Chiang mai map with landmarks. Incredible Haunted House in Chiang Mai. Communication with foreign travelers

The city and province of Chiang Mai, located in the north of Thailand, attracts many tourists. Very often the city itself is called the cultural capital of the country. And the interest of vacationers is due to the fact that in Chiang Mai (Thailand), there is incredible amount all kinds of attractions.

Climate and weather

As in the whole kingdom, in Chiang Mai (Thailand) three seasons can be distinguished:

1. Moderate lasts from November to the end of February. The heat at this time gradually subsides, but the nights are still warm. It is during this period that it is recommended to rest here.
2. The hot period lasts from March to the end of June. The persistent heat sets in, the thermometer reaches forty degrees. Such weather contribute to the fires in the jungle, why the city is periodically surrounded by a veil of smoke. During this period, you should not come to Chiang Mai.
3. The rainy season lasts from early July to late October. Cold monsoons bring frequent showers and coolness from India. It is at this time that it is good to visit the sights cultural capital.

Despite the rather hot climate, nature in Chiang Mai (Thailand) pleases with beauty and greenery throughout the year. The city is between mountain ranges and green hills, and the river Ping flows nearby.

A little about the city...

Chiang Mai - the capital of the northern city is about 170 thousand people. At the same time, Chiang Mai ranks fifth in the ranking of the most big cities countries. The city is three times older than Bangkok. It is not for nothing that it is also called the cultural capital of the country.

It is worth noting that Chiang Mai (Thailand), on the one hand, is of great interest to vacationers, and on the other hand, many tourists bypass it, since there are absolutely no beaches in the city. But there are jungles, which organize exciting trips.

Chiang Mai (Thailand): how to get from Moscow?

Every tourist planning his vacation is concerned with the question of what kind of transport should be used so that the trip is comfortable and least tiring. Since air communication with Thailand is well established, it will not be difficult to get to Chiang Mai (Thailand). How to get to the resort? Of course, the easiest way is by plane. And upon arrival at the airport you will need a taxi. You can use the services of cars belonging to the airport. The cost of their services is approximately 120 baht (1 baht = 1.8 rubles). Local taxi drivers have slightly higher rates.

If you decide to rest in another city, then you can also get to the city of Chiang Mai (Thailand) by bus. This type of transport is considered the cheapest in the country. Experienced tourists recommend to give preference tourist buses, and not by flight. It is worth noting that all transport in Thailand is divided into three classes: 1, 2 and Vip. The level of travel comfort depends on the class of transport you choose.

Speaking about how to get to Chiang Mai (Thailand), it is worth mentioning railway. To be fair, it's worth mentioning that railway transport the country is very well developed. direct train to the city is coming only through Bangkok. If you travel from any other city, you will have to make a transfer. As for the fare, it directly depends on the class of the car. The average fare can be in the range of 270-1450 baht.

Local Attractions

For those who come to Chiang Mai (Thailand), sights are the main purpose of visiting the city. It will be interesting to visit both beginners and experienced travelers. Here you can see natural attractions, ancient temples, wild tribes living in the jungle, and architectural structures. You can see all this by hiring a guide, but also independent travel will allow you to learn a lot of new things.

Tourists always tend to visit the ancient Temple of Doi Suthep, built in 1383, in an era when the province was still part of the Lanna kingdom. The temple is located at some distance from the city, but it is not difficult to get to it. Doi Suthep is worthy of the attention of tourists, it is considered calling card Chiang Mai.

A must visit place for travelers is National Museum, which is rightfully the main museum of the northern region. It contains everything cultural heritage countries. After a major reconstruction of the institution in 1996, the museum's exposition was enriched with the achievements of modern technologies.

Not only tourists, but also Thais themselves come to Chiang Mai to visit the zoo. Giant pandas live here, which delight kids with offspring. The zoo is very young, it was founded only in 1995. In addition to animals, here you can see a large aquarium built in the form of a tunnel, which is home to eight thousand freshwater and marine inhabitants.

