| Experiencing the merging of the past into the present
in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city's 700-year
history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture
is a perfect foundation for the development of the city.
Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where
it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old
chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores
and boutique hotels. The original city layout still
exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges
of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering
prime access to the old town.
For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the
northern junction and the base from which they can
explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in
Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was
common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact
that there is always something new to discover Chiang
Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled
with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of
Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks
in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous
cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine,
architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts
and classical dances is a prime location in its own
right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and
their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai's
distinctive diversity.
Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources
of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based
tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai
residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing
authentic hospitality making visits memorable and
meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life
can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced
locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place
where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy
themselves to the fullest.
HIstory
Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained
the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary
in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital
of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday,
12th April 1296 during the same period of time as
the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng
Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng
of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before
choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom
was to be founded.
From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital
and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also
the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King
Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many
of the city's temples, which are still important today.
At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended
its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards
to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai.
The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending
the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over
250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly
200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible
in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King
Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south
and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of
King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence
from Burma. Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession
of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate
under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century,
King Rama V appointed a high commissioner in Chiang
Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally
came under the direct control of the central government
in Bangkok the same time the country was renamed Thailand.
In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river
and elephants. More convenient access was achieved
only when the railway line was completed in the late
1920's. Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly
from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such isolation
was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture
and preserve the unique Lanna culture.
When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic,
cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand
complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads,
by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications
infrastructure.
The Setting
Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately 310
meters above sea level, is situated approximately
700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River
basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city
covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers
and is the country's second largest province. Chiang
Mai borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun and Tak
Provinces on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun
Provinces on the east and Mae Hong Son Province on
the west. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles
and mountains, which are home to the hill tribes.
In addition, wildlife and exotic flora may be found
in the national parks.
Most of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from
north to south. Together they create a multitude of
streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat
and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai's distinctive features
is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is
2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province
boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the
banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang
Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from
the Chiang Dao mountain range.
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