t has a long history with distinctive culture such as the local lifestyle and religions, preservation of local dialect, customs, cuisine and ancient temples as well as architectural styles and rich decoration. Handicrafts produced in silk, wood, silver, ceramic that illustrate their cultures.
As such, it has become a well-known shopping destination for art and crafts. Chiang Mai province spreads over an area of 20,000 square meter showing you the most beautiful scenery in the whole kingdom.
Ping River Valley, a patchwork of paddy fields surrounded by rolling hills which makes Changi as a one of forested mountains including Thailand's high peak, Doi Inthanon, Jungle and rivers, traditional villages and ethic tribe living in highland, their colorful costumes and daily life are wonderful.
Impression on Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai during my first trip with a group tour organized by HUP ANN TRAVEL PTE LTD, SINGAPORE.
Wat Phan Tao - Phrapokklao Road next to Wat Chedi Luang, is well-known intricate Lanna-style carvings on the door regarded as one of most beautiful ancient work.
Wat Ku Tao-Near Chiang Mai Stadium, is unique for its special bulbous Chedi with shape of watermelon, presented five monks' alms bowls on its structure decorated with coloured
porcelain chips
Wat Chet Yut –Located at North of Huai Kaeo Nimmanhemin intersection. The design was inspired by the temple at Bodhgaya in India-site of the Lord Buddha's enlightenment with a characteristic square with seven spires.
Wat U-mong-Located on Suthep Road is a famous meditation temple. Its principal architectural feature is a large ancient Chedi.
Wat Saen Fang-Located at Tha Phae, an architecture of old temple was influenced by the Burmese.
Wat Phra Sing at Sam Lan Road, revered Phra Phutthasilhing Buddha image focus on the Songkran Thai New Year festivities on 13-15 Apr every year. You can find exquisite wood-
carvings, northern-style murals and a bell-shaped stupa.
What to see Attractions
Nimmanhemin Road is the most famous and trendy shopping street in the heart of Chiang Mai City. You can find designer's products, handmade souvenirs along with hip restaurants,
chic hotels and art gallery.
Wiang Kum Kam is at Lamphun Road, an ancient city built by King Mai but discovered by archaeologists. Chiang Mai National Museum well keeps beautiful collection of northern arts and crafts.
Walking Street is at Wua Lai Road on Saturday and at Tha Phae Road on Sunday, both roads closed to traffic for a range of entertainments performed by singers and musicians playing traditional and modern music with Thai dancers. The roads are also for Shopping Street selling unique handicrafts, local art, hill tribe-crafts and handmade crafts. Namtok Huai Kaeo provides a green and scenic picnic spot.
Chiang Mai Zoo keeps more than species of Asian and African mammals and birds as well as famous Pandas- Lin Huo and Xuang Xuang which are goodwill ambassador of Thailand
and People Republic of China
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep-The most famous and visible landmark of Chiang Mai at 3520 feet above sea level. You can view the city and surrounding countries.
Others are Khun Chang Khian, Phu Phing Palace, Doi Pui Tribal Village, Khruba Siwichai Monument. In Southwest, there are old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre, Wat Phrathat Si Chom
Thong Wat Phrathat Doi Noi, Namtok Mae Klang
City attraction
Wat Phra Sing.Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu, Wat Phra, Non, Wat Kam Ko and Wat Hua Wiang, Wat Chong kham, Wat Chong Klang and Ban Huai Community, Saiawin National Park, Tham Kaeo Komon Forest Park, Thunag Bua Tong (wild sunflower field), Khun Yuam indigenous Cultural center, Pha Bong Hot Spring, PhuKion, Tham Pla-Pha Sea National park, Namtok Pha Suea, Ban Rak Thai, Tha Pai Hot Spring, Huai Nam Dang National Park
How to go
Visitor can take domestic flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and meet local tour guide if you are on group tour. Take a bus at Chang Phueak Bus terminal every 15 minute if you are an individual or with accompany. From Chiang Mai to Lamphun is 25 minute travel time by car. By rail is not recommended as it takes 1—12 hours from Bangkok
What to buy
Local products Pha Mai Yok Dok Silk at Tembon Wiangyong of Mueang District, hand-woven cotton can be purchased at Ban Don Luang Market, Pa Sang offering a range of selection such as animal figurines, dolls utensils and decorative items
What to see festival
Poi Sang long Procession –Novice monks mass ordination from Mar-May. Chong Phara Procession in October, castles made of wood and coloured paper and decorated with fruits, flags and lamps placed in courtyard of house and temples to welcome the Lord Buddha on his return from giving sermons to his mother in heaven and supporting activities such as a dance by performers dressed in animal costumes.
Sang Nam Phrathat Hariphunchai is an important event in Lamphun. Longan Fair is held in August yearly showcasing the famous fruit with nice decorated longan parade and contests.
Loi Krathong is a traditional celebration at Chong Kham Lake sometime in Oct / Nov every year with candle –lit Karthong by flying lantern on the air.
