. . . . . . . .History accurately records the founding of Chiang Mai (CM) as having taken place on April 14, 1296 at 4 am! Because CM is at a higher elevation than most other popular cities and towns, it has a cooler and drier climate. There are three main seasons:

Cool season (Late October-middle February),
Summer season (late February-May) and
Rainy season (June-October)
with average temperatures of 21?C, 30?C and 25?C respectively. Use it as a base to travel around Northern Thailand and beyond into Laos, or shop and trek around the exuberant countryside or cruise along the River Ping in CM.

. . . . . . . .Chiang Mai, the second city of Thailand, capital of the North, was founded in 1296 on the River Ping by king Men Rai as the new capital of Lanna Thai. Weakened by internal struggles for the throne and by oppression, the city fell to the Burmese forces of King Bayinnaung in 1558. For over two centuries (1558-1774) Chiang Mai was under Burmese control. The fortunes of the city declined for the Burmese exploited the city-state for military purposes in their wars with Ayutthaya. Eventually northern Thai forces allied with the Siamese king Taksin, king of Thonburi, drove the Burmese out in 1775. But the city was so weak that it was totally abandoned. Allied to the Siamese Thai, Chiang Mai gained strength. During the 19th century increasing Western interests in the teak forests of the north, however, forced King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) of Siam to take over the administration in 1892.

. . . . . . . .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.

. . . . . . .Lanna textiles are a specialized group of fabrics and designs created in northern Thailand. Traditional Lanna fabric and clothing are much different from what we see in the West. Lanna garments are not cut and seamed, but rather they are squares and rectangles of fabric that are folded, tucked or joined in other ways. Within the squares and rectangles are various designs, borders and embroidery. Styles and designs vary depending on which ethnic group has produced them and the motifs will identify a clan or village.

. . . . . . . .Located 700 miles north of Bangkok, the province of Chiang Mai is known for its scenic mountain beauty, adventure activities, ethnic hilltribes, historic temples, and distinctive culture. Steeped in history, the city of Chiang Mai was founded in 1296. This former capital of the independent Lanna Thai Kingdom, (literally translated as "the Kingdom of a Million Ricefields") flourished as a major religious, cultural and trading centre until the Burmese invasion in 1556. Expelled in 1785, Lanna Thai once again became part of Thailand and has continued to thrive, evolving into a modern city with a unique character and heritage that can still be seen in the temples, sculptures and city walls, which remain today.

. . . . . . . .The people of Chiang Mai have a distinctive cultural identity - a result of migrations from China, Laos and Burma, united under the Lanna Thai. They have their own dialect, customs, festivals, architectural traditions, handicrafts, dances and distinctive cuisine. Ethnic hilltribes also lend a great deal of character and colour, reflected in the costumes, music and crafts of the many tribal groups living the hills and valleys of this region.

. . . . . . . .Isolated for many years Chiang Mai is enjoying a rebirth. Visitors are discovering the the incredible diversity and history, the relatively low cost of accommodation, the opportunity to visit exotic hilltribes and the mouthwatering food, as well as the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding the city.
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