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Chiang Mai: A Walk in the Clouds |
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The city of
Chiang Mai is a portal to Thailand's spiritual past and the gateway to some
of its most verdant and beautiful forestry. Unlike the tropical island scenery
many visitors associate with Thailand, Chiang Mai is ringed by misty mountains
and jungle – it is also in close proximity to the apexes of China, Burma and
Laos, otherwise referred to as the "Golden Triangle". Founded 700 years ago as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom (Lanna means "a million rice fields") Chiang Mai is home to more than 300 temples and a multitude of national parks, mountain trails, waterfalls and ancient ruins. In recent years the town has become increasingly metropolitan, though not quite to the extent of other Thai cities, including the nation's bustling capital, Bangkok. In Chiang Mai, visitors will see 500–year–old temples juxtaposed against convenience stores and modern boutique hotels. The possibilities for adventure and activity are endless for a visitor to Chiang Mai. For temples (known in Thai as Wats), a good place to start is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai's most famous temple which is visible from any corner of the city. The view of Chiang Mai and the Ping valley is spectacular enough to warrant the 200 step upward hike required to view the temple. (Nowadays trams are available to make the trip as well.) Other Wats worth visiting include Wat Chiang Man (the oldest temple in Chiang Mai), Wat Phra Singh, and Wat U–Mong. For more cultural expeditions Chiang Mai boasts a number of interesting museums, including the Chiang Mai National Museum and Tribal Museum. Chiang Mai is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with its many national parks and waterfalls, and fully exploring just one park can take a number of days. The highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, is 2,565 meters above sea level and is part of the Doi Inthanon National Park. In the winter the temperature is below freezing at the park and the mountain is usually covered in thick fog, a favorite time for visitors to mount the peak. Doi Inthanon is the source of many rivers that flow through the region and boasts beautiful waterfalls, exotic flora and fauna and a cave worth exploring. Visitors in search of a more nontraditional experience can take a breathtaking balloon flight over the city, participate in a mahout course at Maesa Elephant Camp and be part of the conservation of Thailand's national animal, go bamboo rafting, take a leap from 165 feet in the air with Jungle Bungy or enjoy a Thai cooking class (contact TAT Northern Office: Region 1 at 0 5324 8604). In Chiang Mai the sky is–literally–the limit. Many travelers also use Chiang Mai as a base before trekking into the Hill tribe villages of the further north. Hill tribes consist of ethnic groups that have migrated to Thailand from Tibet, Burma, China and Laos. Each has a unique culture and is self–sufficient. The main groups include the Mien, Lasu, Lisu, Akha, Karen and Hmong tribes. Chiang Mai is best suited to travelers with a healthy sense of adventure. What make this city so appealing are its natural surrounds and structures that have stood the test of time. With its rich history the Lanna city has earned a position as the most culturally significant city in the north of Thailand. Certainly, Chiang Mai is a window into different kind of Thailand, where time seems to stand still and the clouds are close enough to touch. |
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