Chiang Mai : the historical capital of Lanna culture

Chiang Mai is undoubtly one of the most visited places in Thailand and that for a good reason. There are plenty to do and to see in Chiang Mai, is it shopping that you want to do, some adventure like elephant riding or water rafting, visiting beautiful temples and ruins or just a quite place to calm yourself.

Chiang Mai once was the capital of the Lanna kingdom, that's why you will see ruins of wall and the four gates of 700 years old in middle of the city. And alongside this wall, there is a canal which was build to protect the city in the past. There are more historical relics to see in this city, such as Wat Jedi Luang, a temple ruin of more than 500 years.

And in this city full of ruins there are also modern building and shopping centers, but what attracts shopping tourist to Chiang Mai aren't these malls though. It's the Night bazaar or Night market, which is consisted of plenty of stalls offering handmade goods, such as silk, silver jewelry or paper umbrella. And if you want to buy those in mass, you can visit the producing places, which are in the city and not difficult to get there.

And for families activities you can visit the Chiang Mai zoo, one of Thailand's biggest zoos and here there is the Night Safari trip, a trip take you around the zoo in the night. This zoo is at the foothill of Doi Suthep, a high mountain with waterfalls and hill tribe villages. At the top of mountain it the Phratat Doi Suthep, a sacred temple, which offer a wonderful view to Chiang Mai city. And if you go further, there are hill tribe villages for tourist to visit. And for adventure lovers, there is an elephant riding tour at the Mae Sa Valley.