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THE NORTH
Until the railway line was completed in the late 1920's, the
city of Chiang Mai was only accessible by a combination of
river transport and elephant - a journey taking several weeks
from Bangkok. The isolation caused by the relatively slow
development of transportation infrastructure to the area explains
why the North of Thailand has such a unique feel to its history,
culture, language and people.
It was King Mengrai who united the disparate townships and
villages of the North into the Kingdom of Lanna (Lanna means
one million rice fields), Chiang Mai becoming the capital
in 1296 after a short spell based at Chiang Rai. Independence
was eventually lost to the more powerful neighbour of Ayuthaya
and later Burma. It was not until 1774 that the formerly proud
and independent kinngdom became a part of Siam.
CHIANG MAI
It is possible that Chang Mai has experienced more development
in the last decade than in any or all of its 700-year history.
Massive infrastructure and building projects during the economic
boom years have helped ease the strain on congested roads
and overbooked hotels.
Though the city makes an excellent base for exploring the
rest of the region - with its wide range of historical sites,
national parks, arts, crafts, and fascinating hill tribes
- Chiang Mai itself is filled with dozens of stunning temples
and interesting sites, as well as some excellent shopping
opportunities.
 Chiang
Mai Zoo - Originally a private collection of animals,
which was later donated to the city, many local and regional
species are on display. A pleasant local atmosphere is generated
during weekends and holidays, when families converge here
in large numbers.
Wat
Chedi Luang - Started in 1411, this huge pagoda rose to
over 170 metres, before being toppled by an earthquake in
1545. It was a beautifully impressive ruin before being renovated
in the early 1990's, an action which some consider detracts
from its former appeal.
Wat
Chiang Man - Built by King Mengrai in 1296, this is the
city's oldest temple. The King resided at the temple while
his new capital was being built. The temple houses two of
Chiag Mai's most sacred relics; the small Crystal Buddha which
is ceremoniously paraded through the city on April 1st each
year and the bas-relief stone Buddha thought to have come
from India in the 8th century.
 Wat
Phra That Doi Suthep - On clear days the view from this
temple is breathtaking. Overlooking the city from an altitude
of 1,080 metres, and some 16 kilometres from its centre, this
mountaintop temple dates from 1383. 16th century rulers of
Chiang Mai considerably expanded and restored the temple adding
many new buildings. Access is via a long serpent-bordered
stairway of 290 steps, or a small cable car.
Wat
Phra Sing - One of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai, first
started in 1345, and a fine example of Lanna architecture.
The main chapel houses the much-revered and beautiful Phra
Buddha Sihing.
Excursions from Chiang Mai
Elephant Camp and Orchid Farm - The chance to see these
powerful yet gentle behemoths at work and the opportunity
to ride them is combined with the pleasure of viewing some
of the world's finest blooms at an orchid farm nearby.
Mae
Hong Son - Only 35 minutes by plane from Chiang Mai, Mae
Hong Son is a charming border town with its tranquil central
lake, and Burmese-style temples. It is small enough to walk
around, and makes a pleasant day trip, or if time permits,
one or two nights to explore the natural beauty of the region.
Handicraft
Villages - Painted in dozens of colours, and available
in every size imaginable, the umbrellas of Bo Sang village
are certain to delight, as are the skills required to delicately
craft these durable bamboo and Sa paper parasols. Further
on, San Kamphaeng is a major centre for silk where every stage
of the weaving process can be observed.
 Chiang
Rai & The Golden Triangle
A long day trip from Chiang Mai, it is better to spend one
or two nights in this border country. The highlight is the
superb panorama created at the Golden Triangle where the borders
of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet at the Mekong River. East
along the river is the historic village of Chiang Saen, with
its small museum, ramparts, and ancient temples.
Rafting
- The are several rafting opportunities available on the Mae
Kok River, which flows through the heart of this picturesque
province. The most popular rafting adventure organised by
local operators is the trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai,
or vice versa.
Hilltribes
- The Yao, the Akha, the Blue and White Meo, Lisu, Lahu, Lahu
Shi and Skaw and Karen all live among the hills and mountans
around Chiang Rai, and along the Mae Kok River. Each main
group speaks its own language, and some still follow animist
beliefs.
The
Hilltribe Museum and Education Center is located in the
Building of the Population and Community Development Association
in Chiang Rai province, which is adjacent to their 'Cabbages
and Condoms' restaurant. With 500 square meters of floor space,
there are many Hilltribe artifacts that can be seen. Admission
fee is 50 Baht. This fee includes a 25-minute Hilltribe slide
show which serves as an introduction to Northern Thailand's
Hilltribe Culture. The slide show which can be heard in any
of 5 languages (English, Japanese, French, German and Thai)
and is screened every hour.
620/25 Thanalai Road, Muang District Chiang Rai Province
57000
Tel: (66 53) 740088 Fax: (66 53) 740088
Email: crpdatour@hotmail.com
or crpda@hotmail.com
 The
Population and Community Development Asociation is one of
Thailand's foremost and respected NGOs - we suggest you stop
by and support thier excellent work by eating at their 'Cabbages
and Condoms' restaurant.
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