Visit Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Chiang Mai, located high in the mountains of northern Thailand is the second most important city in Thailand behind Bangkok. Established on the banks of Mae Ping River, Chiang Mai is a modern city with a significant history having been established at the end of the 13th century. Chiang Mai had been the capital city of the Lanna kingdom but eventually joined with the Thais after many centuries of battling with the Burmese. The city and surrounding area support 1,000,000 residents with over 300 Buddhist Temples, many worth visiting. WatPhrathatDoiSuthep is one such important Temple, established in 1383, overlooking the city from its perch higher up in the mountains. Visitors walk around the grounds taking in the aroma of the beautiful flowers and examining the murals with depictions of Buddha’s previous lives. The WatChediLuang is another Temple with a significant history that is frequently visited by tourists. Among the many other attractions in Chiang Mai visitors find Chiang Mai Zoo and its 6,000 resident animals among their favorites along with the Mae Sa Elephant Training Center where trained elephants perform for audiences and those who dare may ride aboard the pachyderms. Many visitors to Chiang Mai rate the trekking opportunities highly with hikes to caves, waterfalls, elephant centers, tribal villages and outposts for bamboo rafting among their favorites. The DoiInthanon National Park just south of the city offers dramatic mountain vistas, bird watching, the tallest peak in Thailand, waterfalls and wild, exotic orchids. Flower lovers find a visit to Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens quite worthwhile with its winding, natural trails and pleasing displays. Cruises along the Mae Ping are also popular affording an opportunity to capture the essence of Chiang Mai. A trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand might fulfill your dream of visiting a more laid back Thai city with an important past, diverse attractions and a thriving economy. Add this location to your list and start mapping out your strategy for checking that trip off your list.

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