.
. . . .
.
. . . . . .“Nopphaburi Si Nakhon
Ping Chiang Mai” (new
town) was established by King Mengrai in 1292. Two hundred years
later, the city was subdued by Burmese invasion and became Burma's
vassal state in 1558. In 1774, Chiang Mai was liberated by King
Taksin and became part of Siam and once again capital of anna
(a million rice fields) an independent princedom, tributary
to Bangkok. Today, Chiang Mai is the largest city of northern
Thailand possessing unique cultural characteristics surrounded
by truly magnificent natural beauty. Chiang Mai is also a centre
of learning, art, antiques, and the ancient tradition of Lanna.
An increasing number of tourists, both Thai and foreign, visit
again and again, impressed by the hospitality and talent of
the people, reflected in various silk, silver, sa paper products,
and made cotton and silk, wood carving, ceramics and other handicrafts
– and, of course, the food.
.
. . . . . .Recently,
Chiang Mai people were proud that their city was voted to be
one of the top five destination cities in the world. (Ref. Travel+Leisure
Magazine, U.S.A.)
Geography
.
. . . . . .Chiang
Mai is situated at 300 metres above sea level in a large mountainous
area. The province encompasses approximately 20,000 square kilometres.
Chiang Mai is separated from Bangkok by 700 kilometres of highway
or 761 kilometres of railway. Chiang Mai province is located
between the northern latitude 17-21 and the eastern longitude
98 – 99. Chiang Mai’s northern border of 277 kilometres of mountain
range separates Chiang Mai’s Fang and Mae Ai districts from
Myanmar’s Chiang Tung State. In some parts of northern Chiang
Mai, the Kok River plays the role of the border between Chiang
Mai and Myanmar. In the east, Chiang Mai is bordered by Chiang
Rai, Lampang and Lamphun provinces. The south of Chiang Mai
is separated from Tak province by the Mae Tuen River and also
borders Lamphun province. To the west lies Mae Hong Son province. |
Orchid
and Butterfly Farms and major flower nurseries
Orchid and Butterfly
Farms and major flower nurseries are located along Mae Rim-
Samoeng route (No. 1096). These farms include Mountain Orchid,
Mae Ram Orchid , Sai Nam Pueng Orchid Each provides opportunities
for visitors to admire these exotic year-round blooms. Certain
orchid farms also have special butterfly enclosures where tropical
species can be seen in a natural environment. Visitors can buy
jewellery items made from gold plated orchids and insects. |
Baan
Tawai one of the best-known handicraft centres, is located about 15
kilometres on the Chiang Mai – Hod road; turn left and proceed
for about 3 kilometres. Woodcarving is a traditional northern
Thai art featured in numerous temples. This tradition has been
passed on for generations so it is preserved in different ways
- furniture carving is one of them. Teak, rosewood and rattan
are crafted both in traditional and modern designs. |
Wat
Jed Yod is
situated on the superhighway off Huay Kaew Road, near the Chiang
Mai National Museum. Built in 1455 by King Tilokaraj and was
host to the Eighth World Buddhist Council in 1477. Its name
means Seven Spires, a description of the chedi's construction.
It was coped from the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhagaya, India,
where the Buddha achieved enlightenment. The larger chedi contains
the ashes of King Tilokaraj. |
Wat
U Mong literally
meaning “cave temple” is an ancient temple in a forest just
outside Chiang Mai. King Mangrai built it for a highly respected
forest monk. The monk was not able to practice the Lord Buddha’s
teaching in the busy city, so the King built this temple for
him in an isolated area for the monk’s quiet meditation. Today
it is still the perfect place for quiet meditation |
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Queen
Sirikit Botanical Garden Located at km. 12 on the old Samoeng route it covers an area
of 560 acres. Originally founded in the 1920s, it was re-established
in April 1992, in cooperation with Kew Gardens, in order to
gather, conserve and strengthen studies and research on Thai
plants and there is an extensive library in the main building.
More than 700 species of plants, with the emphasis on Thai flora,
have been collected. |
Baan
Roi An Pan Yang is a traditional Thai house showcasing Thai antiques, sculpture,
carved wood and other art forms. The owner is teacher Charuay
Na Soontorn 225/4 Chiang Mai – Sanpatong Road., km. 19-20. |
Chiang
Mai National Museum is on the superhighway, not far from the Amari Rincome Hotel
near Wat Jed Yod. The museum is open daily 09.00 to 16.00. |
The
Insect and Natural Wonders Museum is filled with displays of rare, peculiar and extinct specimens
of insects and natural phenomenon. The founders have expertly
compiled their 40 years of research in this four storey building.
