Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colorful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned travelers, a paradise for shoppers and a delight for adventurers. On a trip to Chiang Mai, the curious traveler can expand their horizons with Thai massage and cooking courses. Others will be bowled over by the variety of handicrafts and antiques. The wild child will find plenty of lively nightlife, and the epicure can indulge in wonderful cuisine. Despite its relatively small size, Chiang Mai truly has it all.

Located 700 km (435 miles) north of Bangkok in a verdant valley on the banks of the Ping River, Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Today it is a place where past and the present seamlessly merge with modern buildings standing side by side with venerable temples.

Chiang Mai means "New City", yet is over 700 years old, and has an important role in Thailand’s history.  It is located in the northern part of Thailand, in the mountain area, and is the largest and most important city in this region. Chiang Mai is said to have a population of 160,000 but this consists only of the old city (walled center of town) when combining the several other areas around the city itself boosts a population of over 1 million.  At rough estimates there are some 40,000 expats living within Chiang Mai itself.

Chiang Mai is large enough to contain several golf courses, hundreds of spas, thousands of restaurants, and places to get a massage are always within a stones throw away.  There are also over 300 Temples – all working and operational with Monks, several large shopping malls and almost everything you could desire. Yet Chiang Mai is small enough to be able to easily drive, ride a motorcycle or get the famous Tuk Tuk’s to get out and about.

Chiang Mai city is a combination of modern and 700 years of history.  It is a rich and vibrant tourist center, with many well known areas, activities and shopping opportunities.  It also has the hidden out of the way gems that your fellow expats will delight in showing you.