The city of Chiang Mai is situated approximately 700km North of Bangkok and one of the most popular tourist destinations of Thailand. Sitting in a broad and fertile valley, about 300m above sea level, Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains rising up to 2500 meter. This geography provides cooler temperatures then the rest of the country, especially during a few weeks between November and January. Whereas the city of Bangkok is just over 200 years old, Chiang Mai is more then 700 years old, even older than the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, making it a treasure trove of Buddhist temples and culture.
Chiang Mai's history begins with King Mengrai, who marched south from the Mekong River, and, after establishing various kingdoms in the region, finally chose
Chiang Mai, translated as “new city” as the new capital for his “Lanna” Kingdom. The ancient Lanna Kingdom, the “Land of a Million Rice Fields”, prospered from the 13 th to the 16 th centuries and extended across the whole of Northern Thailand as well as parts of Burma and Laos. Chiang Mai in those days was an important trading post between Yunnan in Southern China and the seaport of Mulmein in Myanmar. The golden age of “Lanna” ended abruptly when the Burmese conquered the city in 1556, but left the region with a rich and diverse cultural and artistic heritage; it's architecture and décor still displayed today in its temples and buildings.
Chiang Mai's old town is laid out in the form of a square with each side about 2km long and surrounded by a moat, and in some places renovated remnants of the old city wall. Despite the modern day bustle of which Chiang Mai has not been spared, the city still gives the impression of a small city, particularly in the old town. Whilst modern buildings and high rises have sprung up outside the old town centre, ancient temples are still tucked away in courtyards or stand at the end of main through fares. Restaurants and souvenir shops line the streets, alluring spas and some of the country's finest hotels are the latest additions to attract foreigners.
Chiang Mai is well known as one of the countries most popular shopping destinations. Its famous night bazaar opens its stalls every night in the centre of the city; where as the best place to learn about the crafts that have made the region so famous, are the workshops and factories lining the street of San Kamphaeng, a sprawling suburb a few kilometres outside the city. Here you find a mind-boggling array of souvenir items, from filigree silverware and colourful lacquer ware to glazed ceramics, top quality Thai silk and jewellery adorned with precious stones.
Several day excursions can be done conveniently out of Chiang Mai. Numerous elephant camps, some close to the city, some further away, dot the riverbanks. Orchid Farms, Botanic Gardens, National Parks are all within a day's reach. The mountains surrounding the city are home to various hill tribes, emigrated across the borders from China, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, each ethnically, linguistically and culturally separate from the other. Scenic, some times spectacular drives lead into the mountains northeast and northwest of Chiang Mai, making it the ideal gateway to tour the Northern region towards the Golden Triangle or towards Mae Hong Son, the “city of the three mists”.
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