NORTH
Chiang Mai
Chiang
Mai ('New City'), the Northern capital of Thailand, (often referred to as
"the Rose of the North"), was founded by King Mengrai at 4am. on 14th April
1296
Sited approximately 700 kms. north of Bangkok on the Ping
River in the fertile Chiang Mai valley. it is some 310 meters (1,027 feet)
above sea lever, which accounts for its slightly drier and cooler climate
than most other parts of this country. The population is estimated to be
250,000 persons. The province itself is large, measuring 130kms from east to
west, and 320kms from north to south. As well as Thai nationals, it is the
home of various colorful minorities, many with Thai citizenship, including
the Lua, Mon, Karen, Lisu, Akha, Hmong and Muser peoples.
To the west of Chiang Mai is Myanmar (Burma), while the provinces adjacent
are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang and Lamphun.
Like its culture, Chiang Mai's architecture reflects
Lanna Thai, Burmese, Sri Lankan and Mon influences. There are some 300
temples in the city and on its outskirts.
The Golden Age of Lanna-Chiang Mai lies some 500 years
back in the time of King Tilokarat, but the city has recently been
undergoing a process of regeneration, and while full of the bustle of modern
life, it hasn't lost touch with its glorious past.
Chiang Mai will fascinate you, you can be sure of that.
And its people will welcome you with their traditional charm and
hospitality.
Attractions
Wat Chiang Man, the oldest wat (built around 1296 A.D) famous fro
its ancient and invaluable Buddha image Phra Kaeo Khao
Wat Phra Sing, which houses the North's most revered Buddha
stature Phra Sing presumably aged over 1,000 years.
Wat Suan Dok, in which is enshrined a 500-year-old bronze Buddha
image, one of the most beautiful and largest metal images in the North
Wat Chedi Luang, where the City Pilar Shrine is located, is famous
for its chedi measuring 282 feet high and 144 feet wide.
Wat Doi Suthep, on Mount Doi Suthep, which can be reached by the
zigzag road up the mountian, where a relic of the Buddha is enshrined. Six
kms from from Wat Doi Suthep further up the mountain stands the Royal Winter
Palace, (Bhuping Palace) with plenty of colourful, excotic flowers. It is
open everyday from 08:30-16:30, except when the Royal Family is in
residence, usually from mid December to early February.
Meo(Hmong) village, at Doi Pui is a good place to see life of the
tribesmen and buy souvenirs from them.
Mae Riim-Samoeng Route(Highway 1096) The most popular places on this
route which tourists should not miss are Elephants at Work & Elephant Camp,
and a beautiful waterfall called Mae Sa. Other attractive places are the two
orchid nurseries, the Mae Sa Meo Village, and private resorts whose flowery
surroundings impress every visitor A new attraction is Queen Sirikit
Botanical Garden, where visitor can walk along provide trails to learn about
different types of interesting plants.
Chiang Mai-Chom Thong-Hot Route(Highways 108 & 1009) For earthenwere
lovers, Muang Kung Earthenware Village, is a must, offering products in
traditional and modern forms. A little way from the village is Ban Thawai
Woodcarving Village, where good quality woodcarved furniture and accessories
are on sale. To shop for cloth , Ban Rai Phai Ngam Cotton Weaving Village is
where cotton cloth woven in the old style has long been produced. A national
park on the routh is Doi Inthanon. It offer Mount Inthanon, the highest of
the country standing 2,565 m above sea level, and one of the most popular
national parks.
Bosang-Sankamphaeng Route(Highway 118 & 1006) The
essence of this route lies in Bo Sang Umbrella Village where silk and cotton
umbrellas painted in beautiful designs are produced, and San Kamphaeng
Cotton & Silk Weaving Village which is the major production centre of Thai
silk and cotton woven by local folk on traditional wooden looms. After
shopping in these areas, it is advisable to go further to Muang-on Cave,
where there is a 1-million-year-old fossilized teak tree and to Sankamphaeng
Hot Spring where rooms for mineral bathing are provided.
