Chiang Mai means 'new town' in Thai - we are talking new, as in 1296, mind. I arrived to take up residence in 2018, remembering it from thirty years before as a walled and moated town with a dusty village feel. Things have moved on rather, such that you ​now have to time your journeys around town if you don't want to be stuck in traffic. The outer ring roads whisk the traffic hither and thither, but the inner infrastructure was built for bygone times. Wualai (Saturday) and Thapae (Sunday) night markets both worth a visit. For wats, see other pages.

Above: Dream catchers at Thapae Market. Below: The city walls and moat.

It was great watching big games at Promenada.
​Above: Liverpool v Man Utd, and the World Cup 2018.
(Note: Promenada has now permanently closed.)
Below: A threatening sky at Central Festival.

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Above: On the way up to Doi Suthep you can stop to pick up garlands ready for your temple visit.

The umbrella factory at Bo Sang, 15 kms out of town; there are excellent celadon factories nearby too.

Below: Motocross out of town on the road to San Kamphaeng. Boy, are those guys fearless!

Above: the main road out to Mae On becomes pleasant once you are beyond the built-up area.
​Great for cycling. The milepost says San Kamphaeng 16 kms, Chiang Mai 26 kms. 

The Dhara Dhevi, a 5-Star hotel with cafes and restaurants.

Below: Wat Chai Mongkhon to get your car blessed.