About Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second city and the gateway to Thailand’s north. It was founded in 1296 by king Mengrai as the cultural, political and religious centre of a kingdom known as Lanna: Lanna translates as ‘a million rice fields’ a reference to the ease with which Thailand’s north produces crops thanks in part to its almost perfect climate; it is rarely too hot and never too cold in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai was a walled city with a surrounding defensive moat protecting the royal buildings and over 35 Buddhist temples: the moat is still maintained today and features in many of the cities annual festivals, as do the gates and parts of the old city wall that are still standing. The Lanna kingdom’s golden age was in the 15th century, when there were close ties to the kingdom of Lanxang - ‘a million elephants’ - in neighbouring Luang Prabang, Laos: there are daily flights from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. Lanna culture and traditions are very much alive today and enthusiastically celebrated throughout the year in any of the 10 important festivals or numerous local temple fairs.

Chiang Mai is now a provincial capital of the kingdom of Thailand. The city blends a wonderful mix of 5 star tourist facilities including spas, golf, restaurants and hotels with an ancient, fascinating and very much alive culture. Chiang Mai has long attracted Bangkok residents looking for a cool retreat and Chiang Mai’s famous cuisine, and international tourists looking for adventure, hospitality and to experience Chiang Mai’s rich cultural heritage. The city is also a regional hub convenient for visits to the golden triangle, Myanmar, Laos and Yunnan province in China.