The Old City is 700 years old and uniquely surrounded by a beautifully preserved moat that includes ancient corner bastions and city gates. Within it, you will find quaint lanes and numerous temples, some of which date back to the founding century of Chiang Mai. The city itself was the capital of the powerful Lanna Kingdom - one of the first in Thailand, which ruled much of Northern Thailand until it’s decline in the late 16th century. The wealth is reflected in the beautiful cultural legacy that remains to this day and the people proudly retain an individual character. People often stay longer than planned, escaping to secluded mountain resorts in the area or travelling to the Golden Triangle or the remote border town of Mae Hong Son. With the arrival of tourism in the 1990s, the locals turned their city into a pleasant and relaxing destination that now boasts plenty of spas, five-star hotels, courses in cooking and massage, and golf and cultural attractions, along with an endless supply of places to eat and drink. And then there is the shopping, which has made the city famous. With some of the most agreeable weather in Thailand and the cheapest tourist facilities in Thailand, Chiang Mai has become increasingly popular and now attracts a sizeable community of ex-pats, who find the services and leisure options an ideal choice for retirement. The city can easily be reached on a one-hour flight from Bangkok (up to 15 flights a day) as well as from Phuket, Samui, Singapore and other regional hubs. The international airport is modern and efficient. Others chose to arrive by frequent buses or a 12-hour train journey from Bangkok. | 
