Chiang Mai - Popularly known as the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique indigenous cultural identity. Founded by King Mengrai the Great as the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom by merging the various city-states in the region in 1296. Today Chiang Mai is the economic, communications, cultural and tourism centre of Northern Thailand.

About 700 kilometres from Bangkok(13 hrs. by train and 9.5 hrs.(painfully) by bus), Chiang Mai is situated on the Mae Ping River basin some 310 metres above sea level. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometres. The terrain is mainly jungles and mountains, parts of which are within national parks which are still fertile and verdant with plentiful flora and fauna. There are many sites and locations where tourists prefer to visit to study the lifestyle of the tribal people who live on high hills.

CHIANG MAI is a city built on the roots of a traditional heritage that dig deep into the soil of time. It's a city with a beautiful cultural personality of its own. In addition, it's been blessed with much majestic beauty in nature. The people themselves are an unforgettable part of Chiang Mai.

Handicrafts of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for visitors from all over the globe. Along with all this, a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment all help to make Chiang Mai one of Thailand's prime tourist attractions.

Steps at Wat Pratat Doi Suthep

LOCATION:
Chiang Mai, 761 kms. by rail, approximately 700 kms. by road north of Bangkok, with an area of 20,107.1 sq.lms., is Thailand's second largest city and capital of the northern region.

Situated between north latitude 17-21 and east longitude 98-99, the province of Chiang Mai is found in the upper area of Thailand's northern region. Chiang Mai valley is 310 meters (1,027 feet) above sea level. The widest point of the province measures 136 kms. (85 miles), and the longest 320 kms. (200 miles). To the north, a 277 kms. (141.82 miles) stretch of mountains divides Chiang Mai's northern districts of Fang and Mae Ai from Myanmar's (Burma's)

Chiang Tung (Shan) State. In certain areas, the Kok River also acts as a border between Chiang Mai and Myanmar. On the east, Chiang Mai is bodered by the Chaing Rai, Lampang, and Lamphun provinces. The Mae Tuen River, Ream Mountain, and Luang Mountain separate Chiang Mai's South from the province of Tak. Some portions of Chiang Mai's South also border the Lamphun province. Tothe west, Chiang Mai is bordered by Mae Hong Son province.

Chiang Mai is administratively divided into 22 Amphurs (districts) as follow:  Muang

There are many hilltribe people living in the mountainous districts surrounding Chiang Mai such as Omkoi, Mae Jam, Chiang Dao, and Mae Ai. Statistics reported by the Tribal Research Institute of Chiang Mai stated that in the year 1992 there were 1,049 hilltribe villages in the Chiang Mai province, constituting a total of 174,195 people. Of this amount, 106,116 were from the Karen tribe, 27,392 from the Lahu (Musur) tribe, 17,198 from the Hmong (Meo) tribe, 10,873 form the Lisu tribe, 8,862 from the Lua tribe, 2,609 from the Akha tribe, 1,145 from the Mien (yao) tribe, and 485 from the Palong tribe. The hilltribe people are agricultural; planting fields, raising animals, and hunting for a living. Since each tribe has its own culture and language, they blanket the hills of Chiang Mai with an interesting patchwork quilt of diverse variety.

Pratat Doi Suthep, one of the Chiang Mai respectful place.

The majority (80%) of the Chiang Mai people earn a living through agriculture and agricultural related professions. The second largest vocation is tourism and its directly and indirectly related jobs. General commerce and industry-mainly in the form of handicrafts, and of processing agricultural products-are the two other major professions in which the Chiang Mai people are involved.

TOPOGRAPHY
A large part (69.31 %) of Chiang Mai's land is covered by mountains and forests. These generally run in a north-south pattern through the province and give birth to several streams and tributaries (such as the Mae Jam, Mae Ngud, and Mae Klang) which in turn feed important rivers and irrigation canals (such as the Muang and Faay) which provide the water necessary to Chiang Mai's agriculture. Chiang Mai's largest and most important river is the Ping, which originates in the mountains of Chiang Dao and flows southward for 540 kilometers (337.5 miles). It is along the banks of this river that Chiang Mai's flat, fertile valley atea lies.

