Chiang Mai
Popularly known as "The Rose of the North" and with an enchanting location on the banks of the Ping river, the city and its surroundings are blessed with stunning natural beauty and a unique indigenous cultural identity.
Located some 700 km. from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is the principal city of northern Thailand and capital of the province of the same name.
Popularly known as "The Rose of the North" and with an enchanting location on the banks of the Ping River, the city and its surroundings are blessed with stunning natural beauty and a uniquely indigenous cultural identity. Founded in 1296 by King Mengrai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai has had a long and mostly independent history, which has to a large extent preserved a most distinctive culture. This is witnessed both in the daily lives of the people, who maintain their own dialect, customs and cuisine, and in a host of ancient temples, fascinating for their northern Thai architectural Styles and rich decorative details.
Chiang Mai also continues its renowned tradition as a handicraft centre, producing items in silk, wood, silver, ceramics and more, which make the city the country's top shopping destination for arts and crafts.
Beyond the city, Chiang Mai province spreads over an area of 20,000 sq. km. offering some of the most picturesque scenery in the whole Kingdom. The fertile Ping River Valley, a patchwork of paddy fields, is surrounded by rolling hills and the province as a whole is one of forested mountains (including Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon), jungles and rivers.
Here is the ideal terrain for adventure travel by trekking on elephant back, river rafting or four-wheel drive safaris in a natural wonderland. Adding a special feature to the landscape are the traditional villages of the region's hill tribe people, distinguished by their colourful tribal costumes and lifestyles mostly untouched by the modern world. At the same time, visitors will find deluxe hotels, mountain resorts and other facilities that ensure today's comforts and convenience.
Around Chiang Mai, the neighbouring provinces of Lampang, Lamphun and Mae Hong Son have great appeal, offering further opportunities to experience the North's natural beauty and distinctive culture.
Chiang Mai City Attractions
Wat Phra Sing
Located on Sam Lan Road, this lovely temple dates from 1345 and enshrines the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image, a focal point for the Songkran Thai New Year festivities on April 13-15.
The temple compound includes the Lai Kham chapel featuring exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals; a magnificent scriptural repository with striking bas-reliefs, and a bell-shaped stupa.
Wat Suan Dok
The temple, on Suthep Road, was built in a 14th-century Lanna king's pleasure garden and is most notable for its several white Chedi, which contain the ashes of members of Chiang Mai's former Royal Family. Enshrined in a secondary chapel is a 500-year-old bronze Buddha, one of Thailand's largest metal images.
Wat Chiang Man
Located within the old walled city on Ratchaphakhinai Road, this is Chiang Mai's oldest temple, believed to date from 1296, when King Mengrai allegedly lived here while the new city of Chiang Mai was under construction. The temple is noteworthy for its fine Chedi supported by rows of elephant buttresses and a beautiful chapel, while enshrined within are the ancient Buddha images of Phra Kaeo Khao, a tiny crystal statue thought to have the power to bring rain, and Phra Sila Khao.
Wat Chedi Luang
Here, on Phrapokklao Road, is the largest Chedi in Chiang Mai measuring 98 m. tall and 54 m. wide. It was originally completed in 1481 but partially collapsed due to an earthquake in 1545. Among other features is a magnificent Naga staircase adorning the chapel's front porch. Wat Chedi Luang is also notable as one of the temporary abodes of the Emerald Buddha, now enshrined at Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok.
Wat Ku Tao
Located near the Chiang Mai Stadium, Wat Ku Tao is remarkable for its unusual bulbous Chedi, shaped like a watermelon and thus prompting its Thai name. The structure is decorated with coloured porcelain chips and is believed to represent five monks' alms bowls.
Wat Chet Yot
Away from the town centre on the Super Highway, north of the Huai Kaeo Nimmanhemin intersection, the temple is characterised by its square Chedi with seven spires. The design was inspired by the temple at Bodhgaya, in India, the site of the Lord Buddha's Enlightenment.
Wat U-mong
Located on Suthep Road, this delightful meditation temple, founded in the reign of King Mengrai, is very different from Chiang Mai's other major temples and enjoys an almost bucolic setting. Its principal architectural feature is a large ancient Chedi.
Wat Saen Fang
This old temple on Tha Phae Road is interesting for its Burmese-style architecture.
Wiang Kum Kam
Southeast of Chiang Mai between KM 3-4 on the Chiang Mai-Lamphun road, the site is an ancient city built by King Mengrai prior to the founding of Chiang Mai. Uncovered by archaeologists are the ruined remains of some 20 ancient temples and other buildings.
Chiang Mai National Museum
Standing next to Wat Chet Yot and in modern Lanna style, the museum houses an interesting collection of northern arts and crafts. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m except on Songkran and New Year.
Tel. 0 5322 1308
Website: www.thailandmuseum.com
Insect and Natural Wonders Museum
On display here is a fascinating collection of domestic and foreign insects, as well as animal fossils. The museum is located at 72 Nimmanhemin, Soi 12.
Tel. 0 5321 1891
Out-Of-Chiang Mai City Attractions
West (Highway 1004)
Huai Kaeo Arboretum
Beside Chiang Mai University, this attractively landscaped garden contains many kinds of tropical trees and flowers.
Chiang Mai Zoo
Next to Huai Kaeo Arboretum, this is a large and extremely well-managed zoo occupying the lower forested slopes of Doi Suthep mountain and showcasing more than 200 species of Asian and African mammals and birds, as well as some adorable pandas named Thewa and Thewi. Open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Restaurants and a camping site are available.
Tel. 0 5322 1179, 0 5335 8116
Website: www.zoothailand.org
Namtok Huai Kaeo
Close by the zoo, this 10-metre cascade provides a green and scenic picnic spot.
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
Situated 15 km. from town, this is Chiang Mai's most famous and most visible landmark, and at 3,520 feet above sea level, it commands an exhilarating view of the city and surrounding countryside. Dating from 1383, the temple is approached by a flight of 290 Naga-flanked steps (although the less energetic may ascend by a funicular railway), and is dominated by a golden Chedi which contains holy Buddha relics and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.
Phu Phing Palace
Further up the road from the foot of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the Phu Phing Palace is the Royal winter residence, built in 1961. The lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds are open to the general public daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. except when the Royal Family is in residence.
Doi Pui Tribal Village
This Hmong village lies some 3 km. from Phu Phing Palace. It is the most accessible of hill tribe villages and has accordingly lost some of its authenticity, although it still provides a glimpse of tribal life.
Khruba Siwichai Monument
Situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain, the monument honours the devoted Buddhist monk whose followers built the first 10- km. paved road to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in 1935.
