Chinese tourists flock into Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI, Jan 28 (TNA) -- Huge crowds of Chinese tourists are gathering in the northern province of Chiang Mai in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year and hotels with 3-5 star ratings were fully booked. The chief of the local chamber of commerce expects 5-billion-baht spending. Tourist attractions in downtown Chiang Mai were crowded with Chinese visitors. They include Wat Buppharam where Chinese tourists were worshipping holy spirits and admiring the beauty of Thanaret Sakchai Paireepinat Buddha image made from teakwood with a 79-inch-wide base. Tour guides normally brought their Chinese customers to the Buddhist temple on Tuk Tuk taxis every day. The management of the temple also raised posters of the hit Chinese comedy film “Lost in Thailand” there. Tour guide Chindanai Sae-oo said the temple was a favorite destination of Chinese tourists because it was a setting for the hit movie. Chiang Mai was also popular among Chinese tourists by word of mouth because they were discussing about convenient tours there on rented motorcycles and cars as well as elephant shows, the guide said. Chinese tourists also liked to visit many other places including Wat Chedi Luang and the Tha Phae Gate where they could feed birds and take photos, Mr Chindanai said. Wipawan Woraputthipong, chairperson of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, said local hotels with 3 and 5-star ratings had been fully booked in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year. Besides, a floral festival was set close to the Chinese New Year festival and the chamber of commerce expected at least 5 billion baht would be spent during the two connecting festivals, Ms Wipawan said. (TNA)