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CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai is 700 kilometres north of Bangkok and the largest and most culturally significant city in North Thailand.  The city is the capital of the Chiang Mai Province and set amongst high mountains and the River Ping.  Chiang Mai is divided into four districts, Nakhon Ping, Srivijava, Mengrai and Kavila.  Kavila lies on the east bank, whereas the other 3 are on the west bank. 

HISTORY
In 1774 the Thai King Taksin captured the city from the Burmese.  Chiang Mai was surrounded by a moat and high walls to protect it from further attacks from the Burmese.  It was in 1926 that King Mengrai named the city Chiang Mai, meaning ‘new city’ in Thai and the city took over from Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna Kingdom.  Chiang Mai then gradually increased its importance as both a cultural, trading and economic capital of Northern Thailand.

More recently Chiang Mai has become more of a modern city, with many diverse attractions, bringing in thousands of tourists annually.  The area is particularly well known for its handicrafts, including umbrellas, jewellery and wood crafts.

SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
With more than 300 temples throughout Chiang Mai the following few are well worth a visit;

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep
This temple dates back to 1383 and stands on a hill to the north west of the city.  The myth behind the location relates to a Buddha relic being places on an elephant’s back, until it fell off, indicating the appropriate location for the temple.  The views from Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep are well worth the trek.

Wat Chiang Man
This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, the King Mengrai lived here whilst the city was being constructed.  There are two houses in the temple, which posses two of the most important worshiped Buddha figures.  This includes the Phra Sila (a marble Buddha) and the Phra Satang Man (a crystal Buddha).  It is possible to take meditation classes here.

Besides temples Wat U-Mong is worthwhile to visit, it is an area of forest and caves.  It is particularly well known for its statue of a fasting Buddha and many proverbs scattered throughout the trees in its grounds.