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From the sea resort of Pattaya, we reach Chiang Mai at 310 meters (1,027 feet) above sea level. A large part of Chiang Mai's land is covered by mountains and forests. Thailand's highest mountain, the Inthanon Mountain, which stands 2,575 meters (8,448 feet) above sea level is located here. The cool season with average temperature of 21 degrees celsius are from late October to end February. For other months the temperature is still cooler than other parts of the country, averaging 28 degrees celsius.
Chiang Mai, the second largest city in the country, is a beautiful city with a long history and very old traditions. It is famous for the beauty, culture, natural sceneries, and gentle nature of its people. Your can start your tour by visiting some famous attractions. Within the city's original perimeter, still marked by moat and fortified gates, are numerous ancient Buddhist temples and other monuments attesting to a distinguished past. Close by are more magnificent attractions, including Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, and Phuping Palace, the summer residence of the Royal Family. Just to cover the city and its immediate environs, takes up a full day. 
The next day you will be exploring the surrounding countryside. Get to see a few different hilltribes. More historic temples to visit as well as group of cotton weaving villages. Just before returning to the city you can take a stroll at the National Park where hot springs shoot up in the sky. More details here at attractions. 
You will find that the local food here is different. There are, too, northern dishes that originated in Burma such as the tasty noodle curry, eaten for lunch, called kao soi. Other well known dishes such as nam ngeow, somtam and kanom chin have been given a distinct northern taste. Chiang Mai, because of its cool, mountainous climate, is also renowned for its great selection of temperate as well as tropical fruit and vegetables. If you like hot stuff I fully recommend that you try them out, my mouth and stomach start to churn as I am writting these. Here the night life is no difference from other parts of the country. Go Go Bars, Girlie Bars, Pink Neon Bars, Massage Parlours are plentiful in Chiang Mai and visitors don't have to look far in order to find them. The night belongs to you, you can stay and enjoy until morning if you like or if you prefer you can go shopping, rent a bike or car to venture around. |
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