Chiang Mai is also home to Inthanon Mountain, which stands 2,575 meters (8,448 feet) above sea level and is Thailand's highest mountain.

CLIMATE
Cool Season : (late October to end of Februry). average temperature 21º C and much cooler at night. The colest months are December and January.

Hot Season : (early March to end of May) Average temperature 29.9º C. The hottest month is April.

Rainy Season : (early June to end of October). Average temperature 25.5º C. The wettest month is September.

Buddha statues at Wat Pra Tat Doi Suthep

CHIANG MAI ATTRACTIONS

Chiang Mai is often spoken of by tourists and visitors as being a city with a distinct beauty and cultural heritage of its own. Along with its numerous ancient temples and buildings, Nature added her own handiwork in the majestic mountains and combine to compose a captivating symphony which draws both domestic and international tourists back to see this city of old time, tine, and time again.

Wat Phra Sing, located on Sam Lan Road, houses the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image cast in Subduing Mara. The Buddha image is now enshrined in Vihan Lai Kham. During the Songkran festival, each April 13-15, people process the most sacred Buddha image around Chiang Mai town for traditional bathing. Formerly, this area was a Wat Li Chiang Market until 1345, King Pa Yu, the fifth king of Mengrai Dynasty commanded to built this temple and a 24-feet chedi containing his father’s ashes. The temple compound includes the lovely Lai Kham chapel featuring exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals, a magnificent scriptural repository with striking bas relief, and a circular stupa (in Lankan bell shape).

Wat Suan Dok, is on Suthep Road. The temple was built in a 14th century Lanna Thai monarch’s pleasure gardens and is a favourite spot for photographers, particularly for striking sunset. Several of the white chedis contain ashes of Chiang Mai’s former royal family. The 500-year-old bronze Buddha image in a secondary chapel is one of Thailand’s largest metal images.

Wat Chiang Man is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. King Mengrai allegedly lived here while the new city of Chiang Mai was constructed. The temple is located within the walled city on Ratchaphakhinai Road. It is noteworthy for a chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses and a beautiful chapel . Enshrined in the temple are a tiny crystal Buddha called Phra Kaeo Khao, which is thought to have the power to bring rain. Another image, called Phra Sila Khao, reflects the fine workmanship of Indian craftsmen from thousands of years ago.

Wat Prasat, located on Inthawarorot Road near Wat Phra Sing. The temple houses traditional Lanna architecture chapel, the chapel roof is decorated in colourful glasses and wooden craved lions. Wat Prasat houses one of the rare Lanna arts’ Buddha image.

Wat Chedi Luang houses the largest chedi in Chiang Mai. The temple is located right in the middle of the city and was built in the reign of King Saen Mueang Mak, the seventh king of Mengrai Dynasty. The 98-metre tall and 54-metre wide chedi was built in the reign of King Tilokkarat. The construction was completed in 1481. In 1545 the chedi was collapsed due to an earthquake during the reign of King Jiraprapa. The chapel in the front was built by Chao Khun Uba Lee Poramacharn (Sirichantathera) and Chao Kaeo Navarat in 1928.

The magnificent methodological serpents ramble from the entrance of the chapel to its door on both sides. It is believed that they are the most beautiful manmade serpents in the north of Thailand.

Sao Inthakil or Sao Lak Muang, the city pillar was built when the founder of Chiang Mai, King Mengrai governed the city in 1296. It is located in front of Wat Chedi Luang and enshrined in a small Thai chapel. The pillar is made of log and kept underground. The Khao Inthakil or city pillar celebration is held annually in May.

Wat Phan Tao, located on Phra Pok Klao Road beside Wat Chedi Luang. The temple was a throne hall for King Mahotara Prateth, thus the peacock shaped doors were built. It is believed that peacock is a symbol of king.

Wat Ku Tao, it was formerly called Wat Veru Vanaram. The temple is located in Tambon Sri Phum near Chiang Mai Satdium. It is noteworthy for an unusual watermelon shaped pagoda, thus giving such name by the locals. An exact period of its establishment is somewhat unknown, but from a legend, the Ku Tao chedi contains ashes of Prince Saravadee, the son of King Bureng Nong who ruined Chiang Mai from 1579 to 1607.

