The provincial capital of Chiang Mai and the second largest city in Thailand is Chiang Mai, which is also the largest metropolitan city in northern Thailand. The city has stunning old temples, elegant festive celebrations, local culture, and several places of adventure. Two tribal communities can be found in this spectacular mountainous area, which is also home to many incredible natural treasures.
WHY VISIT CHIANG MAI
Chiang Mai is one of the best travel destinations worth visiting in your life, and you can see why below:
ELEGANT ANCIENT TEMPLE GLORY
There are 300+ temples in Chiang Mai featuring stunning architectural designs. The city’s temples are beautifully decorated as they serve as centers of religious worship and cultural and communal research. They mostly have snake-lined staircases and gold-plated stupas in their designs. The dominant kingdoms for centuries were meant to be represented by temples.
Meeting monks and conversing with them is another interesting aspect of visiting religious temples. The monks provide information about the foundations of Buddhism, give details of their monastic existence, and tell interesting stories from the monastery. The surprising thing is that many of the monks can speak English other than Thai.
FUN WEATHER
Chiang Mai is located in the north and is higher than many other cities and experiences a beautiful climate all year round. The best months to visit this place are between November to February due to the dry weather and pleasant conditions with an average elevation of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Beginning in May and lasting through October, the rainy season brings lush vegetation. Even when it rains heavily, the sun will shine, and you may have a relaxing holiday.
AFFORDABLE RATES
Chiang Mai is a great vacation destination for everyone on a budget as it is free from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The cost of living in Chiang Mai is very low, and services, from hotels to food and transportation, are inexpensive. There are many free sites to visit, including the old town temple, lots of green areas, and an 800 year old moat.
VARIOUS TYPES OF THAILAND FOOD
The regional variations in Thai cuisine are significant. Hot curries in Southern Thailand are very different from those in Northern Thailand. As the country borders Laos and Myanmar, these two countries have a significant influence on the staple diet of Chiang Mai and the entire northern region.
The distinctive cuisine the city is known for is also influenced by its specific climate. Due to the cooler climate, a wide variety of herbs and vegetables can thrive there that cannot be grown anywhere else in the country. In the north, Thai cuisine is known to be more bitter and sour and less salty, with fewer seafood options.
Sticky rice is an important component of the diet of those living in Northern Thailand. Gaang hung nest, sai oi, and khao soi are some of the popular foods from Northern Thailand. In addition, due to the many vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Chiang Mai, the city has become a favorite destination for people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
IDEAL FOR ADVENTURE
You can enjoy various adventurous activities in Chiang Mai. On the Ping River, you can try kayaking and white water rafting or slide through the forest. Hot air balloon flights over its lush fields will give you a broad perspective of the city, and there are plenty of hiking opportunities in the nearby mountains. In short, Chiang Mai is a great place for nature-related adventure activities.
STREET SHOPPING
In Chiang Mai, there are some wonderful local markets filled with a variety of goods. Visit the lively Night Bazaar for handicrafts, silver and silk. Explore the lively Sunday Street Market for regional crafts and delicious food, which stretches from Thapae Gate to Wat Pra Singh. On Nimmanhaemin Street, you can also find better galleries and luxury shops.
AWESOME CELEBRATION
Thailand celebrates famous festivals like Songkran and the Yee Peng Lantern Festival, but Chiang Mai offers the biggest thrill. Every mid-November, hundreds of lit lanterns are released into the sky at Chiang Mai’s Yee Peng Lantern Festival as a representation of letting go of bad luck.