Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city and is a famous tourist destination as well as one of the most culturally significant cities in Thailand.  The city is located 700 kilometers (435 miles) north of Bangkok.  It takes approximately 1 hour by plane, 10-12 hours by car or train to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. 

Chiang Mai Province has a population of 1,600,000, while approximately 1,000,000 live in Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area.  Approximately 70% of the population are born in Chiang Mai Province and speak Thai and English.  The other 30% of the population comprises southern Thais, Chinese, Indians, and an increasing number of foreigners: businessmen, retirees, tourists, and non-Thai government-related people who are moving to Chiang Mai.  In a 2010 survey by Travel and Leisure magazine, Chiang Mai was rated as the second best city in the world.  Chiang Mai has been attracting over 10 million visitors each year, of which approximately 3.5 million are international arrivals. 

In addition, Chiang Mai, being the capital city of the 13th century Lanna Kingdom, has successfully combined its 700 years of distinct history and traditions with its increasingly modern aspect. 

Although the Old City is far more developed today, some of the original city walls still remain, in particular the great brick bastions at the four corners replete with their walkways and arrow slits to protect against invading armies.  Thailand has also submitted an application to UNESCO to seek a World Heritage Site designation for the Old City. 

As a note, in order to preserve the Old City, the government has imposed strict zoning regulations that limit the height of new structures built and also puts any new structure to strict design standards that are in keeping with the charming feel and appearance of the Old City.

Wat Chediluang

Wat Chedi Luang is a famous Buddhist temple and popular attraction in the historic centre of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Construction of this historic temple began in the 14th century but was not completed until the mid-15th century.

Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources including mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. The presence of numerous hill tribes with a wealth of unique cultures enhances Chiang Mai’s distinctive diversity. 

Chiang Mai's land is covered by a ring of mountains and forests (making up more than 82% of the land mass), including Inthanon Mountain (Doi Inthanon), the highest mountain in Thailand, where Wat Phra That Doi Suthep can be found. This Wat is a sacred site to many Thais and Thais and foreigners alike climb 309 steps to take in the beautiful and ornate architecture and breathtaking views.  The two centers of natural beauty in the city are the river and the mountains. 

The mountains are beautiful for tourists who want to “get away from it all” while the river is the natural center of activity for tourists who want an in-town “authentically Thai” holiday.  Hill trekking, often combined with river rafting, has always been one of Chiang Mai’s greatest tourist attractions.  Other popular activities include zip lining, bike tours, rock climbing, kayaking and sport fishing.

Due to its location in the hills, Chiang Mai has an average yearly temperature of 28°C (82°F), providing cool relief from the sweltering heat of Bangkok in the summer time.  Moreover, Chiang Mai is a clean country town with a more placid environment than Bangkok where one can feel closer to nature.  The city offers a peaceful, safe and naturally beautiful environment that is largely free of crime, as well.

Air Travel

Chiang Mai’s increased popularity among both Thais and expats as a residential, retirement and vacation destination has resulted in plans to expand the current Chiang Mai International Airport to increase passenger capacity by approximately 40%.

This expansion will cost around USD 350 million for upgrades that will allow for more international arrivals and easier transits.  Generally, it is expected that flight times will shorten with more flights and larger planes arriving at a larger airport.  Also, there are plans in place to build an entirely new airport in the next five to ten years as the site of the current airport will not allow for expansion to the size required to meet the growing number of travellers visiting Chiang Mai.  The new airport will be located much closer to the Ping Wali project than the current airport is, approximately 10 kilometers from the Ping Wali site.  Currently, Chiang Mai International Airport has a capacity of around 4 million arrivals per.  This number will increase to 8 million and then 16 million as the airport is expanded and, once the new airport is open, Chiang Mai will have the capacity for up to 32 million arrivals per year.  

Train Lines

The Thai government has been looking into the construction of a high-speed rail line between Bangkok and Chiang Mai that will increase travel between the two regional centers. 

Thailand has partnered with Japan for the project and hopes to begin construction by the end of 2016, with an expected completion date in 2020.  Due to cost THB 400 billion, the project was initially put on hold by the current government but a new report concerning the engineering details and business prospects of the project is due to be submitted before year end and is expected to receive approval. Thai and Japanese companies are also currently conducting feasibility studies for rail projects that aim to link Thailand with neighbouring countries, particularly Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Chiang Mai will also see an expansion to the current its current single track diesel locomotive railway line running through town.  The addition of a second track will greatly increase carrying capacity for both people and products into and out of Chiang Mai.

Roads

As part of the general improvement of transportation infrastructure in northern Thailand, several main arteries in and around Chiang Mai City are being widened. 

Also, the government has begun construction on an express, limited access highway between northern Thailand’s largest cities, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.  Amongst many other benefits, this highway will serve to further increase tourism for Chiang Mai – as this will allow speedy access (especially for Chinese tour groups) to the religious sites in Chiang Rai as well as the famous elephant camps, hill tribes and exotic “Golden Triangle”.

Light Rail Line

Chiang Mai’s population growth and increased popularity as a tourist destination has created a need for alternate forms of public transportation as roadways become more congested and travel around the city becomes more difficult. 

A feasibility study performed by The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning concluded that a light rail system would be the best solution for Chiang Mai.  Current plans for the light rail system include 33 stations spread across over 40 kilometers of rail line.  The lines will provide access to many of Chiang Mai’s most popular sites, including the airport, Chiang Mai Zoo, Tha Pae Gate, the International Convention Center and Chiang Mai University, with construction expected to begin shortly.  Ping Wali is located less than 100 meters from the proposed pink line, enhancing the property’s value and appeal by increasing resident access to the airport and all of the main attractions Chiang Mai has to offer.

Chiang Mai has become increasingly attractive to foreign visitors and retirees.  With affordable healthcare and an accommodating retirement visa process, Chiang Mai attracts people from East to West. 

While Chiang Mai has always held a strong appeal to Japanese tourists and retirees, Chiang Mai’s popularity with Chinese and Korean tourists has increased exponentially in the last decade.  Chiang Mai has also proven to be a popular location for senior individuals of businesses operating in or in partnership with companies located in Myanmar and Laos.  This is due to the higher standard of living in Chiang Mai and its relative proximity to these two countries.