General Information of Chiang Mai

Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Maiwhere locals are proud of the city\'s 700-year history. Its richtraditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for thedevelopment of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places inThailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the citycenturies-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores andboutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat squaresurrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its fourmain gates offering prime access to the old town.

The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous culturalidentity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditionalvalues, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime locationin its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and theirwealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai\'s distinctive diversity.

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Photograph by: Krisd

Photograph by: Krisd

Photograph by: Krisd

Photograph by: Krisd

Photograph by: Krisd

Photograph by: MADA

Photograph by: Boykung

Photograph by: Boykung

How To Go to Chiang Mai

By Car from Bangkok

Drive on Highway No.1 (Phahonyothin) and turn left to Highway No.32(Asian Highway) which passes Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, andNakhon Sawan, then take Highway No. 117 to Phitsanulok and Highway No.11 to Lampang, Lamphun and Chiang Mai. The total distance is 695kilometers.

By Bus

There are ordinary, 2nd class and 1st class air-conditioned busesleaving for Chiang Mai daily (8.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m.) from theBangkok\'s Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal). Call 02 9363600, 02 936 2852, and 02 937 8055 for a more updated bus timetable.Private buses, which can be conveniently booked in tourist-orientedplaces in Bangkok, are also available. However, the public buses fromthe Northern Bus Terminal are generally more reliable. The journeytakes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on traffic.

By Train

Express and rapid trains operated by the State Railways of Thailandleave for Chiang Mai from Bangkoks Hua Lamphong Station 6 times a dayfrom 8.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. The trip takes about 11-12 hours for expresstrains. For more information, contact tel. 1690, or 02 223 7010, 02 2237020. Chiang Mai Railway Station, tel. (053) 24 2094, 244 795, .247 462245 363-4

By Air

Domestic airlines including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Air Asia,Nok Air, Orient Thai Airlines, Air Andaman and Phuket Air operateseveral flights daily between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Thai Airways also operates domestic flights from Chiang Mai to MaeHong Son, Chiang Rai and Phuket. International flights to and fromChitakong, Luang Phrabang, Khunming, Yangon and Japan (Narita) are alsoprovided. Call 02 628 2000 (Bangkok), 053 211 044-7 (Chiang Mai), orvisit www.thaiairways.com for more information.

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