Pictures

H.R.H. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty)

King Taksin was the Thai monarch who expelled the Burmese from Thailand after the 1767 destruction of Ayutthaya as the Thai capital.

Thailand is one of the most strongly Buddhist countries in the world. The national religion is Theravada Buddhism, a branch of Hinayana Buddhism, practiced by more than 90 % of all Thais.

Because the Ping River frequently overflowed its banks, Mengrai built the royal city of Chiang Mai on high ground to the west, surrounding it with a brick and earth wall 1 mile on each side and surrounded by a defensive moat. A smaller wall once embraced a residential section.

Parts of the Chiang Mai walls are still intact today, and the area within is called 'the old city'

This monastery, located 25 kilometers upstream, in Amphoe Ban Tak, in an area which used to be the former site of Tak city. There are several ruins in the area, including a hilltop pagoda which was constructed, according to legend, by King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai (reign : 1275 - 1317) to commemorate his victory in single combat on elephant back against King Khun Sam Chon, the ruler of Muang Shot (currently Amphoe Mae Sot)

Thailand's largest dam is located some kilometers north of Tak city in Amphoe Sam Ngao, and dams the Mae Ping River. The extensive reservoir forms a picturesque lake that extends northwards to Chiang Mai's Amphoe Hot. Accommodation is available at the dam. Contact the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand at ( Bangkok ) 436 - 3179 or 424-0101 for further details.

Popular cruises originate from the Bhumibol Dam to Chiang Mai's Doi Tao Self - Help Settlement edging the dam reservoir, a total distance of 140 kilometers. Full details may be obtained from the Educational Tour Center, Tel : ( Bangkok ) 221-5183, or the Thongnatee Company Limited, Tel : 457-3428, 467-2557

Is a border district adjoining Myanmar (Burma). It is about 249 kilometers from the provincial city along the Highway 105, the Tak - Mae Sot route, with a turn to the Mae Sot - Um Phang Highway (Highway 1090). The road meanders through mountainous area to Amphoe Um Phang. Another former Karen settlement, the district was later inhabited by migrant people from northern Thailand. Nowadays, Amphoe Um Phang is renowned for its challenging activities like jungle trek and rafting thanks to its intact nature.

This spectacular waterfall is located in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary and can be visited only from November through May. Would - be visitors to the waterfall and wildlife sanctuary are recommended to enquire first with the TAT ( Tel : ( 055 ) 514-341-3 ) for information regarding travel conditions and camping opportunities.

Thai Temple. Wat mean Temple in Thai.

The most important and most visible landmark of Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, is perched high atop a mountain overlooking the city with the forested mountain backdrop providing a very scenic panorama. The temple is accessible by climbing a steep 300-step staircase with naga siderails or, for those less active, by funicular railcars. The temple contains a golden pogada that houses a part of the holy relics of the Lord Buddha. Wat Phra Borommahathat Doi Suthep was built in 1383 by King Gue-Na on a plateau commanding an impressive view of the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand's northern capital. Bhuddists from around the world come here to pay worship to the holy temple.

Sukhothai Period (1238-1378 A.D.)

Thais began to emerge as a dominant force in the region in the13th century, gradually asserting independence from existing Khmer and Mon kingdoms. Called by its rulers "the dawn of happiness", this is often considered the golden era of Thai history, an ideal Thai state in a land of plenty governed by paternal and benevolent kings, the most famous of whom was King Ramkamhaeng the Great. However in 1350, the mightier state of Ayutthaya exerted its influence over Sukhothai.

Hill tribes also lend a great deal of character and colour to the crisply beautiful mountainous landscape.

Most Kaliang Longneck Hill Tribe people live in Mae Hong Son Province.

The northern region is the home to Thailand's many colourful hill tribes such as the Lahu of Tak and the Yao, Akha, Karen, Hmong, and Lisu tribes of the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai mountain regions.

Chiang Mai has preserved this tradition and promotes it as the New Year's Day of Chiang Mai by retaining the lovely traditions of the province until the event is now very popular among Thai and foreign tourists.

The Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer cultural influences from the very beginning. No longer the paternal and accessible rulers that the kings of Sukhothai had been, Ayutthaya's sovereigns were absolute monarchs and assumed the title devaraja (god-king). The early part of this period saw Ayutthaya extend its sovereignty over neighboring Thai principalities and come into conflict with its neighbours, During the 17th century, Siam started diplomatic and commercial relations with western countries. In 1767, a Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya. Despite their overwhelming victory, the Burmese did not retain control of Siam for long. A young general named Phya Taksin and his followers broke through the Burmese encirclement and escaped to Chantaburi. Seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to the capital and expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.

