Majestic Vacations - Asia Travel Guide

Asia Travel Guide

Chiang Mai

Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.
Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful.
Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

Fact
Area Code:	66-053	Time Zone:	GMT + 07:00	Electricity:	220V, 50HZ
Airport:	ChiangMai International airport(CNX)		Distance:	8 km from the city center

Average Temperature (oF)
Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
72.5	76.1	81.5	85.1	84.2	82.4	82.4	82.4	81.5	79.7	76.1	71.6

Tourist Attraction
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep	the Meo hill tribe village	Thai handicraft village of Sankhampaeng

Other Attraction
Shopping:
Night Life:	Thai Dinner	hill tribe show

Gala Event

Wat Prathat Doi Suthep

the place is the most important and famous Chiang Mai landmark. Built in 1383, this mountaintop temple has a chedi (pagoda) that houses holy Buddha relics. The gold-plated chedi lies in the middle of a square marble-tiled courtyard. The four corners of the chedi are adorned with parasols which represent royal regalia. The temples courtyard is lined by a cloister, which contains images and murals depicting Buddhas life. There are also two viharns situated in the middle of the east and west sides of the cloister.
This temple is 15 kilometers from town and is 3,520 feet above sea level. It is the perfect place to get a birds eye view of the city. The temple can be reached via a steep Naga staircase comprised of 290 steps or railcars.

Opening Hours:	6:00am-7:00pm	Recommended Time for a Visit:	2 - 3 Hours
		Distance to City Center:	0 KM

the Meo hill tribe village

Northern Thailand's mountain peoples - the so-called "hilltribes" are the backbone of northern Thai tourism. There are six large minority ethnic groups in the north of Thailand, and several smaller ones.
Hmong or Meo hilltribe villages are located on high mountain areas north from Doi Inthanon to the Burmese border. They are the closest group to Chiang Mai, with villages in the Doi Suthep - Doi Pui National Park area.

Hmong houses are built on the ground in clusters, with several clusters forming a village. The oldest male controls the extended family household that will include married sons and their families. The Hmong are divided into clans, which play an important part in rituals and relationships.
The Hmong believe in a number of household spirits as well as souls. Rituals are performed by household heads, but each village will also have a shaman to exorcise evil spirits and restore health to the sick

Opening Hours:	7:00am-7:00pm	Recommended Time for a Visit:	2 - 3 Hours
		Distance to City Center:	75 KM

Thai handicraft village of Sankhampaeng

The village is located 13 kilometers the east of Chiang Mai town in a district that is famous for silk and a cotton weaving. The silk and cotton souvenirs produced in this village are high quality. Factories and souvenir shops selling woodcarving, silverware, earth ware, lacquer ware and cotton fabrics are located along the way from Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng.
Located in San Kamphaeng is Bo Sang a village that produces handmade umbrellas. In addition to umbrellas, visitors will also be able to find various woodcarving and Thai silk products here.

Opening Hours:		Recommended Time for a Visit:	2 Hours
		Distance to City Center:	0 KM