Chiang Mai: The Ancient Capital

Chiang Mai: The Ancient Capital

Founded in 1296 by King Mengrai, Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. It was Chiang Mai’s location on the Ping River that established it as an important strategic location for trade, and its moat and defensive wall were built due to the constant threat from Burma.

In more recent decades, Chiang Mai has become increasingly modernised, and is now a central hub for tourists, and the second most important city in Thailand. Chiang Mai has significant cultural, trading, and economic value to Thailand, but visitors to Chiang Mai are still able to detect the deep historical undercurrents of this ancient capital through Chiang Mai’s temples, architecture, and culture.

Photo: Prathat-offering.jpg Offering to Buddha at Wat-Prathat-Doi-Suthep, a Buddhist temple near Chiang Mai

Temples

Chiang Mai has over 300 temples in and around the city, so it is next to impossible to experience them all. However, Chiang Mai is home to some of the most impressive temples in Thailand, including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, and Wat Chiang Man.

Wat Phra Sing is located within the Chiang Mai city walls, and offers one of the best examples of the Lanna Thai style of temple architecture. It is home to the Phra Singh Buddha, which is one of the most highly regarded figures in Chiang Mai.

Wat Chiang Man, also located within the city walls, is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating back to the 13th century. King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai, actually lived in Wat Chiang Man, and the temple is home to some very important Buddha figures.

Chiang Mai’s most famous temple, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, is perched magnificently atop a hill to the northwest of Chiang Mai. Legend has it that the site for Wat Prathat Doi Suthep was chosen by placing a holy relic on the back of an elephant, which then proceeded to try to climb Doi Suthep hill, and after a time, trumpeted thrice, before falling down dead. In ancient Chiang Mai, this was a sign that the temple should be built on that spot.

A number of our Chiang Mai tours and activities include time spent at these temples and more.

Photo: Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, Buddhist temple near Chiang Mai

Architecture

The architecture seen throughout the temples and the city of Chiang Mai is generally characteristic of the ancient Lanna Thai style, meaning much of the historical significance of Chiang Mai’s structures dates back to the late 13th / early 14th centuries.

In particular the old city walls, gate, and moat were designed as strategic forces against impending attacks by the nearby kingdom of Burma. Chiang Mai was selected for its strategic location, but still required additional reinforcement to be a truly defensive city. Many of Chiang Mai’s tours incorporate information and historical narratives surrounding these ancient architecture features.

The temples of Chiang Mai offer varying unique architectural features to visitors. Wat Phra Singh is an example of classic Lanna Thai style, whereas the Wat Chiang Man is home to a Chedi that is supported by magnificent elephant buttresses. The styles of the ancient city of Chiang Mai still remain in this modernising city, and the architecture is one of the best ways in which to experience the ancient city of Chiang Mai.

Culture

As with many ancient cities in Asia, Chiang Mai is home to a rich, diverse, and deeply traditional cultures. The city acknowledges the significance of its cultures, and throughout the city and its surroundings, there are places in which visitors can learn about and experience Chiang Mai’s ancient cultures for themselves.

Photo: Wat Chiang Man Temple

The hill tribes are a truly fascinating culture and community just outside of Chiang Mai. There is a Hill Tribe Ethnographic Museum, where visitors can understand the history and influences that have shaped and formed these groups of people. Additionally, the Doi Suthep and Meo Doi Pui Chiang Mai tour offers tourists the opportunity to visit the local Meo Hill Tribe and experience their unique culture and colourful costumes.

The Chiang Mai Cultural Centre offers tourists the opportunity to get a comprehensive overview of the history of Chiang Mai, and the culture and influence of the Lanna Thai. Due to the ancient roots in Lanna Thai culture, the culture of modern-day Northern Thailand differs to that of the rest of Thailand. The Cultural Centre is an easy way to understand the basics of the ancient city of Chiang Mai, and serves as an excellent compliment to experiencing the architecture, and temples of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is an ancient city with a rich history that runs deeply throughout the city’s architecture, historic Buddhist temples, and colourful culture. Although it is a thoroughly modern city, Chiang Mai still exhibits much of the splendour from its time as an ancient capital. One of the best ways to experience the history of this ancient city is through a Chiang Mai tour, which will enhance your experience through a rich dialogue and experiential moments.