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Chiang
Mai was the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom. Founded
by King Meng Rai in 1296, The locals are proud of the city's 700-year
history.
The
rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation
for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few
places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of
the city centuries-old chedis (pagodas) and temples next to modern
convenience stores and boutique hotels. Chiang Mai residents are
warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making
visits memorable and meaningful. |
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Wat
Ched Yod
The
temple is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai. One of the
main attractions is a seven-spired square chedi, which was inspired
by the design of the Phuttakaya stupa in India. More importantly,
the stupa contains the ashes of King Tilokkarat, a king of the
Meng Rai Dynasty who built this temple. |
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Wat
Phat That Doi Suthep
Locals
would say, You haven't really gone to Chiang Mai unless you've
been to Wat Phat That Doi Suthep. Truly, the place is the most
important and famous Chiang Mai land mark. Built in 1383, this
mountaintop temple has a chedi that houses holy Buddha relics.
The gold-plated chedi lies in the middle of a square marble-tiled
court yard. It is the perfect place to get a bird eye view of
the city. The temple can be reached via a steep Naga staircase
comprised of 290 steps or railcars. |
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Wat
Phra Sing
Built
in 1345, the temple houses the North's most revered Buddha statue,
Phra Phuttha Sihing which is enshrined in Vihan Lai Kham, the
chapel that features exquisite woodcarvings and northern style
murals. Every year on April 13, Songkran Day, the Buddha image
is paraded through the streets of Chiang Mai for local people
to sprinkle scented water on it. |
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Wat
Chedi Luang
This
14th century temple is famous for its enormous chedi, which is
measured at 282 feet high and 144 feet wind (at the base). It
is considered to be the largest chedi in Chiang Mai. Its spire
collapsed in 1545 due to an earthquake. A pair of magnificent
Naga staircases at the front porch of the chapel is among the
most beautiful manmade serpents in the North. |
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Chiang
Mai Night Safari
The
Safari offers a series of trails over three main zones. The Jaguar
Trail offers visitors a walk of around 1,200 meters and is open
during the day and at night. The Savanna Safari and Predator Prowl
areas use rail cars to move visitors around. This is the ideal
opportunity to observe wildlife at night. |
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The
Thriving Sunday Market
Located
on the Ratchadamnern Rd. inside the old city of Chiang Mai the
market seems to be ever expaning down more streets and alleys
leading off the central road. With all traffic halted every Sunday,
people are free to walk without the hassle and stress of cars
and motorcycles wizzing by. This market for a pleasant and facinating
day out. Walk along and bargain with the numerous sellers and
listen to various buskers playing Thai and Western music. |
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Doi
Inthanon National Park
This
national park which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers
is located on Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain which
is 2,565 meters above sea level. The park is comprised of the
largest tract of upper mountain forest which ranges across Nepal,
Bhutan, Myanmar, and ends in Northern Thailand. The moist and
dense evergreen forest is abundant with lichens and wild orchids.
Visiting Doi Inthanon is possible throughout the year; however,
the best period for viewing the waterfalls is May through November
while the best period for viewing wild flowers is December through
February and for ornithologists is November through March. |
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Queen
Sirikit Botanical Garden
The
botanical garden, which covers a mountainous area of 560 acres,
is located around Km. 12 along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route. This
international botanical garden with a fine collection of Thai
and foreign plants exhibited according to species and climate
was established in 1992 to honor Queen Sirikit. Visitors can drive
around the area in order to see include the Tourist Information
Centre, the Thai Orchid Breeding center, Herbs Museum and Research
Centre. |
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Festival
Information in Chiang Mai City
Bo
Sang Umbrella Festival
Annually
in January
Bo Sang Umbrella Festival is held in
Bo Sang Handicraft Centre. The festival features paper product,
paper parasols in particular, cultural shows, a parade showing
traditional ways of life. |
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Flower
Parade Festival
Annually
in February
Flower Festival is held in February.
The festival includes ornamental garden flower contests, floral
floats parade in the morning and beauty pageants. The parade begins
at Chiang Mai Railway Station and passes Nawarat Bridge and ends
at Nong Buak Hat Park. |
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Songkran
Festival
Annually
from 13 to 15 April.
Songkran Festival is held annually from
13 to 15 April. The 13th of April is the Great Songkran day featuring
the revered Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image parade around Chiang
Mai town for bathing, sand pagona making, blessing of elders,
and water splashing.
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City
Pillar Inthakin Festival
Annually
in May
City Pillar Inthakin Festival is held
to invoke blessings of peace, happiness and prosperity for the
city and its residents. Buddha images are paraded around the city.
It is held at Wat Chedi Luang for 7 auspicious days and night
in the 7th lunar month. |
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Doi
Suthep Pilgrimage
Annually
on Visakha Bucha day (May)
On the night of Visakha Bucha Day, worshippers
gather to light candles and make the 7 kilometre pilgrimage up
to the temple on Doi Suthep. |
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Yee
Peng Festival
Annually
on Loi Krathong day (November)
Yee Peng Festival is a very interesting
event of Chiang Mai. The festival features launching lanterns
into the sky to worship the gods. There are also fireworks, lantern
contests, and beauty pageants. |
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Cool
Products
Pottery/Celadon
(Ceramics) Celadon, the unique Thai
ceramic in soft green and blue tones, is produced locally in many
forms. Recommended places to visit are Hang Dong subdistrict where
a large number of factories are located. |
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Sa
(Mulberry) Paper Products
Chiang Mai is also famous for its Sa paper products a handmade,
multi-purpose natural fiber. Sa products that come in different,
distinctive designs include cards, notebooks, stationery, boxes,
bags, photo frames, gift wrapping paper, etc. |
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Silk,
Cotton & Textiles
First-class Chiang Mai silk, cotton and other hand-woven fabrics
(hill tribe product) are famous for its uniqueness and classic
quality that shines over time. The largest possible selection
is available in San Kamphaneg. |
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Silverware
Visitors can stroll along Wua Lai Road
to discover exquisite silverware made with traditional skills.
A guaranteed content of at least 92.5 % pure silver is a mark
of their quality. Recommended items include investiture bowls,
receptacles and decorative items. |
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