Chiang Mai is famed for its temples, gardens and orchids to mention but a few of its attractions. If you talk about Chiang Mai to most Thai people however, then you will be reminded of the beautiful Loy Kratong festival held every year on the full moon of the twelfth month in the Thai Lunar Calendar. Usually held in November ?thousands of Thais and others alike flock to Chiang Mai to take part and pray in the flower and candle floating ceremony which is believed to rid the troubles of the year. The floating banana leaves (Kratong) decorated with candles and flowers are not only set upon the river but are also floated in the air (Khom fai), these small boats and lantern type decorations are also used to embellish houses and buildings. The image of thousands and thousands of Khom Fai and Kraton candles lit and floated in the sky or set upon Chiang Mai's Ping River is an unforgettably awesome sight-and one that entwines a spiritual sense of enchantment and enlightenment for the city of Chiang Mai.

Another luxury you cannot afford to miss in Thailand, although a few months earlier than the full moon festival is the Songkran festival. Celebrating the traditional Thai New Year, Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations to visit during the Songkran festival. Songkran is a Sanskrit word in Thai which means the entry of the sun into a sign of the Zodiac, Songkran in this case is when the sun enters the sign of Aries or the Ram. Although much is heard of regarding the spraying and throwing of water at unsuspecting passers? by, Songkran is in fact also a religious time where people pray at temples and bring food to the monks. Buddha images from various monasteries are also paraded through Chiang Mai so that people can pay their respects and by throwing water, can ritually cleanse the gods for the New Year. Of course with every New Year comes the resolutions for the following year, spraying and throwing water at each other is another way of cleansing the old to bring in the new. Fuelled by the excessive heat of the hot season in Chiang Mai, the festival reaches fever pitch which is in turn cooled by the hosing and spraying during the constant and, of course, good-natured water fights. Be prepared to get soaked or stay in your hotel!

Worlds apart but still in Chiang Mai

Apart from the cultural aspects, the lush botanical gardens and sense of history prevails over Chiang Mai. Other attractions are also available; such as shopping, dining and other city entertainment -after all this is the second largest city in Thailand after Bangkok. Whether you are coming to Chiang Mai to revel in its beauty, enjoy its festivals or just chilling for relaxation. Hotel accommodation in the city is second to none, one such place that comes highly recommended is the dusitD2 chiang mai and the 4 star hotel ,Royal Princess Chiang mai, a haven of luxury, five star service catering for the young, elderly, family not to mention the business exec. Luxury in Chiang Mai and second to none.