A Visit to Chiang Mai

Bangkok is the immediate choice for most tourists who think of Visiting Thailand .However, Chiang Mai has been gaining popularity in recent years as an alternative travel destination. Chiang Mai is the country’s largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand and can be found among the highest mountains in the country.

The roots of the Thai Civilization can be found in the north and has many sites of cultural and archaeological interest. Chiang Mai is the capital of the northern region and many overseas visitors use it as a base for getting to know ethnic tribes, soft adventure activities and shopping.

Thousands of people travel to Chiang Mai annually to take part in the Songkran Festival. This festival is to celebrate the entry of the sun into the Zodiac sign of Aries and is considered by locals as their traditional New Year holidays.

Aside from Songkran, the Loi Kratong or "Yee Peng" festival as it is also known in the north of Thailand is also held in Chiang Mai. The Loi Kratong festival is held around November every year. This is when thousands of people assemble banana leaf containers decorated with flowers and candles onto the waterways of the city to worship the Goddess of Water. Sky lanterns are also launched into the air for luck and to decorate the locals’ houses and streets.

If you are one of those who prefer to get in touch with nature, there at least three national parks in Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Suthep and Opkhan. The Dokmai Garden provides an introduction into the nature and culture of northern Thailand. Hill Tribe tourism and Trekking can also be done here. You can also opt to visit the Elephant Nature Park ,which is home to approximately 30 rescued elephants.

The Tiger Kingdom can be found just outside Chiang Mai, for those who would like to get close to these giant cats. It is a small tiger park that offers various packages depending on how you like to interact with these creatures. You can choose to view them safely behind fences. If you’re a little more adventurous, you can touch or play with tigers from different age groups, from cubs to adults.Tiger Kingdom is definitely a place that is worth a quick visit.

Chiang Mai houses more than 300 Buddhist Temples ,dating as far back as the 13th century. Museums, ancient ruins, national parks, waterfalls, mountain trails and other unique and beautiful attractions can be found within a half hour’s drive in all directions.

The city has something to offer everyone from nature lovers, culture vultures, adrenaline junkies and even those who just want to lie back and get pampered!.