Chiang Mai

Live fusion of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the history of the city 700 years. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is an ideal base for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where you can find in the heart of the city chedis centuries old and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The plan's hometown is always a perfect square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the wall and its four main gates offering prime access to old town.

For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai at the junction of the North and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things" 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 tourist destinations most attractive. 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 the diversity characteristic of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is also equipped with pristine natural resources of mountains (DOI), waterfalls and other attractions based on nature. Meanwhile, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and friendly and offers genuine hospitality visits memorable and meaningful. In addition, 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 backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy to the fullest.

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 (million rice fields) United Kingdom on Thursday, April 12, 1296 during the same period of time that 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 based.

Therefore, Chiang Mai has become not only the heart of the capital's cultural and Lanna Kingdom, it was also the center of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many temples of the city, 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. In the late 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove the Burmese with the king Kawila Lampang thereby regaining the independence of the Thai 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 central government in Bangkok the same time, the country was renamed Thailand.

In the past, Chiang Mai is only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient access.