Chiang
Mai
The
Northern Rose
Chiang Mai or the rose of the North
is a city with a history and a popular. Tourist destination. A perfect
holiday spot with good accommodation, great food, excellent climate
and friendly people.
King
Mengrai built the city of Chiang Mai in 1296. Historically speaking,
Chiang Mai succeeded the nighnouring Chiang Rai Kingdom of King Mengrai.
The king, who was the Prince of Nan Chao (in what is now southwest China),
had earlier conquered the post-Dvaravati kingdom of Haripunjaya (modern
Lamphun) in 1281. In the 13th and 14th centuries Chiang Mai became a
part of the Lan Na Thai kingdom (the kingdom of a million rice fields).
In 1556, the Burmese captured the city once again the first time was
in the 11th century during the reign of King Anuruddha of Pagan. In
1775, the Thais recaptured it under King Taksin. As a result of these
long occupations Chiang Mai architecture today shows a great deal of
Burmese influence.
The city is still small enough for one to getaround by bicycle-which
gives it a ratherprovincial, relaxed air there are other pluses-pure
Clean air and almost no traffic jams.
Popular tourist attractions include Buddhist temples (of which the city
has over 300 at the last count and the remnants of the moat and fortified
gates, which bound the old city.
This mountain getaway is also a convenient jumping-off point for treks,
hill resorts, river rafting and scenic nature trails. The best time
to visit Chiang Mai is from November to February, which is the cool
season. The hottest month is April and the wettest September.
CULTURAL
ATTRACTIONS
Begin at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the biggest of Chiang Mai's tourist
attractions, 16 kms northwest of town. Leading up to the wat is a 300-step
staircase with sinuous naga side-railings. The temple, in its scenic
location, is important both historically and architecturally. On the
same leg of your tour, drive on to Phu Ping Palace, the winter palace
of the royal family the gardens of the palace are open to the public
during weekends and holidays.
Wat Chiang Man. One of the finest examples of northern Thai architecture,
it was built by King Mengrai in 1296. The wat has massive teak columns,
and a marble Buddhist bas-relief that stands 20 to 30 cms high. This
sculpture is believed to have originated in India or Sri Lanka some
2,500 years ago. Also of interests is the 10 cm-high Crystal Buddha.
Wat Chedi Luang. The temple structure was built in the mid-15th century,
and was severely damaged in either the 16th or 17th century. It is in
a state of partial ruin, but is greatly revered by locals. The wat also
plays a part in local Buddhist history, with the story of the Emerald
Buddha being sited here in the late 15th century figuring prominently.
Wat Kuu Tao Dating back to the early 17th century, the outer wall feature
amusing sculptures that enlivens the otherwise staid temple architecture.
With its spheres that diminish in size towards the top, the chedi of
Wat Kuu Tao is unique in the region.
Wat Phaya Sigh is Chiang Mai's best known wat. Construction of the wat
began in the middle of the 14th century, with the viharn being completed
by the end of that century, and bot by 1600. The wat takes its name
from the Phra Singh Buddha image, which dates back at least 300 years
and is supposed to have originated in Sri Lanka. However the statue's
travels are clouded in a mist of uncertainty; a fact that heightens
the myth surrounds the statue.
Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre on Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Road, is the
stage centre for Lanna Thai cultural performance with a Khantoke dinner,
the northern traditional style dinner. Objets d'art available for sale.
Ban Rai Phai Ngam is a village of weavers famous for its cotton woven
in the old style, To the left of the Chiang Mai Hot route Km68, about
4 kms off the main road.
NATURAL
ATTRACTIOS
Nature has a lot to offer in Chaing Mai.
Doi Inthanon National Park is the highest peak in Thailand and one of
the best equipped to welcome visitors offering marvelous scenery. There
are several waterfalls in the park, Most well known is Mae Klang Waterfall.
Doi Pui Tribal Village of Meo iss about 4kms from the Phu Phing Palace.
Just and hour from the city, it offers a wonderful view of Doi Inthanon
and handmade souvenirs.
Doi Ang Khang is a demonstration site for cultivating exotic vegetables
and flowers under the patronage of His Majesty the King.
Haui Nam Dang National Park commands a breathtaking view of seas of
mist, flower beds and tribales villages, It is about 60 kms along the
Mae Malai-Pai Highway and then 6 kms on turning right On the same route
is Haui Nam Roo (Sam Mueng), offering several tourist attractions such
as Lisu villages, a huge opium field, coffee farm and fruit cultivation.
There are several resorts mostly built in traditional Northern style:
Chiang Mai-Erawan Resort, Mae Sa Valley, Kangsadan Resort, Royal Ping
Garden and Resort Chiang Dao Hill, Ksisda Doi and many more.
OTHER
ATTRACTIOS
Besides temples, there is a lot to see in this city. Tribal
Research Institute is the place OT go to if you are interested in getting
to know more about the several getting to know more about the several
and quite different hill tribes of the region The institute is located
on the Chiang Mai University campus, and has a small but excellent hill
tribe museum, which features among other thins-hill tribe crafts and
literature on the tribes. The crafts and literature on the tribes. The
museum is open Monday to Friday, from 8.30 is to 4.30pm.
Chiang Mai Arboretum. Next to the Chiang Mai University, very attractively
landscaped gardens.
Orchid Farm and Butterfly Farm. Along Mae Rim-Samoeng Road at Km 3 is
the centre of all northern orchids. Two nearby orchid farm, Mountain
Orchid and Sai Nam Phung Orchid Nursery grow the Queen of the Forest
that blooms all year round. On Km 4 Mae SA Butterfly Farm has all types
of butterflies.
Elephant Shows. At Km 10 on the Mae Rim-Samoeng route. Every morning
trained elephants demonstrate their formidable and highly valued forestry
skills at Elephant Training Centre. On the same route at Km 19, elephants
can be seen at the Pong Yaeng Elephant Centre also. Chiang Dao Elephant
Camp is a riverside enclave, at Km 56 on Highway 107, featuring daily
shows of elephants at work and elephant rides.
| Comment |
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nice place i like it so much i hope i can go there to visit
iresh/iresh_esgana@yahoo.com 26 April 2009 16:01 |
nice place i like it so much i hope i can go there to visit
iresh/iresh_esgana@yahoo.com 26 April 2009 16:01 |
i been to ChiangMai is the most beautiful city in Thailand, If you like 100% Thai culture then you need to have taste full in North of Thailand..
nancy_khasma@hotmail.com 02 November 2008 08:00 |
Chaing mai spell wrong Chiang mai
18 May 2008 14:10 |
Chaimai is the most beautiful
02 February 2007 15:56 |
it is beautifull.wellcome to chaingmai.Amazing in Thailand .I love thailand.
sirikwanm-@hotmail.com 08 November 2006 22:02 |
chiang mai always beautiful ><
04 May 2006 00:50 |
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