Chiang Mai (in Thai เชียงใหม)

also sometimes written as "Chiengmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located at [ some 700 km north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.



In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city, although it lacks the cosmopolitan gloss of Bangkok. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its important strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors, the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.



While officially the city (thesaban nakhon) of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai district with a population of 150,000, the urban sprawl of the city now extends into several neighboring districts. This Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of almost 700,000 people, nearly half the total of Chiang Mai Province. The city itself is subdivided into 4 wards: Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila. The first three wards are on the west bank, while Kavila is located on the east back of Ping River. Nakhon Ping ward covers the north side of the city. Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila cover the west, south, and east side respectively. The central part(old town) is covered mostly by Srivijaya ward and partly by Nakhon Ping and Mengrai wards.

(source: Wikipedia)



Living a mergering of the past and the present in Chiang Mai where people are proud of the city of 700 years of history. Its rich heritage traditional and unique culture is a perfect base for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where you can find the heart of the city centuries aged chedis and alongside temples and modern convenience stores and hotels.

The original city layout is a perfect square
surrounded by a moat along with the remains of the outer walls and its four prime main door providing access to the old town.

Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover in Chiang Mai. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.

The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating identity such as various dialects, cuisine, traditional architecture values, festivals, crafts and classical dances is a must.

Chiang Mai is also endowed with natural resources of mountains , waterfalls, and other nature-based tourism attractions.

At the same time, Chiang Mai people are warm,
gracious and friendly providing hospitality and making visits remembered and significant.

Chiang Mai is a place where the backpackers and
luxury tourists can take full advantage and enjoy.

Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name although it celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice
Fields) Kingdom, April 12th 1296 during the same period of time that the creation of the kingdom of Sukhothai.

From that moment, Chiang Mai has become not only the capital and cultural core the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the center of Buddhism in
Northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was deeply religious and founded several temples of the city, they are still very important today.

At the height of its power, the Lanna kingdom expanded its territory far in Burma and Laos, and south to Kamphaeng Phet, the province of Sukhothai.

The Burmese conquered Lanna kingdom in 1556 ending dynasty founded by King Meng Rai, which lasted more than 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences can be seen in many temples.

In the past, Chiang Mai was accessible only by river and elephants. Access became easier when the railway line was completed by the end of 1920.

In addition, the first motor vehicle directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932.

When we look Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications center in northern Thailand completed with excellent infrastructure, good roads, and reliable communications infrastructure.