-
This article is about the city Chiang Mai. For other uses, see Chiang Mai (disambiguation).
| Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่ |
|
 |
|
  Chiang Mai
|
|
| Coordinates: | |
|---|---|
| Country | Thailand |
| Government | |
| - Type | City municipality |
| - Mayor | Duaenduangtem Na Chiangmai |
| Area | |
| - City | 40. The Kingdom of Thailand (ˈtaɪlænd ราชอาณาจักรไทย, râːtɕʰa-ʔaːnaːtɕɑ̀k-tʰɑj Area is a Quantity expressing the two- Dimensional size of a defined part of a Surface, typically a region bounded by a closed Curve. 216 km² (15. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of 5 sq mi) |
| - Metro | 2,905 km² (1,121. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. 6 sq mi) |
| Population (2008) | |
| - City | 148,477 |
| - Density | 3,687/km² (9,549. Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume 3/sq mi) |
| - Metro | 916,328 |
| - Metro Density | 315. A metropolitan area is a large population center consisting of a large Metropolis and its adjacent zone of influence or of more than one closely adjoining neighboring central 42/km² (816. 9/sq mi) |
| Time zone | Thailand (UTC+7) |
Chiang Mai (in Thai เชียงใหม่ ), also sometimes written as "Chiengmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. Thai (th ภาษาไทย, transcription: phasa thai, transliteration:; pʰāːsǎːtʰāj is the national and The Kingdom of Thailand (ˈtaɪlænd ราชอาณาจักรไทย, râːtɕʰa-ʔaːnaːtɕɑ̀k-tʰɑj Chiang Mai ( Thai) is the second-biggest province ( Changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country It is located at , some 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (krūŋtʰêːp máhǎːnákʰɔn) or Krung Thep ( for short is the Capital, largest The city stands on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river. The Ping River, along with the Nan River, is one of the two main contributaries of Chao Phraya River. The Chao Phraya (แม่น้ำเจ้าพระยา is a major River in Thailand, with its low alluvial river plain marking the mainland of the country
In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city, although it lacks the cosmopolitan nature of Bangkok. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its important strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors, the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.
While officially the city (thesaban nakhon) of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai district with a population of 150,000, the urban sprawl of the city now extends into several neighboring districts. Thesaban (เทศบาล are the municipalities in Thailand. Mueang Chiang Mai (เมืองเชียงใหม่ is the capital district ( Amphoe Mueang) of Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand This Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of almost 700,000 people, nearly half the total of Chiang Mai Province. The Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area (เขตนครเชียงใหม่และปริมณฑล is the urban sprawl of the twin cities of city of Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai ( Thai) is the second-biggest province ( Changwat) of Thailand, located in the north of the country
The city itself is subdivided into 4 wards: Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila. The first three wards are on the west bank, while Kavila is located on the east back of Ping River. Nakhon Ping ward covers the north side of the city. Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila cover the west, south, and east side respectively. The central part(old town) is covered mostly by Srivijaya ward and partly by Nakhon Ping and Mengrai wards. See the map of Chiangmai City wards
Contents |
History
King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning "new city") in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lannathai kingdom. King Mangrai (1239-1311 was the 25th King of Ngoen Yang (r1261-1296 and the first King of Chiang Mai (r Mueang Chiang Rai (เชียงราย locally ( Kham Muang) Ciang Hai; ( Lao) also Xieng Hai) is a city in Amphoe Mueang Mengrai constructed a moat and a wall around the city to protect it against raids from Burma. King Mangrai (1239-1311 was the 25th King of Ngoen Yang (r1261-1296 and the first King of Chiang Mai (r Burma, officially the Union of Myanmar ( pjìdàunzṵ mjàmmà nàinŋàndɔ̀ is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia. With the decline in power of the Lannathai kingdom, the city lost importance and often was occupied by either the Burmese or Thais from Ayutthaya. The kingdom of Ayutthaya (อาณาจักรอยุธยา was a Thai kingdom that existed from 1351 to 1767 As a result of the Burmese wars that ended with the fall of Ayutthaya in April 1767, Chiang Mai was so depopulated that its remaining inhabitants abandoned the city from 1776 to 1791. Year 1767 ( MDCCLXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Year 1776 ( MDCCLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Year 1791 ( MDCCXCI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common During that time, Lampang functioned as the capital of what remained of Lannathai. Lampang ( Thai ลำปาง is one of the northern provinces ( changwat) of Thailand.
