Together, the provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai share around one quarter of Thailand’s landmass and this mountainous, lush region could be described as tailor-made for tourists, with its myriad natural and man-made attractions.
Chiang Mai City provides excellent opportunities for bargains in-hand crafted silk parasols, wood carvings and silverware, the majority of which come from the nearby villages of Bo Sang and San Kamphaeng, both of which are worth a visit.
If you’re looking to furnish your home, in Thailand or overseas, you need go no further to find some great pieces of timber furniture at a fraction of the price you’ll pay elsewhere for the same item. Furniture crafted from reclaimed teakwood is all the rage today, as effective measures have finally been implemented to protect and conserve Thailand’s fast disappearing forests and teak trees.
Located 14kms from the city is Chiang Mai’s most eminent temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which sits 1,676 metres above sea level, or roughly halfway up the mountain of Doi Suthep. The temple’s golden pagoda contains a Buddha relic and is highly revered amongst Buddhists around the world. Over 300 steps lead up to the temple, which affords splendid vistas over the once-walled city.
To the southwest of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park contains Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, which climbs to 2,565 metres. Over 300 species of birds, accompanied by a healthy variety of wildlife including deer, gibbons, wild boar and snakes, are all supported beneath the forest canopy. The park, referred to by many as 'The roof of Thailand', experiences a very different climate from the surrounding plains; the mountainous regions can drop below freezing, whereas the lowlands enjoy a somewhat warmer and drier climate.
The city of Chiang Rai is the capital and namesake of Thailand’s northernmost province, which was established in 1910 after being part of the kingdom of Lanna Thai for many centuries. The landscape here differs greatly; the east is relatively flat as opposed to the west’s mountainous terrain. The highest point is the peak of Doi Tung mountain at 1,322 metres, where the temple Wat Phra That Doi Tung oversees the area.
This province is the gateway to the notorious ‘Golden Triangle’, where the local population once earned their living from the production of opium. Nowadays the former poppy fields have been transformed into prosperous floral and market gardens and, due to the milder climate, the villagers cultivate a variety of produce not generally associated with the tropics.
Amongst the exotic flowers, fruit and vegetables such as apples, grapes, potatoes and strawberries all flourish.
