Introduction
Chiang Mai, the "Rose of the North", as it is often called, is the geographical and political capital of Northern Thailand (Lanna). It is the second largest city of Thailand, after Bangkok. Built on the roots of a traditional heritage, reaching far back to the Lanna Kingdom it has a beautiful cultural personality of its own.

What to do
Chiang Mai holds a pleasant contrast to Bangkok. Unlike other Asian cities, this city still holds that distinctive culture and flavour of an ancient civilization. A visit to some of its most fascinating temples should take a major part of your time. One can also go shopping, which can be quite tiring and exciting considering the vast range of products available in the markets, allthroughout the city. Further, you can visit one of the many theatres; the city has, which more than often are the venue of musical and other related performances

City at a Glance

Latitude 16° N Longitude 99° E Area 20,107,057 sq km Population 547,085 Language Thai and local dialects Religion Buddhism Telephone Code 53

History
Founded by Thai King Mangrai in 1296 AD, Chiang Mai served as the royal residence and capital of the independent kingdom of Lan Na, or the kingdom of a million rice fields. The city thrived during the fourteenth and fifteenth century, as a cultural, religious and trading centre. However the city was ravaged once the Burmese invaded the region in 1556. It remained a vassal state of Burma till the King of Siam in 1776 recovered the city from Burmese hands. The Lan Na kingdom became part of Siam and revitalization in Chiang Mai started in 1796. Foreign influence began to be felt at Chiang Mai as early as the nineteenth century as the geographical barriers that helped to isolate and nourish a distinct culture in the north were no longer insurmountable.

Even today, in spite the influx of foreigners; the food, dress, language, and traditions of Chiang Mai are different from those in southern Thailand.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
The region is not as hot as the coastal regions, with Chiang Mai valley being 310 meters above the sea level. Average temperature hovers around 29°C, and the best time to visit is between February and October.

Attractions
Wat Chiang Man
This temple used to be the residence of King Mangrai, and the focal point of the original city of Chiang Mai.

Wat Suan Dok
Situated to the west of old Chiang Mai just off the airport road, this temple was built for a 14th century Lan Na Thai monarch and contains a 500-year-old bronze image of Buddha.

Wat Ku Tao
Built in 1613 AD this temple has an unusual bulbous pagoda, and the structure is decorated with colourful porcelain chips believed to represent five Lord Buddha's.

Wat Chedi Luang
This temple is the site of an enormous pagoda, which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545. It housed the revered image of the Emerald Buddha, which is now in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo.

Wat Chet Yot
This fifteenth century temple, a seven-spired square chedi, was inspired by designs at Bodhgaya, and was built by Lan Na Thai architects.

Wat U-Mong
This meditation temple is completely different form Chiang Mai's other major temples and enjoys a bucolic forest setting.

National Museum
The museum houses a collection of Lan Na Thai works of art, ancient Buddha images, and weaponry of war.

Other attractions
Other attractions at Chiang Mai are: the Tribal Research Institute, Chiang Mai University Campus, Chiang Mai Arboreum, Chiang Mai zoo, the Huai Kaew Falls, and the Kruba Sriwichai Monument.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Chiang Mai celebrates many annual festivals. Three most lively ones are: The Flower Festival when temperate and tropical flowers are at their colourful best, Songkran -the traditional Thai New Year, and Loi Krathong, the full moon festival.

Other festivals are Chiang Mai Winter fair, Phrae Sweet Tamarind and Red Cross fair, Handicraft festival, Ban Thawai Wood Carving Fair, Teen Jok Fair, Chiang Mai Marathon, and so many others which reflect their distinctive cultural identity.

Places nearby
Wat Phra That
This magnificent temple is Chiang Mai's most famous landmark. Built on Mount Sethup, the temples spired pagoda is believed to contain sacred relics of Buddha. This remains one of Thailand's most renowned pilgrimage sites. Wat Phra Sing

This fourteenth century temple houses the Phra Sing, the most revered figure of Buddha in the north. Phu Ping Palace

Beyond Wat Phra That, this royal winter palace has lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds that are open to public.

Golden Triangle
Just three hours by road from Chiang Mai, this is a spellbinding spot, where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet.

After Hours
There are various places of interest in Chiang Mai where one can hang around in the evening. Bars, cafes, pubs and discos are open until after midnight. The Night Bazaar is another option where one can go shopping for souvenirs.

SHOPPING
If one is looking for unusual gifts and souvenirs, Chiang Mai has exciting surprises. Chiang Mai is, put in simple words, Thailand's major centre for quality handicrafts. It is one of the world's largest centres for cottage industries. The emporiums abound in antiques, silverware, lacquer ware, woodcarvings, parasols and hill tribe opium pipes. The hot favourites are Thai silks and cottons of incomparable quality. Night Market, Warorot market and Sanpet Market are some of the most famous markets, worth a visit.

WHERE TO STAY
Chiang Mai has a large number of hotels to choose from. Accommodation facilities range from deluxe to budget. Also available are a large number of guesthouses spread all over the city that offer the visitors, simple and cheap accommodation.

WHERE TO EAT

Visitors to Chiang Mai get to tickle their taste buds with delicious and spicy Thai cuisine as well as various other national delicacies. Try out the traditional Chiang Mai Khantok dinner, which is a variety of local delicacies served with sticky rice.

Although Chiang Mai has doubled in size in recent years, with more restaurants and entertainment establishments sprouting up everywhere, the most popular eateries are still the basic food stalls, which serve fresh and hygienic food at nominal rates.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Chiang Mai is well connected by air to other cities of Thailand like Bangkok, Phuket, and Samui. Limousine and taxi service are available from Chiang Mai International Airport to the city.

By Bus
Buses leave from Bangkok everyday to Chiang Mai. Buses to Chiang Mai are also available from Pattaya, Ranong and other bigger cities of Thailand.

By Train
A more convenient way to reach Chiang Mai is by taking one of the fast trains from Bangkok via the northern route. The trip takes about 12 to 14 hours and is an interesting one.

Local Transport
Mini buses (essentially converted pickups with bench seating) and samlor (pedicabs or tricycles) are the most common forms of public transportation within the city. Mini-buses ply on most routes within the city. Travelling on a samlor can be an interesting experience. These charge less however, it is recommended that fares should be negotiated before beginning the journey - and this applies to all means of transport in Chiang Mai.