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Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the main city in northern Thailand and one of the country's most comprehensive and enchanting cultural destinations. Surrounded by mountains, jungle, and ancient rural communities, Chiang Mai combines historic temples, nature, spirituality, and a relaxed modern life, with a much slower pace than Bangkok, making it a favorite among travelers and residents alike.

The heart of the city is the Old City , surrounded by walls and moats, where some of the country's most important temples are concentrated. Highlights include Wat Phra Singh , one of the most revered in the north; Wat Chedi Luang , with its impressive, partially ruined chedi; and numerous smaller temples that are an integral part of daily life. In the nearby hills stands Wat Phra That Doi Suthep , the most sacred temple in the region, offering panoramic views over the city and imbued with profound spiritual symbolism.

Chiang Mai is also a key center of Lanna culture , evident in its architecture, festivals, cuisine, and handicrafts. The city is famous for its night markets , such as the Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street , where you can find textiles, ceramics, lamps, handcrafted jewelry, and street food. Northern Thai cuisine is one of its major attractions, with signature dishes like khao soi , sai ua (northern sausage), and nam prik .

The natural environment is one of Chiang Mai 's greatest assets. National parks , waterfalls, rice paddies, and rural villages are easily accessible from the city, making it ideal for hiking, cycling, and sustainable tourism. The region is also known for its ethical elephant sanctuaries , where respectful observation and care of these animals are promoted, far removed from shows or tourist exploitation.

The city has a strong spiritual and wellness focus. Chiang Mai is a leading destination for meditation retreats , yoga, traditional Thai massage, and mindful tourism. Many travelers come for extended stays, Thai cooking classes, traditional arts workshops, or simply to enjoy a peaceful and affordable lifestyle in a culturally rich environment.

Throughout the year, Chiang Mai celebrates major festivals, such as Yi Peng and Loy Krathong , when thousands of floating lanterns illuminate the sky and rivers, creating one of Asia's most magical spectacles. Songkran , the Thai New Year, is also a highlight, celebrated with water, rituals, and widespread public participation.

Thanks to its blend of history, nature, gastronomy, and spirituality , Chiang Mai is an ideal destination for cultural, nature, wellness, and extended stays. Authentic, welcoming, and deeply rooted in its traditions, it offers one of Thailand 's most balanced and enriching experiences, where past and present coexist in a serene and profoundly human atmosphere.

The best plans to discover Chiang Mai

The best of Thailand with Phuket

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11 nights€2,122per person

Golden Triangle with Maldives

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Golden Triangle and beaches of Koh Samui

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9 nights

Golden Triangle with Dubai

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Thailand in full with Krabi

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Unique Thailand

Phuket Option
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10 nights

What to see in Chiang Mai?

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

It is a temple that is located on the top of Doi Tung, the highest mountain in Chiang Rai, approximately 2,000 meters above sea level. It was built in the 10th century with two subsequent restorations in the 13th century by King Mengrai of Chiang Rai and in the 20th century by the revered monk Khru Ba Siwichai. It is made up of twin Lanna-style stupas, one of which is believed to contain the Buddha's left clavicle, attracting Buddhist devotees from all over Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. The drive from Chiang Rai is actually an added bonus, passing through stunning scenery and spectacular panoramic views of Laos and Myanmar.

Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary

Located one hour from Chiang Mai, this place offers spectacular jungle landscapes and impressive green rice fields. Here you can swim with elephants and hike to waterfalls and temples hidden in the jungle.

Village of the Giraffe Women

Located in the green and humid jungles of northern Thailand, it is a small tribal tourist town where women popularly known as “Giraffe Women” live, alluding to their long necks curled by golden rings. The village is made up of modest bamboo houses and small, colorful stalls where you can buy fabrics, silks, trinkets and souvenirs.

Mae Sa Valley

This Biosphere Reserve of approximately 500 square kilometers, includes several national parks and up to 5 different ecosystems that include coniferous forest and temperate deciduous forest. Among its most interesting points, the Mae Sa waterfall and the Wat Phra That Doi Suhtep Buddhist temple stand out.

Orchid Farm (Sai Nam Phung)

It is a tourist attraction in Chiang Mai where you can admire a wide variety of orchids and butterflies. It has special enclosures where tropical species can be seen in their natural environment.

Lights festival

The world's most glamorous festival of lights in Thailand will welcome you again on the night of the full moon in November. Let's light faith together, wishing a peaceful future for all your families.The Thai Lantern Festival is celebrated every November in Chiang Mai (northern Thailand), the center of Lanna culture. The festivals of Loy Krathong and Yee Peng overlap creating the beautiful Festival of Lights where paper lanterns are thrown into the air and small rafts of flowers with handmade candles are floated on the river. Thousands of people gather for one of the most amazing festivals you will find in Thailand and it is the best time to visit this city. Both events are part of the Festival of Lights in Thailand. The Yee Peng Festival is celebrated by throwing lanterns into the air. While the Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated by sending floating lanterns (krathongs) down the river. In Chiang Mai, these two events overlap and lead to several days of festivities. The meaning of Yee Peng lantern release is to let go of bad luck as you release the lantern towards the sky. If the lantern disappears from sight before the fire goes out, you will be very lucky. Loy Krathong focuses on similar values. A "krathong" is a small raft made of flowers and candles that floats down the river. The candlelight on the floating krathong is meant for Buddha, while the act of pushing it away symbolizes letting go of hatred, anger and any negativity. It is also meant to thank the Thai goddess of water, Phra Mae Khongkha.There is no minimum age. However, due to the large number of people and the fire used to launch the lanterns, it can be dangerous for unaccompanied children.Traditional Lana lanterns are large and generally require three people to launch. You will find some volunteers on the premises. They will be happy to help you. But this depends on availability. In case you are traveling alone you can also help others and others will help you. The flashlight is designed to turn off after burning for 10 minutes to prevent fires in case it falls on wires. Using only natural and recyclable materials such as paper and bamboo, festival organizers ensure that the floating lanterns do not cause pollution.Attire for attending the event: pants are not permitted shorts, sleeveless blouses or miniskirts.Alcoholic beverages: the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted during the celebration.Recommendation : Carry a lighter and a pen to write down your wishes before launching the lanterns into the air.
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