Suppose talking about the provinces that are worth visiting in Thailand. One of them would be inevitable. ‘Chiang Mai’ for sure, because in addition to having a beautiful tourist destination. There is also an ancient culture and tradition of Thailand. that makes us feel the aura of the old days. Therefore, today, we would like to take everyone to learn the history and the beauty of Chiang Mai through the Chiang Mai Travel Guide. That will make everyone get to know Chiang Mai in things that they have never known.
History of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai was initially named “Nopburi Si Nakornping, Chiang Mai ” and has been the capital city of the Lanna Thai Kingdom since the King Mangrai period. Built-in 1839 until now, it is about seven hundred years old. Back in the time of Phaya Mangrai, King Rama 25 of Hiran Nakorn Ngoen Yang Chiang Laos According to legends and chronicle documents, King Mangrai was found in the plains of the Ping River. North of Wiang Kum Kam Suthep mountain area and invited his companion Phaya Ruang (Por Khun Ramkhamhaeng) of Sukhothai and Phaya Ngam, Phayao. Let’s help build a city. The building was completed in 1839 and gave the name of this city. ‘Nopburi Si Nakornping, Chiang Mai’ has always been the center of politics and administration and the center of Lanna’s prosperity. When Phaya Mangrai built the city of Chiang Mai ruled and resided in this city throughout his life
Chiang Mai was an independent city under the rule of the Mangrai dynasty until the reign of Phraya Tilokkarat. Then, Chiang Mai had a territorial war with the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The Chiang Mai army had attacked the capital of Ayutthaya. But it appears that he was unable to hit the city. As a result, Lanna was weak and lost many troops. Until it was one of the reasons that made Burma lose its independence, and in the year 2101, during the reign of Phra Mekuti Chiang Mai, when the country was weak, the people, nobility, and unity were broken. Therefore lost independence to the Burmese king named Bayinnaung in the end and fell under the rule of Burma for about two hundred years.
Until the reign of King Taksin the Great and King Buddha Yodfa Chulalok the Great, they successfully helped Lanna in the war to expel the Burmese from Chiang Mai and Chiang Saen. In 2476, King Prajadhipok revised the government into a province Chiang Mai, therefore, has the status of a province until now.
Overview of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the largest province in the North. Able to travel around quickly. Many people may think that Chiang Mai has only hills and mountains, but Chiang Mai is a province with many beautiful and diverse tourist attractions. Whether it is nature, forests, mountains, waterfalls, as well as culture, traditions, and way of life, it can be said that it is a province that covers all aspects. It has become one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, with outstanding attractions that can attract both Thai and foreign tourists. Make chiang mai also became an economic city as well
Chiang Mai today
Currently, Chiang Mai is one of the 77 provinces of Thailand. It is located in the north and has the second-largest area in the country. The provincial emblem is a straight-facing white elephant in the glass house. The white elephant means the elephant that the ruler of Chiang Mai. Presented to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej And was enlisted as a white elephant major, Ruean Kaew means the land where Buddhism has come to prosper. Until it used to be a place for counseling the Tripitaka in 2020
Which is currently in Chiang Mai. There are altogether 25 districts, as follows:
- Mueang Chiang Mai District
- Kanlayaniwattana District
- Chom Thong District
- Chiang Dao District
- Chai Prakan District
- Doi Tao District
- Doi Saket District
- Doi Lo District
- Fang District
- Phrao District
- Mae Chaem District
- Mae Taeng District
- Mae Rim District
- Mae Wang District
- Mae On District
- Mae Ai District
- Wiang Haeng District
- Samoeng District
- San Kamphaeng District
- San Sai District
- San Pa Tong District
- Saraphi District
- Hang Dong District
- Omkoi District
- Hot District
Each district has different interesting and distinctive attractions. Whether natural Art, culture, and traditions, including temples, can be said to be complete in one place. With the motto that Doi Suthep is Sri, tradition is elegant. The flowers are all beautiful. Precious name Nakornping
The best time to travel
Due to the high mountain conditions, the rainy season (May-October) has a lot of rain. As a result, it is causing high humidity in the air. Especially on the top of the mountain, it rains almost every day. Average temperature: 24 – 31 degrees Celsius, suitable for studying nature, such as Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Mae Kuang Dam, and Suan Bo Kaew Pine.
