THE
Chiang Mai History.
The Historic Capital Of Lanna
Chiang Mai Rose of the North is located in a board fertile
basin of Ping river, about 700 km north of Bangkok. Regarding
as the principal city of the northern region, Chiang Mai consists
of distinctive culture and various ethnic group along with beautiful
scenery of natural environment. Nowadays, Chiang mai is the
commercial, educational,and travel center. Among the modern
civilization, there are still numerous remaining of its long and
glorious culture. Moreover the hospitality of people, old local
traditions and belief and a hundred of monuments are very unique.
Chiangmai is an old city with a proud history. It was founded
by King Mengrai who united several tribes and named the new
land as Lanna Kingdom. In 1259, he governed the throne and
built Chiangrai as his capital in 1262. In 1291, he decided to
build a new city as the capital of Lanna Kingdom. He invited
King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai Kingdom, and
King Ngam Nuang of Phayao Kingdom, both were his close
friends, to help select a site for the new city.
They decided to build the new city on a fertile plain between
Doi Suthep Mountain and the bank of the Ping River.The new
city was completed, surrounded by a moat and wall, in 1296.
It was named Nopphaburi Si Nakhonping Chiangmai
Chiang Mai was the capital of Lanna Kingdom for a long time.
It was attacked frequently and finally came under the control
of Ayuthaya, then Burma. In 1774, King Taksin the Great of
Thailand recovered it from the Burmese. Since then Chiang Mai
province has been a part of Thailand.
CHIANG MAI is recognized as Thailand's Northern Capital,
"The
of the North", It's a city with abeautiful cultural personality of its own. In addition, it's been
blessed with much majestic beauty in nature. As well as guest
from overseas, regard Chiang Mai as the holiday place to visit.
Chiang Mai was founded in the late 13th century and is one
of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in Thailand. I
t was once the capital of Lanna, an independent Thai
Kingdom and has preserved its unique cultural heritage
to a marked degree.
Chiang Mai is Thailand's principal northern province. It is some
700 kilometres north of Bangkok and covers an area of 20,000
square metres. The city is located in a fertile valley some 300
metres above sea level,which accounts for its slightly drierand
cooler climate than most other parts of this country.
The population is estimated to be 250,000persons.The province
itself is large,measuring 130 kms from east to west,and
320 kms from north to south .As well as Thai national,it is
the home of various colourful minorities,many with Thai
citizenship,including the Lua,Mon,Lisu,Akha,Hmong and
Muser people.
Culture of Chiang Mai is architecture reflects Lanna Thai,
Burmese,Sri Lankan and Mon influences.There are some 300
temples in the city and on its outskirts. The Golden Age
of Lanna-Chiang Mai lies some 500 years back in the time of king
Tilokarat,but the city has recently been undergoing a process
of regeneration,and while full of the bustle of modern life,it hasn't
lost touch with its glorious past. When you come to Chiang Mai.
You can be sure that its people will welcome you with their t
raditional charm and hospitality.
By Car -
From Bangkok drive on Highway No.1 (Phahonyothin) to
Highway No.32 passing the provinces of Phra Nakhon Si
Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, and Nakhon Sawan, then take
Highway No. 117 to Phitsanulok and drive on to Highway
No. 11 to Lampang, Lamphun and Chiang Mai. The route is
695 kilometres. From Bangkok drive to Nakhon Sawan and
then take Highway No. 1 passing Kamphaeng Phet, Tak,
Lampang, and Chiang Mai. The route is 696 kilometres
By Bus -
Buses to Chiang Mai depart regularly from Kampaeng Phet 2
Northen bus station.Bus will take you on the 10-hour journey
from Bangkok can be made on air-conditioned coaches and
non-airconditioned uses originating from the Northern Bus
Terminal on Bangkok's Kampaeng Phet 2 Road
(Tel: 0-2936-3600 or 0-2937-8055)
By Rail -
Air-conditioned trains make the 750 kilometer journey to
ChiangMai.The State Railways of Thailand (
Tel: 1690 or 0-2223-7020) operates daily services from
Bangkok's Hualumphong Railway Station including
a popular overnight sleeper.
