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Experience
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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, Thailand’s 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 – Maenam Ping (Ping River) which originates
from the Chiang Dao mountain range.
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