Winter (November – mid-February) is excellent. Clear sky, Partly foggy in the morning. Tourists tend to travel during this period because it is the best time. Average temperature: 15 – 29°C, but temperatures in the mountains can drop to 4°C or lower. Suitable for camping on mountains such as Doi Inthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok.
Summer (February – Mid-May) is sweltering and sunny. Average temperature: 23 – 36 degrees Celsius. Suitable for swimming in waterfalls such as Mae Sa Waterfall, Mae Ya Waterfall, and Mok Fah Waterfall.
Beautiful temple to visit in Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
It is a priceless temple of Chiang Mai. It is located in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Inside the temple is a virtual sacred object, namely, a pagoda containing the relics of the Lord Buddha. The Lord Buddha believes that if you come to worship and pray for Phra That Doi Suthep, There will be a success as you wish.
Preliminary information can be found at:
Wat Phra That Doi Dam
It is one of the important temples of Chiang Mai. It is more than 1,300 years old. That if anyone asks for it, it will be fulfilled as their heart desires
Preliminary information can be found at:
Wat Pa Daet
It is another famous temple in Chiang Mai. It was built around the year 2345. Inside the temple, there is a temple. Built according to Lanna’s art, there are beautiful mural paintings. It is also famous for being one of the greatest blessings in Chiang Mai.
Preliminary information can be found at:
Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan
It is an old temple in Chiang Mai. It was built during the reign of Phaya Saen Mueang in 1545 during the reign of Queen Mahathewi Jiraprabha. A great earthquake Caused the top of the Phra Chedi Luang to collapse only half left, but it still maintains its beauty.
Preliminary information can be found at:
How to get to Chiang Mai
If you are coming to Chiang Mai, Don’t be afraid that it will be difficult if you don’t have a car. Because here you can choose a variety of travel options. Guarantee that it’s comfortable.
By plane, You can take a ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Or Don Mueang Airport can go directly to Chiang Mai Airport. This route takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, considered the fastest.
By private car from Bangkok, take the Asian route through Ayutthaya – Nakhon Sawan – Kamphaeng Phet – Tak – Thoen District – Lampang and will reach Chiang Mai. The total distance is about 700 kilometers, which takes about 9-10 hours.
By bus, Can go on a bus that serves the Bangkok – Chiang Mai route. At the Bangkok Bus Terminal, Mo Chit (Chatuchak), it takes about 8-9 hours to travel.
By train, You can get off at Bangkok Station (Hua Lamphong) and Chiang Mai Railway Station by train. The travel time depends on the type of train you choose.
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
If visiting Chiang Mai, You can choose accommodation as you like because Chiang Mai is a tourist city. Resulting in a wide range of accommodations to choose from and a variety of styles Which, if divided, would be urban zones and natural zones, but no matter which zone, I certify that the atmosphere and the scenery are equally beautiful.
Nimmanhaemin Road area
It is considered the most popular accommodation area in the city for tourists. Because Nimmanhaemin Road is another tourist attraction in Chiang Mai, it is possible to have accommodations decorated with a beautiful, chic, unique design. In addition, the surrounding area also has restaurants, coffee shops, as well as a walking market. Traveling is comfortable. Therefore, it is a source that attracts tourists as well.
Old town
Or the moat area is another accommodation area in the city popular with tourists because it is a neighborhood full of food and ancient arts and culture of Chiang Mai. If anyone wants to experience the atmosphere as if they were back in the Lanna Kingdom. Old Town is another excellent option.
