Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar is on Changklan Road, from the junction with Thapae road to the south, and is said to be the biggest in Thailand. The market is open everyday from sunset until midnight; the area’s mild climate year around transform the wandering between the stall into a very pleasant activity.
The bazaar has a romantic history. It originated when Yunnanese trading caravans used to stop near the Ping River along the ancient trade route between Simao (China) and Mawlamyaing (on Martaban Coast in Myanmar's Gulf). The clearest sight of this past is the Ban Ho community at the northeastern side of the bazaar. They are Chinese from Yunnan and were in contact with Lanna as caravan traders since old times. In 1887 a group of them settled in Chiang Mai and built the mosque Hidayatun as the center of their community
Being Chiang Mai the textile capital of the country, clothes of all types and brands are the main attraction; but a plethora of stalls sells every kind of souvenirs, handicrafts, knick-knacks and keepsakes. Bargaining hard is essential and a fun part of the experience. The bazaar can get overwhelmingly crowded, especially in the rainy season; then colorful plastic sheets protect the merchandise and create a colorful kaleidoscopic view of an unordered array of narrow, plastic alleys.
The modernization process of the city did not skip this area, and behind the shaky stalls are several arcades and shopping centers selling popular international brands. Starbucks Coffee and all the fast food franchises are well represented here as well, providing thus opportunities for air-conditioned breaks during the shopping spree. Adding to the souvenirs overflow, Starbucks offers a special Chiang Mai cup decorated in an attractive design; if buying it, the coffee to fill it is free.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Night Bazaar at Chiang Mai
Friday, May 9, 2008
Chiang Mai - Rose of the Northern Thailand
The beautiful city of Chiang Mai, located in Northern Thailand is surrounded by mountains and lush green countryside area. As per its mesmerizing beauty and wonderful location the city is often called as, "Rose of the North". As the fifth-largest city of Thailand, Chiang Mai is much greener and composed in comparison to other centers of the country that even includes capital city Bangkok. Being the core of Northern Thailand, this city is swarmed by countless number of visitors every year. It offers magnificent attractions to visitors which leave them spell-bound. With good hospitality services offered by Chiang Mai Hotels like D2 hotel, Veranda hotel, and the Holiday Inn, tourists experience pleasant visit to the city. So, splendid locations with good accommodation facilities, Chiang Mai offer an amusing retreat to the tourists.
Chiang Mai has gained a splendor image and is a storehouse of wonderful locations like museums, temples, hot springs, waterfalls, shopping areas and other attractions. These spots provide opportunity to tourists to come and experience the world which is entirely different. Chiang Mai hotels are located at convenient areas, around all the major attractions which allow tourists to visit them easily without any hassle.
After visiting the vivacious locations tourist doesn't leave the city without appreciating its compelling beauty. Some of the major attractions of Chiang Mai are Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chet Yot, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Tha Ton, Wat Lok Moli, Chiang Mai National Museum, Hilltribe Museum, Khruba Siwichai Monument, Bhubing Palace, Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, Taeng Dao Elephant Camp, Twin Royal Pagodas, Mae Klang Waterfall, Mae Sa Waterfall, Mae Ya Waterfall, Fang Hot Springs, San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Suthep & Doi Pui National Park, Doi Tao Lake, Night Bazaar, Muang Kung Earthenware Village, Ban Thawai Woodcarving Village, Ban Rai Phai Ngam Cotton Weaving Village, Bo Sang Umbrella Village and San Kamphaeng Cotton & Silk Weaving Village.
Chiang Mai also hosts various colourful festivals like Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, Flower Festival, Chiang Mai Art & Culture Festival, Songkran Festival and Lantern Festival & Loi Krathong Festival. These festivals taking place in different months of the year are held in their own unique way. Visitors are highly fascinated by these festivals which attract them to participate. With the beauty of culture in Chiang Mai, you will also find here the opportunity to try hand at adventurous activities like trekking, elephant riding, bungee jumping, rafting, cruising, mountain biking, golfing, swimming and tennis.
While enjoying all these things, you can avail the good hospitality services offered by Chiang Mai Hotels, which are available in each and every range. Moderate, budget and luxury hotels in Chiang Mai allow the tourists to choose a hotel of their choice according to their need and budget. Good facilities are provided by these hotels which make tourists feel like home and have a wonderful journey.
