Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 as the capital of Lanna Thai. It was the first independent Thai Kingdom within the fabled Gloden Triangle. Chiang Mai flourished as a major religious, cultural and trading center for 250 years when Burmese invasion reduced it to a vassal state. In 1785 Chiang Mai once again became part of northern Thailand and developed to be the second largest city.
The people of Chaing Mai enjoy one of the most distinctive cultural identities, they have their own distinctive cuisine. Hilltribes also lend a great deal of character and colour to the beautiful mountainous landscape.
The Map of Chiang Mai



Flower Festival is held in February.

Chiang Mai known as the city of Thailand's North Rose will be flourished with all kinds of blooms and buds for its residents and visitors to delight in. At the time of the festival, more than 3,000 species of orchid will be in bloom and nearly 1,000 will be on display. Main events will feature the parade of marching bands and floats of flowers to Buakhaad City Park. The floats will be meticulously decorated with many kinds of local flowers and classic patterns relating to Buddhism, Hindu gods and scenes from Ramayana--the Hindu classic. Along side with the floats are the flower shows, exhibitions, a flower contest and a beauty pageant, Miss Flowerbloom. Contestants of the pageant will dress traditional northern costumes and pose on the floats for visitor to admire.

   


The most important and most visible landmark, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is perched high atop a mountain overlooking the city with the forested mountain backdrop providing a very scenic panorama. The temple is accessible by climbing a steep 300-step staircase with naga siderails or, for those less active, by funicular railcars.

The temple's golden pagoda contains the holy relics of Buddha. Further up the road from the temple is the Phu Phing Palace. Built in 1962, the royal winter palace's lavish landscaped gardens are open to the public on weekends and holidays when the Royal Family is not in residence.

Wat Chiang Man, the city’s oldest temple, dates back to 1296 and is the finest example of Northern Thai architect. The temple was the residence of King Mengrai, the city's founder. The temple has massive teak columns and a chedi supported by rows of elephant-shaped buttresses. It also houses a 20-30 cm. marble Buddhist relief believed to have originated in India or Sri Lanka some 2,500 years ago and Phra Kaew Khao, a small, ancient crystal Buddha image.

The focal point of the Songkran (Thai New Year's) festivities occurs at Wat Phra Sing where local people bathe the revered Buddha image. Dating back to mid-14th century, the lovely temple is named after the Phra Singh Buddha image, believed to have originated in Sri Lanka 300 years ago. The Buddha image's travels to its present location is clouded in myth. View the exquisite woodcarvings on temple pillars and doors and northern style murals.

The highest point in Thailand is located at the peak of the Doi Inthanon National Park. Rare, colorful floral plants that thrive in the year-round chilled air are only found here at the peak Sites of interest include the Inthanon Royal Project which promotes sustainable income to Karen and Maew hilltribe by growing flowers and the Royal Pagodas dedicated to H.R.H. the King and the Queen.

Early birds are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the sea of mists in the early morning hours at the Huai Nam Dang National Park. The park also has well maintained flowerbed landscapes and tribal villages. Nearby at the Huai Nam Roo, visitors can stop by a Lisu hilltribe village or enjoy the tranquility of a coffee farm and fruit cultivation center.

Only 36 km away from town is theSan Kamphaeng Hot Springs amidst the natural forest surroundings and verdant hills. The continuously boiling water, with temperatures ranging from 90 to 100 Celsius, contains a high content of sulfur, popular for its curative and restorative properties. Private mineral water bathing rooms, a swimming pool, accommodations, and dining facilities are available.


Orchid and Butterfly Farms

There are many nurseries in the Mae Sa Valley include the Mountain Orchid, Mae Rim Orchid and Sai Nam Phung Orchid complexes. Each provides opportunities for visitors to admire there exotic year-round bloom. Certain orchid farms also have special butterfly enclosures where exotic species can be seen in their nature environment.

Elephant Training Centers
There are many elephant training centers located 30 – 50 kilometers from the city. Trained elephants will demonstrates their highly-valued forestry skill.





Bo Sang- Umbrella/Parasol village
The world-famous village is 3 km. from town, along a road lined with handicraft-producing factories. In genuine cottage industries, young women manufacture silk and cotton umbrellas and paper parasols which are subsequently hand painted in various animal and floral designs. Generations of families have been doing these for more than 200 years.

Trekking Tours
Popular jungle treks lasting from 2 to 7 days take visitors through forested mountains and high valleys and meadows and include visits to remoter high hilltribe settlement for overnight stays. Trek commonly features travel by foot, boat, elephant back, horse back or jeep or combination of two or three modes.

How to Get There
By Bus
The 8-hour iourney from Bangkok can be made on air conditioned coaches and non-air conditioned buses originating from the Northern bus terminal.

By Air
Thai Airways International operates daily flights from Bangkok and other northern Thai cities.

By Rail
The State Railways of Thailand operate daily services from Bangkok’s Railway Station, including a popular over-night sleeper.

Bangkok

Chiang Mai

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