CHIANG MAI the CITY of a THOUSAND TEMPLES THAILAND

CHIANG MAI

the

CITY of a THOUSAND TEMPLES

THAILAND

Chiang Mai translates as New City. However, its history dates back to 1200s when

King Mengrai moved the capital of his Kingdom to Chiang Mai.

Occupied by Burma in 1500s, when King
Bayinnaung commenced a 220 years of

regency, it was not until 1930s that Chiang Mai
became part of united Kingdom

of Thailand.

The Three Kings Monument is the mark of Chiang Mai's history. Its walled Old

City is surrounded by a moat indicating city's turbulent past.

However, the main landmark of Chiang
Mai are its monasteries and temples

called Wats. And the most important Wat is
Doi Suthep overlooking the city

from 1000 meters tall mountain.

There are Wats at every corner and along every
street. They are old and new,

golden and wooden. It truly is a temple and
Buddha statues galore.

The city is also surrounded by temples.

Chiang Mai is a delightful city with waterfalls in the nearby mountains and

the highest, 2500 meters tall, mountain in Thailand. 

There are tribes living 

in the hills, the ex-opium growing
area is now growing coffee and 
producing

crafts.

Nearby Pai is a mountain village popular with visitors from all over the 
world.

A three hour drive of alpine road leads into the mountains offering spectacular

scenery.

Chiang Mai and its surrounds are one of the most popular destinations in Thailand

and both have a lot to offer to visitors. The Northern curry is one of the delicious

culinary delights, markets stock fabulous crafts of the region. The tranqulity of

Chiang Mai temples is a perfect place for meditation.