Thai orchid is renowned for its color and beauty. The butterfly and orchid garden in Chiang Mai features countless varieties of exotic Thai orchids set in a plantation-like surrounding, where the butterflies roam freely throughout the perimeter. The garden is ideal for pastime recreation and discovery of the balance between plants and living creatures.

Umbrellas made of sa paper, hill tribe crafts with bold colors, fabrics of countless types, delicate ceramics, replicated and genuine antiques, dazzling jewelry and gems, silverware of all sorts, lacquer ware with intricate designs, rattan and wickerwork, and woodcarvings ranging from pictures to furniture are only a part of the long list of crafts and arts that help to make Chiang Mai special. Each individual piece of workmanship requires paints taking attention to detail and design in the process of its creation. Owning one of Chiang Mai's tradition crafts is a sure way to take back tangible memories of your visit to Chiang Mai. Whatever it is you are looking for-be it a keychain or Thai silk - Chiang Mai offers the shopping facilities for you to find a buy that you will be pleased with.

perched high atop a mountain overlooking the city with the forested mountain backdrop providing a very scenic panorama. The temple is accessible by climbing a steep 300-step staircase with naga siderails or, for those less active, by funicular railcars. The temple contains a golden pogada that houses a part of the holy relics of the Lord Buddha. Wat Phra Borommahathat Doi Suthep was built in 1383 by King Gue-Na on a plateau commanding an impressive view of the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand's northern capital. Bhuddists from around the world come here to pay worship to the holy temple.

Just 60 kilometers north of Chiang Mai,is a training center for elephants to learn skills in forestry, survival and working in a rapidly modernizing world. Visitors will witness the large creatures at work in their natural setting, and taking bath at the beginning, middle and end of each day to keep them clean and healthy. Enjoy personal interaction with the animal and watch them perform intelligent tricks. You can also tour the wild forests that surround the camp on elephant back.

The north is noted for its rich variety of flowering plants, particularly temperate-climate specimens which bloom during this cool month. Spectacular floral floats are the highlight of this grand Chiang Mai event (Saturday morning).

Phra Narai Ratchaniwet

Lopburi

The fair commemorates the. reign of King Narai the Great, the Ayutthaya Monarch best known for his promotion of diplomatic relations with European powers during the mid-1600s. The fair is centered at King Narai's Palace, and features processions, a light & sound presentation, folk entertainment and sale of local products.

Located 9 km to the north of Chiang Saen is the world-famous place where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. On the right is Laos PDR, and the triangle land on the left is the Golden Triangle in Myanmar. You can stand at the very point where the Rauk River from Burma flows into the Mekong.

The most beautiful and amazing view of the Golden Triangle can be seen from a small hill where visitors can go up to that point by car. Just enjoy the natural beauty and be proud that you have been to a widely-known locality. Accommodations are available for tourists who want to stay over night. Boats can be rented for trips along the Khong River.

These include silver ornaments, such as bracelets, necklace, pendants and pipes of intricate design, and embroidered items including tunics, jackets, bags, purses, caps and dress lengths.

Nanchao Period (650-1250 A.D.) The Thai people founded their kingdom in the southern part of China, which is Yunnan, Kwangsi and Canton today. A great number of people migrated south as far as the Chao Phraya Basin and settled down over the Central Plain under the sovereignty of the Khmer Empire, whose culture they probably accepted. The Thai people founded their independent state of Sukhothai around 1238 A.D., which marks the beginning of the Sukhothai Period

The Ayutthaya kings adopted Khmer cultural influences from the very beginning. No longer the paternal and accessible rulers that the kings of Sukhothai had been, Ayutthaya's sovereigns were absolute monarchs and assumed the title devaraja (god-king). The early part of this period saw Ayutthaya extend its sovereignty over neighboring Thai principalities and come into conflict with its neighbours, During the 17th century, Siam started diplomatic and commercial relations with western countries.

In 1767, a Burmese invasion succeeded in capturing Ayutthaya. Despite their overwhelming victory, the Burmese did not retain control of Siam for long. A young general named Phya Taksin and his followers broke through the Burmese encirclement and escaped to Chantaburi. Seven months after the fall of Ayutthaya, he and his forces sailed back to the capital and expelled the Burmese occupation garrison.

