Popularly known as the "Gateway to the North" because it offers ready access to some of Thailand's most beautiful natural scenery; mountains, rivers, waterfalls, forests and caves. Chiang mai is an attractive destination with sights and charms of great antiquity characterized by the distinct history of the area. Founded in the late 13th century, it was once the capital of Lanna, an independent Thai kingdom. This cultural heritage has been well preserved to a marked degree thus making Chiang Mai a treasure house of arts & architecture unique to this particular region.



exude an air of tranquility and a sense of timelessness. An experience to behold, these monuments attest to a distinguished past.
The natural beauty of Chiang Mai's location compliments it's rich history and fascinating tradition in making handicrafts. Craftsmen use skills handed down from generation to generation in producing marvelous silverware, celadon pottery, lacquerware, hand-painted paper umbrellas as well as hand-woven silk and cotton.

Visit the magnificent
Wat Prathat Doi Suthep and Phuping Palace, the summer residence of the Royal Family

The natural beauty of Chiang Mai's location compliments it's rich history and fascinating tradition in making handicrafts. Craftsmen use skills handed down from generation to generation in producing marvelous silverware, celadon pottery, lacquerware, hand-painted paper
umbrellas as well as hand-woven silk and cotton.
7 major tribes:
Meo, Karen, Yao,
Lisu, Lawa, Lahu
and Akha



Travel back in time!Visit hill tribe settlements where preserved lifestyles have changed very little over the centuries.

There is a lot of modern development in Chiang Mai providing accommodation to suite all tastes and budgets. The standards are comparable to those of Bangkok. Restaurants offer various national cuisines or you could also try the typical spicy northern delicacies.


These magnificent creatures were once trained to work in the forests. Although logging is now banned to protect the environment, there are still several camps where you can see elephants display their forestry skills.
Performances of traditional northern music and folk dances are the usual form of entertainment during a meal. There are also a host of various shops, especially the famed Night Bazaar, that offer enormous scope for the bargain hunter.  


South from Chiang Mai to the very edge of the northern region is Sukhothai, Thailand's first capital. Dating back to the early 13th century, numerous temple ruins of this once large and glorious city are preserved in Sukhothai Historical Park.  
Northwest of Chiang Mai, surrounded by mountain ranges is Mae Hong Son; a setting fit for Shangri-la; breathtaking views, hill tribe villages, mysterious caves dating back to the pre-historic era.
This ancient site has monuments that attest to the birth of the Thai nation. Its unique architecture displays the first flowering of Thailand's characteristic art.  
An independent kingdom a long time ago with a rich past, this valley has some of the finest achievements of the North. These are exemplified in Buddha images, mural paintings and .several old temples which have a very distinct architectural style