The city of Chiang Mai is the most popular tourist destination in the north of Thailand. Located approximately 700km north-west of Bangkok,  and set at an elevation of around 300 meters, Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city. With over 300 temples and the backdrop of Doi Suthep Mountain rising to 1876 meters to the west, this is a visually striking city.

Chiang Mai is the centre of the northern Thailand, 700 km north of Bangkok. It is one of the world's best-known tourist places, thanks to its tourist attractions of culture, tradition, and beautiful nature. Chiang Mai's beautiful scenery is formed by the mountainous landscape and the cold weather especially in winter.

Chiang Mai is not only an important tourist city but also a centre of transportation. This is where the international airport, the gate way to Kunming and Yunan in China, Rangoon in Burma, and Luang Prabang in Lao, is located.

The old part of the city is a neat square surrounded by a moat. Several of Chiang Mai's most important temples are located within this area. To the east is the Ping river which cuts through the city from north to south. In recent years several luxury condominiums have been built alongside the river.

Chiang Mai has developed into a first class tourist destination, and is an excellent base from which to explore Northern Thailand.

During most of the year, thanks to its altitude, Chiang Mai is less humid and much cooler, especially at night, than elsewhere in Thailand. The present Royal Family spend a considerable portion of their time staying at Phuping Palace, set in beautiful grounds on the Buag Ha mountain, about 22 kilometers from Chiang Mai. It is possible to visit the grounds of the palace, when the Royal Family is not in residence.