Chiang Mai

Founded in 1926 by King Mengrai, Chiang Mai or New City became the capital of the first independent Thai state, Lanna Thai or the Kingdom of One Million Rice Fields. Nowadays, Chiang Mai is every bit of a developing city what with all the telltale cranes, scaffolding, and buildings under construction. Nevertheless, its diverse cultural heritage isn’t lost. On the contrary, it is strongly expressed through the Burmese-style Wats ablaze with the color of saffron and humming with the chanting of the monks, hill tribe groups selling their crafts in the markets, and narrow streets line with ornately carved teak houses.

Getting Around

Funny enough, you won’t find the staple modes of public transportation such as buses or taxis. In Chiang Mai, they come in the form of songtaos (covered pickups) and tuk-tuks (motorised three-wheelers). Songtaos cover all routes. Tuk-tuks can get you anywhere, and are actually an amusing ride especially for first-timers.

Things to See

While Chiang Mai is a modern city, its heart remains in it Old City surrounded by vestiges of walls and moats. Found here are 700 temples, referred more often as The Wats, which you can explore via the tuk-tuk

And where could you get the best Thai massage but in Thailand itself? All around Chiang Mai are Thai massage schools. Aside from offering lessons, these institutions offer fairly priced Thai massages to anyone up for relaxation of the mind and senses. Or you could opt for the Northern Insight Meditation Centre at Wat Rampoeng. Here, you will learn the art of Vipassana meditation. To maximise the effects of this meditation, though, you must be willing to stay for at least ten days.

Things to Do

Another activity that would eat up most of a visitor’s schedule is shopping. With the numerous markets scattered in Chiang Mai — Anusarn Night Market, Wotwot Market, Night Bazaar, etc. — tourists can go gaga over the hundreds of stalls where they can practice their haggling skills.

• View Youth Hostels & Backpacker Accommodation in Thailand