Chiang Mai tours and activities

Introduction

Chiang Mai, the old capital of the La Na (or million rice fields) Kingdom is some 700 years old. At 312 m.a.s.l. It is set astride the Ping River in a vast flat valley, surrounded on all sides by mountains, some of which reach 2000 m.a.s.l. plus, and are home to a wide range of flora and fauna, as well as to at least 7 different ethnic minority (or Hill Tribe) groups.

Tourism reached here some 30 years ago, and for the first 20 years was built around the ‘Hill Tribe Trekking’ industry. Over the past 10 years, the tourism product has evolved to cater to the tastes of the more affluent and discerning guest.

5 star hotels, International and local boutique have sprung up in every corner of the old city, there are over 90 spas, 7 or more golf courses, and fine restaurants representing every culture vying for business with the many establishments selling world famous Thai cuisine.

The temperate climate, the very low cost of living (even by Thai standards), low traffic/road density and the high standard of the shopping – department stores, food outlets, almost everything, and are attracting an ever growing number of foreign retirees, or those whose lifestyles allow them to live abroad for a greater part of the year, to take up residence in Northern Thailand, alongside the wealthy Thais and long term expatriates who escape Bangkok to their ‘northern homes’ every other weekend.

On top of all this you have the charm and grace of the northern Thai people, far less exposed to tourism than their southern counterparts, and easygoing as most people from an agricultural, small town background are.

Come and take a look, see for yourself what all the fuss is about. You may never leave –
I came for a look some 25 years ago, am still here, and am thinking about staying.

CEO
Track of the Tiger T.R.D.