By Air -
Thai Airways (Tel:1566 or 0-2280-0060) operated daily flights
from Bangkokto Chiang Mai and flights from Chiang Mai to
other northern Thai cities. Bangkok Airways has 2 daily
flights connecting Chiang Mai with Bangkok. In addition, they
have daily flights servicing
the Chiang Mai-Sukhothai route. For more information, contact
their Bangkok office at tel. 02 265 5555, 265 5678 Phuket Air
offers 2 daily shuttle service flights from Chiang Mai
to Chiang Rai with YS-11 aircraft. The journey takes only 40
minutes and the flight times are at 07.30 a.m. and 6.00 p. m.
For more information, call Bangkok Office 66 2679-8999 or
Chiang Mai Office 66 5392 2118-9
Nok Air call 1318 or visit for reservations.
Apart from Bangkok-Chiang mai flight, the airlines also operate
flights between Chiang mai and Udon Thani twice aweek.
Orient Thai Airlines, call 02 267 2999
Foreign Airlines :
Air Mandalay operates flights between Chiang Mai and Yangon
on Sundays and Thursdays. Contact 053 818 049 (Chiang Mai office)
Mandarin Airlines operates flights between Chiang Mai and
Taipei three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
For more information call, 053 201 268-9 (Chiang Mai office)
Lao Airlines operates flights on the Chiang Mai Luang Phrabang
route three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
Call 053 223 401 (Chiang Mai office),
Silk Air operates flights between Chiang Mai Singapore
three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
Call 053 276 459 053 276 495 (Chiang Mai office)
GETTING AROUND
Saam Lor (3-wheel)
For relatively short distances you can take a bicycle
"Saam Lor" (three-wheel). Short rides within the
city cost between 20 and 30 Baht. Longer rides may
cost as much as 40-50 Baht. It's a nice leisurely way to
look around
Tuk Tuk
If you want a faster and some adventure services try
Tuk Tuk. For a short ride, it costs about 20-30 baht
per trip and 40-60 baht for a longer ride. Do negotiate
the price for your destination. Remember sit back,
relax, but hold tight!.
Red Cab
The red taxi so-called "Se-Lor", a modified pick-up
truck with a roof over the back, is the most common
taxi for commuters in the urban area. Visitors just tell
them the destination and negotiate the price before
making a trip. They normally pick up and drop other
passengers along the way until they reach a final destination.
It normally costs about 15 baht per person, however
it may cost up to 20-30 baht, depending on either his or
your destination as well. If you or your group are the only
passengers,Let him name his price-and bargain until both
you and the driver are satisfied.
Chiang Mai Bus
Chiang Mai's on-again, off-again local bus service began
operation again in November 2005. There are currently
5 routes and fares are a flat 15 baht. Route 4, connecting
to the airport, is probably the most usefull.
