"A great trip with exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly guide."
Steve Henry (Thailand Uncovered, August 08) |
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CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's largest city and is located approximately 700km north of Bangkok, between some of the countries tallest mountains. Recently, Chiang Mai has become a much more modern city, and has many attractions for visitors.
Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai and succeeded Chiang Rai and the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Due to its location, the city had to protect itself from the Burmese, this was done with high city walls and a moat. After the Burmese wars, which ended in the fall of Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai was abandoned from 1776 until 1791, during this period; Lampang became the centre of the Lanna Kingdom.
 In 1774, Chiang Mai officially became part of Siam after King Taksin captured it from the Burmese. From this date onwards, Chiang Mai flourished as the un-official capital of northern Thailand.
Chiang Mai locals generally speak Kham Muang between themselves, but the official Thai of Bangkok is taught in all schools and is understood by most.
There are many religious sites to visit in Chiang Mai:
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
This is the most famous temple in the area, and stands on a hill-side in the northwest of the city. Doi Suthep dates back to 1383. It is said that the builders of the temple decided it's location by placing of relic of the Buddha on an elephants back and allowed it to roam until it came across a place where it trumpeted and circled before it laid down and died. Due to the temples location it offers superb views over the city.
Wat Chiang Man
 This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and it dates back to the 13th Century. King Mengrai lived here whilst he was overseeing the construction of the city. The temple also houses 2 extremely important Buddha figures - the Marble Buddha and the Crystal Buddha.
Chiang Mai's other attractions include Thai cookery classes, Thai language classes, many festivals, shopping, hill tribe village trekking and much much more...
Chiang Mai is easily reached by overnight sleeper train from Bangkok.
Tours including Chiang Mai
| Tour |
Country |
Duration |
Price |
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| Classic Thailand |
Thailand |
13 days |
From UK£1,800 |
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Bangkok, River Kwai, Erawan National Park, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai. This tour of Thailand takes in many of the major cultural sights the country has to offer. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the peaceful beauty of Erawan National Park, and from the ancient temples of Ayutthaya to the scenic cities of the north – Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, this is classic Thailand. Extensions to Ankhor Wat or one of Thailand's beautiful beaches are available. |
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| Discover Thailand |
Thailand |
10 days |
From UK£970 |
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Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, River Kwai. This family tour has been carefully designed for parents and kids to get the most out of a family holiday to Thailand. Missing out the more physical activities on some of our other family holidays, you enjoy a more leisurely pace as you take in the sights and sounds of Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Stay in specially selected family-friendly hotels and even join a local family for a fun home stay. |
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| Elephants & Rafts |
Thailand |
10 days |
From UK£670 |
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Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hilltribe trek. This short family adventure tour features plenty of activities for more energetic families, with a balance between luxury hotels and more basic accommodation. After cultural sightseeing in Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital, you’ll head north to Chiang Mai, where a jungle village trek, elephant ride, and bamboo rafting will help make this a family holiday of a lifetime. |
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| Golden Triangle |
Thailand |
14 days |
From UK£895 |
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Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Saen, Mae Salong, Chiang Rai. A comprehensive tour of Thailand, this activity packed holiday will delight the even the most adventurous of travellers. After taking in the sights and sounds of Bangkok – Thailand’s famous capital city – it’s north to Chiang Mai and your gateway to jungle trekking, elephant rides, boat trips and bamboo rafting and much, much more! |
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| North Thailand Explorer |
Thailand |
15 days |
From UK£570 |
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Bangkok, River Kwai, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai. Ideal for backpackers and independent travellers, our Northern Thailand Explorer takes you on an adventure to the jungles of the north. After enjoying the sites of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya, you head north to Chang Mai and Chiang Rai for jungle trekking, bamboo rafting, a hill-tribe village stay, river boat ride, and a jungle elephant ride. |
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| Thailand Explorer |
Thailand |
24 days |
From UK£950 |
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Bangkok, River Kwai, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Jungle trek, Chiang Rai, Khao Sok, Ko Samui, Ko Tao. This comprehensive tour of Thailand allows you to experience all the beauty and friendliness this unique country has to offer. From the jungles and hill-tribes of the north to the beaches and coral reefs of the south this tour has it all, and a price you just can't resist. |
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| Thailand Uncovered |
Thailand |
9 days |
From UK£550 |
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Bangkok, Chiang Mai. This activity based holiday is packed full of sightseeing and adventure activities, combining the wonderful sights and sounds of Bangkok, Thailand’s famous capital city, with trekking, elephant riding, bamboo rafting and cultural experiences in and around Chiang Mai. Options are available to extend this tour to include time on the idyllic beaches of southern Thailand. |
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| Treasures of Thailand |
Thailand |
10 days |
From UK£1,350 |
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Bangkok, River Kwai, Erawan National Park, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai. Visit Thailand in style with this carefully tailored tour, designed especially to give you just the right mix of luxury and adventure. After visiting the popular sights of Bangkok and its surroundings we head north to Chiang Mai for a taste of the more traditional Thailand. Beach extensions and other options are available and easily added to this tour. |
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| Thailand Family Adventure |
Thailand |
19 days |
From UK£1,460 |
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Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khao Sok National Park, Krabi beaches. Trek through forested hills; learn about the local hill tribes, take a ride on an elephant; bamboo raft along tree-lined rivers, kayak through mangroves and canyons and relax on the beach. This comprehensive family package gives you and your family the opportunity to experience Thailand at its best on a holiday to remember. |
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