Chiang Mai (Thai Th-Chiangเชียงใหม่ is the second-largest province (changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country. Neighboring provinces are (from northeast clockwise) Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Tak, and Mae Hong Son. In the north it borders Shan State of Myanmar.
Geography
Chiang Mai province is about 700 km from Bangkok and is situated on the Mae Ping River basin and is 300 m above sea level. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it covers an area of approximately 20,107 km². The district is covered by many mountains, chiefly stretching in the south-north direction. The river Ping, one of the major tributaries of the Chao Phraya River, originates in the Chiang Dao mountains. The highest mountain of Thailand, the 2,565 meter high Doi Inthanon, is located in the province. Several national parks are in the district: Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep-Pui, Mae Ping, Sri Lanna, Huay Nam Dang, Mae Phang, Chiang Dao.
The mountainous terrain is mainly jungle, parts of which are within national parks which are still fertile and verdant with plentiful flora and fauna. There are many sites and locations where tourists prefer to visit to study the lifestyle of the tribal people who live on high hills.
History
The city of Chiang Mai was capital of the Lanna Kingdom after its founding in 1296. During the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. 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 and King Meng Rai built innumerable temples.
In 1599 the kingdom lost its independence and became part of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. This ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai which had lasted for 300 years. The occupiers Burma, had a powerful Burmese influence on the architecture which can still be seen today. It was only in the late 18th century that Burma was finally defeated with the leadership of King Taksin.
In 1932 the province Chiang Mai became the second level subdivision of Thailand when the administrative unit of Monthon Phayap, the remains of the Lanna Kingdom, was dissolved.
Demographics
13.4% of the population on the province are members of the hill tribes, among them the Hmong, Yao, Lahu, Lisu, Akha and Karen.
Administrative divisions
Chiang Mai is subdivided into 24 districts (Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 204 subdistricts (Tambon) and 1915 villages (Muban).
1. Mueang Chiang Mai
2. Chom Thong
3. Mae Chaem
4. Chiang Dao
5. Doi Saket
6. Mae Taeng
7. Mae Rim
8. Samoeng
9. Fang
10. Mae Ai
11. Phrao
12. San Pa Tong
13. San Kamphaeng
14. San Sai
15. Hang Dong
16. Hot
17. Doi Tao
18. Omkoi
19. Saraphi
20. Wiang Haeng
21. Chai Prakan
22. Mae Wang
23. Mae On
24. Doi Lo
Transportation
Train Chiang Mai is the terminal station on the northern railway route.
Car Chiang Mai is on Highway 11 (super highway Rd.). Cars can be hired in the provincial capital.
Songthaew Songthaews (passenger pickup vehicles) are a common mode of transport in both rural plus urban areas.
Samlor Samlors (rickshaws) can be found in the main areas.
Bus service Chiang Mai is easily obtainable by a multitude of air-conditioned plus non air-conditioned buses from Bangkok plus all other northern provincial capitals. For travel within the province itself there's older non air-conditioned buses.
Tuk-tuk Tuk-tuks are popular with both locals plus tourists for short distances.
Bicycle & Motorcycle Both forms of transport can be hired in the provincial capital.
Air Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is five of the six international airports under the responsibility of the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT). As Chiang Mai International Airport is the major gateway to the scenic beauty plus rich culture of northern Thailand, it plays an important role in promoting travel plus tourism throughout the northern region. Today, 14 airlines service the airport plus over 2,000,000 passengers, 15,000 flights plus 16,000 tons of cargo are handled at this airport.
Tourism
Chiang Mai province for years now has been the tourist hub of the north and one of Thailand's most important tourist destinations. It is considered one of the most scenic provinces in the country due to its mountain ranges, valleys, flora and fauna. Unlike most of Thailand, the climate in the north and especially Chiang Mai is cool, fresh and misty.
[edit] Attractions
Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติดอยสุเทพ-ปุย) The park consists of forests and mountain ranges. Major mountains include Doi Suthep, Doi Buak Ha, and Doi Pui. This is a main source of tributaries and streams in Chiang Mai. Sacred places, religious attractions and historical sites are located in the park complex.
