The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating
indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture,
traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location
in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of
unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai’s distinctive diversity.
Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois),
waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang
Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality
making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of
life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless
souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can
enjoy themselves to the fullest.
The Past
Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having
celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the
capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April
1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom.
King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai
and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the
Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.
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.
King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city’s
temples, which are still important today.
At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended
its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet – a
province above Sukhothai.
The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending
the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As Burma had
occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are
visible in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great
regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help
of King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma. Chiang
Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese
protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V
appointed a high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang
Mai finally came under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok – the
same time the country was renamed Thailand.
In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient
access was achieved only when the railway line was completed in the late 1920's.
Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang
Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to
nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.
When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications
hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads,
by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.
The Setting
Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately 310 meters
above sea level, is situated approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok on the
Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city covers an
area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers and is the country’s second
largest province. Chiang Mai borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun and Tak Provinces
on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun Provinces on the east and Mae Hong
Son Province on the west. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains,
which are home to the hill tribes. In addition, wildlife and exotic flora may
be found in the national parks.
Most of Chiang Mai’s mountains are oriented from north to south. Together
they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat
and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai’s distinctive features is Doi Inthanon,
Thailand’s highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition,
the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the
largest and most important river in Chiang Mai – Maenam Ping (Ping River)
which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.
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