Rattanakosin Period (1782 - the Present)

After Taksin's death, General Chakri became the first king of the Chakri Dynasty, Rama I, ruling from 1782 to 1809. His first action as king was to transfer the royal capital across the river from Thon Buri to Bangkok and build the Grand Palace. Rama II (1809-1824) continued the restoration begun by his predecessor. King Nang Klao, Rama III (1824-1851) reopened relations with Western nations and developed trade with China. King Mongkut, Rama IV, (1851-1868) of "The King and I" concluded treaties with European countries, avoided colonialisation and established modern Thailand. He made many social and economic reforms during his reign.

Dan Sai

Loei

The festival has its origins in a Buddhist tale. When Prince Vessandara, the Buddha's penultimate incarnation, returned to his city the welcoming procession was so delightful that spirits emerged to join in the celebration. Based on that, Phi Ta Khon procession features young men dressed as spirits accompanying a sacred Buddha image and teasing villagers. Monks recite the story of the Buddha's last great incarnation before attaining Enlightenment. This festival features contests of masked dances and processions. All tourists are welcome to participate.

Popular 'Jungle Treks', lasting from 2 to 7 days, take visitors through forested mountains and high valleys and meadows, and include visits to remoter high-altitude hill tribe settlements for overnight stays. The best guides are hill tribe youths who customarily speak English, Thai and at least three tribal dialects.

Treks commonly feature travel by foot, sometimes by boat, elephant-back, horse-back or jeep, frequently a combination of two or three modes of transportation.

Travel down the river on a raft.

More rafting.

Jungle Trek camp

Visit remote Hilltribe Villages

Although bird-watching has been a popular activity among Thais for many years, it is only relatively recently that overseas visitors have recognized the potential of this fascinating pastime. In total, almost one thousand different species of birds - some local, others migrating here- have been spotted in Thailand. Most of Thailand's national parks offer good opportunities for bird-watching such as Khao Yai National Park, Kaeng Krachan in Petchburi and Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai province.

Each morning, at Km 10 on the Mae Rim-Samoeng route, trained elephants demonstrate their formidable and highly-valued forestry skills from 9.30 until 11.00 AM, at the Mae Sa Elephant Training Centre. The centre is some 30 kilometres from town. Admission is 80 baht per person. A jungle tour on elephant back, lasting more than two hours through adjacent forests, is offered after the show and costs 250 baht per person. Elephants can also be seen at the Pong Yaeng Elephant Centre at KM 19 on the same route.

This riverside enclave, at KM 56 on Highway 107, features daily shows of elephants at work, from 9.00 AM until 10.00 AM, and from 10.00 AM until 11.00 AM, and offers elephant rides, and opportunities for bucolic river-rafting through largely pristine and tranquil forests, or jungle treks to neighbouring hill tribe settlements.

King of Chiang Rai, King of Phayao and King of Sukothai

The people of Chiang Mai enjoy one of the most distinctive cultural festivals, their own architectural traditions, their own indigenous handicrafts, their own dances and their own distinctive cuisine.

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year and a special occasion for merry-making throughout Thailand. Thais celebrate Songkran with religious ceremonies, water throwing and public festivities, such as beauty contests, parades and marching bands. Anyone who ventures out on the streets is likely to get a thorough soaking, but all in a spirit of goodwill, blessing and fun, which can be refreshing at the peak of the hot season.

located on Sam Lan Road, houses the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image cast in Subduing Mara. The Buddha image is now enshrined in Vihan Lai Kham. During the Songkran festival, each April 13-15, people process the most sacred Buddha image around Chiang Mai town for traditional bathing. Formerly, this area was a Wat Li Chiang Market until 1345, King Pa Yu, the fifth king of Mengrai Dynasty commanded to built this temple and a 24-feet chedi containing his father’s ashes. The temple compound includes the lovely Lai Kham chapel featuring exquisite woodcarvings and northern-style murals, a magnificent scriptural repository with striking bas relief, and a circular stupa (in Lankan bell shape).

This temple was built in a 14th century Lanna Thai monarch's pleasure gardens and is a favourite spot for photographers, particularly for striking sunsets. Several the white chedis contain ashes of Chiang Mai's former royal family. The 500-year-old bronze Buddha image in a secondary chapel is one of Thailand's largest metal images.