72 Nimmanhaemin Road., Soi 13 (or Sirimangalajarn Road., soi
3) Open daily 09.00 to 16.00. |
Wat
Suan Dok on
Suthep Road was built in 1383. It was constructed in the gardens
of the Lanna Royal Residence. The rows of small white chedis
contain the ashes of Chiang Mai’s Royal Lanna dynasty. Princess
Jao Dararassami, the only northern Royal Consort to Rama V,
King Chulalongkorn, established this cemetery. |
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Wat
Prathat Doi Suthep is set on the peak of Doi Suthep. It has a panoramic view of Chiang
Mai and the Mae Ping River valley. Although Wat Doi Suthep is recently
built, it is the symbol of Chiang Mai. The site was selected by
sending an elephant, carrying a holy relic, to roam at will up the
mountainside. When the elephant reached this spot, it trumpeted,
circled three times, and knelt down indicating that this was an
auspicious site. |
Phuping
Palace is four
kilometres past Doi Suthep Temple. The Royal Family is sometimes
in residence during the crisp winter season. Inside the palace
compound are gardens of exceptional roses and other temperate
flowers. Open daily from 08.30 to 16.30, except when members of
the Royal Family are in residence.
A
Hmong Village at Doi Pui is
located three kilometres beyond the Phuping Palace. From here
on a clear day it is possible to see the top of Doi Inthanon Mountain
to the south
Sankampaeng
Hot Springs The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Sankampaeng Cooperative
Village collaborated in making improvement to the surroundings
of Sankampaeng Hot Springs so that it could become a popular recreation
area very near to Chiang Mai City. The spring is 34 kilometres
from Chiang Mai by either the old Sankampaeng road or the newer
bypass. The older road passes close by Muang On Cave. To get there
by “songtaew” from Sankampaeng town costs about 200 baht. Near
the springs are rest houses, tents, camping grounds and hot spring
water baths.
.
. . . . .The
Kingdom of Lanna, the land of Buddhism. Inside the moated city
of Chiang Mai and nearby, over 300 temples were constructed. Temples
preserving ancient architecture and images of the Lord Buddha.
Today it is very important for everyone to conserve and keep these
treasures for the next generation.
Wat
Chiang Mun is
the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. It is located within the walled
city on Ratchapakinai Road. King Mengrai allegedly lived here
while the new city of Chiang Mai was being constructed. Enshrined
in Wat Chiang Mun is a tiny crystal Buddha called Phra Setang
– Kamanee. It is thought to have the power to bring rain. Another
image, called Phra Silakao, reflects the fine workmanship of Indian
craftsmen from hundreds of years ago.
Wat
Phra Singh. is located in the centre of the city at the
intersection of Singharat and Ratchadamnoen Roads. The large chedi
was built in 1345 by King Pha Yoo to house the remains of his
father King Kam Foo. A typical scripture repository is located
at this temple also. These repositories were designed to keep
and protect sacred texts written on palm leaves and the delicate
sa or mulberry paper sheets used by monks and scribes to keep
records and write down folklore. The high stucco-covered stone
base of the repository protected the delicate scriptures from
the rains, floods and pests. The walls of the chapel are covered
with murals illustrating Lanna customs, dress, and scenes from
daily life. The lovely Lai Kam chapel houses the revered Phra
Singh Buddha image. Sadly, the head was stolen in 1992
.Wat
Chedi Luang is also home to “The Pillar of the City”, a
totem used in ancient Thai fertility rites, because the temple
itself marks the exact centre of Chiang Mai. A guardian spirit
known as “Prueksa Thevada”, an all-knowing sage, inhabits a nearby
tree. The Inthakhin Festival fertility rite lasting for seven
days takes place each year during the months of May or June. This
observance ensured unity within Lanna society, in days of old
it gave protection from siege and warfare and made certain that
the rains would fall at the proper time so that the fields would
be fertile and farmers' crops would be abundant. |
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Wiang Kum Kam, the Underground ancient City
.
. . . . . .In
1984, just outside the modern Chiang Mai metropolitan area,
archaeologists uncovered the remains of an ancient city.
Research concluded that this was the city of Wiang Kum Kam,
one of many fortified cities built by King Mengrai as he
consolidated his hold on the north. In fact, it appears
that Mengrai may have lived at Wiang Kum Kam for a few years
before Chiang Mai was constructed.
Nearly 20 temple sites have been uncovered in the area,
which lies between the Ping river and the Lamphun highway.