Chiang Mai formally became part of Siam in 1774, when the Thai King Taksin captured it from the Burmese. Year 1774 ( MDCCLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Taksin the Great (สมเด็จพระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช;; Teochew: Dênchao was born in April 17, 1734 Chiang Mai rose in both cultural, trading and economic terms to adopt its current status as the unofficial capital of the north of Thailand, second only in national importance to Bangkok.
The people generally speak Kham Muang (also known as Northern Thai or Lanna) amongst themselves, but the Central Thai of Bangkok is used in education and is understood by most. The Northern Thai language or Kham Mueang (คำเมือง or Lanna is the language of the Thai Yuan people of Lannathai, Thailand. The old Kham Muang alphabet is now only studied by scholars and Northern Thai is commonly written using the standard Thai alphabet.
The modern municipal entity dates back to a sanitary district (sukhaphiban) created in 1915. Sukhaphiban (สุขาภิบาล translated sanitary districts) were an administrative division of Thailand. It was upgraded to a municipality (thesaban) on March 29 1935, as published in the Royal Gazette, Book No. Thesaban (เทศบาล are the municipalities in Thailand. 52 section 80. At first covering an area of 17. 5 km² (7 sq mi), it was enlarged to cover 40. 216 km² (16 sq mi) on April 5, 1983. [1]
Emblem
The city emblem shows the chedi on top of Doi Suthep in its center, as being the most important place of worship of Chiang Mai. Below are clouds referring to the moderate climate in the hills of northern Thailand. Below is a naga, the mythological snake which is said to be the source of the Ping River. Nāga ( नाग, IAST: nāgá, Indonesian: naga, Javanese: nogo, Khmer: neak) is The Ping River, along with the Nan River, is one of the two main contributaries of Chao Phraya River. Above the heads of the naga are rice stalks, the major crop referring to the fertility of the area. [2]
Religious sites
Chiang Mai has over 300 Buddhist temples (called "wats" in Thai). Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices These include:
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep: the most famous temple in the area, standing on a hill to the north-west of the city. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. This temple dates from 1383. Its builders allegedly chose its site by placing a relic of the Lord Buddha on an elephant's back and letting the elephant roam until it came across a place where it trumpeted and circled before lying down. Siddhārtha Gautama ( Sanskrit; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual Teacher from Ancient India and the founder The onlookers took this as marking an auspicious place to build the temple. The temple's location also affords superb views over the city on a clear day.
Wat Chiang Man: the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. King Mengrai lived here while overseeing the construction of the city. This temple houses two very important and venerated Buddha figures - Phra Sila (a marble Buddha) and Phra Satang Man (a crystal Buddha).
Wat Phra Singh: located within the city walls, dates from 1345 and offers an example of classic northern Thai style architecture. It houses the Phra Singh Buddha, a highly venerated figure, transferred here many years ago from Chiang Rai. Mueang Chiang Rai (เชียงราย locally ( Kham Muang) Ciang Hai; ( Lao) also Xieng Hai) is a city in Amphoe Mueang This temple is one of the most important temples in the city. Visitors can also take part in meditation classes here at set times.
Wat Chedi Luang: founded in 1401 and dominated by the large Lanna style chedi which dates from the same time, but took many years to finish. Wat Chedi Luang (วัดเจดีย์หลวง lit temple of the big stupa) is a Buddhist temple in the historic center of Chiang Mai, A stupa (from Sanskrit and Pāli: m स्तूप stūpa, literally meaning "heap" is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist An earthquake damaged the chedi in the 16th century and now only two-thirds of it remains.