Wat Saen Fang is located on Tha Phae Road. This is the old temple, built in the Burmese architecture. The residence of the abbot dating from more than 100 years is an interesting attraction in the temple compound. King Intavitchayanontha, the seventh king who governed Chiang Mai commanded to destroy the residence of Phra Chao Gavirorossurivongs (Chao Chevit Ao), the sixth ruler of Chiang Mai.1877, later his former residence was rebuilt in this temple. The celebration was held in 1878.

Wat Buppharam, located on Tha Phae Road, Muang district. The interesting attractions include the Burmese architectural chedi, the wooden craved roof main chapel, and the local style wooden small chapel.

Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city that was built in the reign of King Mengrai in 1286. The city was surrounded by ditches in every corner and they were used as reservoirs. From the discoveries, there are 20 ancient remains in and around Wiang Kum Kam include buildings and temples of Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chang Kham, Wat Noi, Wat Pu Pia, Wat Ku Koa, Wat E Kang, Wat Hua Nong, and Wat Pu Song. The remains are dating from 21-22 Buddhist centuries.

Presently, Wiang Kum Kam is located in the south east of Chiang Mai, between Km.3-4 along Chiang Mai-Lamphun route, Tambon Wang Tan, Saraphi district. It is situated near the east of the Mae Ping River.

Getting there by taking the road at Nong Hoi Police box to the Ko Klang Pa Kluai intersection and en route to Chedi Liam Police box.

Wat Chedi Liam or Chedi Ku Kham, the temple was built in 1288 in the reign of King Mengrai after he had authorised an administrative responsibility of Lamphun town to his minister, Aey Fah. King Mengrai established a town in the northeast of Chiang Mai for 5 years and then resettled a town near the Mae Ping River in 1277 and renamed it “Wiang Kum Kam”. In 1287, the stupa of Wat Jamthewi, Lamphun was rebuilt in Wiang Kum Kam for the locals to worship.

After that for hundreds years, the temple was left abandoned. In 1908, a Burmese tycoon renovated it, thus the temple has influences of Burmese architecture instead of its former Khmer style. Only some parts were rebuilt in Khmer architecture.

Wat Chedi Chet Yot or Wat Photaram Viharn, located on the Super Highway Road (Chiang Mai-Lampang), 4 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. It is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai and was recently renovated. The interesting attraction of this temple is the seven tapering finial stupa, which is supported by lovely divine sculptures at its base. The most interesting of all is that the stupa possesses architecture of the Phuttakaya stupa in India. Besides, the stupa contains ashes of King Tilokkarat, the king of Mengrai Dynasty who built this temple is worth a visit.

Chiang Mai National Museum is located on the Chiang Mai-Lampang Super Highway near Wat Chet Yot. The distinctive building was built in modern Lanna Thai architecture and features northern arts and culture. The area is peaceful and refreshing. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 09.00-16.00 hrs. and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and the national holidays. Contact tel. 0-5322-1308 for more information.

Wat U Mong, located on Suthep Road in the town. The spacious temple was found in the reign in King Mengrai around 1296. It renovation was done in the reign of King Keu Na. The large wall like building with a connected tunnel inside is a remarkable piece of art is located in the temple compound. A large stupa is located near the temple’s wall. Wat U Mong is teemed with various kinds of trees, thus making it an ideal meditation place.

Kad Suan Kaeo Art & Cultural Centre, located in Kad Suan Kaeo Shopping Mall. As the name indicates, it is a centre of art and cultural performances. The Kad Suan Kaeo theatre is equipped with advanced technology where numerous Thai and foreign shows are performed. For more information contact, tel: 0-53 22-4333 ext. Kad Silpa.

Insect and Natural’s Wonders Museum has fascinating collection of domestic and foreign insects including animal fossils. It is located at 72 Nimmanhemin, Soi 12 (Sirimangkhlalachan Soi 3), Huai Kaeo, Mueang district, tel: 0-5321-1891, fax: 0-5341-0916, E-mail: insects_museum@hotmail.com

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand