Highlights of Chiang Mai

The north of Thailand has played pivotal roles in the history of the Kingdom, and has always had a strong influence on Thai culture. From the mid-13th century through the mid-16th century, the north of Thailand was a kingdom unto itself—The Kingdom of Lan Na with Chiang Mai as the royal capital.

Chiang Mai was recently voted the World’s Number One Value Destination by Condé Nast Traveller, and is fast becoming the one place in Thailand not to miss. Located on the Ping River about 80 mi (130 km) east of Myanmar and over 700 km northwest of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is changing fast and is Thailand’s second largest city. As the home town of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, it has received a lot of tender loving care in recent years: new tourist attractions, vastly improved roads, even its airport is now ‘international’ with excellent links to Bangkok (55 minutes) and direct flights to many Southeast Asian cities, Taiwan, and China.

The region benefits from two seasons: humid, tropical summers, and cool, dry winters, making it a pleasant place to visit. The best months to visit are between October and April.

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s major center for quality handicrafts, jewelry, and fine antiques, and there are many specialized shopping areas. The city is also a good base from which to explore the surrounding countryside. This mountainous region is home to many colorful, hill-tribe people as well as being ideal for trekking and river rafting.

THINGS TO SEE & DO     

• Take a boat trip on The Ping. Boats leave the landing between The Brown Bean Coffee Corner and The Riverside five times a day from 10am;
01-8844621.

Chiang Mai is over seven hundred years old and more than 2000 temples are registered as historical sites. The ones you shouldn’t overlook are: Wat Phra Singa, Wat Chiang Mun, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

SHOPPING         

Make the Night Bazaar your first stop. Our favorite area for antiques is Hang Dong. You will need a car and driver and we recommend Tong – mobile: 089-9515295. We have bought genuine antiques of great quality from De Siam (053-441254) that has the largest collection of Thai and Chinese antiques in Thailand, Ratana House (053-271734), Borisoothi Antiques (053-338460-2), NT. Teak Design Co. Ltd. (053-434232), Ethnic East (053-861121), Kalae Art & Décor (053-433316), and T. Tara Collection (053-818191). A five-minute walk from the Night Bazaar is Lao Jo Alley behind Warorot Market on Khuang Meru Road. Here you will find Lanna clothes, outfits and accessories.

THE GAY SCENE

There are two sections downtown (behind D-2 hotel), directly out back door of D-2 hotel is the Night Bazaar beer bars and a right turn when exiting the hotel (500 meters) will take you to the Peak bar area with many Gay bars there also.  The other main Gay area is out towards Lotus Hotel  that has New My Way Go Go and others. Also popular to check out are the many “guys only” saunas and massage places, check our listings.

WHAT’S SPICY?

Visiting tourists and nice local guys tend to start or end their evening’s adventures at one of the open-air gay bars mentioned above. You’ll meet everyone you’ve ever seen on Gaydar! There’s a dearth of discos – the most popular is  Bubble Disco but it is mixed. The following pages will tell you where to best enjoy this wonderfully different town.