When talking about Thailand, most people think of Bangkok, Pattaya or The hangover (…maybe?). However, now there is another choice for people who plan to travel in Thailand. Chiang Mai, a culturally significant city in Northern Thailand. Besides temples, old city, elephants, what else are the elements attracting people to come and visit here many times? 

1. People 

The living pace in Chiang Mai is very peace. Most Thai people are devout Buddhists. They are natural and kindhearted. People always wear smile and treat foreigners  sincerely as friends. Many people come here again and again for this reason. Enjoy Chiang Mai at ease. Get along with friendly local people.

2. Natural Scenery

Surrounded by the Himalaya, the weather in Chiang Mai is comfortable. With advantaged resource of natural scenery, like the magnificent mountain, hot spring, waterfall…etc, people can enjoy the view in different ways. To see the panoramic view of Chiang Mai, you can try the sky line adventure. If you go for an relaxing journey, you may riding on the elephant hanging around. But if you are searching for something challenging and exciting, there is also whitewater rafting to experience. 

>> Local Tour: KKday Sky Line Adventure　 

Photo Credit：jfvdenning

3. History

Chiang Mai in Thai means new city. Although it is “New City,” the history has been last for more than 700 years. In 1296-1768, the Kingdom of Lanna was the first major Thai kingdoms in Thai history and slowly Chiang Mai grew in cultural, trading, and economic importance. It it also known as ‘Rose of the North,’ a cultural and natural wonderland. Nowadays, it is the Buddhist center in northern Thailand.

Photo Credit : Igor/Flickr

4. Food

To taste very authentic food of Northern Thailand, the most recommended one is Kao Soi, the curry noodles. It is the most special dish here in Chiang Mai. A dish of noodle soup dressed with crunchy egg noodles fried crispy for the diverse texture in the soft noodles and beautifully yellow-colored curry soup. With everyone's own preference of flavor, you may add pickled cabbage, onion or lemon juice. Surprisingly, it is really cheap!

Photo Credit：ใส่ความเห็น

5. Shopping

Chiang Mai, the second biggest city in Thailand, is convenient to shop. The traditional handicrafts are a big attraction. The two most famous night bazaars here spreading expansively are the one on Saturday and Sunday. Inside the market, there are stands selling foods, unique designed items or for leisure which is similar to night market in Taiwan. If you are tired, you may get a Thai massage in an open massage stand helping you reenergize for hunting more. Besides, everything is very cheap!

Saturday Bazaar : 16:30-23:00 (Sat.)

700m road from the Chiang Mai Gate area (the Southern Gate) with special and creative items.  

Sunday Bazaar : 17:00-23:00 (Sun.)

spreading from Thapae Gate to Wat Phra Singh (the junction between Ratchadamnoen Rd. and Phrapokklao Rd)

6. School

What kind of special schools does Chiang Mai have? In Chiang Mai, there are a number of good schools offering distinctive courses like cooking, language, massage or elephant school to interact with elephants closely. Every course is taught by the professional teachers and some will give a certificate for your award after the whole course is finished. 

Photo Credit : Thai Secret Cooking School /Flickr

Cooking Class

Cooking class now in Chiang Mai is the hottest course. You may also say that learning Northern-Thai dishes in Chiang Mai has become a trend. The course goes from shopping in local market, cooking yourself and then finally to enjoying the meals with the chef and classmates. 

Language Class

Dream and planning to experience the life studying abroad? Chiang Mai is definitely a good choice with low daily expense and tuition. Studying here in their language school allows you to learn not only Thai language but English. Most English courses are taught with native English speaker. ( don’t worry about the teachers with weird accent 

Massage Class

Now going to Thailand, you can not only enjoy the comfortable Thai massage but also learn how to do it! In massage school, there are essential oil massage, hot stone massage and herbal massage...etc. Every class lasts for 15-30 mins. It's an intense class. After learning the class, you may have it everyday when back home! ( Register for your boyfriend or girlfriend! 

Elephant School

The course starts from learning how to choose the food for the elephants and then see how professionals train the elephants and carefully ride on them. Finally, you will learn how to help elephant take a shower. It is recommended for family to have fun together!

>> Cooking in Thai Farm

>> Mae Taeng Elephant Camp (Four stops in the set)