Wat Ched Yot: located on the outskirts of the city, this temple, built in 1455, hosted the Eighth World Buddhist Council in 1977. Lists and numbering of Buddhist councils vary between and even within schools Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays
Wiang Kum Kam: the site of an old city situated on the southern outskirts of Chiang Mai. Wiang Kum Kam is the recently restored original settlement along the Ping River, predating Chiang Mai. King Mengrai used this for ten years before the founding of Chiang Mai. King Mangrai (1239-1311 was the 25th King of Ngoen Yang (r1261-1296 and the first King of Chiang Mai (r The site has a large number of ruined temples.
Wat U-Mong: a forest and cave wat in the foothills in the west of the city, near Chiang Mai University. Chiang Mai University (มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ was founded in January 1964 in a Royal Charter granted by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Wat U-Mong is known for its grotesque concrete fasting Buddha and hundreds of pithy Buddhist proverbs in English and Thai posted on trees throughout its grounds.
Wat Suan Dok: a 14th century temple located just west of the old city-wall. The temple was built by the King of Lanna for a revered monk visiting from Sukhothai to spend the rains retreat. The name translates as "the field of flowers temple. " There are several unique aspects to this temple. One is the temple's large ubosot (ordination hall). This is unusual not only for its size, but also that it is open on the sides instead of enclosed. Secondly, there are a large number of chedis housing the ashes of the rulers of Chiang Mai. The temple is also the site of Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya Buddhist University.
Culture
Chiang Mai hosts many Thai festivals, including:
- Chiang Mai National Museum highlights the history of the region and the Kingdom of Lanna. The Chiang Mai National Museum is a national museum located in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand.
- Tribal Museum showcases the history of the local mountain tribes. The Tribal Museum is a museum in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand.
- Loi Kratong (known locally as Yi Peng): Held on a full-moon night in November. Loy Krathong (or Loi Kratong, Thai ลอยกระทง is a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand. Every year thousands of people assemble floating banana-leaf containers (krathong) decorated with flowers and candles onto the waterways of the city to worship the Goddess of Water. Lanna-style hot-air lanterns (khom fai) are launched into the air. These are believed to help rid the locals of troubles and are also taken to decorate houses and streets.
- Songkran: Held in mid-April to celebrate the traditional Thai new year. The Thai New Year (สงกรานต์ Songkran, from Sanskrit sankrānti "astrological passage" is celebrated every year from April The Thai New Year (สงกรานต์ Songkran, from Sanskrit sankrānti "astrological passage" is celebrated every year from April Chiang Mai has become one of the most popular locations to visit for this festival. A variety of religious and fun-related activities (notably the good-natured city-wide water-fight) take place each year, along with parades and a Miss Songkran beauty competition.
- Flower Festival: A three-day festival held during the first weekend in February each year, this event occurs when Chiang Mai's temperate and tropical flowers are in full bloom. The festivities include floral floats, parades, traditional dancing shows, and a beauty contest.
Chiang Mai has several universities, including Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai Rajabhat University, Rajamangala University of Technology, Payap University, and Maejo University — as well as numerous technical and teacher colleges. Chiang Mai University (มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ was founded in January 1964 in a Royal Charter granted by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Chiang Mai Rajabhat University is a university in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Rajamangala University of Technology ( Thai มหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีราชมงคล RMUT is a system of nine universities in Payap University is a university in Thailand. It was established in 1974 as a private institution founded by the Church of Christ in Thailand. Chiang Mai University was the first government university established outside of Bangkok.
Chiang Mai is a regional centre for a number of activities, including:
- Hill-tribe tourism and trekking: A large number of tour companies offer organised treks among the local hills and forests on foot and on elephant back. Most also involve visits to the various local hill tribes. These include representatives from the Akha, Hmong, Karen, and Lisu tribes. The Akha are an Ethnic group which originated in China and Tibet. The terms Hmong (m̥ɔ̃ŋ and Mong ( both refer to an Asian ethnic group in the mountainous regions of southern China. The Karen ( self-titled Pwa Ka Nyaw Po, and also known in Thailand as the Kariang (กะเหรี่ยง or Yang, are an ethnic group in The Lisu people (Chinese 傈[[wiktionary 僳|僳]] 族: lìsù zú are a Tibeto-Burman Ethnic group who inhabit the mountainous regions of
- Elephant Nature Park: Approximately 60 km (37 mi) north of the city or about one hour drive, the Elephant Nature Park is home to approximately 30 rescued elephants. Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants in the Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai Province, approximately 60km from Chiang Mai You can visit the park with options ranging from a day trip to volunteering.
