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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 specialty, making Chiang Mai the centre of Thailand''s rich and prolific crafts industry.

Over the years Chiang Mai has changed considerably- modernization 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.

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Chiang Mai is rated among the top 10 cities in Asia which is suitable for a perfect and a peaceful living. If you wish to seek peace and solitude then Chiang Mai is the place where you should be. The atmosphere here is chilled out and the tourist spot enjoys a mild climate throughout the year. It is also recorded that there are more than 20,000 foreigners that are presently living in Chiang Mai.

Historically Speaking

Chiang Mai, though only a fortieth of the size of Bangkok, is nearly 500 years older than the country’s capital. Chiang Mai was founded in the hills of northern Thailand during the late 13th century, and was established as the capital of Lanna, one of the first independent kingdoms of Thailand. Lanna was later overshadowed by the consecutive rise of the kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya and this caused Chiang Mai to recede into relative obscurity. It remained more or less a backwater until a few years ago, when tourism necessitated a rejuvenation of the city.

Chiang Mai has since developed in terms of infrastructure and is an interesting mix of the old and the new- part of the old quarter still has old wooden houses, quiet gardens and a moat around the town wall, while the modern sector of the town is bustling and busy.