Chiang Mai City Guide
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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 makes Chiang Mai 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.
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.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity, 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. Visitors love the handicrafts of silk, silver and wood. Chiang Mai is a place where both budget-minded and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
The natural attractions are a strong motivation for those who visit this area. Places to see include the Mae Fah Luang botanical gardens; Doi Suthep, with its fabulous views over the city; Doi Inthanon—the highest mountain in Thailand with two stunning Stupas; the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens; butterfl y farms; elephant camps and orchid farms. For the adventurous, there is mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, overnight jungle treks, rock climbing and zipping through the jungle canopies. Numerous museums, galleries, cultural centers and temples can be found. You can rent a 4X4 with driver to take you to explore the Hiltribe areas.
SHOPPING
The best shopping locations are the Night Bazaar, where you can buy hand-woven fabrics, hill-tribe crafts, jewelry, lacquer ware, wood carvings, iron and wood Buddhas and many other items. In the Northern Village at Central Airport Plaza, you will find a full range of quality souvenirs and handicraft s. Shopping at Ban Thawai at Hang Dong is excellent for antiques and reproduction furniture.
THE GAY SCENE
The Chiang Mai Gay Scene is less flamboyant when compared with other gay scenes in Thailand. Downtown, there are two sections of beer bars; one is behind the D2 hotel (Night Bazaar bars) the other 2 or 3 is about 200 meters further up the Soi around a former climbing tower called ‘The Peak’. In the inner northern area (Chang Puck or new Gay Quarter) is a concentration of go-go bars, friendly neighborhood bars, massage establishments, and a ‘guy’s only’ sauna called The House of Male and other massage for men locations around the city (see SPICE! listings).
WHAT’S SPICY?
The new Gay Destination Lanna Lavender hotel with salon, VIP massage, 24 hour coffee shop and Power Boys Gay Nightclub. Also it’s hot at the new Adams Apple Club with show across from the Garden bar & Lotus Hotel. Hot Go Go Bars & Cabaret shows also include New My Way, Circle Pub and Free Guy clubs, which feature ‘special adult‘ shows.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity, 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. Visitors love the handicrafts of silk, silver and wood. Chiang Mai is a place where both budget-minded and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
The natural attractions are a strong motivation for those who visit this area. Places to see include the Mae Fah Luang botanical gardens; Doi Suthep, with its fabulous views over the city; Doi Inthanon—the highest mountain in Thailand with two stunning Stupas; the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens; butterfl y farms; elephant camps and orchid farms. For the adventurous, there is mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, overnight jungle treks, rock climbing and zipping through the jungle canopies. Numerous museums, galleries, cultural centers and temples can be found. You can rent a 4X4 with driver to take you to explore the Hiltribe areas.
SHOPPING
The best shopping locations are the Night Bazaar, where you can buy hand-woven fabrics, hill-tribe crafts, jewelry, lacquer ware, wood carvings, iron and wood Buddhas and many other items. In the Northern Village at Central Airport Plaza, you will find a full range of quality souvenirs and handicraft s. Shopping at Ban Thawai at Hang Dong is excellent for antiques and reproduction furniture.
THE GAY SCENE
The Chiang Mai Gay Scene is less flamboyant when compared with other gay scenes in Thailand. Downtown, there are two sections of beer bars; one is behind the D2 hotel (Night Bazaar bars) the other 2 or 3 is about 200 meters further up the Soi around a former climbing tower called ‘The Peak’. In the inner northern area (Chang Puck or new Gay Quarter) is a concentration of go-go bars, friendly neighborhood bars, massage establishments, and a ‘guy’s only’ sauna called The House of Male and other massage for men locations around the city (see SPICE! listings).
WHAT’S SPICY?
The new Gay Destination Lanna Lavender hotel with salon, VIP massage, 24 hour coffee shop and Power Boys Gay Nightclub. Also it’s hot at the new Adams Apple Club with show across from the Garden bar & Lotus Hotel. Hot Go Go Bars & Cabaret shows also include New My Way, Circle Pub and Free Guy clubs, which feature ‘special adult‘ shows.