Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand surrounded by beautiful mountains and nature. It is Thailand’s second-biggest city, but feels much calmer and slower than busy Bangkok. Chiang Mai’s Old City has a historic moat, over 300 stunning Buddhist temples, and small, friendly streets filled with coffee shops and night markets.

The city is known for its strong Lanna culture, with many old traditions still alive today. At the same time, it’s a popular place for digital nomads and travelers from around the world. You can explore nearby waterfalls, elephant sanctuaries, and hill tribe villages, or enjoy Chiang Mai’s famous food—like khao soi curry noodles and other tasty dishes from different countries. From joining temple festivals and releasing lanterns into the sky to hanging out in the creative Nimmanhaemin area, Chiang Mai is more than just a place to visit—it’s an experience that you will remember for a long time.

The Founding of a Kingdom

Chiang Mai's history begins with King Mengrai, who established the city as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom in 1296. The strategic location in the Ping River valley provided both excellent rice cultivation land and natural mountain defenses. Mengrai laid out the Old City as a perfect square mile according to auspicious principles, constructing the protective moat and walls that still partially stand today. Under subsequent rulers, the city flourished as a center of Buddhist learning and craftsmanship, with magnificent temples like Wat Chiang Man and Wat Phra Singh built to house sacred Buddha images and serve the growing population.

Rise, Fall and Revival

The Lanna Kingdom reached its zenith under King Tilokarat in the 16th century, when the monumental Wat Chedi Luang was constructed with its original 96-meter pagoda. However, the kingdom eventually fell under Burmese control for two centuries, during which the city was largely depopulated and fell into decline. Chiang Mai's fortunes reversed at the end of the 1700s when General Kawila liberated the city for the Thai kingdom, restoring the walls and moat in 1801. The 19th century saw increased contact with foreign traders, particularly British teak merchants and the established Chinese community around Warorot Market, though reaching Chiang Mai remained an arduous journey until the railway arrived in 1920.

Modern Transformation and Cultural Preservation

The 20th century brought dramatic changes as Chiang Mai was formally incorporated as a Thai province in 1932, ending its semi-autonomous status. The city evolved from an agricultural and teak logging center into a tourism and handicraft hub, with villages like Baan Tawai developing international reputations for woodworking and crafts. Despite modernization, Chiang Mai has fiercely preserved its Lanna heritage through distinctive architecture, traditional festivals like Yee Peng, and the continued use of the Northern dialect. The city has skillfully balanced growth with cultural preservation, transforming from a backpacker destination into a world-class travel experience while maintaining the timeless charm that has made it consistently ranked among the world's best destinations.

Nestled in a charming village with Japanese-inspired aesthetics, Khao-So-i offers a cozy, minimalist wooden interior that complements its exceptional food. Their rich khao soi broth, generously topped and featuring incredibly tender beef that perfectly melds with the soup, is an authentic taste of Chiang Mai comfort. The experience is elevated by caring staff who provide attentive service, even graciously guiding first-timers on the traditional way to enjoy the dish, making for a truly memorable meal.

📍430/1 Charoenrat Road, Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand

Pakorn’s Kitchen is a traditional restaurant celebrated for its extensive menu of authentic Thai dishes, offering exceptional value with its local-friendly prices. The eatery's famously large portion sizes, which are shareable even at the smallest option, make it an outstanding dining experience. While their massaman curry is a signature dish, the exceptional quality of their khao soi solidly places it among the best in Chiang Mai.

📍186 7 Kampangdin Rd Hai Ya Subdistrict, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand

Dash! Teak House embodies the timeless wood tradition and local Lanna charm of Northern Thailand, established as an iconic dining hub in Chiang Mai's ancient quarter since 2010. Lovingly named for the owner's son and built on generations of family land, it reflects Noi Tevis's passion for great cooking following her return from abroad. The restaurant is an ideal romantic destination, especially in the evening when its beautiful atmosphere enhances the experience of its excellent Thai food.

📍38/2 Moon Maung Road Soi 2, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand

Bodhi Terraces presents a culinary tour of Thailand and Southeast Asia, celebrating the region's rich, overlapping histories through its vibrant flavours. The menu showcases a diverse tapestry of regional specialities, from the fiery spice of southern Malay dishes to the creamy curries and unique specialties of northern Chiang Mai. Guests can also begin their day with an international breakfast buffet, featuring tropical fruits, fresh baked goods, and made-to-order eggs, all complemented by complimentary high-speed WiFi.

📍123-123/1 Charoen Prathet Road Anantara Chiang Mai Serviced Suites, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand

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