Chiang Mai, Rose of the North
| Some 420 miles northwest of Bangkok, Chiang Mai
attracts people because of ts beauty, religious architecture, mountainous scenery, and
handicrafts. Founded by King Mengral in 1296, Chiang Mai later became part of the Lanna Thai Kingdom. which stretched far info Laos. Chiang Mai has been under Burmese control twice, and a certain Burmese air is still reflected in the temple's buildings. |
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The city is not particularly large and can easily be toured with relative ease compared to Bangkok. The "old city" Is squared oft by moats, and is the home of one of Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, Wat Prasingh, which was built in the late 14th century. The Wat houses the Prasingh, a Buddha Image that is said to have come from Sri Lanka. |
| The oldest Wat in the city, however, is Wat Chiangman, which
was founded by King Mengral in 1296. It features typical northern architecture with huge
teak pillars. This temple houses the famed Crystal Buddha. Just outside the city, near the summit of Doi Suthep mountain, which towers over Chiang Mai Is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It can be reached by climbing a 300-tiered staircase. The view from the top is stunning. There is also a Meo hilltribe village close by, which is worth a visit. The Hilltribes are a major attraction of the north. There are six different tribes: they come from the Himalayan lowlands to the west, Laos, Burma and the Infamous Golden Triangle situated in Thailand’s far north. Apart from the temples, Hilltribes and trekking, Chiang Mai also offers some of the best shopping in the country. The night Bazaar around Surawongse Road is good for just about anything, especially northern fabrics and handicrafts plus many more commercial products like tapes and modern fashion, bargaining skills are required. |
