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Chiang Mai: a city to remember

By: Caron Kristan

Whilst Chiang Mai might translate as ''new city'' from Lanna (a dialect of northern Thailand) to English, this is a city packed with culture and history. It''s a great place to stop over for a weekend whilst travelling through Thailand ? and as one of the country''s major cities, it can serve as a great base for inbound or outbound flights to the UK and Europe.

When most of us travel to the Far East, Thailand is conceived as a never-ending run of white beaches, perfect blue clear water and stunning lush vegetation. Indeed, the southern coasts of the country, which bend around the Gulf of Thailand and boast famous destinations such as Koh Samui and Phuket.

But these areas form only a portion of the country''s land mass ? move further inland, up into the northern reaches of the country near the borders with Cambodia and Laos to the east and Burma to the north and north-west, and you find a wealth of authentic Thai history that caters to more than just full-moon parties and tourists ogling lady-boys.

Within this new northern landscape of mountains, plateaus and numerous rare orchids and trees, we find Chiang Mai, the capital of Chiang Mai province. The city is located on the Ping river: and it is this factor which made it a trade centre for numerous Thai products and crafts, including woodcarving, jewellery and silver.

It is an impressive area of the country, with a wealth of natural beauty, elephant parks and tea and coffee reservations. Doi Inthanon, the country''s highest peak, is nearby and well worth a visit. You can climb to the peak for stunning views, of stay near the lower slopes and visit the Vachiratharn waterfalls.

On return from the mountains, be sure to explore the wonders within the city walls as well, including an array of Buddhist temples. Make sure you visit Wat Chiang Man, the city''s oldest temple dating from the 13th century. A guide book is worth investing in as there are over 300 temples to visit, in a variety of stunning locations.

Chiang Mai is a Thai city with a difference. If you want the neon lights and acid-laced beers of Bangkok, you can find go-go bars and the like; but a better recommendation would be the night bazaar, a vast array of stalls selling all sorts of handicrafts and fabrics. You could even have a go at the four-years-young Chiang Mai night safari and let the city''s unique wildlife speak for itself.

Article Source: http://www.casinoarticlessite.com

Caron Kristan, a freelance writer, writes this article after being inspired by Octopus Travel on a break to Chiang Mai, and would recommend booking agents such as octopustravel.com when searching for Chiang Mai hotels.

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