Exalted in its mystical and historic setting among mountains and temples, Chiang Mai is nonetheless modern and friendly, an internationally flavoured city with much to entice visitors - high quality, low cost food, accommodation and shopping with cooler nights providing mercifully peaceful sleeping.It is also free of the traffic snarls and pollution which plague Bangkok and is small andsafe enough to get around on a bike.
In fact, not only do many foreigners stay longer than planned in Chiang Mai but many also live here. Innovations such as recycling schemes, restrictions on development and cleaning/dredging of its famous moat have seen Chiang Mai preserve much of its character and highlight its progressive attitude.

Population: 160,000
Country: Thailand
Time Zone: GMT/UTC+7
Telephone Area Code: 66 53

Located in north western Thailand, old Chiang Mai is a neat square bounded by moats and partial walls. Th Moon Muang, along the east moat, is the centre for inexpensive accommodation and places to eat. Th Tha Phae, the main street, runs from the moat here at the main square east and over Mae Nam Ping (River). Here it changes its name to Th Charoen Meuang and passes the post office and train station almost 3km (1.8mi) from the eastern city moat.
Bus stations linking Chiang Mai to southern Thailand and international capitals are located at various points around the city. The Chiang Pheuak terminal (a 2 minute walk from the north moat) links the city to other places within Chiang Mai province, while the Chiang Mai Arcade terminal (north east of the city, just off Thanon Kaew Nawarat) is the main link to destinations further afield.

When to Go
Unless you don't mind almost daily torrential rain, the best time to visit Chiang Mai is between October and April, with the other months a virtual monsoonal washout. It can be quite hot, with the April average temperature 36°C (95°F). The mildest temperatures are in December and January. Nights in Chiang Mai are regularly cooler than in southern Thailand. Festivals occur throughout the year, with the bulk of them between late December and April. These provide a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the colour and spectacle of traditional Thai culture.

Events
The week-long Winter Fair at the end of December is a great festival, as is the April Songkran Water Festival. The highlight of Chiang Mai's festivals, however, is the Flower Carnival in February, which features parades, floats, music and traditional cultural events.
Chinese New Year falls in late January or early February, and is celebrated throughout Thailand. Some other of Thailand's seemingly endless list of public holidays include Chakri Day (6 April), Coronation Day (5 May), Constitution Day (10 December) and several holidays celebrating the birthdays of current and former kings and queens.