Tourists should also visit the Chiang Man Temple, founded in 1296. The complex is considered the oldest in the entire city. Relics are kept here: a Buddha figurine, which allegedly causes rain and ancient images of the Enlightened One.

With children, you should definitely go to the amazing museum natural wonders and insects. The private museum was founded by an entomologist; its exposition includes unusual natural objects, collection of insects and minerals.

Vacationers who appreciate handmade items should definitely visit Sankampeng, which is a suburb of Chiang Mai. Here you can not only buy any handicraft products, but also watch the work of masters with your own eyes.

Night market

Holidays in Chiang Mai (Thailand) simply cannot do without visiting the night market, which is classified as a local attraction. It would be more correct to say that more than one similar night market operates in the city. But the real interest is only the one that is located near the river. It sells any goods, but tourists are attracted by all kinds of products of local artisans. According to tourists, the night market is the best place in Thailand to buy souvenirs.

Where to live in the city?

If you decide to make a trip to Thailand, Chiang Mai is a fairly budget place to stay. It is quite possible to stay in the city for several days in order to be able to calmly see all the sights. The province offers very cheap housing. And it is worth noting that the choice of accommodation options is simply amazing. In the suburbs and in the city itself, a large number of townhouses, houses, rooms and apartments are rented. And, of course, do not forget about city hotels, where stay depends on their star rating.

So, for example, a budget room in a guesthouse can be rented for 250-500 baht per day. And eating for a month on average will cost about 5000-7000 baht. You can rent an apartment for 4000-7000 baht, but you will pay separately for water and electricity. Rooms in hotels cost 5,000-25,000 baht per week, depending on the level of the hotel.

Here are a few interesting facts about Chiang Mai:

1. Planes often fly over the city, this is due to the fact that the airport is located right in the city.
2. There are a lot of international couples walking here, especially for young people.
3. Almost all the temples of the city allow foreigners free of charge. And only for the entrance to Wat Phra Singh you need to pay only 20 baht, this amount is purely symbolic. For entrance to the temples of Bangkok take from 50 to 500 baht, which is much more expensive.
4. The streets of the city are much cleaner than in the same Bangkok.
5. In Chiang Mai, you will not find products with the symbols of other cities on sale. Here they sell goods only with the logos of their hometown.
6. In Chiang Mai, there is a massage parlor at almost every turn. The cost of one session is 150 baht.
7. The city has bike paths, unlike other places in Thailand. For Asian country the presence of such tracks is very rare.
8. There are an incredible number of bike rentals here. The rental price is about 50 baht per day.
9. The weather in the province is cooler than in Phuket or Bangkok. In winter, in the mornings and evenings, the temperature can drop to +15 degrees.
10. There are far fewer dogs on the streets in Chiang Mai than in other Thai cities.
11. There are very few Russian tourists in the city, so you can rarely hear your native speech.
12. There are absolutely no motorcycle taxis here.
13. The city has sidewalks for pedestrians, which is rare in Thailand.

For those who are planning a trip to Chiang Mai, experienced tourists give some recommendations:

1. If the trip falls on winter period, then you should take a thin sweater and a light jacket with you, because at this time it is quite cool in the province.
2. When going to the zoo, take nuts and fruits with you, you will definitely need them there.
3. When renting a taxi, be sure to pay attention to whether it has a meter. If there is none, then look for another car, otherwise they will take money from you not for travel, but for time, even if you stand in a traffic jam all the time.
4. When going somewhere, always get off early as local traffic can make it difficult to get to right place during.
5. When visiting temples, it is worth remembering that you cannot enter them with bare shoulders and legs.
6. Precious jewelry can only be purchased in large stores.
7. When shopping, be sure to bargain.
8. The sale of hard liquor in Thailand is limited in time.

Nutrition

Local cuisine differs from other regions of the country, as it is very diverse. The proximity of Laos and China affects. Chiang Mai has less seafood, but here they are more acceptable prices. The province is known for its large plantations of small pineapples and strawberries, which are not found in the south at all. Local markets sell a lot of sweets and jams based on strawberries.

