The main gateway to the northern hill areas of Thailand is the ‘Rose of the North’,  better known as the city of Chiang Mai. The region is a picturesque one of high mist covered mountains, fertile river valleys, thick forests of teak, hot springs and thermal geysers, hill tribes and ancient towns, and in the midst of all these is Chiang Mai- ancient, beautiful, unique.

The mountains surrounding Chiang Mai are home to around 250,000 to 500,000 tribes-people of the ethnic hill tribes of Karen, Meo, Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Yao origin. All of them still retain their traditional and distinct cultures and religious beliefs. Each tribe has its distinctive style, which is apparent in the pattern of weaves and jewellery worn by them as part of their elaborate costumes. Hand crafted silver jewellery, hand embroidery and woven rugs; shawls and textiles are the regions speciality, making Chiang Mai the centre of Thailand's rich and prolific crafts industry.

In the past decade or two Chiang Mai has changed considerably- modernisation brought to the city improved transportation and accommodation facilities, tourism related services, crafts factories catering to overseas visitors and markets and more- all things that go to make Chiang Mai an attractive destination for both tourists and business travellers.