The colorful Thailand, famous for its luxurious resorts in the south of the country, surprises with its north - a completely different world with a special cosmopolitan atmosphere. Rich in rice fields, pineapple, tea plantations, it captivates travelers at a glance.
Eventful story
Chiang Mai is the capital of the province of the same name, whose population is growing due to visitors. The main center of northern Thailand, devoid of a beach area, is located along the Ping River, flowing through the heart of the city, 700 km from Bangkok. The oldest Chang Mai was founded in 1296. It was then that the king of the state transfers the capital to a cozy settlement and gives it the name "new city". Surrounded by a huge moat, which has long served as a defense against enemy raids, after 262 years it will fall before the Burmese invaders, and two centuries later it will be transferred under the protectorate of Siam. It was only in the last century that the territory of the hiking center officially became part of the territory of Thailand.
Tourist centre
By the end of the 80s of the last century, the city was becoming one of the most visited resorts in the country. Of course, its main advantages are considered natural and historical sights, but modern successes cannot be underestimated. Exotic Chang Mai (Thailand), which has retained its charm and is fully consistent with the status of the cultural capital of the "country of smiles", is pleased with its developed tourism infrastructure.
The main income of the city is the export of vegetables, fruits and rice, but recently, an increase in the flow of foreign visitors has brought tangible profits. Russian travelers are still not enough here, as our compatriots prefer a relaxed vacation on Thai beaches that are absent in Chiang Mai. The fast-growing second largest city of the kingdom will appeal to those who are interested in the culture and life of local residents. Therefore, active tourists eager for new experiences will not be bored here.
Several ways to get to the resort
Travelers who choose the north of their country for their vacation are interested in the question of how to get to Chang May in Thailand. I must say that it is not possible to directly get to a unique resort from Russia, since the city airport accepts only domestic flights. Therefore, guests of the country arrive in Bangkok and fly from the Suvanarbhumi airport to the city by the nearest flight (and there are up to 30 a day). Flight time takes no more than an hour. It is also possible to get to the tourist center from Koh Samui, Phuket and other islands of the state.
Buses are the most uncomfortable way to travel to the pearl of Thailand. They come from the northern bus station in Bangkok, and the travel time is 9-10 hours. Often buses arrive in Chang Mai (Thailand) at dawn, when hotels and guesthouses are still closed. The ticket price depends directly on its class - first, second and VIP, which differs in the number of seats. As tourists say, the fewer seats, the better, but more expensive.
In addition, the city can be reached from Bangkok by train. And if you buy a ticket to a recumbent place, you will be able to sleep normally for 14 hours. In order not to lose a whole day on the road, it is best to take an evening flight.
Weather and climate
Located at an altitude of 316 meters above sea level and surrounded by greenery, Chang Mai has a tropical climate, the coldest in Thailand. The tourist season lasts a whole year, but the best months to visit the city are the winter months (from December to February), when there is no rainfall. Cool weather will appeal to guests who do not welcome the intense heat. But from March to June, the air temperature rising to 40 degrees is accompanied by high humidity, and at this time you should refuse to visit the cultural capital of Thailand. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until October, and this is also not the most favorable period for city tours, and even more so for hiking in the mountains. Torrential rains reach their peak in September. In the evenings, the air temperature drops to 15 degrees, so you should stock up on warm clothes.
Old city
If you want to get acquainted with the unique sights of the picturesque corner, you should start exploring from the Old Town - a truly magical place with its own spirit. Within it, historical monuments can be walked around, armed with a free map of Chang May.
The old town is called the center of an unusual resort. Previously, there was a fortress surrounded by a moat at this place, and now you can get here through numerous gates. The first thing that guests who enter the historical center see is the ruins of an ancient brick wall, erected several centuries ago. And everything that is inside of it is of particular interest to tourists. This is a real open-air museum, which Chang Mai is proud of, and it's a pleasure to stroll through a wonderful place and not even a pity to spend the whole day exploring the romantic Old Town.
There is also a national museum where everyone can get acquainted with unique artifacts that tell about the ancient kingdom of Lanna, which existed in Thailand, and a beautiful park, which is a green oasis surrounded by ponds and fountains.