- Other outdoor activities: The varied local terrain offers opportunities for mountain biking, elephant riding, bamboo rafting, and kayaking. The area has several golf courses. The nearby national park that includes Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, features many hiking trails. Doi Inthanon (ดอยอินทนนท์ is the highest Mountain in Thailand. Also past San Khanmpaeng, about 45 minutes outside of the cities is the village of Mae Kon Phong. Its home to multiple tea and coffee plantations. And also has a eco-friendly zipline tour , Flight of the Gibbon, that donates profits to gibbon conservation.
- Shopping: Chiang Mai has a large and famous nightly bazaar for arts, handicrafts, and counterfeit products of all descriptions, and a number of large, well-appointed modern shopping centres. The night bazaar alone sprawls along several city blocks along sidewalks, inside buildings, and in open squares. In addition a market is held every Sunday evening on Rachadamnoen road (the main street in the historical centre) which is then closed down for motorised traffic, attracting many local residents as well as tourists.
- Thai massage: The back streets and main thoroughfares of Chiang Mai have a variety of massage parlours which offer anything from quick, simple, face and foot massages, to month-long courses in the art of Thai massage. Thai massage is a type of Massage in Thai style that involves stretching and deep massage
- Local museums: These include the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre, the Hill Tribe Museum, and the Chiang Mai National Museum.
- Thai cookery: A number of Thai cooking schools have their home in Chiang Mai (see also Thai food)
Transportation
Bus, train and air connections serve Chiang Mai well. A number of bus stations link the city to central and northern Thailand. The Central Chang Pheuak terminal (north of Chiang Puak Gate) provides local services within Chiang Mai province and the Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal northeast of the city (requires Songthaew or tuk tuk ride, see below) provides services to over 20 other destinations in Thailand including Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Phitsanulok. There are several services a day from Chiang Mai Arcade terminal to Bangkok (a 10–12 hour journey).
The state railway operates 14 trains a day to Chiang Mai Station from Bangkok. Chiang Mai Railway Station (SRT Code: CGM (สถานีรถไฟเชียงใหม่ (ชม Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (krūŋtʰêːp máhǎːnákʰɔn) or Krung Thep ( for short is the Capital, largest Most journeys run overnight and take approximately 12–15 hours. Most trains offer first-class (private cabins) and a second-class (seats fold out to make sleeping berths) service.
To get to cities such as Mae Hong Son or Chiang Rai a plane or bus must be used. Mae Hong Son (แม่ฮ่องสอน is a town ( Thesaban mueang in north west Thailand, capital of the Mae Hong Son Province. Mueang Chiang Rai (เชียงราย locally ( Kham Muang) Ciang Hai; ( Lao) also Xieng Hai) is a city in Amphoe Mueang No trains are available to cities north of Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai International Airport receives up to 28 flights a day from Bangkok (flight time about 1 hour 10 minutes) and also serves as a local hub for services to other northern cities such as Chiang Rai, Phrae and Mae Hong Son. Chiang Mai International Airport is located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Mueang Chiang Rai (เชียงราย locally ( Kham Muang) Ciang Hai; ( Lao) also Xieng Hai) is a city in Amphoe Mueang Phrae (แพร่ is one of the northern provinces ( changwat) of Thailand. Mae Hong Son (แม่ฮ่องสอน is a town ( Thesaban mueang in north west Thailand, capital of the Mae Hong Son Province. International services also connect Chiang Mai with other regional centres, including Hong Kong (China), Jinghong, (China), Kaohsiung (Taiwan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Kunming (China), Luang Phrabang (Laos), Mandalay (Myanmar), Manila (Philippines), Seoul (Korea), Siem Reap (Cambodia), Singapore (Singapore), and Taipei (Taiwan). Hong Kong ( officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China 's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Jinghong ( Dai / Tai Lü, tsêŋhuŋ เชียงรุ่ง also (formerly romanised as chiang rung, chiang