About the AuthorBook a hotel of your choice from the chain of Chiang Mai hotels available at AsiaRooms and get best hotels deal at reasonable price.
Chiang Mai - Rose of the Northern Thailand by Ritu Raj Mishra
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Chiang Dao , Northern Thailand.
Chiang Dao , Northern Thailand. Chiang Dao, literally translated 'the City of Stars', is North of Chiang Mai en route to Fang / Tha Ton. There is more to Chiang Dao than just it's famous caves.
Chiang Dao town centre still has some charming old style wooden shops flanking the highway. The soon to be opened bypass should make it a very pleasant place to visit.
Many of the people around Chiang Dao are involved with agriculture, and most are asleep by 8.00pm! They tend to rise very early for work. The morning market starts at around 3.00am finishing at about 8.00am. It is an interesting to see the locals shopping here. Every Tuesday Chiang Dao has a bustling and colourful market where people from the surrounding area, including many different groups of mountain people (hilltribes) come to buy and sell their wares. Not intended for tourists and well worth experiencing.
While the centre holds some interest the natural beauty is found away from the Highway. The area near and beyond the cave are regarded by many as the most beautiful in Northern Thailand.
Chiang Dao's most striking feature is Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand's 3rd highest mountain at 2225m which plays host to an abundance of wildlife and nature. It is one of the lesser-visited, but nonetheless interesting Thai birding sites.
Chiang Dao is an ideal base for people touring the area, whether on foot, cycling, in rented cars, or on motorbikes.
Elephant centres and river rafting are situated close by. A wide variety of hilltribe villages are dotted around the nearby mountains which can be reached independently or as part of a tour or trek. There are also some hiking trails through the forest, or up the mountain.
It is also a great place to unwind. Meditation , relaxing in a hammock, drinking a beer, or reading a book. It's such a beautiful, peaceful place, doing nothing is always an option.
Thailand Vacation Series - Chiang Mai.
Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai
where locals are proud of the city's 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 "a 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.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural
identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional
values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location
in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their
wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.
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.
Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name
despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng
Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice
Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same
period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King
Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King
Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao
before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom
was to be founded.
From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core
of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in
northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and
founded many of the city's temples, which are still important today. At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory
far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a
province above Sukhothai.
The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending the
dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As
Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese
architectural influences are visible in many temples. At the end of
the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the
south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila
of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma.
Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled
the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In
the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a high commissioner
in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally came
under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok the
same time the country was renamed Thailand.
In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants.
More convenient access was achieved only when the railway line
was completed in the late 1920's. Moreover, the first motor vehicle
driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such
isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture
and preserve the unique Lanna culture. When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and
communications hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent
infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable
communications infrastructure.
Most of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from north to south.
Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries
including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang
Mai's distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak,
which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province
boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the
largest and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping
River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.
For more information about Chiang Mai, or Thailand tourist spots.
Thailand Vacation Series - Chiang Mai
In 1 Day How to Enjoy The Best Of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai city was founded as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Today, it is the focal point for northern Thailand tourism. To enjoy and explore Chiang Mai, it is best to spend at least 3 days for your travel. That is the minimum to get that Chiang Mai experience. However, if you had only 1 day, here are some ideas for your travel itinerary to get the best of this city.
Start off in the early morning at about 8am and get your breakfast at the most famous traditional market in Chiang Mai: Warorot Market. Sit with the locals and watch them go about their daily business, shopping for groceries and others. To get here, you can take a red songtaew (pickup). Throughout the day, this will be your choice for a cheap and convenient transport around the city.
The second stop of your tour will be Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the temple on the hill from where you can get a fantastic view of Chiang Mai below. This is also accessible by songtaew. Wat Phra That is north Thailands holiest temple and should not be missed. Many locals and tourists come here and pray. Donat forget your camera as this lovely temple offers many photography opportunities. The 290 Naga-flanked steps and the huge golden chedi are popular shots.