Night Bazaar
It is an area for people who hang out because this area is known for its nightlife attractions. Chilling restaurants and bars are there, meaning it’s not lonely at night. Importantly, this area is still in the heart of the city. Some buses pass by all the time.
Mae Kampong Village
It is another popular accommodation for nature lovers because it is a small village in the middle of the forest. Therefore attracting tourists who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city. So come and relax in peace and simplicity here. But, more importantly, you can also experience the way of life of hill tribe villagers.
On the mountain
It is another accommodation that cannot be mentioned because going up to stay in the mountains is considered the goal of many people who come to Chiang Mai. That has it all, whether it is a famous mountain such as Doi Inthanon, Doi Pha Hom Pok, Mon Jam, Doi Mae Tho, and Doi Ang Khang. However, staying on the mountain is challenging in terms of travel. And there are no facilities as in the city. But I guarantee you will get the atmosphere and beautiful mountain views that cannot be found anywhere else.
Things to do when going to Chiang Mai
Visit beautiful temples in Chiang Mai
If you are going to Chiang Mai, the first thing you can’t miss is going to the temples in Chiang Mai. So, in addition to making merit Enhance the auspiciousness for yourself. I also visited the beauty of the ancient Lanna architecture with historical traces. The temple that tourists often like to worship is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Wat Phra That Doi Dam, Wat Pa Daet and Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan
Go up the mountain and pitch a tent
Of course, if talking about Chiang Mai Must go up the mountain, lie down in a tent, experience the natural atmosphere and see the view of the mountain for sure Even if going in the winter, you will experience the cold weather in full. And also saw the beautiful sea of mist in the morning. Doi Inthanon, Doi Pha Hom Pok, and Doi Ang Khang are the most popular tourist destinations to set up their tents. Importantly, if anyone has stepped on, Doi Inthanon will be reputed to be the one who conquered the highest peak of Thailand as well.
Live a Slow Life at Mae Kampong Village
It is another place that is the highlight of Chiang Mai that has it all. Even though it’s just a tiny village, it’s worth coming to. Because whether it’s accommodation, local food, nature or way of life, They are all in this village. The villagers here tend to live a simple life, not in a hurry, so if you come here, it’s like coming to relax. Charge your battery
Shopping at the market
It is a very suitable place for shopaholics and food lovers. Because Chiang Mai has many old and famous markets, such as Chang Phuak Market, Chinese Yunnan Market, and Gad Ngua, each market will have different strengths. But I guarantee that there are many products to choose from. Plus, the price is also comfortable on the wallet.
Study Nature
Chiang Mai is another province full of nature and forests where tourists often visit to admire the beauty of nature, namely Ang Ka, Ang Kaew, Pha Cho, Bo Kaew Pine Plantation, Mae Taeng Pine Forest, Tham Luang Mae Sap. Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden And various parks within which these places will allow visitors to enjoy the forests of various species. Which has a beautiful view as if in a foreign country. If anyone is a natural person, they must not miss it.
Take a photo with Phaya Sua Krong flowers
Suppose anyone who goes to Chiang Mai at the beginning of the year will meet the Phaya Sua Krong flower that blooms in the middle of the mountain Giving a romantic atmosphere like being in a foreign country. Tourists often go to see the Phaya Sua Krong flowers in Mon Jam and Doi Ang Khang. If going during that period, almost the whole mountain will turn pink. It’s very suitable for taking pictures.
Following in the footsteps of Lanna history
Chiang Mai is a province with a long history. Therefore, the city is full of history—especially Tha Phae Gate. Therefore, going to Chiang Mai and not going to Tha Phae Gate would be like not being able to reach Chiang Mai itself.
Have fun on your trip!
Let me tell you that Chiang Mai is a city that should be visited once in a lifetime because whether it’s tourist attractions, civilization, atmosphere, lifestyle, including people, everything here is full of charm that makes many people fall in love and Unforgettable impression for sure And hope this guide will be helpful for anyone who wants to go to Chiang Mai. So have a happy trip, and enjoy the charm of Chiang Mai.
