Chiang
Mai Information
Chiang Mai
 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.
The Past
 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.
Provided
by Tourism Authority of Thailand
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