Chiang Mai Thailand

Chiang Mai, also dubbed as the Rose of the North of Thailand.

Chiang Mai is about 700 kilometers North of Bangkok, situated on the Mae Ping River. It has an elevation of 310 meters above sea level.

Chiang Mai is surrounded by high mountain ranges and stunning beatutiful nature. The total province is about 20.000 square kilometers.

Chiang Mai is a city blessed with natural beauty and a unique cultural identity. It is founded by King Mengrai the Great as the capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom in the end of the 13th century. Lanna (Lan-Na) translates into 1000 rice fields.

Nowadays Chiang Mai is the economic, cultural and tourism centre of the North of Thailan.

Attractions:

Tempels:

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is the most famous temple located just outside Chiang Mai (15 kilometers) on the Doi Suthep hill. It has a steep staircase of 290 steps (rail cars available) and it is about 1200 meters above sea level. The temple overlooks the city and airport of Chiang Mai.
• The Golden Pagoda contains holy Buddha relics and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year.
• Wat Phra Sing
• This temple dates from 1345 and here is the Phra Phutthasiging Buddha image. It is located on Sam Lan Road. Hhere is the Lai Kam Chapel with beautiful wood carvings and Northers style murals.
• Wat Suan Dok
• Located on Suthep Road this temple dates from the 14th Century (Lanna Thai). Here is the 500 year old second largest metal Buddha image. The temple is very famous for its beautiful sunsets.
• Wat Ku Tao
• The temple is located near the Chiang Mai Stadium. It has a very unusual and bulbous Pagoda. The porcelain is believed to represent the five Lord Buddha''s.
• Wat Chedi Luang
• Located on Phra Pokklao Road, is the site of a very large Pagoda, originally 100 meters high, but partially destroyed by an earthquake in the 16th century. The most striking in this temple is the magnificent Naga staircase (Naga = mythical serpent) which adorns the chapel''s front porch.
• Wat Chiang Man
• Wat Chiang man is located on Ratchapkkinai Road and is Chiang Mai''s oldest temple and dates from the end of the 13th Century. It was the residence of King Mengrai (the founder of Chiang Mai) and is especially interesting for a Chedi, supported by rows of elephantine buttresses and small ancient Buddha images.
• Wat Chet Yot
• This temple is located on the Super Highway, North of the Huai Kaeo Nimmanhemin Road intersection. Wat Chet Yot dates from mid 15th Century. It is built by Lanna architects who were inspired by the Bodhagaya (North India), the site of the Buddha''s Enlightment. Wat Chet Yot has a seven spired square Chedi.
• Wat U Mong
• Located on Suthep Road is a foresteral setting and is very different from all temples in Chiang mai. The temple is famous for the ancient Chedi (end 13th Century).

Museum:

• Chiang Mai National Museum
• Chiang Mai National Museum is located next to Wat Chet Yot. The museum houses a large collection of Lanna Thai works of art, ancient Buddha images and some war weapons.
• Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 9 am till noon, and from 1 pm till 4 pm, also open on all public holidays

Zoo:

• Chiang Mai Zoo (and Chiang Mai Arboretum)
• Chiang Mai Zoo is located close to the Chiang Mai University and next to the Chiang Mai Arboretum. This beautiful landscaped complex occupies the lower forested slpes of the Doi Suthep mountain. It houses a fascinating collection of Asian and African mammals and birds and (unique) panda''s from China.

Festivals and events:

Chiang Mai is famous for it''s many annual festivals. The three most famous are the Flower Festical, Songkran ans Loi Krathong.

• Flower festival
• The flower festival is the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of February. All beautiful tropical flowers in Chiang Mai are in full bloom this time of the year. The festivities include colourful floral parades, music and dancing and of course buauty pageants.
• Song Kran
• Song Kran is celebrated nationwide in Thailand, but Chiang Mai is very famous for this festival. Song Kran is 13, 14 and 15 Arpril and celebrates the Thai New Year. It is a fun festival with water throwing, music, dance and parades.
• Loi Krathong
• Loi Krathong is also celebrated nationwide in Thailand but also very special in Chiang Mai due to the many ''klongs'' (canals). Locals make small banana leaf boats with a lit candle and incence flower and some coins to honour the water spirits and wash away the misfortune''s of the previous year.