Also known as 'The Rose of the North', Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city and was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Around 700 km north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is an hour's flight from Bangkok.
The Incheon to Chiang Mai flights operated by Thai Airways or THAI - Thailand's national flag carrier - can be booked through the Thai airline's website, as can flights throughout THAI's global network of more than 60 destinations in the Asia Pacific region, Europe and the Middle East.
Visitors to the Thai Airways website can, for example, book flights from Melbourne to Thailand, book flights from Bangkok to London or flights from Copenhagen to Bangkok. They can search for great deals on flights to Thailand, pre-arrange airport transfers at their destination, purchase travel insurance, book worldwide accommodation and choose exciting Royal Orchid Holidays travel product.
Chiang Mai is a key point in THAI's domestic network which, together with subsidiary THAI Smile, sees it connect cities in the North, Northeast and South of Thailand with its home base at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Chiang Mai has over 300 temples, dating back to the city's founding in 1296. These display a mixture of architectural styles that reflect the varied heritage of northern Thailand, with elements of Lanna Thai, Burmese, Sri Lankan and Mon temples all seen in one form or another. The temples are an important part of the Thai people's lifes and for the visitor they offer a fascinating glimpse into local culture and society.
Among the major temples in Chiang Mai are Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Jet Yot, Wat U-Mong and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which sits near the top of Doi Suthep (Mount Suthep) and from where panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside can also be enjoyed.
As the arts and crafts capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai has plenty of factories where visitors can see how items are made and peruse showrooms. The Bor Sang Village-Sankampaeng area is home to Celadon pottery, stone, silver, lacquerware, silk, wood product and jewellery factories, as well as the renowned Bor Sang Umbrella Making Centre. Nimmanhamin Road is another well known area, where there are knick-knack and antique shops, as is Baan Tawai, which is known for woodcarving.
A must-visit while in Chiang Mai is the Sunday Walking Street, which takes place every Sunday from 5 pm onward on Ratchadamnoen Road in the city centre. The area turns pedestrian-only and fills chock-a-block with stalls selling arts and crafts, clothing, ornaments and much more, while street performers and delicious local cuisine adds to the festive vibe. A Saturday walking market also operates, along Wui Lai Road.
The famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is open daily, and offers further opportunity to browse a myriad of stalls selling all manner of items and goods and to practice bargaining skills.
Chiang Mai Night Safari is a major attraction in Chiang Mai and definitely worth a visit. Tram rides can be taken through the enclosures to see wolves, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, white rhinos, bears, kangaroos, giraffes and other exotic wildlife. There's also a walking trail, paddle boating and nightly musical fountain show to enjoy.
A trip to Chiang Mai should also include a visit to one of the many elephant camps. Founded to help protect elephants who used to work in the now banned logging trade, these camps provide income for handlers and funds for the elephants' care. Visitors can see the mighty beasts up close, interact with them and learn about their protection and care.
Chiang Mai also offers plenty in the way of soft adventure opportunities. Around the city itself are various ATV 4-wheel bike companies, where those seeking the need for speed can test their skills around a challenging dirt track or head beyond into the countryside on an off-road exploration.
An hour's drive from the city are zip-line companies, which provide adrenaline junkies with more fun and excitement. Here visitors can soar through the forest canopy on zip-lines between sky platforms built around towering trees, at some places 50 metres in the air. Whitewater rafting is another activity (dependant on weather and river conditions), with rafting trips on the Mae Taeng River that range in intensity from comfortably placid to excitingly thrilling.
For golfers, the championship courses around Chiang Mai offer play in beautiful surrounds. They include Chiangmai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort and Alpine Golf Resort.
Source : articlesbase.com
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