Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city and considered to be the country’s unofficial ‘northern capital’. It is however the regional capital of the Chiang Mai Province, which is generally a rural area recognised as one of the most scenic parts of the country, and is located in Northern Thailand. The city of Chiang Mai is located on the banks of the River Ping and spreads across the fertile plains of the broad river-valley floor. Standing at the foot of the 1,685 metre Doi Pui, Chiang Mai is surrounded by the highest mountains in the country, which rise to 2,565 metres at Doi Inthanon, and is a busy and bustling city, the main economic and cultural centre of the north, and a major tourist destination. Once known as the independent Kingdom of Lan Na, or the Kingdom of the Thousand Rice Fields, Chiang Mai was founded by King Mangrai in 1296 and has inherited a rich, diverse and interesting culture.
The heart of Chiang Mai was originally a walled and moated city, which today can be explored through a number of historic buildings and temples. Sections of the original city walls remain around the gates and corners, and the moat is still clearly visible. Inside these old city walls are more than 30 temples which date back to the founding of the city and reflect a combination of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lan Na Thai architectural styles. Brightly decorated with beautiful wood carvings, naga (dragon-like serpents) staircases, gilded umbrellas and pagodas laced with gold filigree, the temples are a must-see for any visitor to Chiang Mai. Probably the oldest within the city is the Wat Chiang Man which was built by King Mangrai over 700 years ago, while one of the most impressive in its day must have been the Wat Chedi Luang which is probably only 600 years old and once was home to the famous Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred cultural treasure. Adjacent to Wat Chedi Luang can be found the What Phan Tao, which although a monastery was once a Royal Palace for Chao Mahawong in the mid 19th century. Two temples worth seeing, although not within the old city, are the lesser known Wat Gatekaram, and Chiang Mai’s most important and famous temple, the Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, which was founded in the 14th century. Other places of interest include the Chiang Mai Tribal Museum, which displays costumes, tools and artworks from the northern hill tribes – the City Arts and Museum of Chiang Mai and the Bo Sang Handicraft Village, where visitors can see the native handicrafts being performed including wood carving, Thai silk and cotton being weaving, painting of parasols and paper making.
When visiting Chiang Mai the local markets must figure high on a ‘to do’ list as traditionally life in Thailand still revolves around the markets and they are a great place to really see the culture. The Night Bazaar is located on the Chan Klan Road and is perhaps Chiang Mai’s most famous market. It is an ideal location to buy souvenirs and clothing, but if possible visit the Vieng Ping Centre which offers better quality products. Other market locations include Warorot Market at the end of Chiang Moi Road – the Somphet Market which offers live food - and the Tapae Square Market along the Ratchadamnoen Road which operates on Sundays and has grown to become the city’s best daytime market. Day trips from Chiang Mai are very popular and include white-water rafting, zipping through the air on a ‘Flight of the Gibbon’ experience, elephant riding through the beautiful forests or simply enjoy a Thai cooking lesson. Many visitors wish to visit the nearby local hill tribes with particular interest caused by the fascinating ‘Long Necked’ women of the Karen tribe who live in the Padaung highlands of the Chiang Dao District.
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