City Guide: Chiang Mai

     Chiang Mai is blessed with beauty.

     The presence of what is now a chic tourist destination has replaced its past when it served as a stop for laid-back rest in natural surroundings. Even though Chiang Mai is still referred to the lungs of northern Thailand, modern influences lifted it to prominence as favorite city in the 2010 Travel + Leisure readers’ poll.

     Chiang Mai is easier to explore with Booked.net. Be it a room in cheap hotel in Chiang Mai to one packed with luxuries all listed at our website. You can check them out with maps, photos and secure forms at Booked.net.

     Despite modernity of the city’s face, Chiang Mai keeps adherence to its past days. More than 300 temples share the skyline with the features of a dynamic metropolis like beautiful high-rises, spacious boulevards and exquisite shops. If old days left the city with a heritage of temples to outstrip even Bangkok, modernity has also perfumed the air with traffic pollution.

     Despite the usual urban sprawl, noise and pollution, Chiang Mai still presents the charm of a popular tourist destination. Visitors fancy the city for its activities like motorcycling, rafting, river cruises and massage opportunities. Apart from extreme mountaineering and relaxing spas, you should also take time to indulge in some sightseeing.

Attractions include;

- Wat Chiang Mun, the oldest Royal temple in the city

- Wat Chedi Luang, constructed in 1401 on the initiative of King Saeng Muang Ma

- Wat Suan Dok, an open sided hall in the city

- Chiangmai Zoo houses more than 7,000 animals

- Baanchang Elephant Park, the cheapest place to have fun with these wonderful animals in the city

     Looking around the city, you will see how old tiny streets turn into impressive examples of modern alleyways. The first will remind you that you are in a city with 700 years of history, while the second proves you are also in the new millenium. Founded by the ruler King Mengrai in 1296, Chiang Mai served as the capital of Lanna Kingdom for a very long time. It survived several foreign attacks, but was finally annexed to Ayuthaya and later Burma took over the area. Since King Taksin the Great of Thailand saved the city from Burmese rule in 1774, it became a part of Thailand.

     With the end of foreign regency that Chiang Mai began laying claim to the commercial, educational and travel center it is today. In addition, the era of modernity brought to the city the label "Rose of the North" for the flowers blooming within it.

     From the colorful flower blooms in landscaped surroundings to luxury hotels, Chiang Mai can offer it all. At Booked.net you may find all hotels in Chiang Mai, ready and waiting for you to book.