The traditional dish of the north is well seasoned curries and fried in coconut milk. Vegetarian cuisine is highly developed in Chiang Mai, so there are many establishments with a large assortment of such dishes in the city. The area of ​​budgetary food is well established here. In local buffets, you can eat heartily at minimal financial cost.

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand, millionaire and cultural capital of the country. The city, to our great regret, has become the main disappointment for this whole and all the last trip. Today we will try to figure out what is special about thousands of tourists and expats from Europe, the USA, Australia and Russia in the northern capital of Thailand.

1. The city is divided into two parts: the center, or "square", where pagodas, guesthouses and service facilities for expats are concentrated, and the periphery. The photo shows an ordinary and unremarkable Chiang Mai street outside the square.

2. Do you think the inside of the square is more interesting? Fig from two! Most of the streets are like in a village and without sidewalks. some, not a cultural capital.

3. Outside the center, green is only in select places.

4. But even there it is temporary: Chiang Mai is being actively built up and soon the greenery will thin out.

5. Between the outer part of the city and the square there is a moat and the surviving remains of the wall of the ancient city.

6. There is nothing to catch the eye, think, fragments of the wall. Pigeons are fed.

7. You don’t visit our blog to admire the channels, do you?

8. That's just the fish swam in a dirty canal, and then it will be served to you in a macaroon.

9. Rat sculptures on the bridge. Yes, there are more than enough mumusiks in Chiang Mai.

10. Gentlemen's set: tuberculosis, STDs and treatment of travelers.

11. Police department.

12. Thai McDonald's serves chicken rice on a real plate with real utensils. Shock!

13. But the locals do not care about Western fast food, they prefer street cafes with small plastic tables and chairs.

By sunset, on the sidewalks along the street, along which every evening the townspeople migrate from the center to the outskirts, gluttonous rows open. People stop by and take dinner in bags and trays with them.

14. main square cities. In Thailand, Asians don't understand why squares are needed, so it's empty and uncomfortable here.

15. Have you ever seen a clock set to local time different cities, worked correctly?

16. Wherever you go in the city, you will either come to a massage parlor, where Thai massage costs only 180-200 baht (about 350 rubles),

or to the pagoda (17).

18. Wax statues of monks can be seen inside the Wat Prah Singh pagoda.

It's amazing how realistic they are. Below on the plate is a signature on the wax origin. Madame Tussauds should hunt down this master.

19. Among all this temple tinsel, which looks like it was built yesterday, only once we met a stupa, from which it smells of antiquity.

20. Another temple, "silver". Correctly called Wat Si Supan.

21. Deception is all around: it is not silver at all, but made of inexpensive metal.

Women are not allowed to enter inside the silver temple. From the outside you can see, and only. This is not the only pagoda with such a restriction, another has been seen explaining the sign "women are not allowed inside, because they are menstruating".

22. Collection of donations in temples is obligatory, and the call is always translated into English. Here it is proposed to throw donations to people born under the sign of the dragon according to the Chinese calendar. Of course, the matter is not limited to the dragon, there are twelve such boxes according to the number of characters.

23. Another way to collect donations: gentlemen, tourists, please write your wishes on pieces of paper and do not forget to attach the donation.

24. If this is your first time in South-East Asia, then the local pagodas will definitely impress.

25. But if you spent at least a week in Thailand or other countries of the region, then you won’t say anything other than the phrase “boring” by Homer Simpson. Here the stupa with elephants is a whole event.

26. In Russia, elephants are considered exotic animals, and in the countries of this region they used to be used to transport heavy loads, like our horses, and now tourists ride them. So none of the locals open their mouths at the sight of an elephant.

27. Authenticity in these pagodas is no more than in the Chinese copy of the Austrian town of Hallstatt. You will not meet locals here so often, but there are a lot of Chinese tourists.

28. The Russian Orthodox Church also loves such restoration: whitewash everything

and gold, more gold! The main thing is to look richer and brighter (29).

