Traveling Chiang Mai Thailand

Chiang Mai history, culture and people
Chiang Mai has always had an important role in the culture and religion of northern South-east Asia since it was founded by King Mengrai in 1296. Nowadays, Chiang Mai is the second largest city of Thailand with more than 200,000 people living in its urban area.

The Old City, surrounded by vestiges of walls and moats, represents the peaceful and slow pace of Chiang Mai. Temples are everywhere, which tell the story about Chiang Mai's past as an important religious center of this region. The eighth World Synod of Theravada Buddhism was held here in 1477. Buddhism penetrates many aspects of people's lives.

As Chiang Mai straddled the most important crossroads between China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, with fertile mountains, valleys and rivers surrounding it, the city grew to be a trade center in the fusion of cultures. Handcrafted pottery, weaving, woodcarving and silver work are all charming parts of Chiang Mai trade development. Tourism makes Chiang Mai open to the world; this old city is turning into a modern city with growing infrastructure of shopping malls and buildings.

Getting tired of noise and terrible traffic detour of Bangkok? Then enjoy a peaceful time in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Sights&Activities
It is all about visiting Wat(Temple) and shopping. Temples are must-visit tourist attractions in Chiang Mai. More than 300 temples spread widely in this city. Famous temples include:
Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Ma, Wat U Mong and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Chiang Mai is also a shopping and bargain paradise for shopaholics provides a wide range of shopping targets including: silver-wear, woodcarving, silk or weaving apparel.
Grab something in the local markets to leave a good memory of your travel to Chiang Mai. 
Chiang Mai Cuisine
Chiang Mai will never let you down even if you are a picky gourmand. Chiang Mai has the best assortment of restaurants providing various cuisines. Wander around different streets and markets of Chiang Mai, let your nose point a direction for you.

Chiang Mai Shopping
What to buy in Chiang Mai: Antiques, Celadon Ceramics, Clothing and Accessories, Contemporary Art, Essential Oils and Spa products, Rattan, Silverwork, Textile, Umbrella, Woodcarving.

Chiang Mai Nightlife
Does nightlife in Chiang Mai only mean nightclub, dancing, alcohol and music? Actually, it is Chiang Mai's night market you should experience at night, especially, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. This buzzing market is the modern legacy of the original Yunnanese trading caravans that stopped here along the ancient trade route between Simao and Mawlamyaing. Throw yourself into the crowded night market of Chiang Mai; experience a fantastic nightlife mixing crazy shopping, food and drinks.