Chiang Mai Outside of Thailand’s capital city and the touristy beaches and islands, you'll find places that are uniquely Thai. Escape the heat on a visit to Chiang Mai.

Outside of Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok and the touristy beaches and islands, there is plenty to be seen and experienced that is unique to Thailand. In the north, you can escape the heat in the mountains on a visit to Chiang Mai. There are still plenty of tourists that flock to Thailand’s second largest city however despite this, Chiang Mai has managed to retain much of its heritage.

The cuisine in the north has a distinct flavour and there are plenty of excellent cooking schools where you can learn to make it for yourself. There are many and varied temple’s all over Chiang Mai, each ornate, intricate and beautiful – the most revered of which is the Wat Phra Singh. Visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for some fantastic local handicrafts and souvenirs.

For a special day trip out of Chiang Mai, visit the Elephant Nature Park – a sanctuary and rescue centre for Northern Thailand’s elephants. Set in rural countryside, you can spend time doing volunteer work or just enjoy the day, admiring these majestic creatures with the opportunity to feed and bathe them. Perhaps the reason most head to Chiang Mai is to get out into the jungle on a trek. Explore the countryside, take a relaxing bamboo raft down the river, stroll through charming villages and enjoy an overnight stay with a local hill-tribe.