Often referred to as the ‘Rose of the North’, Chiang Mai is the
economic and cultural centre of Northern Thailand and the focus of tourism
within the region. Located about 700 kilometres from Bangkok, it is one of
Thailand’s better known and most visited provinces. Originally the capital of the
Lanna Thai kingdom created by King Mengrai in 1296, the province has a played
a major part in the development of the country. Situated on the Mae Ping River
and around 310 metres above sea level, Chiang Mai is one of the kingdom’s most
beautiful provinces, featuring mountain ranges and hills amidst lush greenery and
jungle. Climate conditions in the area can create swirls of mist and fog in winter –
an unusual sight in a tropical country. The province’s numerous national parks
are extremely fertile, have an abundance of flowers, and support a broad range of
wildlife (the area is particularly associated with elephants). The province is also
famed as being a home to numerous tribal peoples and visits to tribal villages are a
key component of the area’s tourism. Some of the main attractions in the area
include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Doi Intanon – Thailand’s biggest mountain