious Lanna food, unique to Northern Thailand.

Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its important strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors, the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving. Chiang Mai also served as a religious center in Thailand; Chiang Mai has hundreds of temples with in the city center and surrounding area. No trip to Thailand is complete without a visit to this cultural centre.

Cooking School highly recommended!