Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand. Founded in 1296 by King Mangrai, its name means “new city” because it replaced Chiang Rai as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. It sits along the Ping River about 700 kilometers north of Bangkok.
History and Culture
- Old City Design: The historic center is a square mile surrounded by a defensive brick wall and a water-filled moat.
- Rose of the North: People call Chiang Mai the “Rose of the North” because of its mild climate, mountain views, and gardens.
- Lanna Heritage: The region has a unique dialect, distinct food, and traditional music and crafts separate from central Thailand. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Temples and Landmarks
- Temple Count: The city and surrounding province contain over 300 Buddhist temples.
- Wat Chiang Man: Built in 1296, this is the oldest temple inside the Old City walls.
- Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: This holy mountain temple sits high above the city on Doi Suthep mountain. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Nature and Geography
- Highest Peak: Chiang Mai province contains Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand at 2,565 meters.
- • • Lantern Festival: The city hosts the famous Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals, where thousands of paper lanterns float into the night sky.