Chiang Mai : the rose of Thailand

Chiang Mai (also known as the Rose of the North) is the second largest city in Thailand, culturally the most significant in the north of Thailand and the capital of the province of Chiang Mai. It is located 800 kilometers north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country. 

In recent years, Chiang Mai has become more modern. The city offers many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come to Chiang Mai every year. The historical strength of Chiang Mai derives from its important strategic location near a southern branch of the ancient Silk Road, and long before the modern influx of foreign visitors. The city served as an important center for crafts, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.
The city has almost as many monuments as Bangkok. The architecture of these reflect different periods of construction. Most interesting are located in the historic old town, inside the moat. Do not miss the Wat Phra Singh Lan Na style. Hit the streets on two wheels to easily stop every treasure that hides the city. 

The historic heart houses 36 temples adorned with stucco, paint, pearl, teak paneling, etc. The fortifications of the city have almost all gone, the only remaining moat drawing a perfect square.

The many surrounding forests will be an opportunity to practice your favorite sports: hiking in the National Park Doi Suthep-Pui, mountain biking, rafting, elephants back rinding, etc.

In all, the province has 20,000 square kilometers of fertile plains, wooded hills, poppy fields, jungles, protected parks and rivers. Paradise for nature lovers. 

Small natural curiosity to visit the underground tunnels Tham Chiang Dao north of the city.

There are two main handicraft villages around Chiang Mai, it's San Kamphaeng and Baan Tawai. The first, closer to the city, consists of large stores offering almost industrial production, including furniture, very uneven. It is also popular with bus travel agencies and their kickbacks system. It is not very easy to negotiate. Ceramics (celadon), parasols and silk are certainly what is better there.

Baan Tawai, south of Chiang Mai, located 20 kilometers from the city center, is the place to be. Around the real craft village, some more "commercial" signs have been grafted, but it still a must. Furniture and teak, bamboo, mango, rosewood, rattan, water hyacinth abound. It is large and takes several days to do the trick. The advantage is that you do not walk on your feet ! It is organized by sectors and it is advisable to obtain a map of the village to prepare for his visit by targeting places to visit. Especially since many shops are actually resellers of objects manufactured in factories on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Therefore it is necessary to be discerning.

Source : /www.linternaute.com