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CHIANG MAI
Celebrating its 700th anniversary in 1996, Chiang Mai was for centuries the capital of the Lanna (Million Ricefields) kingdom. In 1774, after a period of domination by the Burmese, it was liberated by King Thaksin and united with the rest of Thailand.
Today Chiang Mai offers visitors a unique glimpse into Thai history. Surrounded by a centuries-old moat, the narrow lanes of the old city shelter ancient temples and traditional teak houses. Visit the National and City Museums for deeper insights into the city's and region's past.
Spend hours in the city's innummerable temples.
Enjoy riverside gourmet dining and study Thai cuisine in small cooking schools.
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a dragon on temple steps
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Browse the souvenir stalls and antique shops of the Night Bazaar.
Enjoy expert massage or unwind in a therapeutic spa.
Go trekking, for a day or longer.
Ride an elephant, go whitewater rafting or in the dry season, drift down the Mae Ping river on a bamboo raft.
Venture further afield, to the provinces of Chiang Rai (the Golden Triangle, source of the opium trade), the mountains of Mae Hong Son, the teak houses of Phrae or remote national parks in Nan.
Travel onwards to Yunnan in China, where the Thai culture originated, Luang Prabang in Laos, where time stopped a century ago, to
Burma, to Hong Kong or Singapore.
Click on the heading left or email us with your enquiry.
THINGS TO DO
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SHOW TIME!
The newest show spot in town is Munro's, featuring twice-nightly performances (except Monday) by
British drag star Ruby Munro and a talented team of local dancers and singers offering an international blend of song and dance.
and this is my everyday hair
All are welcome, locals and visitors, family and friends. Come and dine or just come for a drink. Munro's is on Nimmanhaemin Road at the corner of Soi Eleven.
DOI SUTHEP
According to legend, holy Buddhist relics discovered during the reign of King Kuena (1355-1385) were
placed in a howdah on the back of a white elephant, which carried them up the Suthep mountain overlooking
Chiang Mai and then died. Since that time a temple on that site has housed the relics.
worshipping in Doi Suthep
The present temple complex dates back almost five hundred years, although the current buildings are more recent.
Today it is one of the most popular sites in Thailand, seeing hundreds of visitors, Thai and overseas,
for most of the day.
To avoid the crowds, go early. Arrive at dawn and walk up the 306 Naga steps (featured in the film Ong Bak),
pay your respects to the Buddha in one of the many images that represent him ring the bells that bring good luck. After
a coffee at one of the stalls in the courtyard, you are ready to begin your day...
For tours to Doi Suthep, click here.
WIANG KUM KAM
The ancient royal city of Wiang Kum Kam lies a pleasant boat ride south of Chiang Mai.
This short tour picks you up at your hotel, transfers you to the pier for a 20 minute journey
down the River Ping on a new and comfortable teak fitted boat. After a video introduction to the
site, ride a house and cart around the remains of six ancient temples.
Return to Chiang Mai by boat and transfer back to your hotel.
For more information and to book, click here.
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CLIMB HIGHER
Ever wanted to climb a mountain? Now's your chance. Spend one, two or three days on a rock-climbing course taught by experts.
The one day course is held on an artificial wall in the centre of Chiang Mai.
It includes essential safety techniques, including harness, knots and anchors. You learn how to co-ordinate and balance your body
and move your limbs to climb more easily.
don't look down...
The two course moves on to lead climbing and the three day course takes you out to real mountain
to practise your new found skills. Courses start at 2,250 baht with
Kinnara
internet discount. More information here.
BELLE VILLA RESORT
boutique resort in a scenic location a short drive from the city centre; all rooms and villas look out onto green surroundings
with jogging, tennis, elephant riding and other facilities, the resort is a place where you can enjoy the remoteness to the fullest; first class standard with the emphasis on an "at home" atmosphere.
from 2,250 baht per night, including breakfast, taxes and service.
book here
RIVERSIDE DINING
At the end of the day, enjoy dinner at The Gallery, a restaurant overlooking the River Ping five minutes' tuk-tuk
ride from the Night Bazaar.
Traditional Thai and Lanna cooking, with international options if you must, on the terrace
of a traditional Thai house once owned by a wealthy merchant. Budget less than 1,000 baht per person unless you add wine.
On your way out, linger in the shop offering an eclectic range of Thai arts and crafts at surprisingly low prices.
Then hail a tuk-tuk to take you back to your hotel or to one of the city's many welcoming bars.
book here
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