WHERE TO STAY
Chiang Mai Hotels and
Resorts Discount Rate
Chang Moi Rd WHERE TO EAT
| Restautant : Asian and Thai Food |
CHINA PALACE, The Westin Chiangmai. Authentic Cantonese cuisine skillfully prepared by our Master Cantonese Chef. Innovative dishes not served elsewhere. Dim sum lunch served daily. Reservations Tel. 275300 ext. 1141, 1845 COME-IN HOUSE RESTAURANT, 79-3 Sirithorn Rd., Tel (053) 212516, 212683 Fax. (053) 225305. Serving Thai food using traditional recipes from Phrae Province. Tommy Tang, famous TV chef in USA, brings his cooking tours here regularly to enjoy the food and sample the ambience of the impressive teak residence. DOWNTOWN INN, Loy Kroh Road. Especially noteworthy for Thai food at inexpensive to moderate prices am to pm Cowboy-style outdoor patio Tel. 270662-7
THE GARDEN RESTAURANT, Oriental Guest House, 69 Loi Kroh Rd., (nest to Loi Kroh Temple), Tel. 276742. Western Breakfasts with freshly brewed coffee, Thai food. GINGPAI CHINESE RESTAURANT, Pornping Tower, Charernprathet Rd. Speciality Cantonese Cuisine. Luncheon dim sum dumplings. Open Lunch and 17.50-23.00 GOLD LEAF Chinese Restaurant, Imperial Mae Ping Hotel Hong Kong Chef 30 years HONG TAUW INN, 95/16-17 Nimanhemin Rd. Tel. 400039, 218333. Opposite Rincome Hotel, 11.00-24.00 hrs. Antique wall clock collection, good food and beverages at reasonable prices. KRUA HONG TEH, 14th floor Lanna Palace Hotel, 184 Changklan Rd., Tel. 270722-40. Open lunch and dinner. KALAE BAZAAR, Food Center offers world wide favorite snacks and foods from 11 am until 11 pm on Changklan Road KAOMAI LANNA RESORT, Km. 29 Chiangmai-Hord Rd., Baan Toong Siew, Sanpathong. Tel. 834470-5, Thai food in garden. IMPERIAL SHABU SHABU, Imperial Mae Ping hotel. Evenings offer unlimited Oriental soup with all the ingredients you like. Fresh seafood, kobe beef, over 20 types of vegetables, Asian style meatballs and more than can be described here. Only Baht 240 per person. Tel. 270160-80. JASMINE CHINESE, Royal Princess Hotel, Changklan Rd., Daily Luncheon dim sum, excellent Chinese Dishes. Open Lunch & Dinner.(053)281 033 LANKAM TERRACE, 100/1 Chiang Inn Night Bazzar, Changklan Rd., Tel. 281342. Open daily 10.00 am. - 12.00 Pm. Quick dish Bt 20.- MIYUKI (Japanese) Restaurant, Royal Princess Hotel, Changklan Rd. Open Lunch & Dinner. Tel. 281033 PANDA PALACE (Chinese) Restaurant , Empress Hotel, Changklan Rd. Open Lunch & Dinner. Tel. 270240. PLUB PLA Thai Restaurant, Khum Khantoke, Chiang Mai Business Park, Superhighway. Tel. 0 5330 4121-3. PONG YANG Restaurant & Resort, Set in the hills, Great view, great food and affordable prices. 49/8 Moo 2, Pongyang, Tel. 879151. SALA MAE RIM at the Regent Chiang Mai Resort & Spa specializes in vegetarian, northern Thai and western cuisine. Tel. 298181. SPICES RESTAURANT, opp British Council, 109 Bumroongrasd Rd., Quality ingredients, inexpensive, Free dessert with each food order. Open 11 am to 9 pm except Mondays. Tel. 242267, 244371. SUAN DOI Vietnamese Cafe, Huay Kaew Rd., Tel. 221869. Open Daily. Artistic setting in enchanting tropical garden. SUE'S KITCHEN, Chiangmai SP Hotel. 7/1 Moonmuang Rd., Soi7, Tel. 214522, 212456, 219402-4. Thai, European Cuisine. |
| Restautant : International Restaurants |
BELLE VILLA Restaurant, Hangdong-Samerng Rd. Thai and western food served on open air terrace. Tel 365318 BRITANNIA ARMS, Anusarn Market, 149.14/15 Changklan Rd., Satisfying British Breakfast, Western, Thai food. Satellite TV, Tel. 271921 CHEZ JOHN, 18/1 Airport Rd. Fine continental cuisine & wine cellar. Tel. 201551. Open lunch and dinner. CHILLIS RESTAURANT, Rydges Tapae Hotel, 22 Chaiyapoom Rd., Tel. 251531. Enjoy all day dining in this restaraunt. CITRUS for SCENTS AND SPICES at Novotel Changpuak Hotel 183 Changpuak Rd. Open daily. All food freshly prepared before your eyes. Western, Thai, Mexican, and Caribbean food available. Tel. 225500. EASY DINER. 27/29 Rajdamnern Rd opp Shell gas station. Tel. 208989. American style hamburgers, (chicken/beef or veggie), chilli, fries, Big British breakfasts, spareribs, malts & milkshakes, etc. El TORO RESTAURANT & CANTINA, Serving the finest homemade Mexican food indoors or on the patio in the heart of Chiangmai, Thailand. Try our famous Frozen Margarita. Tortillas and Salsa made fresh daily. THE FISH'N CHIPS SHOP, Ratchawitee Rd., opposite Mr. Beer Motor bike. Tel. 418210. Western, Thai, and Mexican.