30. Well, not to admire a bush in the form of an elephant in a strange position?

31. The exact date and even the time of the foundation of the temple is indicated in the Wat Chiang Man pagoda: April 12, 1296, 4 o'clock in the morning.

32. And here is the stele itself with the date (gray in the center of the frame), you can’t go to it.

Early the ancient working day began. After spending a month in Thailand, we understand them perfectly: between 12 and 15 it is impossible to engage in any meaningful activity, I want to go to a hammock and arrange a hakuna matata.

33. Dogs in the heat are amorphous and immobilized. The only thought in the dog's brain: to dig a deep hole for himself and to snuggle up to the coolness of the earth with the maximum area of ​​​​the body.

34. They get up only to drink water and again back to the pit.

35. Well, if he finds a whim on a passerby, and he comes to feed kebabs.

36. Chiang Mai has public transport. It is represented by minibuses, songteo. The color determines the approximate direction of movement.

For example, a red minibus keeps its way from different parts of the city in the direction of the center and often circles around the center. The itinerary may change depending on the wishes of the passengers. If you catch an empty minibus, it can turn into your personal taxi, and the fare will cost more, so you need to be on the lookout.

37. "Songteo" is translated as "two benches" according to the number of benches on which passengers sit.

Do you want to go out? You press the button on the ceiling and the driver stops. After stopping, you just need to remember to go to the cab and pay for the trip.

38. The only place in the city that does not look like a reservation for tourists is Buak Had Park.

39. At sunset, both expats and locals flock here for a run,

play sox (40)

or just lie on the grass (41).

Many expats choose Chiang Mai as a wintering destination or even move here for permanent residence. We do not understand this choice. Yes, Chiang Mai is located in the north of Thailand, in winter the weather is more comfortable here, and in the hot season, in spring, it is easier to breathe. Yes, it is inexpensive here and there are all conditions for comfortable work. Yes, there are several contemporary art galleries for the soul and co-working spaces with smoothies and fast internet for work. And you won’t be left alone here, because the same expats from all over the world come here. But all this does not outweigh the fact that Chiang Mai is boring. You can, of course, rent a bike and ride through the villages and waterfalls on weekends, but still, you will squirm out of boredom! This is not Bangkok :)

42. Finally, let's show graffiti at an abandoned gas station

and many other graffiti we met while walking around the city. These drawings are our most vivid impression of Chiang Mai (43).

In the city, of course, there is mortal longing, but outside the city we managed to find one interesting place, which we will tell about very soon.

Many tourists think that Thailand is an island with incredible beautiful beaches, palm trees, azure water and the ever blue sky above. Yes, yes, this opinion is formed from the fact that most people go to rest in Thailand exclusively on the islands, whether it be Phuket, Phi Phi, the Similan Islands or Koh Samui. There are really many islands in the kingdom. But like any other country, in addition to the south, there is also a north.

The north of Thailand is rich in rice fields going to the foot of the silent mountains, tea and pineapple plantations, diverse nature, numerous temples and gardens, colorful villages, one of which is inhabited by women with long necks, and a completely different mentality and character of the local population. The northerners are very kind and smiling, sincere and calm, next to them you yourself begin to feel much better. And this is only a small part of the advantages of northern Thailand, which he reveals to the traveler little by little, step by step.

One of the most famous northern cities, Chiang Mai, is also the cultural capital of Thailand, just like St. Petersburg in Russia. Culture in Chiang Mai was embodied in numerous old Buddhist temples, of which more than 300 (!) gathered here in a relatively small area, in colorful local markets, somewhat different from their southern counterparts, in the singing of monks, traditional dances and in the scale with which the city celebrates Yipeng festival.

Of course, all this was reflected in the calm atmosphere of the city, which every guest will feel, especially during religious holidays. On such days, all the temples are decorated with bright fabrics and flowers, the streets become crowded, and the courtyards near the temples are filled with shops with street food, ritual bunches and incense. So, make yourself comfortable, now we will tell you in detail why you should definitely visit this northern city, to which charters from Russia do not fly.

