Chiang Mai
Northern Thailand metropolis
Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand, the country's second-largest urban center and cultural capital of the north.
Founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, it remains a center of traditional Thai crafts, Buddhist temples, and mountain tourism.
The name means "new city" in Thai: We spent a week in Chiang Mai visiting temples and night markets.
Inherited cultural legacy
- kingdomMonarch's ruled territory
- traditionsLong-established customs passed down
- handicraftsManually created decorative objects
- weavingInterlacing strands into fabric
silversmithing · woodcarving · lacquerware · artisans · craftsmanship · costumes · customs · folklore
Tiered Asian temple tower
- stupaBuddhist relic monument
- Buddha statuesSculptures of awakened teacher
- monkCloistered religious devotee
- meditationFocused attention practice
saffron robes · ordination · pilgrimage · spirituality · dharma · incense · offerings · murals
Mass launching of floating lights
- sky lanternsFire-lifted paper balloons
- flower festivalEvent celebrating ornamental blooms
- water fightsPlayful soaking competitions
- paradesPublic celebratory processions
night bazaar · fireworks · paper lanterns · blessing ceremonies · processions
Mobile location-free professionals
- cafesInformal eateries serving drinks
- coworking spacesShared office facilities for independents
- expatsCitizens living abroad, informally
- guesthousesSmall residential lodgings
Old City · night markets · Thai massage · wellness · yoga retreats · cooking schools · elephant sanctuaries · slow living
Elevated, hilly land areas
- trekkingLong-distance foot travel
- hikingRecreational trail walking
- KarenEntitled, demanding woman
- HmongSoutheast Asian ethnic group
viewpoints · waterfalls · jungle · cloud forest · national park · cool season · elevation · scenic drives
Adhesive cooked grain variety
- mangoSouth Asian stone fruit
- papaya saladShredded unripe fruit dish
- street vendorsOutdoor merchants on sidewalks
- cooking classesStructured kitchen training
heritage
Inherited cultural legacy
- kingdomMonarch's ruled territory
- traditionsLong-established customs passed down
- handicraftsManually created decorative objects
weaving · silversmithing · woodcarving · lacquerware · artisans · craftsmanship · costumes · customs · folklore · ceremonial drums
pagoda
Tiered Asian temple tower
- stupaBuddhist relic monument
- Buddha statuesSculptures of awakened teacher
- monkCloistered religious devotee
meditation · saffron robes · ordination · pilgrimage · spirituality · dharma · incense · offerings · murals · prayer
lantern release
Mass launching of floating lights
- sky lanternsFire-lifted paper balloons
- flower festivalEvent celebrating ornamental blooms
- water fightsPlayful soaking competitions
parades · night bazaar · fireworks · paper lanterns · blessing ceremonies · processions
digital nomads
Mobile location-free professionals
- cafesInformal eateries serving drinks
- coworking spacesShared office facilities for independents
- expatsCitizens living abroad, informally
guesthouses · Old City · night markets · Thai massage · wellness · yoga retreats · cooking schools · elephant sanctuaries · slow living · affordable
highlands
Elevated, hilly land areas
Hmong · viewpoints · waterfalls · jungle · cloud forest · national park · cool season · elevation · scenic drives · nature trails
sticky rice
Adhesive cooked grain variety
- mangoSouth Asian stone fruit
- papaya saladShredded unripe fruit dish
- street vendorsOutdoor merchants on sidewalks
- AsiaChina, India, Japan, Thailand, Korea
- Southeast AsiaVietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia
- ThailandBangkok, Phuket, baht, Thai silk, elephants
- Light Festivalslanterns, Diwali, Hanukkah, lantern festival, light shows
- ThaiBangkok, baht, Muay Thai, pad thai, tom yum
- Backpacker DestinationsBangkok, Cusco, Hanoi, Goa, Kathmandu