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Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai

CHIANG MAI HOTELS

CHIANG RAI HOTELS

CHIANG MAI, CHIANG RAI TOURS

  

Northern Thailand shares borders with Myanmar and Laos, as well as with the Central Plains and Isaan. Surrounded by the tallest mountains in Thailand, Northern Thailand is cooler than the rest of the usually sweltering country and thus particularly popular in December and January. In the mountains at night temperatures occasionally dip below freezing, although in the plains the daily average is rarely less than 25 Centigrade. Culturally, Northern Thailand shows heavy influences from the neighboring cultures of Myanmar and Yunnan (China). The kingdoms of Lanna (centered at Chiang Mai) and Sukhothai were the first historical Thai nations. Much of northern Thailand was for a long time off limits due to a series of Communist insurgencies and Myanmar's drug battles and civil wars spilling over the border. Both problems have been largely resolved, although caution is still advised near the border with Myanmar in the provinces of Tak and Mae Hong Son.

Chiang Mai - largest city in the north. Chiang Mai is situated at 300 meters above sea level in a large mountainous area. Located approximately 700km from Bangkok, Chiang Mai province is famed for its gloriously high mountain ranges, plentiful flora and fauna and crisp fresh weather. The province in Thailand is one of the country’s largest, covering 20,107 square kilometers. The actual meaning of Chiang Mai itself is “new city” and it was founded as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom in 1296 by King Meng Rai. Chiang Mai not only acts as the capital of the kingdom, the province was established as the religious center of the north and so innumerable temples have been built. The best time of the year to see Chiang Mai is from November to April where the weather is super-fresh and crispy and all the province's renowned flowers are out in full bloom. In fact, in the mountainous areas temperatures can dip down to freezing point. It doesn’t snow, but sleet is known to drop at times. One of the best times to visit Chiang Mai during this period is at Songkran (Thai New Year) as the town is synonymous with Songkran tradition, color and fun. During the hot season March to May temperatures especially in the city are high, going up to the high 30s. The rainy season in north is from June to October and trekking is not advised due to the chances of storms, winds and rains. From May to October there is a lot of rain but since the climate is tropical, the rain falls in quick heavy but short downpours.

Chiang Rai is Thailand’s northernmost province and a beauty it really is. It is situated on the Kok River basin well above sea level with an area of some 11,678 square kilometres. It is about 785km from Bangkok. Mostly mountainous, it reaches the Mae Khong River to the north and borders on both Myanmar and Laos. Popualtions have dwelled in Chiang Rai since the 7th century and it became the center of the Lanna Thai Kingdom during the 13th century. The region, rich in natural resources and textiles, was occupied by the Burmese until 1786. Chiang Rai province’s Golden Triangle bordering Laos and Burma was once the hub of opium production which had much influence on cultural practices and lifestyles. Until this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character. Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, and Doi Mae Salong are three substantially different places. Chiang Saen’s rich culture has been influenced by its collection of Buddhist scriptures and temples. It was once the provincial capital. Mae Chan’s name lies in its silver and tribal handicrafts. Once officially unrecognized by the Thai government, Doi Mae Salong is a Chinese KMT (Kuomintang) area renowned for its natural beauty and unique Yunnanese culture. Besides the Chinese 93rd Infantry of the Kuomintang, several other ethnic minorities have settled down in the region including the Tai Yai, Tai Lue, Tai Khoen and Tai Yuan.

NORTH OF THAILAND MAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHIANG MAI MAP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Centara Duangtawan Hotel

  2. Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai

  3. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

  4. Four Seasons Tented Camp Chiang Rai

  5. Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort

  6. Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Asia Journey Exclusive Co., Ltd
919/535 (A), Jewelry Trade Center 47th Floor,
Silom Rd., Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand 10500
Tel +66 2 630 3955; Fax +66 2 236 1823
E-mail russia@asiajourney-travel.com

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