Bua Tong Blossom Festival held in November yearly, the hill-tribes of Khun Yuam and Mae Sariang district are embraced with a host of golden blossom in yellow colour but it only lasts for a month.
CHIANG RAI
Chiang Rai, a charming city with monument, scenic and cultural attractions, is the capital of Thailand's northernmost province. Located 765 kilometers north of Bangkok above sea level of about 600 meters and covers an area of about 11700 square kilometers, its borders are Myanmar to the north and Lao PDR to north and northeast.
The areas are mostly mountains with peak to 1500 meters above sea level. Near to city of Chiang Rai is the KOK. In the far north of the province is popular Golden Triangle where Mekong and Ruak Rivers meet and form the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Lao PDR- The inhabitants are Akha, Lahu, Karen and Hmong. Looking back its long history, Chiang Rai was a small city, also once a temporary capital of Mongrel's Lanna Kingdom until superseded by Chiang Mai.
City Attraction
King Mengrai Monument- Commemorating the founder of Chiang Rai.
Kok River- A long tailed boat will ferry visitors up and down the river with a comfortable price.
Nomtok Khun Kun Forest Park You can view the highest and beautiful of 70 meter high Khun Kon or Tat Mok Waterfall
Oub Kham Museum, Wat Phra Kaeo, emerald Buddha with green jade feature replica of the image displayed, Also, the temple keeps 1 700 year bronze statue of Phra Chao Lan Thong. Wat Phra Sing, Wat Rong Khun, is well known so called "The White Temple "designed by Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, well preserved the statues of figure based on religious beliefs.
Attractions -Out of City
Amphoe Chiang Khong is a peaceful district on the bank of Mekong River, the Chiang Khong Fishery Station can inseminate and breed Pla Buek, the largest fresh water fish river. The fishing season is January –May.
Hall of Opium, Golden Triangle Park displayed paraphernalia associated with opium smoking and trading. Through the photographs, films and videos, you can know theopium and other illegal drugs from countries around the world. The Golden Triangle is located at border of Thailand, Lao and Myanmar on the Mekong River.
Others are Amphoe Chiang Sean, Chiang Saen Lake, Chaing Saen National Museum Wat Pa Sak, Wat Phra Choa Lan Thong, Wat Phrathat Chedi Luang, Wat Phrathat Doi Pu Khao, Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao, Mat Chan, Hot Spa, Doi Hua Mae Kham, Doi Mae Salong, Doi Tung, Pha Mi Akha Village, Rai Mae Fah Luangetc,.
Other Town
Phayao is small, peaceful province of hills and valley.
Phrae town, sits on Yom River, an old community and retain its traditional feature with quiet streets and with old teak houses.
Nan nestles in the verdant valley of the river surrounded by densely forested hills.
Chiang Mai has the following Specialties
Special Event such as Traditional Long Boat Races is the largest and exciting traditional long regattas to celebrate the end of Buddha Lent held in October and November very year.
Special products: As Chiang Rai is rich in handicrafts such as Hand Woven Textiles, silver ornament, you can purchase souvenirs such as silverware, woodcarving and hill tribe
handcrafts with reasonable price.
Special Cuisines and Fruits:Naem and Mu Yo, pineapples, oranges and teas and seasonal lychee in period of April-May.
Special SPA / Massage: Special Thai massage done by skillful, courteous massagers in a comfortable, relaxing in atmosphere in respectable hotels and resorts with affordable prices.
VIEWPOINTS.
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai both cities embraced with beautiful scenery, tropical fruits, unique Thai cuisines, special events and activities as well as hospitality of service staff luring international visitors and repeat visitors from developed countries such as Australia, Newland and developing countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Lao, Cambodia etc., despite that world economic slow growth.
Almost 90 % of local Thai are Buddhists. They are spiritually influenced by Buddhism due to their religious practice. Generally, they are kind and friendly attitude toward the visitors. As such, Chiang Mai has attracted many religious workers, volunteers, followers and wishers for Buddhist group in niches market in additional to leisure travelers in mass market.
We visited the elephant camp and watched elephant show such as elephant bathing and drawing that were exciting but we opted out elephant riding as an article reported that if an elephant carried two persons sitting on sedan and walked a distance, it has hurt badly its back, body and legs due to its bearing excessive weight and lead to shorten its span of life.
I am one of wildlife lovers and protectors as well as an advocator for sustainable tourism development. I showed my deep concerns over elephant performed such activity and viewed it sympathetically on humanization grounds. Perhaps, it may be replaced and the locals be equipped with the new knowledge and skills for job choices through relevant industry training.
The hot spring is healthy, enjoyable and exciting for certain categories of persons. Visited the Karen Hill Tribe Villages, I felt that Long Neck Karen is an inherent custom, ancient and traditional practices but it will affect physical development particularly for children at young age.
Cultivation of sustainable tourism and creation of more awareness of wildlife protection are necessary to meet the requirement of World Tourism Organization (WTO). Chiang Mai is a nice destination to go and for repeat visit by virtue of its iniquity.