Thailand’s second most important city

Posted by paul on June 1st, 2008 filed in Attractions, tourist tips

Huge crowds of both, domestic and international travellers appreciate the city of Chiang Mai due to its appealing attractions, laid-back ambience, tasty cuisine, historic treasures, and excellent shops and markets. The city is renowned for producing the finest handicrafts and has become one of Thailand’s major export centres. These are some of the factors that many first-time visitors rather soon decide to come back here at least one more time.

Providing northern Thailand’s gateway, Chiang Mai boasting over 300 monasteries and temples is positioned about 435 miles northwest of the Thai capital. Chiang Mai, rightfully nicknamed “Rose of the North” is blessed with a long crafts and arts tradition.

Chiang Mai’s rich history can still be seen in the city. The downtown area is surrounded by a moat and features many ancient Buddhist temples and a network of atmospheric alleys. Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are just two of the magnificent temples, which deserve to be visited and photographed. Just to the north of the downtown area is the National Museum, truly a must for every history buff as it houses a comprehensive Buddha images collection along with regional handicrafts.

Shopping in Chiang Mai is highly enjoyable, be it for clothing, handicrafts, or luxury goods. Nearly everything is for sale at very attractive prices in outlets ranging from little family owned shops to the most prestigious and extremely large shopping malls as well as at the world-famous Night Bazaar and each Sunday along Walking Street.

The atmospheric Chiang Mai Walking Street

Bor Sang is nicknamed “The Umbrella Village” and can be reached within a short drive from Chiang Mai city. Here visitors and wholesale shoppers will be impressed by the wide range of cheaply priced Thai handicrafts and beautifully hand-made and hand-painted umbrellas. Many Westerners visit Bor Sang two or three times annually for purchasing the best deals on wholesale shopping. However, to get the most lucrative deals it is really recommended to use the services of an experienced Thai shopping agent.

Chiang Mai has become a cosmopolitan city with plentiful foreign companies and organisations positioned in this appealing provincial capital. Chiang Mai boasts an outstanding transport infrastructure. The airport operates international non-stop services to Taiwan, China, Cambodia, Burma, Singapore and Malaysia.