Chiang Mai is known as the 'Rose of the North,' and it's the point of departure for all the excursions you'll be looking forward to in Northern Thailand. In short, it's somewhere you absolutely must visit if you want to experience the 'real' Thailand.
My suggestion
Plan to spend at least one weekend there if you want to see the Saturday and Sunday markets, which are both held at night and are very busy, with good reason.
Arthur Picard
Seasoned Traveller
5
Ancient capital of the kingdom of Lanna, Chiang Mai is "the Rose of the North", famous for its mountains and the tribal villages which encircle it.
My suggestion
You'll need to get up early to see the morning ritual of the monks walking round the temples so that the locals can give them offerings, including their meals for the day.
Joseph Cohen
Seasoned Traveller
4
Chiang Mai is the capital of Northern Thailand.
My suggestion
Take some time to go for a wander around the night market!
The Khong Chiam region is still largely unaffected by tourism and, for those willing to explore it, offers spectacular scenery and the promise of peaceful days spent well away from the noise and chaos of the urban environment. With its waterfalls, cliffs and rock paintings, Pha Taem is the kind of place you simply never tire of exploring.
Elephant rides have become a major concern in many locations, but are still offered by a handful of so-called "sanctuaries" with the proposition to get close to the exotic and majestic animal. Elephant rides are offered on every street corner and Westerners have little knowledge about the cruel methods to succeed in training these enormous animals.
To set the scene for you, imagine 2,188 km² covered by 80% forest and populated with more than 800 animal species roaming completely free. Add streams, waterfalls and a mountain range amongst 2,000 plant species. Classify it all as a UNESCO world heritage site and you have the Khao Yai national park.