With a history of over 700 years, Chiang Mai has long been considered the cultural hub of northern Thailand. Roughly 435 miles from Bangkok, it is a city that combines scenic vistas of the highest mountains in Thailand, arts and crafts centers, and modernity that have been drawing an increasing number of travelers and long-term visitors: as many as five million tourists come to Chiang Mai annually, thanks to its combination of unique culture and accessibility.
The city offers a vast range of attractions, sightseeing options and adventure tours that appeal to any traveler, whether you are traveling with your spouse, your extended family, or your elderly: in Chiang Mai there are various ancient ruins, public parks and botanic gardens that will readily suit the tastes of travelers looking for a quiet spot, while for adventurers and/or families with children the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium-as well as rafting adventures, caving, tiger farms and elephant camps-provide the perfect diversions. For the shopper there are numerous markets such as the Warorot Market and the Night Bazaar that give you a glimpse into Thai culture and lifestyle, as well as an opportunity to buy unusual souvenirs to take home. The famous Walking Streets, available Saturday and Sunday, fulfill much the same function but offer an even wider range of merchandise usually sold directly by artists, sculptors, silversmiths and weavers. Outside the city itself there are various crafting villages and factories from which high-quality, unique goods can be bought.
Another reason to choose Chiang Mai for your destination in Southeast Asia is that it is one of the cheaper cities in Thailand as well as one of the least expensive in the region while not giving up cleanliness and safety. While a trip to an Asian city of a similar price range will require compromise with your accommodation, hygiene and personal security, in Chiang Mai this is not the case: it is possible to stroll about the city late at night, alone, in most areas without having to fear for your life or your valuables.
The tourist hotspots such as the Night Market and Walking Streets have a remarkably low rate of crime (indeed the city as a whole has a vanishingly small rate of violent crime, at about 0.02% in 2009, especially since obtaining firearms in Thailand is difficult for the average citizen) and travelers rarely need to fear pickpockets. Tourist police are moreover stationed throughout the Sunday Walking Street in case of any (unlikely) emergency. Depending on the location of your hotel or guesthouse, most of these markets can be reached on foot; failing that transport costs do not generally exceed 100 baht (roughly 3.50 USD as of April 2011) but are often much cheaper than this figure. Food, drinks, places to stay and nightlife are similarly priced. If you are looking for an economic option for your Thailand holiday that fits a careful budget while retaining comfort and excellent sightseeing, there are few destinations better than Chiang Mai.
Last but not least, the renowned hospitality of Chiang Mai is easily one of its biggest attractions. As you step into your accommodation you will notice beautiful décor in the style of the Lanna Kingdom that transports you back to the Chiang Mai of centuries past, and you will be greeted by friendly staff in the traditional costumes of the same. Authentic Thai cuisine, both of central Thailand and northern Thailand, can be had at every street corner. Service is prompt and friendly across the board, and the locals are generally helpful and don't mind taking a few minutes out of their time to give you directions.
Given these reasons and more, why not consider including Chiang Mai in your list of places to see before you die? A perfect combination of price, culture, and tropical climate: you would be hard-pressed to find a city more welcoming and tourist-friendly!
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