Chiang Mai & Mae Hong Son

Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai. Literally translated, Chiang Mai means: new city. It is the largest and most important city in the north of Thailand. There is a clear contrast with Bangkok. The climate is milder, especially less humid and the pace is not so hectic. 

The beautiful Chiang Mai is located 750 kilometers north of Bangkok, you can fly there in an hour. The journey by bus takes 11 hours. It even takes you 13 hours by train. The city is located in a valley 310 meters above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, hills and mountains, including the impressive Doi Inthanon. With a peak of 2565 meters, this is the highest mountain in Thailand.

The inhabitants of this province have a culture that differs in many ways from that in the rest of the country. They are mostly farmers and craftsmen with their own dialect, their own customs, their own festivals, their own architectural traditions, their own indigenous works of art, their own dances and a separate kitchen. The hill tribes contribute to the special and colorful character of Chiang Mai and its surroundings.

Also known as the cultural capital of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is home to a fascinating aspect that many people may not know about: it is home to one of the oldest living urban planning systems in Southeast Asia. The city was founded in 1296 under King Mangrai and was designed according to astrological calculations. Chiang Mai's old city, known as the 'Old City', is almost perfectly square and was originally surrounded by a wall and moat to provide protection against invasion. This wall and moat have been partly preserved and are still a prominent feature of the city.

This city planning reflects the ancient Lanna culture, which had a deep spiritual connection with the cosmos and astrology. The main entrances of the original city wall face the four cardinal directions, which was an important element in traditional Thai cosmology. The city was planned with both defensive and spiritual considerations in mind, which is a unique combination in urban development.

Furthermore, Chiang Mai has a rich history in handicrafts and crafts, such as umbrella making, wood carving and silk production, dating back many generations. These crafts are valued not only for their economic value, but also as an important part of local culture and history, making Chiang Mai a center for traditional Thai crafts.

Are you going to Thailand for the first time and do you want to experience the authentic Thai atmosphere? Then be sure to include Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai in your tour. You will have no regrets.

Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son

Nature lovers should definitely travel to the Mae Hong Son province in Northern Thailand. The capital of the same name is located approximately 925 kilometers north of Bangkok. For years an undeveloped area, the vast majority of which consists of mountains and forests. This area is a true El Dorado for those seeking peace and quiet and nature lovers.

The province of Mae Hong Son is no less than 483 kilometers long and largely forms the border with Myanmar. It is therefore no coincidence that the small capital of the province of the same name exudes a Burmese atmosphere, as evidenced by the temples and many buildings.

Mae Hong Son is known for its breathtaking nature and unique cultural heritage. What many people don't know, however, is that this region has a hidden history of ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Mae Hong Son served as an important hub in the network of trade routes between Myanmar (then Burma) and Thailand. These routes were used for trading goods such as teak, opium, and spices. This trade contributed to the economic development of the region, but also influenced the local culture. Due to its close ties with Myanmar, Mae Hong Son has a unique cultural mix of Thai and Burmese influences, which is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and religious practices.

Another little known aspect of Mae Hong Son is its role in the cultivation of rare plants and herbs. The region's remote highlands and unique climate are ideal for the growth of rare herbs and medicinal plants, which are valued both locally and regionally for their medicinal properties.

Despite its growing popularity as a tourist destination, Mae Hong Son remains one of the most pristine and culturally diverse areas in Thailand, with a rich but often overlooked history.