Chiang Mai

Popularly known as the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique indigenous cultural identity. Founded by King Mengrai the Great as the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom by merging the various city-states in the region in 1296. Today Chiang Mai is the economic, communications, cultural and tourism centre of Northern Thailand.

About 700 kilometres north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is situated on the Mae Ping River basin some 310 metres above sea level. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometres.

The terrain is mainly jungles and mountains, parts of which are within national parks which are fertile and verdant with plentiful flora and fauna. The weather is hot and humid. Sometimes big rain clouds move in across the hazy sky, poised to soak everyone in a massive refreshing downpour.

Nearby Beauty Spots

Huay Tung Tau Lake
A of a beautiful lake near Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. It is popular with families and young people, they're having a real blast. Swimming in clothes is the norm; you'd look out of place in a skimpy swimming brief.


Ob Khan National Park

The park is located in Samoeng, Mae Wang and San Pa Tong districts of Chiang Mai province. It covers 691 square kilometers. Ob Khan has a large natural diversity, comprising fertile forest with several interesting spots.

The limestone and granite mountains reach from 400 to 1,800 meters above sea level, comprising Ob (Canyon), caves, waterfalls and hot springs. Important rivers include Mae Wang, Mae Win and Mae Khan. The weather is comfortably plesant all year round.