Chiangmai normal facts
Posted 18 December 2010 by admin
Experiencing the merging of the past into the present in Chiang Mai where locals are proud of the city’s 700-year history. Its rich former inheritance and unique culture is a exquisite 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 contemporary convenience market and boutique hotels. The former city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates contribution prime way to the old town.
For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can inspect other provinces. The phrase “a day in Chiang Mai is adequate to see things around” was common.
Getting To Sukhothai
Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is all the time something new to inspect Chiang Mai. Tantalizing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with fabulous scenery makes Chiang Maione of Asia’s most Tantalizing tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long adequate for serious travelers.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its Tantalizing indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects,cuisine, architecture, former values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the proximity of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures improve 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 manufacture visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can get handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as always in vogue souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy
themselves to the fullest.
The Past
Chiang Mai nothing else but means new city and has retained the name despite having sublime 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 making ready 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 foremost 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 busy Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are descriptive in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and ultimately 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 ultimately 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 favorable way 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 reserve the unique Lanna culture.
When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand complete with exquisite infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.
The Setting
Chiang Mai, with an altitude of practically 310 meters above sea level, is situated practically 700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city covers an area of practically 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 in general 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 generate a multitude of streams and tributaries along with Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai’s distinctive features is Doi
Inthanon, Thailands top 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 foremost river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.
Chiangmai normal facts