Often referred to as Thailand’s “Gateway to the North”, and only an hour’s flight away, Chiang Mai offers the longstay guest a completely different living and sightseeing experience to the nation’s capital 700 kilometres to the north.
The rolling plains of central Thailand give way to tall hills and mountains that ultimately become the Himalayas beyond our borders. Tropical jungle yields to stately teak forests, and temperatures are noticeably cooler for much of the year, particularly the winter months. |
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As the hub of this northern region, Chiang Mai has much to offer the longstay visitors. It’s compact, and easy to get around. Its core of longstay residents ensures that modern services and conveniences are available. Yet you rub shoulders with ancient history every day … the ancient walled and moated city still forms a part of everyday, working Chiang Mai. |
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The timeless architectural heritage of temples almost a thousand years old is a constant reminder of a glorious history; and, amazingly, many of these historic buildings still function today in much the same way as when they were first constructed.
The life of the city still revolves around the Ping River which flows through its centre, and along the banks are restaurants, markets, and piers servicing commercial and tourist river traffic. And from anywhere in Chiang Mai the broody, misty hills surrounding the town are visible, promising new adventures that include elephant treks, meeting the indigenous hill-tribe people, and the quiet solitude and splendour of Thailand’s very own “High Country”.
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