Walking Street Chiang Mai municipality has organized, since 2006, the Chiang Mai Walking Street at the Three Kings Monument Courtyard. It has turned into a thriving Sunday market for locally made handicraft products, all of which are displayed on the street.
Chiang Mai Zoo (สวนสัตว์เชียงใหม่) is located next to Huai Kaeo Arboretum. It is a large zoo, which occupies the lower forested slopes of Doi Suthep Mountain. The zoo contains more than 200 types of Asian and African mammals and birds.
Doi Inthanon National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติดอยอินทนนท์): standing at over 2,500 meters, Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest mountain and one of the coolest peaks. Besides the actual mountain itself, there are a variety of other attractive locations such as Mae Ya, Wachirathan and Siriphum waterfalls and Bori Chinda Cave.
Pang Chang Mae Sa: The elephant shows are a demonstration of the elephants' abilities in log-hauling. After the end of the performance, visitors are able to have a go at riding an elephant.
Wat Phra Singh (วัดพระสิงห์วรวิหาร), houses the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha (พระพุทธสิหิงค์) image cast in Subduing Mara. The Buddha image is now enshrined in Viharn Lai Kham. The temple compound includes the lovely Viharn Lai Kham featuring exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals paintings, a magnificent scriptural repository with striking bas relief, and a circular stupa (in Lankan bell shape).
Mae Sa Waterfall (น้ำตกแม่สา) The famous 8-tiered waterfall in Amphoe Mae Rim occupies a natural setting among towering trees, covered with a lovely breeze all year round.
Night Bazaar: Every evening the center of the provincial city holds one of the provinces biggest markets, selling a huge variety of goods to tourists, both foreign and Thai. The market is 3 blocks long and is surrounded by restaurants, cafes and travel agents.
Entertainment/Activities
Elephant Show The show begins with elephants bathing to chilled themselves then mahouts would place a log harness on their backs. Finally, elephants will demonstrate their forestry skills. Elephant riding & rafting are the most popular activities. A number of the Elephant training centers are:
The city of Chiang Mai has a wide variety of activities.
* Pang Chang Mae Taeng (ปางช้างแม่แตง)
* Chiang Dao Elephant Training Centre (ศูนย์ฝึกช้างเชียงดาว)
* Pang Chang Mae Sa (ปางช้างแม่สา)
* Pang Chang Pong Yaeng (ปางช้างโป่งแยง)
Mountain Biking Mountain biking is done on several routes in Chiang Mai including around the elderly city moats.
Hilltribes Trekking Of particular interest to most are the six major hilltribes which inhabit the Northern Highlands. The largest group is Karen, followed by the Meo, Lahu, Yao, Akha & Lisu. We share animism beliefs & honour numerous forest & guardian spirits. Each tribe has distinctive ceremonial attire, courtship rituals, games, dances, agricultural customs, languages or dialects, aesthetic values & hygienic habits.
Homestay at Ban Mae Kampong The village is situated in a mountainous area with jungle surroundings. Nearby attractions include waterfalls, a cotton weaving village & the Huai Hong Khrai Royal Agricultural Station.
Bamboo Rafting-Whitewater Rafting Bamboo Rafting along the Mae Taeng River (ล่องแพลำน้ำแม่แตง) is very popular because the river zigzags along the valleys. The river tide is not rough & the surroundings on both sides are admirable.
Cruising along the Ping River Maenam Ping is the main river in Chiang Mai. While cruising, people can witness the atmosphere of Chiang Mai, as well as the local lifestyle on both sides of the Ping River.
Artificial Rock Climbing Artificial Rock Climbing (ไต่หน้าผาจำลอง) can be practised at the Peak Rock Climbing Plaza.
Golf Courses Due to the pleasant natural surroundings & climate, Chiang Mai is popular for playing golf. There's lots of courses in the province.
Spa Spa treatment in Chiang Mai includes both traditional remedies & healing arts alongside modern techniques. This treatment, in terms of service obtainable, has escalated over the past few years & there's now innumerable locations offering spa service – often including a Jacuzzi & steam bath.
Shopping Shopping in Chiang Mai is three of the most popular activities of the region. Besides the usual abundance of shopping malls & department stores, there is a sizable variety of local markets. The Night Bazaar in downtown Chiang Mai is the most popular location for shopping.
