CHIANG MAI
Rose of the North of Thailand
Chiang Mai literally means "new city" but the city is known as "Rose of the North". It is a cultural and natural wonderland with ethnic diversity, a multitude of attractions and welcoming hospitality. Delegates can experience both historical and modern Thai culture coexisting side by side. The city of Chiang Mai features centuries old pagodas and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels.The largest city in the northern part of Thailand, Chiang Mai is internationally recognised as one of the country's most distinctive cities and a truly engaging conference destination as it represents a harmonious blend of the province's culture and environment which are amongst its strongest features.
How to get Chiang Mai
Located less than 10 minutes drive from the city centre the Chiang Mai International Airport consists of a Domestic and an International terminal in a single building. Roughly 130 flights both Domestic and International fly in and out each week. A check of the individual airline websites will give current flight schedules and costs. Alternativley you can fly into Bangkok, where connecting flights can be had to Chiang Mai.Climate
Temperatures in November range from 19°c through to 29.8°c. There is an average rainfall of 53mm in the month of November. Typically November is classed as a cooler month within the dry season.Language
Thai is spoken and understood by the largest majority of people in Chiang Mai. The regional dialect is officially called Kham Muang and it is also refered to as Northern Tahi or Lanna. Visas
For many nationals a visa waiver is issued upon arrival, Securing the correct visa in Chiang Mai is important to save you costly visa runs or fines. Please click here to view further information on visas.10 things to do in Chiang Mai
Gleaming like a northern star from the heights of Doi Suthep (the regal mountain overlooking the city from the northwest) is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It is one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in Thailand and is an impressive embodiment of the Lanna culture, with its origins dating back almost 700 years. As such, large numbers of Thais and foreigners come to experience the special magic of this holy place.
Modeled after a similar attraction in Singapore, Chiang Mai Night Safari features three animal zones – Savanna Safari, Predator Prowl, Jaguar Trail – which you can tour via an open-sided tram or on foot. Enjoy a range of activities designed to keep you entertained throughout your visit, from hand-feeding wild animals and petting tiger cubs to a laser light show and ‘dancing’ fountain.
Built sometime between 1385 and 1402, during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 7th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty, Wat Chedi Luang's massive chedi (pagoda) is a distinctive feature of the Chiang Mai skyline. At its peak, the chedi measured 60 metres across at the square base and 80 metres tall and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred religious relic.
Located in attractive countryside about five kilometres south of Chiang Mai along the Ping River, Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city dating back to the eighth-century Haripunchai Kingdom. Expect to see many interesting items and structures such as stone tablets with Mon inscriptions, Buddhist sculptures and architecture, earthenware and pottery. Taking a horse-led carriage is a popular way to enjoy the ruins.
The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai was among the first of the new breed of elephant attractions in Thailand which prioritise the welfare of the animals. Often acting as retirement and care homes for elephants previously employed in the logging or tourism industries, they provide as natural an environment for them as possible. While you can still interact with the elephants – bathing them being an especially popular activity – riding on them is strictly out of the question.
Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand, rises 2,565 metres above sea level. Known as a sanctuary for a wide range of animal species and perhaps the best place in Thailand for bird-watching, the park has approximately 362 different species, many of which are not found anywhere else in Thailand. Doi Inthanon is a popular destination, not only for its natural beauty, but also for its historical significance
At Chiang Dao cave, the caverns stretch many kilometres into the mountain yet only a small part of the complex is possible to explore. Two of the caves, Tham Phra Nawn and Tham Seua Dao, are illuminated by electric lights, but the upper caves are pitch-black and requires a local lantern-carrying guides to lead the way. There are some spectacular limestone formations and Buddhist shrines in these caves.
Doi Pui, at 1,685 metres above sea level, is the highest peak in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. It is famous for its beautiful waterfalls which are easily reached from the main road. But one of the hottest attractions for Doi Pui must be Hmong Tribal Village situated less than five kilometres from the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. A visit to this village is an eye-opener into the tribal villagers’ private life.
The handcrafting of umbrellas and parasols in Bo Sang Village is known throughout the country and even abroad – so much so that the umbrella has become one of the symbols of Chiang Mai. Here, you'll find plenty of hand-painted umbrellas, tiny cocktail umbrellas, large parasols for gardens or patios and other handmade products – all made from sa paper in various designs and at reasonable prices.
Covering 200 acres of land in the foothills of Doi Suthep and providing excellent views of the city in addition to fascinating wildlife exhibits, Chiang Mai Zoo is certainly worth a visit. Nearly 400 species of animal are kept here, including the two 'cultural ambassador' or pandas from China. The zoo also features outstanding special attractions such as the walk through the aviary and a fascinating freshwater aquarium
APPES Conference Secretariat
A: PO Box 180, Morisset NSW 2264 Australia
T: +61 2 4973 6573
F: +61 2 4973 6609
E: conference@appes.org
