A FEW REASONS WHY CHIANG MAI
IS UNIQUE
You will discover more for yourself
CHIANG MAI IS RECOGNIZED as Thailand's
Northern Capital, "The Rose of the
North", and second only to Bangkok in terms
of its variety of attractions to visitors. Indeed, many
"Bandkokians",
as well as guest from overseas, regard Chiang Mai as the
holiday place to visit.
Chiang Mai is situated
on the banks of the River Ping (Mea Naam Ping) at a junction
of the old trade routes between China, India,
Burma (Myanmar), Vietnam and the Malay Peninsula. Accordingly
if has been continuously "lived in", hosting visitors,
merchants and traders, since the day of Ancient Siam. No
other thai city shares this distinction of welcoming guests
since 1296 A.D.
Chiang Mai "Old"
City is slightly to the west of the River Ping and is surround
by a defensive Moat, City Wall and Gates Time has taken
most of the walls but the remains, and restrorations, may
be seen at various points around the moat. Chiang Mai, sitting
on the broad floodplain of the River Ping, is amidst a series
of mountain peaks
which afford magnificent views over the city and neighbouring
countryside. To the west, Doi Suthep (Suthep mountain),
crowned by the beautiful temple of Wat Prathart Doi Suthep,
is a "must see"
for visitors. NorthEast of the city is the rise of Doi Saket
also topped by an ornate, glittering temple. Songtaews will
take you to either
mountain.
Chiang Mai's environment
is home to six major ethnic Hilltribes, still traditionally
garbed, and visitors may wander around afascinating Hilltribe
village at Doi Pui. The road to Doi Pui is the continuation
of that to Doi Sutheo and past the Royal Family's Phuping
Winter Palace.
Early in the 1970's young western backpacker
were the pioneers of Chiangmaai eco adventure, they penetrated
the vastness of northern Thailand's mountains and so developed
the trekking industry. Today trekking often includes elephant
rides and raft trip. A typical trek into the interior involves
a group of 6 to 10 trekkers, a guide, a cook, and overnight
accommodations in hilltribe villages.
Chiang Mai Province is host to Thailand's highest peak,
Doi Inthanon, which climbs to a height of 2,565 meters and
is centre of a National Park area. This is a place of cool
breezes, morning mists, waterfalls, native flora and scenic
beauty.
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Chiang Mai abounds with
quality, locally produced handicrafts, artifacts and cloths.
Thai silks, handwoven cottons, intricate wood carvings,
bamboo and rattan ware plus glittering ceramics and lacquerware
are all native to the area. On the outskirts of city, the
handicraft villages of Borsang, Sankampaeng and Baan Tawai
will delight the eye (and please the pocket) of any visitor.
Chiang Mai shares a wealth
of traditional and cultural festivals with its visitors.
From the January Borsang Umbrella Festival and Hang Dong
Wood Carving Fair, to the spectacular February Flower Festival
and Parade, through Buddhist Ordination and Lent Ceremonies
to the most exquisitely beautiful Loy Kratong Moonlight
Festival in November.
Chiang Mai's Kad Theatre
is on a part with any larger, metropolitan-city theatre
and is well worth a visit. Located at Kad Suan Kaew Complex,
it is modern and comfortable with an acoustically wonderful,
state-of-the-art sound system. Whether it be drama, cultural
shows or the music of "Les Miserables" and "Phantom
of the Opera" from Andrew LIoyd Weber, Kad Theatre
has entertained and awed residents and visitors alike.
Chiang Mai wishes its
guests a happy holiday and trusts none will be taken ill
but, if the unfortunate happens, then you couldn't be in
better hands. There are a number of splendid medical facilities
in the city in the even of any emergency. However, they
also provide top-class service to anyone requiring elective
surgery or "running repairs". From orthodontic
work to corrective eyeglasses, orthopedic surgery to cosmetic
"tucks", they can all be cared for in chiang Mai
and at prices markedly less then in Europoe or U.S.A.
Chiang Mai offers a wide
selection of recreational and sporting opportunities. The
"700 Year Stadium" sees enthusiastic soccer and
rugby games, five different goft courtses test the handicaps
while numerous tennis courts serve those who play. There
are bowling alley, fitness centers, horse riding paddocks,
a gokart racing track and, for those relaxing, laid-back
day, plenty of fishing.
Chiang Mai, finally, is
unique because of its people. We are a welcoming crowd and
love having visitors to our City and Province. So Welcome
to Chiang Mai--
PLEASE DO ENJOY YOUR TIME HERE
AND... HAVE LOTS OF FUN. |