Local Products
Chiang Mai is the center of handicrafts with a variety of antiques, silver jewellery, and embroidery, Thai silks and cottons, basketry, celadon, silverware, furniture, lacquerware, woodcarvings and parasols. Major Chiang Mai products include:
* Cottons & Silks
* Umbrellas/ Parasols - These are inextricably associated with Bo Sang where villagers have been engaged in their manufacture for at least 200 years. All materials, silks, cottons, Sa paper (manufactured from the bark of the mulberry tree) and bamboo are produced or found locally.
* Silverware - Traditional skills and a guaranteed content of at least 92.5% pure silver invest bowls, receptacles and decorative items.
* Lacquerware - This decorative are enhanced items made of wood, bamboo, metal, paper and baked clay, in the form of receptacles, ornaments and various souvenirs.
* Furniture/ Woodcarving - Major woods and materials include teak, rosewood and rattan. Items may be unadorned or, especially with teak and rosewood, carved in traditional or modern designs. Woodcarving is a traditional northern Thai art featured in numerous temples. In recent years, woodcarving has increasingly embellished furniture, gracing screens, chairs, tables, beds, figurines, carved elephant indeed anything bearing a wooden surface large enough to be carved.
* Hilltribe Products - These include silver ornaments, such as bracelets, necklace, pendants and pipes of intricate design, and embroidered items including tunics, jackets, bags, purses, caps and dress lengths.
* Gold Plated Orchids & Butterflies - Orchids and butterflies are preserved and plated with 24-carat gold to create unusual gift items such as necklace pendants, hairpins and earrings.
* Pottery - Chiang Mai is the major centre of Thailand's pottery industry. Prized items include high-fired celadon which is produced in many forms, including dinner sets, lamp bases and decorative items.
* Sa (Mulberry) Paper Products: Chiang Mai is also famous for its Sa paper products a handmade, multi-purpose natural fiber. Sa products that come in different, distinctive designs include cards, notebooks, stationery, boxes, bags, photo frames, lanterns, gift wrapping paper, etc.
Nightlife
For those who love nothing more than a decent night on the town, then Chiang Mai has one of the land's funkiest nightlife. Types of nightlife available include:
* Discos are popular with the younger trendier crowd.
* Live music pubs/restaurants playing either Thai folk music and/or international pop classics.
* Karaoke clubs can be found all around.
* Barbecues are large open-air restaurants which play music and serve alcohol.
* Bar Beers are popular with foreign male tourists.
* Thai Pubs are not like Western ones, they are usually huge.
* Western pubs serving draft beer.
Events and Festivals
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival (งานเทศกาลร่มบ่อสร้าง) is held in January at Bo Sang Handicraft Centre. The festival features paper products, paper parasols in particular, cultural shows, a parade showing traditional ways of life, and several contests.
Flower Festival (งานมหกรรมไม้ดอกไม้ประดับ) is held in February. The festival includes ornamental garden flower contests, floral floats parade in the morning and beauty pageants. The parade begins at Chiang Mai Railway Station and passes Nawarat Bridge and ends at Nong Buak Hat Park.
Songkran Festival (งานประเพณีสงกรานต์) is held annually from 13 to 15 April. The 13th of April is the Great Songkran day featuring the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing (พระพุทธสิหิงค์) Buddha image parade around Chiang Mai town for bathing, sand pagoda forming, blessing of elders, and water splashing.
Doi Suthep Pilgrimage (งานประเพณีเดินขึ้นดอยสุเทพ) On the night of Visakha Bucha Day, worshippers gather to light candles and make the 7-kilometre pilgrimage up to the temple on Doi Suthep.
City Pillar Inthakin Festival (งานบูชาเสาอินทขิล) is held to invoke blessings of peace, happiness and prosperity for the city and its residents. Buddha images are paraded around the city. It is held at Wat Chedi Luang for 7 auspicious days and nights in the 7th lunar month.
Yi Peng Festival (งานประเพณียี่เป็ง) is held annually on Loy Krathong day (วันลอยกระทง). The festival features the release of lanterns into the sky to worship the gods. There are also fireworks, lantern contests, and beauty pageants.
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