Chiang Mai Resort:

CHIANG MAI

Holidaymakers looking to do more than just lie on a beach will find culture, charm and activities galore in the city of Chiang Mai and its surrounding areas. Located 450 miles north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city and benefits from a generally more temperate climate, although the hot season from March to May can still be challenging for visitors.

Centred on a moated old town, the city manages to retain its charisma and sense of history despite the rapid development and modernisation evidenced by wonderful shopping, plethora of pampering spas and a sense of urban chic. The old town is visually striking as a result of the 121 temples within its boundaries - there are roughly another 200 outside the centre! Some 95% of Thai people are Buddhists and as such their temples are of extreme importance to them, so it must be remembered that these places of worship are not simply tourist attractions but are visited on a daily basis by the local community for prayer. Make sure you visit Wat Phra Singh, the city's most famous temple, with its impressive Lanna architecture and most revered Buddha image - the Lion Buddha.

There is a wealth of sightseeing tours to enjoy, both within the city itself and by using it as a base from which to explore further afield. One of the city's main attractions is the Night Bazaar, worth experiencing whether or not you're a shopper!  Or enjoy the Sunday Walking Street with its colourful stalls and lively music, then visit Wat Chedi Luang to absorb the peace and tranquillity of this temple complex where you can chat to the monks. Sign up for one of the popular city walking tours, or do the Chiang Mai Night Safari and get up close (but safe) to the wildlife of the area. Perhaps hire a car and explore the stunning scenery further afield in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park where you'll also discover one of the north's most sacred temples - if you can climb the 306 steps leading up to it!  The area's attractions and sights are too diverse to list in full here, but with cycling, hiking, elephant trekking, river cruises, bird watching and river rafting also on offer, you are guaranteed a perfect holiday mix of culture, activity and entertainment.

When you tire of sightseeing or just wish to slow the pace, the delicious and distinctive food of the area may tempt you to sign up for one of the increasingly popular 1 day cookery courses on offer in the city, so that you can continue your dream holiday once you're back home! Incidentally, an extensive range of restaurants offering everything from traditional northern Thai food to international cuisine will mean that your only eating dilemma here is one of choice.

Travelling to Chiang Mai could not be simpler, with daily flights and trains from Bangkok. With accommodation ranging from hostels to boutique 5 star hotels everyone will feel at home in this lovely and unique city, whose grace and allure will envelop you upon arrival.