Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the country’s north. It was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai, as the cultural, religious and political centre of a kingdom called at the time Lanna Thai. The original walled city was home to the royal palace, noble houses and important temples, although modified by subsequent rulers, you can still see today the moat that encircled the city.

After two centuries of Burmese occupation, the city was revived during the reign of King Rama I in 1796. The city is now a provincial capital seducing tourists with its luxury boutiques, cultural attractions and fine hospitality.

Chiang Mai sees today a resurgence of traditional architecture, design, handicraft (lacquer ware, umbrellas, silverware, pottery, woodcarving...), textile and Thai remedies converting the heart of the city into a cutting edge centre of design.

When staying in Chiang Mai, enjoy a visit to
  the old town with the Three Kings Monument
  the East bank of the Ping River
  the Wat Phra Singh temple that houses the famous Bronze Buddha
  the Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most important and revered Thai temples and a major pilgrimage destination during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha Buja and Visak
  the Wat Chedi Luang known for its enormous ruined chedi
  the Chiang Mai National Museum which exhibits one of the finest collections of Buddhist art
  the night bazaar on Chang Klan road (antiques, fabrics, crafts and other souvenirs)