Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai
Escape to Chiang Mai
by Graeme Monaghan
Sooner or later we all feel the need to escape from the rigors of the daily grind and seek an exotic destination where we can relax, put our feet up, and enjoy a slower and more peaceful lifestyle.
Well, believe it or not, such a place does exist, and Thailand’s second largest city is truly and escape. An hour’s flying time from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is centrally situated to all other Southeast Asian nations and boasts all the conveniences of 21st Century living.
Despite its rapid development, which includes an increase of five-star hotels, resorts and world-class golf courses, it still retains the earthy cultural nature of ancient Siam. It would be fair to say that the Thai people comfortably embrace the fact that they live in two separate worlds. Having lived here myself for almost two decades I have witnessed many changes in lifestyle but none at all in their devout Buddhism and love of the King and royal family. They remain, essentialyThai. And proud of it.
For a holiday destination the only thing missing is the ocean. Chiang Mai was built in 1296 by King Mengrai, nestled in the heart of the fertile Lanna Valley through which runs the Ping River; the means of almost all ancient trade. The city has had a checkered history over the past 700 years; has been in Burmese hands several times and was once abandoned for 35 years.
Chiang Mai certainly is a sightseers dream; with an almost inexhaustible supply of ancient Buddhist temples and cultural sites, the most famous of which is Wat (temple) Doi (mountain) Suthep. You can see the temple from almost anywhere as it hovers over this city like benevolent and comforting mother.
Chang Mai offers a number of sightseeing trips to historical sites are available. Sites include the remains of a city buried for 700 years and waterfalls. Entertainment varies from elephant and snake shows to demonstrations of Thai dancing from girls who capture the grace and beauty that prevails in this country.
The more adventurous can embark on a two or three-day jungle trek where you will ride elephants, go bamboo rafting down a white-water river and sleep in a mountain village amongst some of the many primitive tribes who inhabit the surrounding mountains.
For anyone seeking to combine business with pleasure, Chiang Mai is also able to provide a surprising number of both cottage and hi-tech industries including carvings, clothing, antiques, gemstones, pottery and jewelry.
Thai food is, of course, popular throughout the world, but you have not really experienced it until you come to Chiang Mai. The Northern dishes are in a class all of their own and must be sampled to be believed.
Almost as renowned as Thai food itself is the Thai massage. This city possesses unlimited outlets that offer many types of luxuriant massages. The Thai method is to both relax and increase blood-flow. To leave this place without at least one Thai massage is to do yourself a genuine disservice.
There is also no shortage of highly entertaining nightlife; and the city abounds in nightclubs, discos, and most hotels also provide quality entertainment.
But above all the real delight of Chiang Mai are the people themselves. Friendliness and politeness are considered genuine virtues, as are cleanliness and attention to appearance. And the ‘Thai smile’ is not only famous but heartwarming and infectious.
Chiang Mai is not only a busy bustling city but is a place where time seems non-important (you will see no town hall clocks) and real satisfaction comes from simply ‘going along with the flow’ and taking things as they come. Laying to rest the worries and concerns of what you have left behind. But of course, the way to find out is to come and see for yourself. You won’t regret it!
