Why
Chiang Mai
is special

This northern Thailand city is rich in history and culture - and is surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty in the hills and mountains.

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Chiang Mai
tips & insights

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Top attraction

It's the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple on a high hill overlooking Chiang Mai. The traditional architectural design is superb. Many visitors energetically reach the temple by walking up a steep 290-step hillside stairway guarded at its base by photogenic Naga snake sculptures (see photo). The less physically motivated take the cable car.

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Other major attractions

They include The temples of Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh Day excursions for elephant riding, hill tribe visiting, jungle trekking, white-water rafting Museum hopping Handcrafted souvenir shopping Thai cooking and massage courses.

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Urban change

Regrettably, over the past decades the Chiang Mai urban landscape has been giving way to contemporary structures. Still, much of the endearing Chiang Mai heritage remains - and the locals are as commendably friendly as ever.

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Name

Chiang Mai literally means "new city", which it was when it was founded in 1296.

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When to come

Chiang Mai is intrinsically hot despite being in the hills. It's coolest from Mid-November to January, and that's the best time to visit. Try to avoid March to May (the hottest months) and May through early Fall  (the wettest period).

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Wonders of Thailand - Home page

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Site map

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Tourism Authority of Thailand

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Dragon photo by Cloudscolors - CC-BY-SA-3.0

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