GARDEN CAFE, Royal Princess Hotel. Start your day with hearty breakfast buffet, lunch & leisurely meals of Western & Thai Food served. THE GREEN LEAF, 169/4-5 Sri Dornchai Rd, Tel. 820336. Relaxing tea house setting with fountains. Oolong & Green Tea & Herbal Products. Spaghetti, sandwiches. Open 11 am to 10 pm. LANNA CAFE, 81 Huay Kaew Rd., Tel. 225862. Open 8.00 am - 6.00 pm., Mon-Sat. Hilltribe organic coffee & Light food. LANNA COFFEE SHOP, Amari Rincome Hotel, Huay Kaew Rd. Tel. 221044. Thai and European dishes available plus frequent food festivals. LIBERNARD CAFE, 295 -299 Changmoi Rd. Tel. 234877. Joe Cummings says. "Best coffee along with best banana pancakes in all of Chiangmai." Open 7 am to 10 pm.
ORIENTAL STYLE Restaurant & Shop, 36 Jarernrasd Rd., Italian & Thai food in romantic candlelight setting. Tel. 262746. THE PUB, 189 Huay Kaew Rd. Near Amari Rincome. Chiangmai Hills. Holiday Inn Green Hills, Tarin and Chiangmai Orchid Hotels. Tel. 211550. International and Thai cuisine. Open daily for dinner 5.00 pm-midnight except Monday. SALATHONG Restaurant, Amity Green Hills. Opp. Wat Jed Yord, Tel. 220100-3. International Buffet Lunch and Thai cuisine. WESTERN GRILL, Chiang Inn Hotel & Lodge. Changklan Rd. Open for lunch buffet and evenings serving a la carte menu. Cowboy Trio sings country music.
|
| Restaurant : Waterfront Restaurant |
THE GALLERY RESTAURANT & BAR, 25-27 Jarernrasd Rd. Tel. 248601-2. Open noon to midnight. Turn-of-the-century ambience on the river. Drinks, wine cellar and international food. THE RIVER DELI Restaurant, 233 Jarernrasd Rd. Swedish, Thai and Mexican dishes. Authentic Tasting. Home of the viking Platter. Beautiful view on Mae Pign River. Tel. 260404.
|
| Restaurant : Vegetarian Restaurant |
 Khun ChurnFood is served in courtyards setting with greenery with a range of vegetarian dishes. Nimmanhemin Road, Soi 7, (053 224 124) |
ATTRACTIONS
IN CITY
Wat Suan Dok has the north largest chapel royal.
It�s built in a 14th century Lanna Thai monarch's
pleasure gardens and is a favourite spot for photographers,
particularly for striking sunsets.The principal Buddha
statue is a huge cast mage named Phra Chao Kao Tu
Wat Phar Sing has the most complete version of lanna
chapel and is home to Phra Buddha Sihing,considered
Chiang mai �s important and sacred Buddha image.
Wat Chiang Man is situated in town.It was the first temple
built in chiang mai around 1300 A.D. Formerly it was the
residence of King Mengrai,the founder of chiang mai. It is
noteworthy for a chedi supported by rows of elephantine
buttresses Phra Buddha Sila inside is a copy of the original
Indian image brought here from Ceylon in 1290.There are
two famous Buddha images in this temple.
Wat Chedit Luang is situated in town.It was built in
1411 A.D. At one time, Wat Chedi Luang housed the
revered Emerald Buddha image now enshrined in
Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo.The big Chedit was damaged
by an earthquake in 1545 A.D.and has never been retired.
Sao Inta Kin or City Pillar is believed to house the guardian
spirit of the city.It �s situated in Wat Chedi Luang.
