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Thailand > Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Urban   Riverfront  

Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand that has a rich cultural and historical heritage. It is known for its beautiful temples, vibrant street markets, and the surrounding natural landscape. The city is the largest in northern Thailand and serves as a hub for travelers looking to explore the region's unique Lanna culture. The Old City area still retains remnants of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center. Chiang Mai is also famous for its traditional festivals, including the annual Yi Peng Lantern Festival, which lights up the sky with thousands of floating lanterns. The city offers a range of activities from temple hopping and cultural tours to trekking and visiting elephant sanctuaries. The night bazaar is a bustling, vibrant market where visitors can find a variety of handicrafts, local goods, and street food. Chiang Mai is also a center for traditional Thai massage and cooking schools, where visitors can learn the art of Thai cuisine.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Chiang Mai is moderate compared to other major cities in Thailand, offering a good balance between affordability and access to amenities.

Weather

Chiang Mai has a tropical savanna climate, with a distinct wet season and dry season, and the cool season can be quite mild.

Local Restaurants

Chiang Mai offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to various tastes and budgets. For a fine dining experience, David's Kitchen serves French and Thai fusion cuisine in an elegant setting. A mid-range option is The Riverside, where diners can enjoy live music along with Thai and international dishes. For those on a budget, the bustling street food scene includes vendors like the famous Cowboy Hat Lady, known for her khao kha moo (pork leg rice). Additionally, the city has numerous vegetarian and vegan-friendly eateries, such as the affordable and popular Anchan Vegetarian Restaurant.

Area Hospitals

Chiang Mai is home to several reputable healthcare facilities, including the Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, which is a private hospital known for its comprehensive medical services and modern equipment. Another notable institution is the Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, also known as Suan Dok Hospital, which is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University and serves as a major government teaching hospital with a wide range of medical services.

Schools in Chiang Mai

Bi-lingual Schools
Chiang Mai also hosts bilingual schools such as the Lanna International School Thailand (LIST), which offers a British curriculum alongside Thai language and culture studies. Another example is the American Pacific International School (APIS), which provides a dual language program in English and Chinese.

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