Chiang Mai is the second biggest city in Thailand and also one of the oldest one. It was founded by King Mengrai in 1296. Besides being a city rich of cultural heritage it has also a wide variety of activities to offer to suit all ages and preferences.
One unique experience to make around Chiang Mai is to visit an elephant camp. Besides being a tourist attraction, some elephant camps provide medical treatments to elephants. The entrance fee to the camp is used to provide medical treatments to injured or sick elephants. The attractions offered to visitor are riding through the jungle on the back of these big but sensible animals and see them in action. There are camps in Mae Sa, Chiang Dao, Mae Tang, Lampang and Mae Wang.
Elephants are not simply big animals but they also play an important role in Thai culture and history. They are a traditional symbol of royal power, an essential feature of Buddhist art and architecture, and a spiritual mentor for people of all walks of life. In the early part of this century, elephants roamed freely and in multitude throughout, Thailand. Prior to the 18th century they were the main machine of Southeast Asian war, a Thai king of the late 17th century having had 20,000 war elephants trained for battle. Elephants in Thailand have always been a symbol of both power and peace. They have always performed the most exacting physical tasks. And they have always been well loved.
Chiang Mai is in Northern Thailand which is mountainous and has many waterfalls. It offers therefore many opportunities for white water rafting especially after the raining season around February, when the Mae Tang river tumbles out of the hills, offering first class rafting and kayaking.
Chiang Mai is less crowded than Bangkok and what would be considered suicidal in Bangkok is possible in Chiang Mai: a bicycle tour thru the city. Bicycles can easily be found for rent in the city center. You can also rent a mountain bike and ride some of the superb trails on Doi Suithep - a mountain to the west of the city. Make a trip to visit hilltribe villages, coffee plantations, lychee groves, waterfalls and enjoy fantastic views from the top of the mountains.
Chiang Mai is the second biggest city in Thailand and also one of the oldest one. It was founded by King Mengrai in 1296. Besides being a city rich of cultural heritage it has also a wide variety of activities to offer to suit all ages and preferences.