Thailand Guides - Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city and former capital of the Lanna kingdom, is the gateway to the mountainous north. In recent years the city has expanded rapidly and lost much of its charm but still remains a major tourist destination with many opportunities for adventure.

Overview

Founded by King Mengrai in 1296, Chiang Mai has long been considered the religious and culture centre of the north. Today the city is the major economic base in the region and despite its rapid expansion still retains its northern character. Steeped in history, home to dozens of ancient temples, high quality riverside restaurants serving distinctive northern cuisine and excellent shopping, Chiang Mai has enough to hold visitors for several days. Beyond the environs of the city Chiang Mai province is mountainous and tree-covered providing opportunities to trek across a rugged landscape to remote hill tribe villages.

Attractions

Chiang Mai is renowned for the scores of ancient temples and remnants of chedis scattered across the city. Undoubtedly the most famous of them all is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Set on the side of Doi Suthep Mountain, more than 300 steps lead to this magnificent temple and its golden chedi. The temple also provides spectacular views across the city and surrounding countryside.

Other temples of note in Chiang Mai include Wat Jet Yot, built in the mid 15^th century to replicate the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, India, where the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Wat Chiang Man dates from 1296 and is recognised as the city’s oldest temple. Built in the time of King Mengra, the main hall, constructed using huge teak pillars, houses two ancient and significant Buddha images.

The Chiang Mai National Museum contains Buddha statues, pottery and other important northern Thai relics. On the outskirts of the city the Tribal Museum offers valuable insight into the hill tribes in the Chiang Mai region and their way of life.

Chiang Mai has an extensive night market running the centre of the town. Open every evening, the market is a popular spot to buy gifts and local crafts. If you bargain hard prices can be very reasonable.