hung, chengrung, China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Taiwan ( Taiwanese: Tâi-oân/Tāi-oân (historically 大灣/台員/大員/台圓/大圓/台窩灣 is an Island in East Asia. Kuala Lumpur (ˈkwɑːləlʊmˈpʊər Malay /kwɑlɑlʊmpʊ/ and locally /kwɑləlʊmpɔ/ or even /kɔlɔmpɔ/ or often abbreviated as K For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and Kunming ( kʊn'mɪŋ UN/LOCODE: CNKMG is a Prefecture-level city and capital of Yunnan province in Southwestern China. China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Luang Prabang, or Louangphrabang (Lao ຫລວງພະບາງ, IPA /luaŋ pʰabaːŋ/ is a city located in north central Laos, on the Laos (ˈlɑːoʊs or /ˈlaʊs/ officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a Landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma Mandalay is the second largest city and the last royal capital of Burma (Myanmar and is the economic and cultural hub of Upper Burma Burma, officially the Union of Myanmar ( pjìdàunzṵ mjàmmà nàinŋàndɔ̀ is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia. The City of Manila The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP Seoul ( soʊl is the Capital and largest City of South Korea. South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea ( Korean: 대한민국 tɛː Siem Reap City is the capital of Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. The Kingdom of Cambodia ( formerly known as Kampuchea (, transliterated: Preăh Réachéanachâkr Kâmpŭchea) is a country in South East Singapore Singapore Taipei ( Taiwanese Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tâi-pak-chhī Jhuyin Fuhao: ㄊㄞˊ ㄅㄟˇ ㄕˋ Hakka: Thòi-pet-sṳ has been the capital of Taiwan ( Taiwanese: Tâi-oân/Tāi-oân (historically 大灣/台員/大員/台圓/大圓/台窩灣 is an Island in East Asia.
The local preferred form of transport is personal motorbike and, increasingly, private car. In recent years, the number of private vehicles on the road has begun to result in traffic congestion in major arteries during peak travel times. Motorbikes are available for hire from many places in the city, and tourists take advantage of this service.
Local public transport is provided in three forms: tuk tuks, songthaews (the latter known locally as rot daeng, literally "red car"), and the recently re-launched, though infrequent, Chiang Mai Bus service. A songthaew ( Thai สองแถว literally "two rows" also known in English as a baht bus, is a passenger vehicle in Thailand and Local Songthaew fare is usually 20 Thai baht per person for trips in and around the city. Tuktuk fare is usually at least 50 baht per trip (comfortable for two, but some can squeeze in four passengers); fare increases with distance. The fare is negotiable with the driver before boarding. Songthaews and tuktuks normally operate until about 11pm or midnight, and then become scarce and more expensive to ride. Metered taxis are available from the airport with a 50 baht airport fee paid at a counter, plus the metered charge paid to the driver (60 baht on the meter gets you into the moated area). Tipping is not expected. Chiang Mai's fledgling local bus service was relaunched in 2006. It serves routes in and around the city, although the service itself lacks the frequency and route mass as is available in other major cities. Unlike Bangkok, which has the Bangkok Metro and Bangkok Skytrain, Chiang Mai does not have rapid transit public transport infrastructure. Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (krūŋtʰêːp máhǎːnákʰɔn) or Krung Thep ( for short is the Capital, largest The Bangkok Metro, officially called the Mass Rapid Transit ( MRT) is Bangkok 's underground metro system Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS or Skytrain (รถไฟฟ้า is the elevated metro system in Bangkok, Thailand, operated by Bangkok A rapid transit, underground, subway, elevated railway or metro(politan system is an electric passenger railway
See also
References
External links
The Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area (เขตนครเชียงใหม่และปริมณฑล is the urban sprawl of the twin cities of city of Chiang Mai and The Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI is an initiative under the ASEAN+3 framework which aims for creation of a network of Bilateral Swap Arrangements (BSAs among Wikitravel is a Web -based project "to create a free, complete up-to-date and reliable worldwide travel guide.Dapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic