Introduction
The North of Thailand has played pivotal roles in the history of the kingdom and has always had a strong influence on Thai culture. From the mid-13th century through the mid-16th century, the North of Thailand was a kingdom unto itself—The Kingdom of Lan Na (Lanna means “the land of a million rice fields”) with Chiang Mai as the royal capital. During this period, centered in a region of tranquil forests, stoic mountains, and jungle-bound rivers, Chiang Mai was the center of art, architecture, and culture. It attracted travellers from China, Burma, and Laos, and absorbed elements of their cultures into its own.

Local authority, William Warren, in his new book “Lanna Style,” writes:
“Lanna seemed like another, very different world. The people had different, more gentle customs…they ate a different sort of food, with flavours that hinted of Burmese and Lao influences. They spoke a different language…Even the weather was different.”

The rich history of Thailand’s Northern region has been generally overlooked and many of the kingdom’s most important historical sites have been undisturbed, but now Chiang Mai has been voted the World’s Number One Value Destination by Condé Nast Traveller, and things are bound to change.

Located on the Ping River about 80 mi (130 km) east of Myanmar and over 700 km Northwest of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a fast changing city and is second in size only to the capital. As the home town of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, it got a lot of tender loving care in recent years: new tourist attractions, vastly improved roads, even its airport became international, with excellent links to Bangkok (55 minutes) and direct flights to many Southeast Asian cities, Taiwan, and China.

The region benefits from two seasons: humid, tropical summers, and cool, dry winters, making it a pleasant place to visit. The best months to visit are between October and April. From late October through February the temperature can drop to the low 50s (12oC). The rest of the year it ranges from 70 to 90+ (22oC - 35oC). June to September is the humid, rainy season with afternoon, tropical showers.

As you leave Chiang Mai and climb into the hills, the temperature falls rapidly. Even in summer on the higher ground and in the mountains, you’ll want a sweater; in the winter, a warm jacket is necessary. This delightful climate helps produce a large range of fruits and vegetables that are unavailable in the south, so the local cuisine also attracts visitors.

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s major center for quality handicrafts, jewelry, and fine antiques, and there are many specialized shopping areas.

The city is also a good base from which to explore the surrounding countryside. This mountainous region is home to many colorful, hill-tribe people as well as being ideal for trekking and river rafting. Nearby Doi Inthanon National Park has Thailand’s highest mountain, over 400 species of bird, rare flora, waterfalls, natural caves, orchid farms, and elephant camps that welcome visitors.

So it’s no wonder that this region is popular, and as more people travel, its popularity is growing—time for me, as your point man, to take a critical look.

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