Temples of Chiang Mai

Temples are the first thing people visit in the city. They are a man-made decoration of the northern capital, and this distinguishes it from other Thai cities. Multi-colored, gold, light, dark, underground, ancient, modern, wooden, large, small, ruined, decorated with pieces of mirrors, located high in the mountains - the traveler has a great choice.

To see the temples, there is no need to buy a tour or order transport. And it is not necessary to take a map of the city with you. It is enough to leave the hotel, go for a walk along the streets in the center, and you will definitely stumble upon at least a dozen temples in the first hour of your walk.

In one of them you will find a monk, meditation master Acharna Mun Bhuridarto, sitting in a glass box in a state of Samadhi. In the spring of 1949 he was stricken with an incurable disease. According to one version, the soul of a monk in meditation left the body, leaving it incorruptible, in order to show the limitless possibilities of man.

The only thing to consider when visiting them is clothing: it should cover the shoulders, stomach and knees. For those who do not know how to behave in temples, where you can take pictures and where you can’t, what these or those religious objects and actions mean.

Old city

The old city, the very heart of Chiang Mai, has the shape of a square and is surrounded by an old wall and a moat around the perimeter, destroyed in places. Almost everything that is inside these walls can be called museum exhibits so living here is quite unusual and interesting.

Oddly enough, the center of this northern city is very cozy, there is no huge flow of cars here, tall buildings and business centers. On the contrary, everything is very small and compact. Most of the first floors are occupied by all kinds of cafes, pubs, shops, massage parlors and other tourist pleasures. On the upper floors, as a rule, rooms are rented by business Thai or Chinese aunts.

The old city is a very important part of Chiang Mai, here are the ancient Buddhist temples and hosts one of the most popular events among tourists - the weekend market (Sunday market). In this market, you can see national dances performed by children, hear the amazing play of blind musicians, eat delicious food and buy various handicrafts from the villagers. At the Sunday Market, you will find things that you didn't even know existed before. The fact is that the inhabitants of northern Thailand are very creative, they create a lot of gizmos designed to make life easier and delight the eyes, nose or ears.

Communication with foreign travelers

A lot of tourists come to Chiang Mai from European countries, as well as Australia, Canada, the USA, China, and a few from Russia. Ask why? At the very beginning of the article, the answer was already given - all Russian-speaking tourists rest on the islands or mainland Thailand, where there is a sea. Since there is no sea in Chiang Mai, and it is far from Bangkok to get there, then, according to many, it becomes uninteresting.

Why is it good? Here you can perfectly practice your Chinese, Japanese, French and Spanish, especially English. Communicating with foreigners, you will get new experience and make friends. To do this, just go to one of the many bars, sit at a table and watch. Someone will probably talk to you, and not in any way mother tongue, so you will have to learn English, even if you do not set such a goal. Moreover, among foreign travelers there are often very interesting interlocutors.

locals

This is another good reason to visit Chiang Mai. Sociable people will definitely make Thai friends here, to whom they will really want to return later to see again the owner of the shop with fruit necks, the aunt with eleven fingers, who sells the most delicious sweet rice with mango, the Thai calmly stirring vegetables in boiling oil with his hands, and meet other interesting residents.

Certainly, good people are everywhere, they have no gender, age or nationality. However, in Thailand it is much easier to be open, cheerful and friendly.

Beautiful nature

Chiang Mai is surrounded by greenery, and if you look at it from a height, you can see how the houses peep through the dense thickets of trees. There are many lakes and parks in the city, and in its vicinity there are picturesque Thai villages framed by a chain of mountains, and national parks with waterfalls, which have become a favorite vacation spot for Thais.

To really get into beautiful nature northern Thailand, you need to rent a bike or a car, take goodies with you, good company and ride the highways leading out of the city. Then you will definitely enjoy everything that was written above.

Lots of attractions and entertainment

Here you will find everything that the cultural soul of man desires:

And it's not complete yet detailed list. Although, let's not hide it, Pattaya lovers may find it boring. It's all about personal preference. Chiang Mai is good for families or friends.

good location

Minibuses run constantly from the city center to the main attractions, places of entertainment, as well as the airport and bus station, although the prices for city transport are quite high.

