Chiangmai

The rose of the North , Chaingmai is Famous of its history , cuture and ancient temple. One of Asia’s most popular and best value destinations. People come to experience the beautiful mountainous scenery of Northern Thailand, go trekking, eat, drink, party Traditional Chiangmai call Lanna it means million rice fields.The city of Chiang Mai is considered to be Thailand’s second most important city and one of the largest. Despite this, it remains a tenth of the size of Bangkok, with an estimated 400,000 people living in the greater urban area of the city. Chiang Mai is located approximately 700kms north of Bangkok and 250kms south of the Myanmar border. It sits well within the tropics. Chiang Mai is a valley above sea level 330 meters. The valley is dissected by the Ping River - one of the four main tributaries of the great Chao Praya - and it runs roughly from north to south. As much as 70 per cent of Chiang Mai province is covered in mountains and forests. Agriculture. The cool season arrives in November but dry weather and temperatures ranging from 15?C (60 F) to 25 C (80 C) in the valley. From March onwards, the hot season arrives, culminating in temperatures reaching 40 C (105 F) at midday in April but averaging 30 C (85 F). The first rains begin in late May and the rainy season continues through to October.

Temple Attraction

Doi Suthep

Doi Suthep is a mountain, about 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai, with on it Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a Holy Buddhist Temple. Every Temple with a name starting with Wat Prathat contains Buddha relics and therefore is Holy to Buddhists.

The place can easily be reached from Chiang Mai. I would say that it is hard not to find a bus or car that wants to bring you there. As you can see on this page, Doi Suthep certainly is worth a visit.

Doi Pui - Hmong Tribal Village

Doi Pui - Hmong Tribal Village is located on Doi Suthep, a 1676 meter high mountain that is the focal point of Doi- Suthep and Doi Pui National Park. The village is about 4 kilometers away from Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and despite being a key tourist attraction, and therefore probably not as authentic as it could be, it still offers an insight into how Thailand’s tribes live. The villagers wear traditional Hmong clothes, sell traditional Hmong handicrafts, and live in traditional Hmong-style homes. However, those looking for a less contrived view of the Hmong may have to go deeper into Chiang Mai! Worth a visit if you have the time. A visit to the Tribal Village is often combined with a visit to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and some of the waterfalls in the area, as well as a jaunt to the Hilltribes Museum

Temples & City

Buddhist temples in Chiangmai show off a mixture of architectural styles that reflect the varied heritage of Northern Thailand. Elements from Lanna Thai, Burmese, Sri Lankan and Mon temples have all been used in one from or another. Intricate woodcarvings and protective Naga serpent staircases add a flamboyance that reflects an awesome reverence for the Buddhist religion. Gilded umbrellas, guardian figures from the tales of the Ramayana and stupas trimmed with god filigree combine to heighten the overall effect.

To date, there have been some 300 temples constructed in Chiangmai an its outskirts. Visitors should take the time to visit the most revered temples in the city, built during the noble Lanna Thai dynasty.

East toBo Sang&San Kamphaeng

The road to Bo Sang is lined with handicraft emporiums. Bo Sang itself is a handicrafts village selling all manner of souvenirs, but specializing in umbrellas and Sa paper.

From Bo Sang, you may go to Doi Saket or continue to San Kamphaeng, a small market town, and the hot springs beyond. Undeveloped rural countryside off the tourist track lies beyond the hot springs. A fast return journey avoiding the busy San Kamphaeng

Mea sa Elephant Champ

There are riverside enclaves north of Chiang Mai which feature a daily show of elephants at work every morning. These include Mae Taman, Mae Taeng and Chiang Dao Elephant Camps and Pong Yang

Orchid & Butterfly Farms

Major nurseries are located along Mae Rim - Samoeng route These farms include Sia Nam Phung, Mountain Orchid, and Mae Ram Orchid. Each provides opportunities for visitors to admire these exotic year-round blooms. Certain orchid farms also have special butterfly enclosures where exotic species can be seen in their natural environment

Doi Inthanon National Park

The mountain was also known in the past as Doi Luang (meaning big mountain) or Doi Ang Ka, meaning the crow’s pond top. Near the mountain’s base was a pond where many crows gathered. The name Doi Inthanon was given in honour of the king one of the last kings of Chiang Mai, who was concerned about the forests in the north and tried to preserve them. He ordered that after his death his remains shall be placed at Doi Luang, which was then renamed.In 1954 the forests around Doi Inthanon were preserved as one of the original 14 National parks of Thailand. In 1972 and 1975 its area was increased, so it now covers 482.40 km². The park spreads from the lowlands at 800 m altitude up to the peak in 2565 m, thus covering many climatic and ecological different parts, thus with a total of 362 it has the second highest number of bird species of any national park in Thailand. The park is often called The roof of Thailand.

Hilltribe Village ( Karen Long nack )

Hilltribe people from the north of Thailand. The Long Neck or Karen-Padung hilltribes.
The Padung women are putting brass rings around their necks. This distorts the growth of their collarbones and make them look as if they have long necks - which they don’t. This row of brass rings do not actually stretch their necks but in fact squash the vertebra and collar bones. A woman generally has about twenty or more rings around her neck. This neck ring

Chiangmai by Night

Khan Tok Dinner

The centre has an excellent collection of Lanna Thai art.It is also the venue for folk dance perfromances and typical Northern - style Khan Tok dinner.

Walking Street & Shopping

The Night Market offers a unique shopping experience and is a definite must-see when visiting Chiang Mai, few people leave empty handed as the goods on display are so cheap (cheapest in Thailand generally), and the Thai handicrafts charming and delightful. Below are some recommended businesses at the night market. which consists of two sidewalks packed with vendors displaying their goods every evening till midnight. Clothes and Thai handicrafts fill the market, as well as silver and other hill tribe items. Borsang village is worth visiting for its unique umbrellas, while San Kamphaeng houses a handicraft centre ideal for buying wholesale items. But the most rewarding shopping district, especially for wood, furniture, handicrafts and home décor items is Baan Tawai artisans village south of the city, which has an astonishing range of delightful and great value products.