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Experience the merging of the past into the present
in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city痴 700-year
history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture
is a perfect foundation for the development of the city.
Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where
it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old
chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores
and boutique hotels. The original city layout still
exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges
of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering
prime access to the old town.
For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the
northern junction and the base from which they can explore
other provinces. The phrase 殿 day in Chiang Mai is
enough to see things around� was common. Today, tourists
are surprised by the fact that there is always something
new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among
ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes
Chiang Mai one of Asia's most attractive tourist destinations.
Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious
travelers.
Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources
of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based
tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents
are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic
hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful.
Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect
handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally
as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both
backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves
to the fullest.
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By Bus
From Bangkok
There are ordinary, 2nd class and 1st � class air-conditioned
buses leaving for Chiang Mai daily (8.00 a.m. to 09.00
p.m.) from the Bangkok痴 Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit
2 Bus Terminal). Call 02 936 3600, 02 936 2852, and 02
937 8055 for a more updated bus timetable. Private buses,
which can be conveniently booked in tourist-oriented places
in Bangkok, are also available. However, the public buses
from the Northern Bus Terminal are generally more reliable.
The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending
on traffic.
From Chiang Mai
If you travel to any districts in Chiang Mai, use Chang
Phuak Bus Terminal located on Chotana Road, tel. 053 211
586. Destinations include those located along the northern
route (Highway No. 107) which passes through Mae Rim,
Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, Chaiprakan, Fang and Mae Ai. Some
buses continue to Tha Ton, the northernmost province of
Chiang Mai.
If you wish to travel outside the province, use Chiang
Mai Arcade Bus Station. Contact tel: 0 5324 2664 for
a more updated bus timetable. Destinations include Golden
Triangle, Mae Sai, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao,
Phrae, Lampang, Lamphun, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Mae
Hong Son (both old and new routes), Mae Sot, Mae Sariang,
Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), and Udon Thani.
Train
Express and rapid trains operated by the State Railways
of Thailand leave for Chiang Mai from Bangkok痴 Hua
Lamphong Station 6 times a day from 8.00 a.m.-10.00
p.m. The trip takes about 11-12 hours for express trains.
For more information, contact tel. 1690, or 02 223 7010,
02 223 7020. Chiang Mai Railway Station, tel. (053)
24 2094, 244 795, .247 462 245 363-4
By Air
Domestic airlines including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways,
Air Asia, Nok Air, Orient Thai Airlines, Air Andaman
and Phuket Air operate several flights daily between
Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Thai Airways also operates domestic flights from Chiang
Mai to Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Phuket. International
flights to and from Chitakong, Luang Phrabang, Khunming,
Yangon and Japan (Narita) are also provided. Call 02
628 2000 (Bangkok), 053 211 044-7 (Chiang Mai), or visit
www.thaiairways.com for more information.
Bangkok Airways also offers several flights daily on
the Bangkok - Chiang Mai route, some with a stopover
at Sukhothai. International routes to and from Jinghong
and Xi但n are also available. Call 02 265 5555, 265
5678 (Bangkok Office) or 053 27 6176 (Chiang Mai Office)
or visit www.bangkokair.com for more information.
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