Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is the capital city of the province Chiang Mai and it's steeped in history. From its birth day the city has enjoyed both successful and turbulent times. The creation of this city can be traced back to the Lanna (million rice fields) Kingdom.
A major travel destination which attracts many vacationers every year, lying to the south east of Chiang Mai, is Wiang Khum Kham. This is where the first city of the Lanna Kingdom was built. Due to flooding the city had many problems and so had to be abandoned. Chiang Mai was built in 1296 as the capital of Lanna. King Mangrai and his close friends King Ramkhamhaeng from Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang from Phayao choose this fertile location in the Ping valley, close to the Ping river. The river brought to the city prosperity due to the trade.

One of the best vacation resorts

Chiang Mai has seen an annual increase of vacationers number since the boom from the 90' years. If you ever want to pamper yourself though and not spend very much, you should check out the hotels from Chiang Mai. In fact, a recent check of hotel prices there turned up many spacious rooms, comfortable beds, air-conditioning, satellite TV, fridge and shower for less than $25.00 per night! Furthermore, hotel room prices in Chiang Mai are listed per room, not per person. This means an even better rate if you are traveling with someone. Keep in mind, most hotels offer an extra discount if you book online, but it's a good idea to call the desk and check too.
Due to its history, no vacation in Thailand is complete without visiting city Chiang Mai and its surroundings.

Buddhist temples & history

The Lanna Kingdom enjoyed its most prosperous period in the 15 century. The kingdom was well established and had a vast area of control. From the Burmese Shan territory, to the north western parts of Laos, to the Yunnan province in China the Lanna Kingdom ruled the entire region. The official religion was Buddhism, which is the most popular religion in this region today too. The Lanna Kingdom is credited with spreading Buddhism throughout this part of Asia.
Many Buddhist temples, called "wat", were built in Chiang Mai. They were beautiful and well decorated buildings. The first temple there was Wat Chiang Man, built during the 13 century. Wat Chiang Man contains Phra Satang Man - a crystal Buddha - and Phra Sila - a marble Buddha, both highly revered figures within Buddhism.
Built in 1345 is Wat Phra Singh. This masterpiece is arguably the most spectacular example of a northern Thai style temple. It's house for Phra Singh Buddha, which was transferred there from Chiang Rai hundreds of years ago. Chiang Mai's most famous feature is the moat, built around the same time as Wat Phra Singh. The primary purpose of the moat was to keep the Burmese from invading the city.
After the Burmese fled Chiang Mai the city was effectively ruined and so was uninhabited. Chao Kawila, appointed viceroy of Chiang Mai by King Taksin, rebuilt the city in 1796. The walls around the moat that can be seen today on walking tours of the city were built at this time.