Experience
the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai
where locals are proud of the city's 700-year history.
Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is
a perfect foundation for the development of the city.
Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where
it is possible to find in the heart of the city centuries-old
chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores
and boutique hotels. The original city layout still
exists as a neat square
surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortifild
wall and its four main gates offering prime access to
the old town.
For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern
junction and the base from which they can explore other
provinces. The phrase a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see
things around was common. Today, tourists are surprised
by the fact that there is always something new to discover
Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled
with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's
most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang
Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous
cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture,
traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical
dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition,
the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures
enhance Chiang Mai's distinctive diversity.
Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources
of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based
tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents
are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality
making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors
from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk,
silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs.
Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury
tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.
Past
Chiang
Mai literally means new city and has retained the name
despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996.
King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the
Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th
April 1296 during the same period of time
as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King
Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King
Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao
before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna
Kingdom was to be founded.
From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital
and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre
of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was
very religious and founded many of the city's temples, which
are still important today.
At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its
territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng
Phet a province above Sukhothai.
The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in
1556 ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted
over 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly
200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible in
many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin
the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove
the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang thereby
regaining Thai independence from Burma.
Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who
ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri
dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a
high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that
Chiang Mai finally came under the direct control of the central
government in Bangkok the same time the country was renamed
Thailand.
In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants.
More convenient access was achieved only when the railway
line was completed in the late 1920's. Moreover, the first
motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang
Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai
as it helped to nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.
When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the
economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand
complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads, by passes
and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.
The Setting
Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately
310 meters above sea level, is situated approximately
700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin.
Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city covers
an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers and
is the country's second largest province. Chiang Mai
borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun and Tak Provinces
on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun Provinces
on the east and Mae Hong
Son Province on the west.
The terrain
is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains, which
are home to the hill tribes. In addition, wildlife and
exotic flora may be found in the national parks.Most
of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from north to
south. Together they create a multitude of streams and
tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang.
One of Chiang Mai's distinctive features is Doi Inthanon,
Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above
sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile
valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest
and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping
(Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain
range.
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110 Changklan Road. A.Muang Chiang Mai, 50100 Tel : 66 53 27 0051-7 , Fax : 66 5327 0063, E Mail : info@suriwongsehotels.com