Buddhism Center
Ancient Chang Mai is a city of temples, many of which were built relatively recently. Over seven centuries, about 300 religious monuments have appeared here, so it is called the center of the Buddhism of the state. During the holidays, all the temples are decorated with bright colors, incense fragrances are floating in the air, and the streets are filled with people.
The largest is Van Chedi Luang, founded in the early 15th century. Once its height reached 90 meters, but after a terrible earthquake that occurred four centuries ago, the temple was partially destroyed. Wat Chedi Luang, which stands out among the rest of the buildings with a golden chedi stupa, is considered a symbol of the city. And the entrance is guarded by mythical creatures resembling snakes. Once a Buddha statue from an emerald was stored here, but later it was transferred to Bangkok.
One of the most unusual temples is located in the forest. The Wat Umong Meditation Center (Chang Mai) consists of several underground tunnels, in the niches of which Buddha statues are installed , illuminated by the flame of candles. Wat Umong makes a lasting impression on tourists celebrating a mystical atmosphere in the caves. Twilight and complete silence favor a meditative state.
The former royal residence of Wat Chiang Man located in the Old Town is famous for its relics - Buddha statues made of marble and quartz. The architectural complex of Wat Chiang Man consists of a main building and small buildings. The temple of Wat Phra Singh, made in the classical style, is admired by tourists. Renovated two centuries ago, it is considered the main sanctuary of the country. Wat Phra Singh, which houses the golden statue of the Buddha Lion, houses a library with ancient manuscripts.
Temple City
As tourists say, to enjoy the temples, there is no particular need to book excursions and buy a map of the city. It is worth leaving the hotel, taking a walk along the cozy streets, and the religious sights of Chang May, which are the man-made decoration of a paradise, immediately catch your eye.
It is curious that many churches have special programs for foreigners who dream of touching a foreign culture. The lessons of meditation heal not only the soul, but also the body.
Chang Mai: what else to see?
The ancient settlement of Wiang Kum Kam, whose ruins were found in 1984, was affected by severe flooding. People left Viang Kum Kam, and for several centuries no one remembered him. Archaeologists have discovered about 20 temples, well preserved to this day, as well as ancient manuscripts.
Doi Suthep is a high mountain located a few kilometers from the city in the national park of the same name. It is visible from all sides and is covered with lush vegetation. Locals say those who did not see Doi Suthep were not in Chang May.
Chiang Dao Cave caves with stone waterfalls and sculptures created by the hands of nature resemble an underground temple, as in the grottoes you can see the likeness of altars and Buddha images everywhere.
Guest reviews
Those who visited the north of the country agree that it was not in vain that they visited the hospitable Chang Mai (Thailand). Reviews of tourists are full of enthusiasm, and this is understandable: smiling people, sunny weather, many attractions make staying in a wonderful corner with an amazing atmosphere unforgettable. Unfortunately, not everyone chooses a city without the sea and traditional beaches as their vacation destination, but seek to visit other resorts, where fun is boiling day and night.
It is noted that things and products here are much cheaper than in Pattaya or Phuket. Shopping enthusiasts are not in a hurry here, because several years ago two huge shopping complexes were opened in the city, where European brands of clothes and shoes are presented. In addition, in the local markets you can buy anything you want.
The pacifying Chang Mai (Thailand), the reviews of which excite the imagination, is the very city where the so-called wild tourism is widespread. It should be inspected on foot, and it is also customary to rent bicycles to independently explore the adorable corner. For several days it is difficult to get acquainted with all the interesting monuments of the city, so it is best to stay in the cultural capital of Thailand for at least a week.
Tourists arriving here note that when you turn off the main streets into small alleys, you find yourself in a fabulous maze of narrow roads leading to the picturesque courtyards of private houses twined with greenery. Guests of the city even get the impression that every resident is engaged in floristry. In the shade of the trees you can take a breath after long walks and relax, enjoying the delightful silence.
A new direction, gaining popularity
In recent decades, original Thailand has enjoyed incredible popularity among travelers from all over the world. Chang Mai is a new, not yet fully developed destination for Russian tourists. However, those who visited the modern northern city with rich cultural traditions admit their desire to definitely come back here again.