Founded in 1296 by King Mengrai to be the grand capital of his Lanna
Kingdom, Chiang Mai over the centuries became the centre of
Northern Lanna arts, culture and traditions. Isolated from the main
part of Thailand, the people developed their own lilting dialect,
customs, architectural traditions, indigenous handicrafts, dances,
cuisine and festivals.
Today Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city, the most
important province in the Northern region and a prized tourist
destination. Although modernised, the city has retained its elegant,
historical heritage. The old city walls have been partially restored,
within are glorious temples dating back to 14th century. The Mae Ping
River flows through the city centre, while the imperial peak of Doi
Suthep stands guard over the city. And nearby villages practice their
age-old traditional crafts, bringing silks, cottons, fascinating clothing,
carved wood, silverware and other prized treasures for sale in the
city's Night Bazaar.
Further north, the mountains, which gradually creep up into the
Himalayan foothills, host several hilltribes of Tibeto-Burman origin,
maintaining traditions and lifestyles of centuries gone by. These hills
and peaks are adorned by forests still worked by elephants and
orchards growing marvelous temperate fruits such as apples, peaches
and strawberries. It is here that tourists explore on treks, by mountain
bike, by 4WD, seeking the attractive waterfalls, caves, gorges and
national parks that the province is famous for. |
Location & Access
Located 696 kms. north of
Bangkok. Chiang Mai city is a
regional transportation hub, with
an international airport, plus daily
flights and trains from Bangkok.
The land route is fast highway
through Nakhon Sawan and
Kamphaeng Phet.
Geography
Central Chiang Mai is a flat plain
flanked by the Mae Ping River.
The landscape becomes
mountainous in the north and
west, with highlands above 500
metres.Thailand's highest
mountain Doi Inthanon at 2,599
metres is located here.
Borders
North : Chiang Rai and Myanmar
South : Lamphun and Tak
East : Lampang, Chiang Rai and
Lamphun
West : Mae Hong Son
Highlights
Attractions: Wat Phrathat Doi
Suthep, Wat Phra Singh, Wat
Chedi Luang, Doi Angkhang, Doi
Inthanon National Park, Phu Ping
Palace, Chiang Dao Cave, Op
Luang National Park, Mae Sa
Valley, Night Bazaar
Souvenirs: Silk, handmade
textiles, silverware, carved wood,
umbrellas, sai oua (northern pork
sausage), Naam (fermented pork
sausage), namprik noom (chili
dip), longgan and lychee.
Festivals: Bo Sang Umbrella Fair
& Sankampeng Handicrafts
Festival (January); Ban Tawai
Wood Carving Fair (January);
Flower Festival (first weekend of
February); Songkran Festival
(April 13-15); Mai Kham Bho
Procession (April 13-15); Yipeng
Loi Krathong (November);
Winter Fair (December/January) |
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