Chiang Mai - Rose of the North
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These are some attractions you can find in Chiang Mai, an old city of 700 years which still retains its natural charm and old culture .if you can have a chance to visit this paradise on earth, you will understand why people call it " The Rose of the North".
Chiang Mai is Thailand's principal northern city and is the provincial capital of a largely mountainous province, also called Chiang Mai, which is some 20,000 square kilometres in area. Many lowland Thais regard Chiang Mai city and province as being something of a national Shangri-la, thanks to its beautiful women, distinctive festivals, historic temples dating from the 1300s, arresting scenic beauty, temperate fruits such as apples peaches and strawberries, and a crisp, invigorating cool season climate.
The people of Chiang Mai enjoy one of the most distinctive cultural identities in the whole of Thailand. Largely farmers and artisans, they have their own lilting dialect, their own customs, their own festivals, their own architectural traditions, their own indigenous handicrafts, their own dances and their own distinctive cuisine. Hill tribes also lend a great deal of character and colour to the crisply beautiful mountainous landscape.
City Attractions
There are numerous places of interest in Chang Mai and the places most worth visiting in Chiang Mai are its centuries - old warts (Buddhist temples ).To name just a few :
Wat Suan Dok :
This temple was built in a 14th century Lanna Thai monarch's pleasure garden sand is a favourite spot for photographers, particularly for striking sunsets. Several of the white chedis contain ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family. The 500- year-old bronze Buddha image in a secondary chapel is one of Thailand's largest metal images.
Wat Chiang Man
This is Chiang Mai's oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. The temple was the residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai, and is noteworthy for a chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresse
The other attractions are Tribal Research Institute this contains a permanent cultural exhibition of northern hilltribes , Chiang Mai Arboreum which attractively landscaped garden contains many kinds of tropical trees and lovely flowers where as Chiang Mai Zoo is an artfully landscaped complex occupies the lower forested slopes and contains a fascinating collection of Asian and African mammals and birds.
Chiang Rai - A Scenic Home Of Hill Tribes :
Chiang Rai province covers some 11,678 square kilometres with a population of 1.23 million. The average elevation is 580 metres above sea level, Myanmar borders on the north, and Laos on the north and northeast. The provincial capital is 829 kilometres north of Bangkok .The province contains Thailand's northernmost point at Mae Sai which is well known for its crisp mountain scenery, and hilltribes. North Chiang Rai and falls within the region known as the Golden Triangle, the area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge.
King Meng Rai the Great Monument
This is located on the city outskirts, beside the northern road to Mae Chan, and honours the monarch who founded Chaing Rai in 1262.
Ku Phra Chao Meng Rai
Situated in Wat Ngam Muang, on Ngam Muang Hillock, this stupa contains King Mengrai's ashes and relics.
Wat Phra That Doi Thong
This ancient hilltop pagoda overlooks the Mae Kok River and predates the founding of Chiang Rai as the capital of Lanna Thai.
Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall
Located 30 kilometres south of Chiang Rai provincial capital, along Routes 1211 & 1208, the 70-metre high Khun Korn Waterfall is the highest in the province.
Mae Kok River
Known in Thai as Maenam Kok, this scenic 130-kilometre long waterway runs through the heart of Chiang Rai. The river is a major transportation artery from neighbouring Chaing Mai province, especially the town of Tha Ton , whence tong-tailed boats make the 3-4 hour journey every day . The river passes several hilltribe settlements and elephant camps from where jungle treks originate.Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall
Located 30 kilometres south of Chiang Rai provincial capital, along Routes 1211 & 1208, the 70-metre high Khun Korn Waterfall is the highest in the province.
Introduction of Lanna Thai:
In 16th century, northern part of Thailand was the independent kingdom called "Lanna Thai" until early days of Chakri Dynasty. It became part of Thailand. Today, art and culture of the old times still remains as you see when you go to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.
Special Attractions
Lanna Thai Heritage Fair
This cultural festival features colorful performances and a local music show. It is held each year on 2nd April at the Cultural Hall in Chiang Rai's Muang district. There are many local foods on offer as well as a special evening market called the 'Kard Laeng' for all the family to enjoy.
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