| We all know that Chiang Mai is the city that | | | | of Buddha images and northern Thai handicrafts. |
| travellers both Thai and foreign value highly for its | | | | Another museum that is worth a visit especially |
| charm, extraordinary sites, and people. Also, the | | | | for those preparing to go trekking is the Tribal |
| reputation for craftsmanship has made Chiang Mai | | | | Museum which houses a good display of hill tribe |
| become the centre for exports in the North of | | | | textiles, jewellery, musical instruments, weapons |
| Thailand. These are the reasons that visitors are | | | | and other artefacts |
| impelled to come here again and again. Therefore, | | | | Around 15km east of Chiang Mai is Bo Sang, also |
| information is always the priority for tourists. | | | | known as the Umbrella Village, where handmade |
| Chiang Mai, 700km northwest of Bangkok, is | | | | paper umbrellas and many other hill tribe |
| Thailands second city and the gateway to | | | | handicrafts are sold. Another popular excursion |
| northern Thailand. There are over 300 temples | | | | from Chiang Mai is a visit to the Thai Elephant |
| and monasteries in Chiang Mai, almost as many | | | | Conservation Centre where attractions include |
| Bangkok, and the city has a long tradition for arts | | | | elephant rides, elephant bathing and an exhibition |
| and crafts. | | | | on the importance of the elephant in Thai history |
| Once described as one of the loveliest cities | | | | and culture. |
| imaginable Chiang Mai still retains a certain flavour | | | | Chiang Mai has a distinct international atmosphere |
| of the past with its moated old city, ancient wats | | | | with many foreign businesses and organizations |
| and leafy back streets. Chiang Mais oldest temple | | | | locating in the city over the past decade due to |
| is Wat Chiang Man which dates back to 1296 and | | | | her excellent infrastructure with international direct |
| is known for its two Buddha images, one made of | | | | flight connections to all countries in the region |
| the stone and the other made from crystal. | | | | including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, |
| Almost as old, Wat Phra Singh in the centre of | | | | Cambodia and Taiwan. |
| town contains a 1,500 year old Buddha image and | | | | Shopping is great, be it for handicrafts, clothes or |
| another wat, Wat Chedi Luang, holds the ruins of | | | | luxury items. Everything can be found at great |
| a huge chedi or stupa that collapsed in an | | | | prices in stores ranging from small family run |
| earthquake in 1545. | | | | shops to world class luxury outlets and shopping |
| The Chiang Mai National Museum, just to the north | | | | malls. |
| of the city centre, houses an extensive collection | | | | |