Chiang Mai, City of Culture, is the second most popular tourist destination in Asia after Bangkok. It is not difficult to understand why, once you come to know this beautiful city and its gentle people. In fact Chiangmai is also the favourite holiday destination of many Thai people.

Located in the Mae Ping River Basin, 710 kilometres from Bangkok, and 305 metres above sea level, the original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat, and vestiges of the fortified wall. Four main gates offer principal access to the old town, which is criss-crossed by main roads, and veined by charming narrow lanes with traditional teakwood houses.

There are so many places of interest to visit or explore in Chiang Mai that one can never tire of this lovely city. These include ancient temples, Lanna architecture, orchid farms, magical misty mountains, majestic waterfalls, sleepy romantic rivers, hill tribes, elephants camps, etc.

Chiang Mai Province actually contains more areas of natural forest than any other located in this northerly region. Particularly popular and close to Chiang Mai, the mountain peak of Doi Suthep offers breathtaking views, a temple and the Phra Tamnak Phu Winter Palace. To the east, Bo Sang is better known as the Umbrella Village due to its many paper parasols and hand-painted umbrellas. For Thai silk weaving at its best, the shops within San Kamphaeng are a great place to pick up a traditional souvenir.