Best real estate Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was established as the new capital of the Lanna state in 1296. King Mangrai chose Chiang Mai as a site for his new kingdom because of its location.

Chiang Mai is situated at the base of Doi Suthep, the mountain which lies to the West of the city. The forested mountain provided a watershed, as well as access to timber required to establish the new city.

The state of Lanna, which means one million fields, made up what is known today as northern Thailand. Chiang Mai remained its capital through its powerful history. During the 14th and 15th centuries Lanna struggled to maintain independence while under pressure from both the Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya and Burmese forces. In 1558 Lanna was taken by the Burmese forces and remained under their control for the next 200 years. Eventually an alliance with Siam allowed Chiang Mai to shake its Burmese oppressors, but resulted in Chiang Mai becoming a colonized-state of the Siamese Kingdom. Chiang Mai became a province of the Thai Kingdom in 1899.

Only in the last twenty years have we seen the development of this city into a modern city with a consumer work culture. The growth of Bangkok has partly encouraged migration into Chiang Mai marking it as the second urban center. The population of Chiang Mai province totals almost 1.5 million, with well over 250,000 making their home in the city.

Chiang Mai offers one of the richest quality cultures of the country. In the town centre you can find more than 100 temples and in its direct surroundings another 200.

On the other hand, Chiang Mai life has never been more modern. The growth of tourism is one of the major reasons of this current modern way of living.

However, at the mountain ridges and more isolated areas the deep rooted culture is still kept, which is something that can't be said of most other regions in the country.

Temples are everywhere but there are also activities such as hill tribe trekking, elephant safaris, river rafting together with an innumerable amount of restaurants.

The government is embarking on a 700 million Baht elephant park as the second stage of its multi-billion Baht, Chiang Mai World, mega-project. It is part of the Thai Government's intention to turn Chiang Mai into a world-class tourist attraction to compete with destinations like Disneyland in Hong Kong.

Other developments planned for the mega-project, which will eventually absorb 23,000 rai of land in the national park, include a 500 million Baht Royal Flora Ratchaphruek exposition, a 15km cable car, an entertainment theme park, an aquarium, a spa complex and a monorail.
Back to top

Chiang Mai is one of the world's largest centers for cottages industries. Generations of craftsman produce marvels like wood carvings, silverware, lacquer work, celadon pottery, silks and cottons. There is plenty of opportunity to browse for unusual gifts and souvenirs. Entire villages are devoted to a special handcraft for example, Bo Sang, the Umbrella Village.
Back to top

Massage therapy is today very popular in countries like Europe and Asia including Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Chiang Mai together with Chiang Rai is gearing up to become a hub of traditional Thai massage and spa businesses, and to provide qualified massage therapists to serve tourists. One of the techniques offered included a type of traditional Thai massage which focuses on restoring the balance of the body's elements, earth, water, wind and fire.

This results in physical health and emotional well-being, and also in the use of herbal compress which is applied to stimulate blood circulation and relieve pains in various parts of the body.
Back to top

The climate in Chiang Mai and well, most of Northern Thailand is slightly different from the climate of central and southern Thailand. The cool season lasts from late October to the end of February. Average daytime temperature is 21 degrees and the nights are a little cooler. The months of December and January are coolest. Night-time lows fall to around 11-13 C.
Back to top