There are many bike and car rental points in the Old Town, so the city becomes a convenient starting point both for hiking in the surroundings and for further travels in northern Thailand: to Pai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and other interesting places.

Attractive prices

Prices in Chiang Mai are very attractive. An unpleasant exception, perhaps, can only be a songteo ticket, which costs 20-30 baht (1 ruble = 0.9 baht) per person inside the walls of the Old City. Trips outside of it will cost 150-200 baht for two, and in some cases can reach up to 500 baht. Considering that here for 20 baht you can buy a coconut, half a liter of fruit shake or fried chicken fillet, this is an incredible amount.

shopping

Most recently, all residents of the city celebrated in style the opening of two large shopping and entertainment complexes: the Chiang Mai Central Festival and the Promenade Resort Mall, which present many familiar European brands of clothing, shoes and accessories. The opening of the Maya shopping center is on the way. In addition to them, Airport Plaza and shopping mall Kad Suan Kaew. As you can see, Chiang Mai has no shortage of familiar brand stores.

There are even more markets here: Night Bazaar, weekly Saturday and Sunday markets in the city center, markets on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Tesco Lotus and Big C, Varorot market, student markets, markets at the south and north gates and so on.

Your reason to visit Chiang Mai

We leave the tenth point free so that you yourself come to the northern city and find something that will enchant you and leave you with a aching desire to return without fail. Those who have already been here, please write your reason in the comments to the article, even if it coincides with the above. Share with us your experience.

Friends, travel, experiment, discover new facets of life and savor the sensations received from the rest!

Updated: 08.11.2018 Oleg Lazhechnikov

34

I don't know why, but Chiang Mai is my favorite city in Thailand. Perhaps because he was my first in this country once. It all started with him ... And the love for Thailand, and the passion for traveling. Almost always, when I am in Russia, or when I remember our trips to Thailand, in most cases, pictures of northern Thailand appear in my head, and it is with him that comparisons are always made in terms of prices and attitudes. local residents.

In fact, there are a lot of interesting things in and around Chiang Mai, I have not even seen half of what is there. You can drive in different directions from the city on various national parks, climb mountains, look at lakes, visit temples. I will list the places where I have been and the places where I will someday go. To get started, the surrounding area:

• Night Safari
• Night market

In addition to the city itself and its immediate environs, you can go somewhere far away, where there is also a lot of interesting things.

• (most high mountain and waterfall)
• (amazing atmosphere, waterfalls, caves, mountain springs)
• Flight of the Gibbon, through the jungle on zip-lines
• (Very beautiful park in the mountains)
• Wat Prajomklao Rachanusorn in Lampang province. The temple is located on the rocks above.

Attractions map

So native Chiang Mai

The last time I was in Chiang Mai was two years ago and now I am here again. Almost a month on the road: Hong Kong - Macau - Bangkok - Kampeng Pet - Hua Hin- Pattaya - Koh Chang. And only after reaching Chiang Mai, there was a strange feeling of calmness. Forgotten feeling at home, when you want to linger and not think about further movements. And the most amazing thing is that I am not alone in my feelings, and have already heard from other people more than once that they were hooked by this place.

On the other hand, I perfectly understand that there is nothing special in Chiang Mai, or something like that, why it is worth going here. Therefore, I am not at all surprised by the stories of other travelers or winterers who speak of Chiang Mai in a completely different way than I do. It really is an ordinary city.

Chiang Mai is changing. There are much more newcomers here, but so far the critical mass has not yet been reached, and I hope it will not be. After all, there is no sea, and this is the main plus! So far I have not seen a single place unspoiled by the resort. From what else caught my eye - construction, it is everywhere, more and more hotels and condominiums. And the second - new and modern songteos, which now still have their own routes.

If you are going to visit Chiang Mai and are looking for accommodation, we remind you that we have. Or you can search and book a hotel in Chiang Mai on the RoomGuru service.

