Chiang Mai, the charming province, is at the Northern Thailand. Chiang Mai, sometimes, is written as “Chiengmai” or “Chiangmai”. The name “Chiang Mai” means "new city" and was so-named because it was the new capital, founded in 1296, succeeding Chiang Rai (founded 1262) of the Lanna Kingdom. Thereafter, from 1296-1768, Chiang Mai became capital of the Kingdom of Lanna; and was the tributary Kingdom of Chiang Mai from 1774-1939.
Chiang Mai is located 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, and at 300 meters above sea level among the highest mountains in the country. The city is along the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River. The historic significant of Chiang Mai has derived the unique Lanna origin culture that make them distinctly in food, music, arts, festival, traditions, way of life and the language. Chiang Mai is also known to be a melting pot of hill tribes and their own unique cultures. Nowadays, though Chiang Mai becomes a modern and cosmopolitan city of an exciting mix of local, ethnic as well as expatriate communities from all over the world, their traditional old charms still remain strongly. Doubtlessly, Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant province in northern Thailand. Hence, the glory of the province is derived from, not just its large mountainous area, plentiful flora and fauna and crisp fresh weather, but also its distinctive culture. Chiang Mai is the only tourist destination in Thailand that have been voted and made it in to the 2012 list of "25 Best Destinations in the World" of the popular travel website Trip Advisor, standing in place 24.
There are many convenience and comfortable routes to Chiang Mai via planes, trains, and buses. The best time to see Chiang Mai is from November to April when the weather is super-fresh and crispy and all the province's renowned flowers are out in full bloom. In fact, in the mountainous areas temperatures can dip down to freezing point. It doesn’t snow, but sleet is known to fall at times. One of the best times to visit Chiang Mai during this period is at Songkran (Thai New Year) as the town is synonymous with Songkran tradition, color and fun.
Various places in Chiang Mai are attracted for a visit. Temples in Chiang Mai, for example, are one of many attractions since they are different from temples in other parts of Thailand. The temples in Chiang Mai are mostly as old as the city with their dominant Lanna architecture. Waterfalls, caves, riverside and mountains are fascinating for the love of tropical nature. Or else, roaming around town is also the joy and fun to do since they are plenty of traditional handicrafts include silverware, lacquer ware, celadon pottery, silk and cotton, hand-painted paper umbrella and more, to appreciate with. Food stalls and restaurants distinctly in local and typical Chiang Mai food are plenty for visitors to sample the northern cuisine. The unique and most popular serving style to sample is known as “Khan Toke”, a set of meal served on a small round table. The huge and dominant fresh market, “Warorot Fresh Market”, in Chiang Mai city is one of a pleasurable place to visit. The visitors will find how time run shortly in this huge market. Here is the place to enjoy and purchase various fresh and crispy vegetables; fruits; beautiful bunches of flowers; typical Chiang Mai food such as fried pork rinds, hot green chili dip called “nam prik num”, or curry called “kang om”, sausage or “nam”; and more.