It should be around lunchtime now and if you are hungry, there are some Thai restaurants at the carpark further down the road that you came up on. Or you can eat in the old city of Chiang Mai, which is your next stop. Make your way to Wat Phra Singh, a temple within the old city that is surround by a square moat.
This is one of the major temples in Chiang Mai and contains the Lai Kham chapel featuring exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals and a magnificent scriptural repository with striking bas-reliefs.
You’d have probably seen enough temples for today and its a good time to rest your feet. So head on to a massage shop or even a temple to have a good old traditional Thai massage or foot massage to recharge your batteries. The price is really affordable: 1 hour of massage can be enjoyed for 200 baht or less.
After your massage, you’ll probably be hungry. Take a songtaew to the nearby Ping River where the river banks are lined with many restaurants offering fine food by the river. The tourists’ favourites lie between Nawarat Bridge and Nakorn Ping Bridge. Enjoy your dinner and drinks here with live music.
And if you’re still game for some shopping, visit one of the icons of Chiang Mai: the Night Bazaar. Roadside carts selling all kinds of goods and souvenirs line both sides of the road. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar building houses many of the provinces handicraft shops and is popular with tourists.
And this ends your day in Chiang Mai. There are much more Chiang Mai has to offer though and travellers often stay longer than they had planned. You may do so too if you’d been enchanted by this beautiful city.
About the Author
Jaxon Toh loves to travel and share his experiences with others. Whether you are travelling to Chiang Mai for the first time or a repeat visitor
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Top 5 cities for travel in Thailand
Thailand could be one of the best locations you should not miss to visit. Culture, beaches, people,smiles,friends and heritage sites are some of the things you can expect when you travel to Thailand.
Bangkok -::- Traveling Thailand wound not be complete without visiting Bangkok. As the nation’s capital with an estimated population of over 10 million (including the neighboring provinces), this city is by far the largest in the country. The city is divided into 50 districts or khet but for tourists and those who are new in the place, 6 divisions would be more useful. These are Ratchadaphisek in the northeast section of the city, Sukhamvit in the southeast, Silom in the south, Thonburi in the west, Rattanakosin in the central north, and Phahanyothin in the north. The whole Bangkok district would give you a diverse taste of culture, history, religion, modernity, and fast-phase life. You can actually witness how all these blend together to comprise the whole Bangkok package. Buddhist temples, historical museums, towering buildings, contemporary restaurants and hotels, shopping centers, canals and rivers, and food make Bangkok a one of a kind city in Southeast Asia.
Phuket -::- Down south, Phuket features magnificent beaches, tropical sunsets, white sands, blue seas, and breathtaking sceneries. No wonder it is the most popular vacation destination in Asia beating every beaches of the neighboring countries. It has several beaches like Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, and Surin Beach. The island showcases several water sports and activities including parasailing, jet-skiing, and scuba diving. By day, Phuket is alive with beachgoers and shoppers and by night, lights, sounds, and party people dominate the whole island.
Chiang Mai -::- The second largest city in Thailand with an estimated population of more than 200,000. This city located in the northern part of the country offers greener and quieter city. Chiang Mai’s tourism is becoming more and more popular and permanently settling at this city is very common. When you travel Thailand and visit Chiang Mai, you surely would want to see museums such as Hilltribe Research Institute Museum and the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. With religion and history enriching the city, you can see several Buddhist temples such as Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Oo-Mong, Wat Phra Jao Mengrai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat Chedi Luang. The oldest temple dates back in the 11th century. Chiang Mai features attractions such as Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February, Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival in January, The 2nd Orchid Fair also in January, and the Loi Krathong Festival usually falls in November.
Pattaya -::- Located 150 km. north of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations, which offers great beaches, beer and go-go bars, and a wide array of sport activities. Visit Pattaya when you travel Thailand is a must. Although it is the most overdeveloped part of the country in terms of tourism, prices in Pattaya still remains with reach. In fact, prices of foods, accommodation, and transportations are very affordable.
Krabi -::- In a small province of Krabi lies a small town with the same name. Paying a visit Krabi town when you travel Thailand is worth the time. Located south of Bangkok near Phuket and Phi Phi island, the town features great beaches along with high end hotels and not so expensive hotel that cater tourists of different classes.
