Chiang Mai
Rose of the North
General Information
Other Name: -, District: NA, State: North Thailand, Thailand
Area: 0 -
Languages Spoken: Thai
Long Distance Code: +66
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: October to April and Any time
International Access: -Description
Chiang Mai locally (Kham Muang) Chiang Mai), 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 some 700 km (435 mi) 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.Chiang Mai ,the old capital city of Lan Na Kingdom. One of the most beautiful scenery city :hills,moutains stream , lakes ,fields and waterfalls.Mysteries are in the valleys and moutains waiting for your discovery.Shopping is a fun experience. All of these make ChiangMai popular with visitors.Location
-Climate
Tropical Climate
Unless you have your own transportation, it is best to book a trip at a travel agent to visit these beautiful caves. This area is very popular with Thais who, at present, outnumber foreigners by ten to one. Chiang Dao mountain and cave provides some of Thailand''s most beautiful scenery. The mountain is the third highest in the country, but probably the most dramatic of all to look at. The sacred caves are filled with Buddha images belonging to Wat Tham Chiang Dao.The upper parts of the caves are the most easy to explore because lighting is installed there. If you wish to venture deeper, you should be accompanied by a guide and an oil lantern.
What better than trekking in the mountains of Chiang Dao and Chiang Mai? During your trek, you will encounter caves, waterfalls, elephant centres, two huge national parks, hill tribes, bamboo rafting and much more. Chiang Dao Nest Tours and Trekking offers different packages - from half day to three day treks ... you get to choose what you want. So, pack your bags and get your knapsack to conquer the mountains, The tour is conducted by Chiang Dao Nest.
This zoo houses more than 6,000 animals in an environment comprising two waterfalls, reservoirs, an open park, camping spots and animal breeding areas. It also offers some spectacular views of the city. It is best to hire a vehicle as it is too big to walk and bicycles and motorbikes are not allowed. Among its recent arrivals are 10 penguins, the first ever in Thailand; gibbons, which are bred successfully; and Chayo, the baby elephant, born at the time of the Leonid meteor shower, who became the symbol of the Bangkok Asian Games.
The Lost Heavens tribal and primitive art gallery opened in 1988 with a little shop at the Night Bazaar. The company has now expanded and opened a gallery, which showcases many items of traditional and ceremonial importance belonging to the hill-tribe people. The collection focuses on the Yao people, who were originally from southern China. One fascinating educational display contains a selection of religious objects and textiles from these folks. The gallery aims to create better awareness of Thailand''s hill tribes.
To feel the essence of Chiang Mai, take a cruise along the Mae Ping River. An exotic boat takes you to a traditional farmhouse where kitchen herbs, fruit and vegetables are grown in the garden. The trip takes around two hours, with fruit and drinks provided. You may also opt for an enticing evening dinner cruise where you can relish your meal as you relish the setting sun. Boats leave from the pier at Wat Chai Mongkol on Charoenprathet Road or from The Riverside Restaurant.
In the 1930s, Englishman Dr. Kerr started a small botanical garden in this location 12 kilometers along the Mae Sa Valley. The current garden was opened in 1992 and covers a large area that incorporates many vegetation types, including some rare species. It also houses research facilities, student accommodation and an information center. The mountain location makes it an enjoyable escape for everyone, particularly nature enthusiasts. The best time to see the flowers in bloom is during the cool season.
This is Chiang Mai''s biggest orchid farm, which plays host to almost every species of orchid that grows in Thailand. This includes one of world''s most beautiful and rarest varieties, the Vanda Coerulea "Pure White" orchid. It also houses a butterfly farm and a few rare breeds of Siamese cats and dogs. In addition to fresh orchids, which can also be exported, the farm offers a variety of souvenirs, such as gold-gilded orchid and butterfly ornaments.
Up till 1998, more than 1,000 examples of traditional crafts from the hill tribes had been located in a small museum at Chiang Mai University. Now this collection is displayed in a modern three-story building located by the lake inside King Rama IX Lanna Garden. Here, you will find farming implements, colorful embroidery, weapons, hunting traps and a variety of musical instruments. The Museum also displays a collection of photographs of various members of the royal family who have done some important community-building work over the years to help the hill-tribe people in the region.
This is a beautiful temple with an interesting history. In the 16th century, an earthquake partially destroyed the chedi (spire) at the top. It was partially reconstructed in 1992, but ever since only the 60-meter-high foundation remains. For 84 years, it housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now stands in Wat Prakaew in Bangkok. Rumors say it was here that King Mengrai, a former ruler of the north, was struck by lightning. Although the wat was recently cleaned and preserving agents were added to maintain its appearance.
This famous and important temple dating from 1383 enjoys a prominent position in Chiang Mai, overlooking the city from its mountainside perch. It sits about 3,520 feet above sea level and is accessible via a steep naga staircase comprising around 300 steps. The temple has a huge golden chedi (spire), within which lie some holy Buddha relics that attract devotees from the world over. A walk around the grounds reveals a variety of colorful and fragrant flowers, and murals that depict Buddha''s previous lives. Any visit to the city is incomplete without stopping by this temple.