The buildings were buried underground by years of flooding,
which apparently is the reason Mengrai eventually moved
his capital to Chiang Mai. In fact, the Ping river originally
flowed along the north side of the town, but at some point
during the Burmese occupation from the sixteenth to eighteenth
centuries, the river changed course and now flows along
the west side of the site. The change of course was apparently
the final straw which caused the city to be largely abandoned
for 300 years.
The
site is too large to cover on foot. The best way to see
it is to start at the still working temple of Wat Chedi
Liam, and tour the site by bicycle, tram or pony carriage. |
The nine main sites taken in on a typical tour are not greatly
interesting compared to many of Thailand's ancient sites.
What does make the trip worthwhile is the gentle pace and
scenery of the countryside viewed from the back of a carriage
or on a bicycle.
. .
. . . . .Although
most of the sites are not much more than platforms and ruined
chedis, there are two working temples in the area that date
from the city's heyday at the end of the thirteenth century.
One is your logical starting point, Wat Chedi Liam. The
other, more vibrant temple is Wat Khan Tom (also known as
Wat Chang Kum), where in fact the spirit of King Mengrai
is said to still reside.
. |
Doi
Inthanon National Park
.
. . . . . .Doi
Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, 2,565 m. from
sea level.The geography is bountiful with foresst and the atmosphere
is cool and fresh all year. The weather is cold with high humidity
throughout the year, particularly at the top of the National
Park. In winter, the temperature at the National Park is below
0 c and the mountain is covered with fog all day. In summer,
despite hot weather in central Chiang Mai and nearby districts,
it is still freezing. Visitors to the peak of Doi Inthanon should
be prepared with thick clothes.
.
. . . . . .
In the park are many attractive waterfalls and caves such as
: Mae Ya Waterfall (the most beautiful waterfall in Chiang Mai),
Mae Klang Waterfall, Wachiratan Waterfall, Sririphum Waterfall,
Huay Sai Luang Waterfall, Mae Pan Waterfall, Borijinda cave
etc.
.
. . . . . .
In the Ang – ga – Inthanon mountain range, close to the Mae
Glang waterfall, is the huge Borijinda Cave. To reach the cave,
turn right off the Chiang Mai – Hod route at km. 58, on the
road to the waterfall. After 8 kilometres turn right and keep
going for one kilometre toward Doi Inthanon where a sign points
to the cave. The cave has many beautiful stalactites and stalagmites,
appropriately called Nom Pha, or milk of the cliff, in the northern
Thai language.
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.
. . . . . .The Doi Inthanon
Park Headquarters is located at km. 31, where visitors
can find more information about what to do and see
in the park. This is the area for camping, and tents
are available on a pre-booked basis. Beside the main
road over Doi Inthanon is The Royal Project Station
in Baan Khun Glang, quite close to the National Park
Office. This project was initiated in 1979 as part
of His Majesty the King’s efforts to help the hilltribes
cultivate cash crops other than opium, to introduce
them to modern agricultural practices and to help
them protect forest and river catchments. This particular
station has responsibility for research into temperate
zone plant species as well as providing agricultural
advice and support for 510 neighbourhood Karen and
Hmong families.
.
. . . . . .Between
km. 41 and 42 are two fine opportunities to experience
nature – which is spectacular all along the whole
of the road over Doi Inthanon. At about the 41 km.
is one of the finest views to be had from Thailand’s
highest peak. A short walk of about 30 metres from
the left side of the road gives the viewer a chance
to see a sea of mist filling the valley below. A little
further on, at about km. 42, is the nature trail called
Giew Mae Paan. This short trail, winding through tall
pristine forest for about 2.5 kilometres, a 3 hours
walk, allows the hiker to experience the natural beauty
of the forest at first hand.
.
. . . . . .This
is the place to see warblers and kingfishers as they
feed on insects in the bushes. Travellers wishing
to use this path should seek permission from the National
Park Office at km. 31, not only for their own safety,
but also to ensure that no damage is caused to the
precious environment. NOTE: every year from June 1
to October 31 the area is closed to the public.
. |
Interesting
activities |
| Cooking
classes Thai cooking classes are a delight and great fun. An increasing
number of foreign tourists join Thai cooking classes to
learn new skills that can be used at home. |
Bird
watching
Endowed with rich natural habitats, Chiang Mai has much to
offer bird lovers. The forests, perfect wildlife sanctuaries,
are good observation spots for bird watching. Among the most
popular places are Doi Inthanon |
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| Elephant
Shows Watch
trained elephants at work and at play. See how the mahouts
communicate with their charges so that you can feel the
close relationship between human and animal. You can also
ride an elephant into the forest where you can enjoy being
close to nature. |
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