Chiang Mai means “new city” in Thai, and it has kept that name even though it turned 700 years old in 1996. On Thursday, April 12, 1296, King Meng Rai the Great made the city the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. This was around the same time that the Sukhothai Kingdom was founded. King Meng …
Today, the deputy governor said that this year, Chiang Mai will get ready for Songkran under the name “Charming Chiang Mai.” He said that only five districts are open to tourists right now, but by Songkran, all 25 will be. Official approval is expected later this week. The Public Health Office says that by the …
Songkran will be open to the public in all 25 districts. Read More »
From Chiang Mai, the route goes north on Highway 107, following the Mae Hong Son loop at first. After 56km, on the right, there is an elephant training center that puts on logging shows every day at 9am and 10am (June-April: THB40). It’s a trap for tourists, though. You’d be better off going to a …
Even though Chiang Mai’s fast economic growth in recent years, which is mostly due to tourism, has caused some problems, the city still manages to keep the charming feel of an old village. With a population of 150,000, this is the country’s second largest city, but it couldn’t be more different from Bangkok. The people …
