Chiang Mai Guidelines
 The name 'Chiang Mai' means New Walled City. While they can no longer make any claim to newness, the ancient city walls still stand, for the most part, surrounding the center of the city. Inside are many ancient temples (the entire city has over 300). To the West of the old city, towards the river, lies the main commercial district, and the renowned Night Bazaar, a perfect place to pick up gifts for friends and family. “Nopphaburi Si Nakhon Ping Chiang Mai” (new town) was established by King Mengrai in 1292. Two hundred years later, the city was subdued by a Burmese invasion and became Burma's vassal state in 1558. In 1774, Chiang Mai was liberated by King Taksin and became part of Siam and once again capital of Lanna (a million rice fields) an independent princedom, tributary to Bangkok. Today, Chiang Mai is the largest city of northern Thailand possessing unique cultural characteristics surrounded by truly magnificent natural beauty. Chiang Mai is also a centre of learning, art, antiques, and the ancient tradition of Lanna. An increasing number of tourists, both Thai and foreign, visit again and again, impressed by the hospitality and talent of the people, reflected in various silk, silver, sa paper products, hand made cotton and silk, wood carving, ceramics and other handicrafts – and, of course, the food. |
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