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Chiangmai introduction
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.
 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.
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. 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.
 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
bordersMyanmar 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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