The cosmopolitan atmosphere of Chiang Mai tempts people from Bangkok to come and settle in the ‘Rose of the North'!
Chiang Mai came into being in 1296 AD, and has been popular with inhabitants since the ancient Siam era. The city of Chiang Mai lies at a distance of 700 km from Bangkok, in the midst of the undulating Himalayan foot hills. Till the 1920s, reaching Chiang Mai was possible only by river or on elephant back. This isolation ensured that much of Chiang Mai's integral charm remained untouched.
A history spanning 700 years has given Chiang Mai a rich and varied cultural heritage. Visitors find the local festivals, arts and traditions very interesting as they are unique in their own way. The existing customs and traditions have evolved through the years, incorporating new features from all expatriate communities who came to live here. Chiang Mai has endeared itself to the Asian populace as the top destination for living in Asia, bagging the highest number of votes in a recent poll.
The literal meaning of Chiang Mai in Thai is ‘New walled city'. The name springs from the walled city which is Chiang Mai's historical centre. A few sections of the old walled city still stand, and a few gates, corners and the moat can be seen. In March 2008, repair work for restoring the moat was undertaken after draining it fully.
Take a tour of Chiang Mai's 30 temples that were constructed when the principality was founded and can still be seen here. These temples are constructed in a style that reflects Sri Lankan, Lanna Thai and Burmese influence. The most distinguishing features of these temples are typical Naga staircases, beautiful wood carvings, guardians with both angelic and leonine features, gold filigree laced pagodas and gilded umbrellas. Doi Suthep is the most well known of these temples and is situated on top of a mountain 13 km from the city. There is a wonderful view of the city from the temple. The modern Chiang Mai is the old city which has grown in all directions with more growth in the east near the Mae Nam Ping or the Ping River. Most of the hotels in Chiang Mai, the region's famous night bazaar known as the Thanon Chang Klan and several guesthouses are situated in eastern Chiang Mai. The popular evening hangout here is Ratchadamneon Rd, which connects Wat Phra Singh to Thapae Gate.
Touring Chiang Mai you will fine the three things to see and do according to the locals are catching a view from Doi Suthep, relishing a bowl of kao soi and go shopping and getting yourself a Bo Sang umbrella.
Chiang Mai holds a place of pride as Thailand's second most important city. Compared to Bangkok, the capital city, Chiang Mai has a restful ambience and an enviably relaxed lifestyle. The old quarter of the city with traditional wooden houses and ample gardens has a very tranquil atmosphere.
Chiang Mai has always been a main centre for goods like umbrellas, silver jewellery, handcrafted goods and wood carvings. Silk, opium and timber were once the main items of trade for Chiang Mai. Now the city is a trading hub with plenty of trade with Laos and Myanmar. The tourism industry is also well developed now, with the temples being the main tourist attraction. These temples are still functioning community centres and not just tourist exhibits. Interesting handicrafts, several opportunities for enhancing cultural and spiritual education, varied and tasty cuisine and bubbly nightspots bring people flocking to the temples. And visitors do find it difficult to leave, the place being so addictive! To find your way around Chiang Mai please consult our Chiang Mai Map.
Religion has always been an important facet of Chiang Mai's culture. The city has in fact functioned as the hub of northern Thailand's religious activity. Buddhism held sway in the Lana era with many temples being built in this era. Even now around 85% of the Chiang Mai populace follow Buddhism. 1,253 temples stand testimony to this fact. The Chiang Mai Buddhist Association serves as the venue for several notable religious events and rites. The Buddhist Youth Club also functions from the same premises. Religious talks and lectures are arranged by the club on Buddhist holidays known as the wan phrase.
Other religions that are followed here are Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Protestants and Catholics both have a presence here, with 53 Catholic churches and 92 Protestant churches. There are 14 mosques, a Jewish synagogue, a Hindu temple and a Bahia temple in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai is pretty hot in summer, which falls during March to June. Crisp clear skies seem to magnify the dry and barren countryside at this time of the year. During July to October the rain gods smile on Chiang Mai, with the countryside and surrounding mountains getting an emerald sheen with the abundant rainfall. Visitors flock to Chiang Mai during November to February, the winter months. The clear sky, cool weather and multitude of things to see and do make Chiang Mai irresistible, with multi-hued flowers adding to the effect.
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