Wat Ku Tao is situated in town.The Chedi was built in
1613 A.D.in the shape of five guards of diminishing sizes
and beautifully decorated with colored porcelain,
representing five lord Buddha's.
Wat Ched Yot is situated in town.The temple was built
in 1477 A.D. by King Thilokanat.T he seven-spired square
chedi was inspire by designs at Bodhagaya.The 8th world
sankayana (Doctrines revision ) was held in this temple
at that time.
Chiang Mai Art and Cultural Centre located in center of
chiangmai city.Place that you can learn about history ,
tradition , culture, custom, life style of Chiang Mai Open
Thu-Sun 8.00 a.m.- 18.00 p.m.
Wiang Kum Kam is and ancient town founded by King
Mengrai.The main historical remains are: Wat Chedi
Liam,Wat Chang Kham,and chedi bases at Wat Kum Kam
and Wat Noi,etc.Wiang Kum Kam is Located on Chiang
mai-Lumphum Road, 3-4 Km.from town area of Amphoe
Saraphi.
Wat U-Mong is situated within the forest near Doi Suthep.
It was established in 1355-1385 by King Kuna as a meditation
place for a famous monk. The compound has a rare statue
of the starving Buddha next to the Chedi.There�s an open
Zoo in the back of the temple grounds.
Chiang Mai Night Safari is far from city about 10 km.
The Safari offers a series of trails over three main zones.
The Jaguar Trail offers visitors a walk of around 1,200
meters and is open during the day and at night. The
Savanna Safari and Predator Prowl areas use rail
cars to move visitors around. This is the ideal opportunity
to observe wildlife at night.
Huai Kaeo Arboretum
Huai Kaeo Arboretum is next to ChiangMai University.
The attractively landscaped garden contains many kinds
of tropical trees and lovely flowers. It's best for recreation,
excercise, and plants study.
Chiang Mai Zoo
Chiang Mai Zoo is located next to Huai Kaeo Arboretum.
It is a well-managed 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. It is open everyday from 08.00 to 19.00 hrs.
Admission fee for adult is 100 baht, and children fee is 20
baht. Restaurants and a camping site are available. For
advance booking contact tel. 0-5322-1179, 0-5322-2283.
Huai Kaeo Water Falls
is near Chiang mai Zoo.It�s delightful atmosphere
makes it the ideal place for picnics.
Khruba Siwichai Monument
is situated near Huai Kaeo Water Falls. The monument
was built to commemorate Khruba Siwichai who initiated
a plan to construct a hillside road to the monastery on
Doi Suthep in 1935.
Wat Phra Borommathat Doi Suthep
is on Doi Suthep is a large golden pagoda in the
center of the temple containing a part of the holy relics
or the Lord Buddha. It�s a holy spot visited throughout
the year by Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.
This temple was built by King Gue-Na in 1383 A.D.
Phu phing Palace
is on Doi Buak Ha,about 4 Kms.From Doi Suthep.
Phu Phing Palace is the winter palace and open to
the public on Fridays Saturdays and Sundays as well
as holidays ,when the Thai Royal Family is not in residence.
Hmong Tribal Village-Doi Pui.
This Hmong tribal village is some ]4 kms from the
Phu Phing Palace, and offers vignettes of modern tribal life.
Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
is on chiang mai-Hang Dong
road. the centre stages Lanna Thai arts and cultural within
its area, a hilltribe village and a Thai-styled house have been
erected. Souvenir shops are available. In the evening there
are performances with a Khan Tok Dinner and folk dance.
Ban Thawai
is 15 kms.from town on Chiang mai-Hot Road.
This village is renowned for the imitative skills
of ancient wood products.
Wiang Tha Kan
located in ban Tha Kan Amphoe San Pa Tong,30 kms.from
town to the south,is an ancient town of the Hariphunchai
Period.There are the remain of the Buddhist monastery
and stupas as well as scattered remnastey of brick and
earthen tile
Wat Phra Borommathat Si Chom Thong Worawihan.
This temple is on Chiang mai-Hot Road,58 kms from Chiang Mai.
The temple was built in 1451 A.D. The temple houses a
collection of bronze Buddha images, and the secondary
chapel contains a holy Buddha relic.
