Airport

Ten minutes from the airport and you've arrived in Chiang Mai on the western side, not far from the old city walls. Close this area, and generated by Chiang Mai's 30,000 students, is a new shopping and entertainment complex with department store, cinemas, food halls, a theatre and even an ice rink! Easy communications with taxis and local buses operating on a regular basis within the city and also a good base for trips outside Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai City

The old city, which still has the remains of the city wall and lots of small lanes to wander around, also contains the main temples and cultural areas. Modern development has not progressed at quite the same pace as the rest of the city, so hotels tend to located on the fringes. Buses, open air and ordinary taxis are frequent so its easy to get around.

Hang Dong

The road to Hang Dong has numerous outlets mostly specializing in woodcarving. Take this route if you want to look at two handicrafts - one traditional, and the other highly commercialized - and a fine 19th century temple showing the spiritual origins of modern wood- carving. Return to Chiang Mai by following the banks of the Ping River. You may visit Wiang Kum Kam on the return leg.

Mae Rim

Not many tourists make their way to this rugged, mountainous area bulging out of the Northern Thailand border, but those who do are rewarded with breathtaking views of a wild frontier, as uninhabited hills stretch as far as the eye can see into Myanmar's remote Shan states. In the bowl-shaped valley nestled in the centre of this massif, you will find a comfortable resort, some guesthouses, a productive agricultural centre with colourful gardens, and a scattering of hill tribe villages.

Mountainside

The mountains around Chiang Mai provide a wonderful retreat from the heat. The views are stunning and its a great way to get away from it all and simply enjoy nature. Only 30 minutes from the city, the Mae Rim valley has some of the most exclusive hotels in the area and is close to orchid and butterfly farms, hill tribe villages, elephant trekking, excellent golf courses. Angkhang, about 3 hours north near the Burmese border, has the Royal Ankhang Research Station and some challenging trekking paths.

Riverside

Many of the older hotels are located around the river, with its close proximity to the railway station. Chiang Mai night bazaar - an ever expanding market which sells a large range of northern handicrafts, jewellery and other items is also close by.

Night Bazaar

Over the years the night bazaar in central Chiang Mai has grown and grown. Every night, the market opens with a range of hilltribe and northern Thai handicrafts, jewellery and other items. There are lots of places to eat and drink or simply watch the world go by. Good for shopaholics.