It's funny, but two years ago, there were very few people I knew here, and there were few Russians. But now there should be no problems with communication. During this visit, almost every day I met someone whom I know virtually (or who knows me), or even those whom I know personally and saw in Russia. Approximately estimated, crossed with more than 20 different people for a week, not counting casual acquaintances during the holiday.

The only thing I missed here was family. And the padtai is no longer so tasty, and the air is not so fresh, and it is wildly lonely in the evenings when you are left alone. So without a family, Tai is not Tai, and Chiang Mai is not Chiang Mai, not to mention that you are not you ...

A few photos from the walks.

My favorite fruit salad with muesli

© Chiang Mai is one of the big, beautiful and historic cities in Thailand.

Chiang Mai province is considered one of the most popular among tourists. One of the factors that influences this is the fact that this place has a rich history and culture.

Unlike the newly built resort towns, of which there are a lot on the map of the kingdom, here you can not only take a walk, but also spend a few days sightseeing.

According to seasoned travelers, in order to really get to know Thailand, you need to visit Chiang Mai at least once, because it is in this city that the spirit of the kingdom is best felt.

The capital of the province and at the same time the center of all Northern Thailand is Chiang Mai Town. Near provincial town lies Laos and Burma, which together make up the legendary Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia. This city is the fifth largest in the entire kingdom.

Chiang Mai on the map of Thailand

Not far from it is Doi Inthanon - the highest mountain in the whole kingdom. Its height is 2776 meters above sea level. This place is the only place in the whole kingdom where snow falls.

Since the city is located in the north of the country, the climate in Thailand is more temperate. At the top of Doi Intahanon is the coldest point in Thailand, where temperatures sometimes drop to minus eight degrees.

In Chiang Mai, as in the whole kingdom, there are three main seasons:

• Moderate season. Runs from November to February. At this time, the heat subsides, although the nights are still warm. It is this period of time that is considered to be the most suitable for relaxing in Chiang Mai.

• Hot. The season starts in March and lasts until the end of June. It is at this time that the heat rises to a maximum of 40 degrees. Such heat contributes to the occurrence of fires in the jungle and in the surrounding areas. The city is periodically shrouded in a smoke screen coming from the burning forests. This is the worst time to visit the town.

• Rain season. As in the whole kingdom, from July to the end of October, the rainy season begins in Chiang Mai. The cold monsoon brings coolness and regular showers from India.

These four months are perfect for visiting the cultural capital of Thailand. At this time, it is not very stuffy there, the abundance of rain contributes to the restoration of vegetation, and even the air becomes cleaner.

Despite the changeable weather, the nature of the city whole year remains picturesque and captivates all who come there. On the map of the country, you can see that Chiang Mai is located among high mountain ranges and green hills, next to the Ping River. In the mountains that surround the province, there are many small villages where local settlers live. They hide in dense tropical forests, but guests of the kingdom can still visit them to immerse themselves in Thai culture.

Province population

More than a million Thais live in the province of Chiang Mai, of which 170,000 are in the capital alone. The population of Chiang Mai outwardly differs from other Thais: people there are more swarthy, short and outwardly more reminiscent of the Chinese. But they differ not only in appearance, but also in character.

Thais, in general, are known for being very smiling and friendly people. Local population Chiang Mai seems to tourists to be an ideal nation. Calm and pleasant in communication, they are ready to help everyone and everyone.

On the territory of this small province live various ancient tribes and nationalities with their own history and customs, whose small villages are not even marked on the map. They are mainly engaged in growing tea and rice, hunting wild animals and raising livestock.

Other local residents living in the main part of the village also devote a lot of time to agriculture. But the main profit they bring, of course, the tourism industry. In addition, the capital of the city is known throughout the world for high-quality carpets, which are created by local artisans.

Most of the locals speak one of the dialects of the Thai language. But, since there are always a lot of tourists in the city, in communicating with them, the Thais switch to quite acceptable English.

