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HOME > THAILAND > Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Founded by the ancient Lanna Kingdom in 1296, Chiang Mai was originally a heavily fortified citadel that stood as a bulwark against Burmese kingdoms and the Mongol Yuan Empire, which had conquered much of China and parts of Southeast Asia. While the Lanna kingdom would rule parts of Thailand for 500 years until the late 1700s, Chiang Mai was later abandoned and fell into a slow decline - which was reversed only in the twentieth century. Today, Chiang Mai is the cultural center of northern Thailand, and a thriving city that hosts a number of outstanding temples, which are complemented by some of the best outdoors activities in all of Thailand - due to its proximity to nearby lush rainforests and the mighty Mae Taeng River. Notable attractions include the Tiger Kingdom, where visitors can get up close with the big cats, and Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a picturesque, beautiful mountain temple.

EXPERIENCES

Khantoke Feast

Participate in a khantoke dinner at a scenic spot, such as Wieng Kum Kam, an ancient city not far from Chiang Mai. Khantoke is an authentic way for honored guests to partake in traditional music and dance while enjoying classic Issan (northern Thai) dishes. After dinner, participate in a sky lantern release. The Thais in the northern part of the country are particularly fond of this tradition; it is considered good luck to release a sky lantern and symbolic of problems and worries floating away.

Lanna Culture

Spend a morning with a scholar of Lanna culture and architecture. Your expert will explain the principles of Lanna design and the adoption of this aesthetic at the Rachamankha, a luxurious boutique hotel whose grounds reflect the architectural history of this diverse region and whose design is based on the viharn (chapel) of one of Thailand’s most beautiful temples, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in Lampang province.

Night Bazaar

Explore the Night Bazaar, a modern day version of a caravanserai, where you can choose from a vast array of handicrafts and other locally made items – many of which make fine gifts.

Temple of Tunnels

Explore Wat Umong, or the “Temple of Tunnels,” located in a forested, rural area a few miles outside Chiang Mai. Learn about the fascinating and mysterious history of this temple, which is believed to date from the late 14th century and was used by the Japanese as a base during World War II.

Tiger Kingdom

Visit the Tiger Kingdom, where you can interact with felines ranging from six-week-old babies to full-grown cats in a completely unrestrained environment.

Wat Prathat Doi Suthep

Visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple atop a mountain just nine miles from central Chiang Mai. Meet with the temple’s monks and receive a private blessing. On your descent, your guide will alert you to any beautiful tropical birds that are sometimes present at Doi Suthep mountain. At the foot of Doi Suthep is Huay Kaew Waterfall, which cascades over a 165-foot rock slope and is a good place to relax and take in the scenery.

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THAILAND Regions

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Beaches

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PREFERRED HOTEL

137 Pillars House

Located in the heart of Wat Gate, an area in Chiang Mai that was formerly designated to foreigners by the government, 137 Pillars House sits idyllically along the Ping River, adjacent to Wat Gate Khar Rham Temple. Combining the regality of traditional Thai elegance with modern luxury, this boutique hotel offers amenities including high-speed wireless internet access, laundry service, a 24-hour on-call medical professional, babysitting services, a spa, outdoor swimming pool and a fitness facility. The Dining Room offers classic Thai cuisine, one of the many dining options offered at the hotel. 137 Pillars House is approximately 25 minutes by car from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).

PREFERRED HOTEL

Dhara Dhevi Hotel

A successful truck dealer with a taste for art, Suchet Suwanmongkol underwrote the $75-million dream of a young, unknown architect to build an ancient Asian city within the confines of Chiang Mai. The resulting 60-acre confection from the now-famous Rachen Intawong includes 142 suites decorated in a colonial mansion style, and individual villas built in various Thai vernaculars. At the heart of the resort is the sumptuous Dheva Spa, a multi-tiered Xanadu with 18 treatment rooms and five residences. Throughout, the bedrooms are huge: 16-foot ceilings are the norm in the colonial wing, as are private verandas and adjoining living rooms, all lavishly fitted with silk-covered chaise lounges and hill-tribe textiles. Superlatives extend to the two pools (enormous) and library (more than 5,000 books and 1,500 DVDs). Kids can also plant rice.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai blends with its natural surroundings seamlessly, with trees growing between and around the resort, overlooking terraced rice fields and the mountains of the Mae Rim Valley. The resort has 64 boutique pavilions, each with a private veranda, as well as 16 private luxury residences. The Sala Mae Rim serves Thai cuisine and offers sweeping views of the valley below, and the Terraces have international dishes with a view of the Doi Suthep mountain range. The hotel has a health club with state of the art equipment, including a sauna, herbal steam room, whirlpool, cold plunge pool, 20-meter infinity edge swimming pool, a business center and wi-fi access. There are also mountain bikes available for use, along with maps of trails through the surrounding forest. The Spa at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai has seven treatment suites with rain shower massage tables and private herbal steam rooms. Professional spa therapists can help you choose the best treatment package for your needs. The hotel is 25 minutes from Chiang Mai International Airport.

PREFERRED HOTEL

Howie's Homestay

Talk about exclusive: this luxury boutique villa is only offered to one group at a time, ensuring complete privacy, comfort, and care. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains, the hotel sprawls over four acres of lush green space, magnificent gardens, and a trickling river. Seven residential pavilions dot the property, designed with custom-crafted bronze details, golden teakwood floors, and handcrafted furniture that complements the soothing landscape of Northern Thailand. Guests can spend their days relaxing by the outdoor pool or take part in a variety of local activities such as a visit to the Doi Suthep National Park, a trek through a local rainforest or even an adventurous afternoon of bamboo rafting. As well, luxury spas and top-rated golf courses are located nearby for those looking to indulge in a Thai massage or a round of 18 holes before returning to the hotel for traditional, authentic meals.

Homestay

A homestay with a host family in their village provides first-hand insight into their lives and the innerworkings of the village. For your comfort, the family may supply a simple mattress, mosquito net, pillow, and fresh sheets and blanket. If needed, a sleeping bag will be provided. The houses are typically stilted with a bamboo floor which can be surprisingly comfortable. The facilities are basic but clean.

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