Doi Inthanon National Park Doi Inthanon
is one of the best equipped to welcome visitors.It is Thailand's
highest mountain and towers 2,565 metres above sea level.
Doi Inthanon covers some 1,005 square kilometers.It offers
marvellous natural scenery. There are beautiful waterfalls
throughout the park. These include the Siriphum, Vajirathan,
Mae Pan, Mae Klang, and, the largest of all, Mae Ya waterfalls.
Meo and Karen hilltribes inhabit the park.To get to Doi Inthanon
take Highway 108 and turn to Highway No.1009 at km.57.
Note-Visit the Doi Inthanon National Park is possible throughout
the year. The best period for viewing wild flowers is December
through February. The best period for watch the birds or camp is
November through March.
Mae Ya Waterfall
is located 12 kms from Chom Thong market and is one of the
large and beautiful waterfalls in Chiang mai.
| Mae Klang Waterfall is at km 8.on Highway No.1009. Mae Klang Waterfall is a big cascade with a scenic spot for picnics and relaxation. |
| Borichinda cave is situated 10-minute drive from Mae Klang Waterfall.The area is ideal for picnics. |
| Wachirathan Waterfall is situated 30-minute drive from Mae Klang Waterfall. Wachirathan Waterfall is a beautiful scenic spot for picnics. |
| Siriphum Waterfall is situated 1 hours drive from Mae Klang Waterfall. |
| The National Park�s Office located at km 31.Accommodations and food are available here. Reservation at The National Park Division,Royal Forestry Department, Tel .579-0529,579-4842. |
| Doi Inthanon Royal Project km.31,Main crops are cold climate flowers.Tourists can view flower nurseries and cultivation. |
Phra Mahathat Noppha Methanidon and Nopphon Phumisiri.
Both Phra Mahathat are on the left at km.41.5 .Those two
Chedis were built to commemorate the fifth cycle
Yot Doi Inthanon. The ending point of this route is the highest
mountain top of thai land.The weather is rather cold all year
round.Some rare species of plants are found such as
Khao Tok Rusi(a kind of succulent plant),Kulab Panpi
(Rhododendron).
Ban Rai Phai Ngam. This is a village where famous cotton cloth
woven in the old style has been long produced. At present the
weaver's central gathering is the home of the late National Artist,
Pa (Aunt) Sang Da Bansit, who had transferred her knowledge
on the weaving process to other villagers. The village is located on
the left of Chiang Ma-Hot between Km 68-69, about 4 kms. off the
main road.
Ob Lung National Park
is about 105 kms.from chiang mai.The most beautiful scene is
the winding line of the Salak Hin River meandering though Chong
Khao Khat
(Gorge).
Doi Tao Lake
is about 133 kms.The large reservoir over the Phumiphon Dam
benefits the agriculture and fresh water fishery and serves as a
tourist place as well.
Mae taeng Elephant Camp
Located at Mae taeng, some 57 kms from Chiang Mai.
There is demonstration of elephants activities from 10.00
a.m.Elephant rides, Oxcart ,rafting and hilltribes In Mae
taeng district as well as Mae Tamann subdistrict.
Taeng Dao Elephant Camp can be seen at kilometer 56
along the route Chiang mai-Fang .There is demonstration of
elephants activities from 9.00 a.m. and offer elephant rides,
and opportunities for bucolic river-rafting through largely
pristine and tranquil forests, or jungle treks to neighboring
hilltribe settlements.
Chiang Dao Caves located at Amphoe Chiang Dao, 72 kms.
north of Chiang Mai. Electricity and oil lamps illuminate caves.
Doi Ang Khang located 163 kms. from Chiang Mai, is a
demonstration site for planting and researching flowering
plants, temperate fruit trees, vegetables and other crops
under the patronage of His Majesty the King.
Fang Hot Spring
Located at Amphoe Fang,163 kms. North of Chiang Mai.
There are about 50 hot springs. Three boil continuously
with a strong smell of sulphur. Water heat ranges between
90 to 100 degrees Celsius.
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