Chiang Mai was founded on April, 12, 1296. It was planned as a rectangular defensive stronghold, surrounded by ramparts of earth. The material that forms the walls was dug from moats (18 meters wide) that still surround the old sector of the city. The moats face the north, south, east and west.
The city grew as a center for fertile farming region from the end of the thirteenth century and became the capital of the Thai Lanna kingdom. The medieval style wall was intentionally build to defend against the Burmese invaders.
Why live in Chiang Mai?
It is a beloved region by the Thai's and tourists because of its relatively cool climate and its enduring connections to its past as the capital of the Northern Thai Kingdom of Lanna. It is a city of temples and culture classes and a gateway to the great outdoors of the northern mountains. Mountains provide a dramatic background of Chiang Mai. Peaks include Dol suthep on whose slopes is the ancient temple that Thai Buddhists regard as one of the nations holiest shrines. Every year, the mountains attract thousands of tourists for trekking expeditions.
Chiang Mai is an important regional center for commerce, administration and industry. It is a place where a person cannot miss something to keep himself/herself busy with. It has many decorative art industries including silk weaving, pottery making, silver smiting and woodcarving. The city also boasts of being Thailand's first regional city to have its own university. Nowadays it is the home of several colleges. Chiang Mai is also a cultural darling. It is a cool place to kick back and relax, the streets are alive with monks and motorcycle-driving women. Being an education center, it is a good place to study because it is one of the best places where a person can find bookshops. Generally, Chiang Mai is a vibrant classroom to study various disciplines including the Thai language, cooking and even culture.
Anything to buy? Chiang Mai has many glitzy shopping centers that sell various items, both local and international. On the other hand, the transport sector in the city is good because being one of the major tourist attraction centers; the government has invested a lot in the region to ensure that the welfare of the visitors is safeguarded.
The city has two distinct sectors; the district west of Ping River is older and contains ruins of many ancient buildings including temples. This is the district where tourism is the main economic activity. Museums, monuments and other historic sites are centered here. The eastern sector is modern and it is the commercial heart of the city. This is ideal for those who wish to venture into business and other commercial activities.
Chiang Mai Residence
Where to stay?
There are several guesthouses, restaurants and hotels in the city that offer good services. Most budget guesthouses are located on the sides of the east moat and either most will arrange free transport from the bus or train station if they are contacted. You will not lack for dinner variety in Chiang Mai, as the city has down-to-earth assortments for grazing.
Some of the residences in Chiang Mai include:
- Amari Rincome hotel.
- Baan say-la.
- Orchid hotel.
- Pan malee home.
- Ping nark on hotel.
- Yesterday The Village
Comments
Commenting is closed for this article.