Houses the largest chedi in Chiang Mai. The temple is located right in the middle of the city and was built in the reign of King Saen Mueang Mak, the seventh king of Mengrai Dynasty. The 98-metre tall and 54-metre wide chedi was built in the reign of King Tilokkarat. The construction was completed in 1481. In 1545 the chedi was collapsed due to an earthquake during the reign of King Jiraprapa. The chapel in the front was built by Chao Khun Uba Lee Poramacharn (Sirichantathera) and Chao Kaeo Navarat in 1928.

or Wat Photaram Viharn, located on the Super Highway Road (Chiang Mai-Lampang), 4 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. It is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai and was recently renovated. The interesting attraction of this temple is the seven tapering finial stupa, which is supported by lovely divine sculptures at its base. The most interesting of all is that the stupa possesses architecture of the Phuttakaya stupa in India. Besides, the stupa contains ashes of King Tilokkarat, the king of Mengrai Dynasty who built this temple is worth a visit.

it was formerly called Wat Veru Vanaram. The temple is located in Tambon Sri Phum near Chiang Mai Stadium. It is noteworthy for an unusual watermelon shaped pagoda, thus giving such name by the locals. An exact period of its establishment is somewhat unknown, but from a legend, the Ku Tao chedi contains ashes of Prince Saravadee, the son of King Bureng Nong who ruined Chiang Mai from 1579 to 1607.

The 1,005 - square - kilometer park covers Thailand's highest mountain (2,565 meters). The lovely Wachirathan, Siriphum and Mae Pan waterfalls share the mountain with Meo and Karen hill tribe settlements. Forest above 1,800 meters is covered with lichens and wild orchids.

Chiang Mai's most photographed waterfall lies some 58 kilometres west of the city at the foot of Doi Inthanon Mountain, and provides a picturesque setting for picnics and relaxation.

This picturesque gorge is 88 kilometres from Chiang Mai provincial capital, and is framed by teak forests and mountains.

The North is well-known for its local handicrafts, from wood carving to silverware, lacquer ware, hill tribe clothing and ethnic jewellery, and hand-painted umbrellas. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar carries a good selection of all the above northern items, and of course, prices are negotiable.

is renowned for its color and beauty. The butterfly and orchid garden in Chiang Mai features countless varieties of exotic Thai orchids set in a plantation-like surrounding, where the butterflies roam freely throughout the perimeter. The garden is ideal for pastime recreation and discovery of the balance between plants and living creatures.

The temple, which is located within the walled city on Ratchaphakhinai Road, is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple and probably dates from 1296 and is the finest example of Northern Thai architecture. King Mengrai, the city's founder, allegedly lived here while the new city of Chiang Mai was constructed. The temple has massive teak columns and a chedi supported by rows of elephant-shaped buttresses. The temple houses two sacred ancient Buddha images. The larger of the two, Phra Sila Khao (or stone Buddha) is a stone bas-relief which reflects the fine workmanship of Indian craftsmenship. It is believed to have originated in India or Sri Lanka some 2,500 years ago The smaller ancient Buddha image, Phra Kaew Khao or Phra Sae Tang Kamani (crystal Buddha) heighten only around 10 cm and is thought to have originally come from Lopburi around 1,800 years ago. Phra Kaew Khao, is thought to have the power to bring rain. The stupa in this temple imitates the stupa at Si Satchanalai.

The chapel of Wat Phra Singh houses the image of Phra Buddha Singh, an image which is highly revered by the Chiang Mai and Thai people alike. The architectural style of the chapel exemplifies the splendours of Lanna-Thai art and culture at its finest. The focal point of the Songkran (Thai New Year's) festivities occurs at Wat Phra Singh where local people bathe the revered Buddha image. Dating back to mid-14th century, the lovely temple is named after the Phra Singh Buddha image, believed to have originated in Sri Lanka 300 years ago. The Buddha image's travels to its present location is clouded in myth. View the exquisite woodcarvings on temple pillars and doors and northern style murals. The mural paintings on the walls of temple depict the scenes of Suwannahong and Sang Thong classic literature.

Northern Thailand is characterized largely by forested mountains, where working elephants are still used in forest management. This mountainous region is home to Thailand's many colorful hill tribe people, and trekking and river rafting enable adventurous exploration of this beautiful area. Chiang Mai is the principal northern city and is a good base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.

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