City `s history

Chiang Mai is a city with a truly rich history, which goes back more than 700 years. It is considered one of the most significant in all of Thailand. The Lanna Kingdom, which covers a huge part of the north of Thailand, has always been prosperous, and the area where this moment Chiang Mai is located - surprisingly picturesque.

In 1296, King Mengrai founded a new town called Chang Mai.

500 years after its founding, the city would be devastated and rebuilt. This happened during the struggle for power between the princes of Lanna and the Burmese governors. After restoration, in 1726 the city was repopulated by residents from neighboring villages. And the vassals of Siam began to rule the lives of the locals. The period lasted until 1939, when the last of the vassals died.

How to get to Chiang Mai

The easiest way to get to Chiang Mai is by plane. The city is located three kilometers from the airport () from which it is quite possible to take a taxi. A taxi that officially belongs to the airport will take you to your desired location in the city for 120 baht. Locals rate their services a little higher.

But you can choose more cheap way travel - travel by bus. Buses are better to choose a tourist type. They move faster and are more comfortable to ride. Intercity buses, on which you can get to Chiang Mai are divided into three types: VIP, first class and second class. Travel conditions depend on the class.

Trains in Thailand should not be afraid either. quite developed. The trip will cost you less. True, a direct train runs to Chiang Mai only from the capital of Thailand.

Bangkok-Chiang Mai train schedule

Urban transport

In the city itself, you can also ride on different types public transport. There is not as much of it as in the capital. Thais mostly use their own transport or songthaews.

Attractions and interesting places

Chiang Mai Province attracts both experienced tourists as well as newcomers. There is really something to see there: natural beauty, original tribes living in the jungle, and, of course, old temples and architectural buildings.

You can explore all this either on your own or with the help of one of the guides. Those who choose the first option should read the list of the most interesting places to visit.

Museum of Natural Wonders

Founded by one of the entomologists, this museum exhibits an extensive collection of various tropical insects and minerals. Also there are mysterious natural objects collected by the same entomologist.

Doi Suthep Temple

One of the most famous in all of Thailand Buddhist temples. This building, built back in 1328, is considered the hallmark of the province.

Zoo and Aquarium

It was built in 1955 by an American. Later, a huge underground aquarium was also built there, in which more than eight thousand different sea creatures live.

National Museum

The museum is one of the most important in the north of the kingdom. The exhibits in its halls reflect the rich culture of Lanna and the surrounding northern provinces.

Night market

There are several night markets in the city. But the one that is really interesting is located next to the river. Almost everything is sold there, but it attracts tourists mainly with various handicrafts that local artisans sell there. It's definitely the best place to buy souvenirs.

You can also just have fun in the city. There are plenty of appropriate establishments: from clubs and discos to go-go bars and live music venues.

Accommodation in Chiang Mai

The province is perfect for settling there for a long time. The province has fairly cheap housing, while tourists have plenty to choose from, as there are many rental houses, townhouses and rooms in the city and the surrounding area. In addition, in the city, of course, you can check into one of the hotels, the cost of living in which depends on their level.

A room in a guesthouse, for example, can be rented for 250-500 baht per day, rent for a month will cost 5-7 thousand baht. Renting an apartment or condo is 4-7 thousand baht, payment for water, electricity, is carried out separately. The cost of rooms in the hotel will be 5000 - 25000 baht per week, from the proposed conditions, 2 stars and above.

• Despite the fact that Chiang Mai is located in a country with a hot climate, the nights here are sometimes very cold. Therefore, experienced travelers, along with light clothing and swimwear, are advised to bring a sweater or jacket.

• But, going to the temple, be sure to cover your legs and shoulders. This is required by the local dress code.

• When choosing which of the local dishes you should try first, be sure to pay attention to Chiang Mai sausages.
• Of all the variety of transport in Chiang Mai, it is better to give preference to taxis with meters. This will help you save on trips around the city and avoid being scammed.
• There are often traffic jams in the city, so when going somewhere, be sure to leave early in order to be in time.
• Remember that in Chiang Mai, as in all of Thailand, it is customary to bargain, both with tuk-tuk drivers and in local markets.