Chiang Mai Overview

Capital of Chiang Mai Province, the city of Chiang Mai is the largest in Northern Thailand. AsiaRooms provides complete overview of Chiang Mai, its history, culture and lifestyle.

Located about 700 kilometers from Bangkok, Chiang Mai stands on the banks of River Ping, amongst some of the highest mountains in Thailand. Considered to be one of the topmost tourist destinations in Asia, Chiang Mai is a city that leaves tourists spellbound.

The city's strategic location as a major trade route in the region has shaped the history of Chiang Mai. Founded by King Mengrai in 1296, Chiang Mai formally became a part of Thailand in the year 1774.

Even though it has not been able to match the cosmopolitan magnificence of Bangkok, the most popular city of Thailand, Chiang Mai has carved a niche of as a highly progressive and modern city. It is home to some of the world's best resorts that attract millions of tourists annually.

When we talk about Chiang Mai, the first thing that springs to mind is its culture and heritage. The city is home to more than 300 temples and an extraordinary amalgam of various ethnic communities from all over the world.

Chiang Mai is the city that hosts a big number of Thai festivals and events. It does not matter whether you love adventure, nature, cultural studies, or anything else; there are numerous activities to choose from in Chiang Mai.

The most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai are its temples and caves. The city also houses a zoo, heritage villages amongst other natural and architectural marvels.

The weather in Chiang Mai is usually pleasant throughout the year. Summers witness hot weather conditions with storms at some times. Being a mountainous terrain, rainstorms are common here during the rainy season.

The most convenient and easily available mode of getting to Chiang Mai is via the Chiang Mai International Airport. Most of the leading world airlines in the region operate their flights to Chiang Mai on a frequent basis.