Chiang Mai (Thai. เชียงใหม่ (inf.)), Also Chiang Mai, Cheng Mai, Chang Mai - the largest city in northern Thailand, the capital of the province of the same name. Coordinates: 18 ° 47'20 "N 98 ° 59'00" E d. (G) (O), 800 km north of Bangkok. The city is located among the mountains on the Ping River, a tributary of the Menam Chao Phraya River, and 90 km west of the city is the highest mountain peak in Thailand Doyinthanon, near the city is Mount Doisuthep, part of Doisuthep Doipui National Park. The city is known as an ancient cultural center. Chiang Mai is visited by many tourists from around the world.
The city and its environs are a recognized hiking center in Thailand. A popular tourist attraction is also the numerous culinary schools that offer Thai cuisine courses lasting from a few hours to two weeks.
The city hosts several regular festivals, including:
"Loi Kratong" (Loi Kratong) - is held in the full moon in November. Thousands of people launch boats made of banana leaves and decorated with flowers and candles into the water each year to honor God's water.
Songkran is held in mid-April to celebrate the Thai New Year. The festival is characterized by a large number of religious and traditional entertainment, as well as original Thai entertainment - general pouring water. On this day it is better not to appear on the street in weekend clothes.
The Flower Festival is a three-day festival held annually on the first weekend of February, when tropical flowers appear in all their beauty. During the festival there are parades, traditional dances, a beauty contest and flowers-on-the-water.