THAILAND: Chiangmai

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Thailand’s “Rose of the North” is a cultural and natural wonderland with ethnic diversity, a multitude of attractions and welcoming hospitality.

Chiang Mai literally means “new city” and has retained the name despite celebrating its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai the Great founded the city as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom on Thursday, April 12 1296 around the same time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai even conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded. Henceforth, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also to be the center of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was a very religious leader who even founded many of the city’s temples that remain important to this day. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to experience both historical and modern Thai culture coexisting side by side: the city features centuries-old pagodas and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. This dichotomy is best appreciated within the moat-encircled old city, which retains much of the fortified wall that once protected the city center as well as the four main gates that provided access to the former Lanna capital city. Strangely, for many years tourists had mistaken Chiang Mai simply as the base from which they could plan trekking and rafting trips to hill tribe villages and explore other provinces. Once in Chiang Mai, however, tourists are surprised by the fact that there are so many things to discover other than its beautiful and historic temples. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes, a number of elephant camps, many cooking and massage schools, numerous outdoor activities, a variety of handicrafts workshops, various cultural performances, and breathtaking scenery make Chiang Mai one of Asia’s most attractive tourist destinations. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around town" was once a common expression. Today, two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for travelers to experience all that Chiang Mai has to offer.

The old city of Chiang Mai is a showcase of the north’s fascinating indigenous cultural identity that includes diverse dialects, a delectable cuisine, distinctive architecture, traditional values, lively festivals, numerous handicrafts workshops, northern style massage, and classical dances. Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources including mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. The presence of numerous hill tribes that feature a wealth of unique cultures enhances Chiang Mai’s distinctive diversity. Hill tribe trekking, often combined with river rafting and elephant riding has always been one of Chiang Mai’s greatest tourist attractions. Nowadays there are innumerable activities and attractions both in the city and the surrounding province, including massage instruction and golf. Moreover, visitors can visit workshops where they can learn about the production of silk or silver, and purchase memorable, hand-crafted souvenirs. With such a diverse range of attractions and an equally grand selection of dining and accommodation options, Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy the ultimate Thailand holiday.

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                  All Cities/Towns in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai Fang Mae Rim Mae Ai San Sai Ban Chang Ban Don Chan Ban Kad Ban Klang Ban Luang Ban Pae Ban Pao Ban Sahakon Ban Thap Ban Waen Bo Luang Chaem Luang Chai Prakan Chaiya Sathan Chang Khao Chang Khlan Chang Khoeng Chang Moi Chang Phuak Chiang Dao Chiengmai Cho Lae Choeng Doi Chom Thong Chumphu Doi Kaeo Doi Lo Don Kaeo Haiya Han Kaeo Hang Dong Hot Huai Sai Inthakhin Kang Khilek Khua Mung Khuang Pao Khun Khong Kong Khaek Kuet Chang Long Khot Mae Chaem

Mae Chedi Mai Mae Faek Mae Faek Mai Mae Hia Mae Ho Phra Mae Ka Mae Ka (Chiang Mai) Mae Kha Mae Khan Mae Khue Mae Na Mae Na Wang Mae Ngon Mae On Mae Pang Mae Pong Mae Raem Mae Sa Mae Sao Mae Soi Mae Sun Mae Taeng Mae Thalop Mae Tia Mae Wang Makham Luang Malika Mon Pin Muang Haeng Mueang Kaeo Mueang Kai Mueang Na Mueang Ngai Nam Nam Khao Nam Phrae Nong Chang Khuen Nong Chom Nong Faek Nong Han Nong Hoi Nong Khwai Nong Phueng Nong Tong Nong Yaeng On Klang On Tai Pa Daet (Chiang Mai)

Pa Miang Pa Pae Pa Tan (Chiang Mai) Phra Singh Phrao Piang Luang Ping Khong Pong Nam Ron Pong Tam Pong Yaeng Rim Tai Saen Hai Samoeng San Kamphaeng San Klang (Chiang Mai) San Mahaphon San Pa Tong San Phak Wan San Phi Suea San Phranet San Sai Noi San Sai Noi San Ton Mue Sa-nga Ban Saraphi Si Dong Yen Song Khwae Sop Mae Kha Sop Poeng Sop Tia Sri Phum Su Thep Tha Nuea Tha Sala Tha Ton Tha Wang Phrao Tha Wang Tan Thep Sadet Thung Khao Phuang Thung Tom Ton Pao Umong Wiang (Chiang Mai) Wiang Haeng Wiang Nong Long Yang Noeng Yu Wa

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