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Chiang Mai : The Cultural Centre of Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai, sometimes known as "Chiangmai", is the most culturally significant area of northern Thailand. It has an extremely rich history spanning over 700 years and bringing a unique heritage that attracts tourists from all across the world. It includes temples that and hundreds of years old alongside bustling modern tourist attractions, making it the perfect spot for all kinds of visitors.

Visitors to Chiang Mai often comment on the fact that there is so much to see and always new things to discover. The mountain scenery also adds to the experience, and is a reason why many travellers choose to come back year after year. Chiang Mai itself is Thai for ‘new city’ – named when it was founded over 700 years ago.

When it was founded in 1296, King Meng Rai named it the capital of Lanna. Ever since Chiang Mai has been a cultural centre of Thailand and the Lanna Kingdom, as well as being the centre for Buddhism in northern Thailand. The king himself founded one of the cities temples and these are still extremely important and treasured to this day. In total there are over 300 Buddhist temples in the area, which are very popular with tourists and include the famous Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep – standing on top of the hill.

The Lanna Kingdom was eventually conquered by the Burmese from 1556 to the end of the eighteenth century. It finally came under the control of the Thai government only in 1939. Due to this splendid history, Chiang Mai is a great place to experience the cultural richness of Thailand and when you visit you will hear mixed dialects, taste rich cuisine, view many different styles of architecture and learn a little about the values of Thai culture. Several festivals are held here each year, and classical dance is an extremely important pastime as well as local crafts.

Getting to Chiang Mai in the past used to be difficult, as it was only accessible using the river or travelling by elephant. However, since the railway line was completed in the 1920s access has become a lot easier. It is also now possible to access the area by car, bus or air, meaning that Chiang Mai is not as isolated as it once was. In fact it is an extremely popular destination, and the northern cultural hub for many activities, communications and travel.

When you visit Chiang Mai you will be swept away by its beautiful mountain landscape, which creates a number of streams flowing through the area. It is also home to Thailand’s highest peak which reaches over 2,500 metres above sea level. Tourists will benefit from a number of activities including hill trekking, cookery schools, a rich shopping area, an elephant nature park and a whole host of outdoor activities for thrill-seekers and relaxing holiday makers alike.

Whether you want to experience some of the most important temples of Thailand, take a wander round local museums or experience the local culture then Chiang Mai has what you need. This really is an unforgettable destination.



 
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