Chiang Mai Travel Guide
 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.
Inthe 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.
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