Chiang Mai
Home > Destinations > Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is Thailand's principal northern city amid
wonderful mountain scenery and the centre for tourism. Founded in 1296, Chiang Mai was the capital of Lanna Thai
("Kingdom of One Million Rice fields"), the first independent Thai kingdom. Chiang Mai flourished as a major religious,
cultural and trading centre until 1556 when a Burmese invasion reduced it to a vassal state. The Burmese were expelled
in 1785, whereupon Lanna Thai once again became part of northern Thailand. Many Thai regard Chiang Mai city and province
as being something of a national Shangri-La, thanks to its beautiful women, distinctive festivals, historic temples
dating from the 1300's, scenic beauty, temperate fruits such as apples, peaches and strawberries and a crisp,
invigorating cool season climate.
Chiang Mai offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment and there are countless possibilities to enjoy your stay in Chiang Mai. Among them trekking amid wonderful mountain scenery, visiting hill tribes, elephant training centers, temples and cultural shows (Thai dancing) and plenty opportunities for shopping and dining.
