About Chang Mai
Located some 700km from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is
the principal city of northern Thailand and capital of the province
of the same name. Popularly known 'The Rose of the North' and with
enchanting location on the banks of the Ping river, Chiang Mai and
its surroundings are blessed with stunning natural beauty and a
unique indigenous cultural identitity. Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai as
the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Chiang Mai has had a long and
mostly independent history, which has to a large extent preserved a
most distinctive culture. This is witnessed both in the daily lives
of the people, who maintain their own dialect, customes and cuisine,
and in a host of ancient temples, fascinating for their northern
Thai architectural style and rich decorative detail.
Chiang Mai also continues its renowned tradition as
a handicraft centre, producing items in silk, wood, silver, ceramics
and more, which make the city the country's top shopping destination
for arts and crafts.
Beyond the city, Chiang Mai province spreads
over an area of 20000sq. km. offering some of the most picturesque
scenary in the whole Kingdom. The fertile Ping river valley, a
patchwork of paddy fields, is surrounded by rolling hills and the
province as a whole is one of forest mountains (including Thailand's
highest peak, Doi Inthanon), jungles and rivers.
Here is the ideal terrain for adventure travel by
trekking, on elephant back, river rafting or four-wheel drive
safaris in a natural wonderland. Adding a unique feature to the
landscape are the traditional villages of the region's hilltribe
people, distinguished by their colourful tribal costumes and
lifestyles mostly untouched by the modern world. At the same time,
visitors will find deluxe hotels, mountain resorts and other
facilities that ensure today's comforts and convenience.
Around Chiang Mai, the neighbouring provinces of
Lampang, Lamphun and Mae Hong Son hold great attraction, offering
further opportunities to experience the North's natural beauty and
distinctive culture.
|
