Chiang Mai – the city

19 May 2010

The name Chiang Mai (in full, Nopburi Srinakornping Chiangmai) means “new city” but in fact it’s over 700 years old! It was founded at exactly 4 am on 12 April 1296 by the King of the Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields (Lan Na).

Thailand | True masterpieces of sacred architecture can be found in Chiang Mai (© VascoPlanet.com)

The city and its people

Chiang Mai is located in northern Thailand, about 700 km from Bangkok, and constitutes the very heart of the province with the same name. It has a population of about 170 000 people, of which 80 % are Thai and the rest, surprisingly, mainly European and American. Most inhabitants are followers of Buddhism but Christians, Muslims and Hindus also live here – religious minorities comprise about 10% of the population of the province.

History

In 1558 the city fell under the rule of the neighbouring Kingdom of Burma and it was not until 1782 that it became independent. In the 19th Century it came under the informal jurisdiction of the British, who did not leave the city until after World War II. In 1996, thanks to the Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra – later the owner of Manchester City, a football club in the English Premier League - who was born here, some of the Government subsidies started to be directed to the city. Since then the infrastructure of Chiang Mai has developed significantly – an airport as well as many hotels and resorts have been built.

Thailand | Chiang Mai is a vibrant city (by garycycles2 )

The Rose of the North

The capital of Chiang Mai Province is called the Rose of the North by the local folk, a name fully justified by the streets adorned with massed banks of flowers, the blossoming gardens of Buddhist temples and ancient monuments. A particularly beautiful view is offered by the moated old town, where you can visit magnificent monastic temples (wats), relax in plentiful restaurants and also drop into any of the boutiques here. And, would you believe, you can fish in the moat!

Mountain resort

The city is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, national parks, caves, hot springs and waterfalls.

Thailand | Chiang Mai – a city located against the background of spectacular mountains (by rothwerx )

Attractions of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the second most often visited place in Thailand after Bangkok. What attractions does it offer? Apart from the Old Town, you must visit the museums (the National, Museum, the Tribal Museum, the Air Museum) and also go to the famous Night Bazaar on Thanon Chang Road. Don’t overlook the many enticements in the city environs, such as magnificent national parks (e.g. Doi Suthep-Doi Pui), picture-book villages of the mountain tribes, and elephant training centres, where you can see the amazing performances and tricks by these animals. You also get to ride on their backs – if you dare!