Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand. It is the capital of the Province. It is located 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, and it is among the highest mountains in the country. Chiang Mai is situated on the banks of the Ping River. It was founded by King Mengrai in 1296 AD. Chiang Mai is very famous for orchids, elephant training camps and handicrafts including lacquer ware, celadon, silk, umbrellas and woodcarvings. Chiang Mai is also the main center for hill tribe trekking and river rafting. The most captivating place in Chiang Mai is the Night Bazaar where one can look out for interesting bargains.
These are the major tourist attractions of Chiang Mai:

1. Wat Phra Sing
It is located on Sam Lan Road, Wat Phra Sing was built somewhere around 1345 AD. The temple premises contain the Lai Kham Chapel adorned with stupendously carved with wood and northern style murals and an outstanding storehouse of scriptures with a prominent sculptural relief. Wat Phra Sing is one of the important centers where Songkran Festivals are held every year from the 13th to 15th April. The ritual bathing ceremony of the venerated Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image takes place.
2. Wat Suan Dok
Placed amidst a 14th century AD pleasure gardens of the Lanna Thai monarch on the Suthep Road, Wat Suan Dok is famous because many of the white chedis or pagodas contain ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family. Within a secondary chapel is enshrined a 500 year old Buddha image made of Bronze, which is the largest metal image in Thailand.


 

3. Wat Chiang Man
 It is located on Ratchapkkhinai Road, is Chiang Mai's oldest temple Wat Chiang Man, which can be dated back to 1296 AD. The temple significant for a chedi supported by a series of giant bolsters and a small image of Buddha, Phra Kaeo Khao was the residence of King Mengrai, founder of Chiang Mai.
4. Wat Chedi Luang

It is located on Phra Pokklao Road, Wat Chedi Luang. It is known for a colossal pagoda, originally measuring 280 ft in height. The pagoda was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545 AD. The temple once enshrined the image of the Emerald Buddha, which is now enshrined at Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok. The most striking architectural feature of the temple is the splendid Naga or the serpent staircase, which adds to the beauty of the front portico of the chapel.

Chiang Mai