Explore The Religious And Historical Culture of Chiang Mai
- By Gregory Smyth
- Published 10/30/2008
- Travel
- Unrated
Chiang Mai is an infinitely lovable city - who could remain aloof from a place that during the first World War (a time of planes, factories, bombs and blossoming technology) could only be reached by elephant?!
Unsurprisingly, it was voted as the top place to live in the whole of Asia recently. Nearly everything in this city seems to be from another world, despite the fact that it is Thailand's fifth largest city. Here we look at some of Chiang Mai's must-see sights, and the best Chiang Mai hotels for your luxury Asian holiday.
The quieter pursuits of life, like museums and temples are the main attractions of Chiang Mai.
There are around 300 temples in Chiang Mai, dating back to the 13th century. The city was founded in 1296, and the first temples were built shortly after. The Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep is one of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai - you can see it from wherever you are in the city, and it can see you!
This is why it is known as the guardian temple of Chiang Mai. The temple is filled with cloisters depicting some of the lives of the Buddha, with a large marble floor at the center with a golden chedi in the middle. If luxury to you means relaxation, do the temple rounds of Chiang Mai on your luxury Asian holiday and come back with a newfound inner peace.
If the natural wonders are what bring you to Chiang Mai, you will want to see the famous Thai elephants. The Mae Sa valley offers you the opportunity to leave your
hotel in Chiang Mai and see them in a mostly natural habitat. You can ride the elephants, and also see them show off their skills.
You may have seen elephants painting on television - take a short trip to the Mae Sa valley from your Chiang Mai hotel and you can see it in person! In the Mae Sa valley you can also see the world's largest moth, the Atlas moth, and some of the world's most beautiful natural orchids.
If you'd like the lushness of your natural surroundings to be matched in the place you rest your head, choose a Chiang Mai hotel like Shangri-La Chiang Mai. Only a short ride from Chiang Mai International airport, Shangri-La rooms have natural, modern design and are made for comfort.
Mood lighting adds to the experience in these Chiang Mai hotel rooms, with divine feather duvets, a choice of garden or mountain views, and the option for a kitchenette or separate dining area in suites.
If you have tired your muscles with hiking and sightseeing, choose from an indulgent spa menu with energizing treatments like the Paradise Found, Enchanted Journey or The Indulgence of Time. Chi balancing massages and facials, with Himalayan Bath Therapy and soft natural wraps complete the experience.
The Madarin Oriental is another great choice of Chiang Mai hotel.
It is spread over 60 acres of the Chiang Mai landscape, with parts that are beautifully landscaped and parts that are left to the glory of nature. This hotel in Chiang Mai offers wellness retreats, as well as yoga packages, health spa packages, and the standard golf and getaway packages.
Unsurprisingly, it was voted as the top place to live in the whole of Asia recently. Nearly everything in this city seems to be from another world, despite the fact that it is Thailand's fifth largest city. Here we look at some of Chiang Mai's must-see sights, and the best Chiang Mai hotels for your luxury Asian holiday.
The quieter pursuits of life, like museums and temples are the main attractions of Chiang Mai.
There are around 300 temples in Chiang Mai, dating back to the 13th century. The city was founded in 1296, and the first temples were built shortly after. The Wat Phra Thad Doi Suthep is one of the most famous temples in Chiang Mai - you can see it from wherever you are in the city, and it can see you!
This is why it is known as the guardian temple of Chiang Mai. The temple is filled with cloisters depicting some of the lives of the Buddha, with a large marble floor at the center with a golden chedi in the middle. If luxury to you means relaxation, do the temple rounds of Chiang Mai on your luxury Asian holiday and come back with a newfound inner peace.
If the natural wonders are what bring you to Chiang Mai, you will want to see the famous Thai elephants. The Mae Sa valley offers you the opportunity to leave your
You may have seen elephants painting on television - take a short trip to the Mae Sa valley from your Chiang Mai hotel and you can see it in person! In the Mae Sa valley you can also see the world's largest moth, the Atlas moth, and some of the world's most beautiful natural orchids.
If you'd like the lushness of your natural surroundings to be matched in the place you rest your head, choose a Chiang Mai hotel like Shangri-La Chiang Mai. Only a short ride from Chiang Mai International airport, Shangri-La rooms have natural, modern design and are made for comfort.
Mood lighting adds to the experience in these Chiang Mai hotel rooms, with divine feather duvets, a choice of garden or mountain views, and the option for a kitchenette or separate dining area in suites.
If you have tired your muscles with hiking and sightseeing, choose from an indulgent spa menu with energizing treatments like the Paradise Found, Enchanted Journey or The Indulgence of Time. Chi balancing massages and facials, with Himalayan Bath Therapy and soft natural wraps complete the experience.
The Madarin Oriental is another great choice of Chiang Mai hotel.
It is spread over 60 acres of the Chiang Mai landscape, with parts that are beautifully landscaped and parts that are left to the glory of nature. This hotel in Chiang Mai offers wellness retreats, as well as yoga packages, health spa packages, and the standard golf and getaway packages.
Gregory Smyth
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.
View all articles by Gregory Smyth