In light of its optimal location as a gateway into the Northern provinces of Thailand, along with its small-town feel complemented by the perks of being
in a major city, Chiang Mai's appeal as a travel destination is truly impressive. Handicrafts, adventure sports and trekking, and provincial food are all in
full supply, always provided with a smile and often at amazing prices.
1. Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park has Thailand's largest peak, at more than 8,000 feet. It's located to the south of Chiang Mai, and much of its wildlife is
uniquely allocated only to this region. Visitors come for a cool weather retreat and to camp and watch the wildlife. Locals will tell you that it's a
welcome relief from the smoggy city air. Tours from Chiang Mai to this park are recommended.
2. Wat Phratat Doi Suthep
Anytime you meet a Chiang Mai local, they'll undoubtedly ask you if you've visited Doi Suthep yet. It's a hallmark of any trip to the city, and the views
from the summit are spectacular. Climb the 300-step flight of stairs or take a lift to see the restored 14th century chedi which hides sacred relics, and
stroll around the marble courtyard. One of Thailand’s most important temples!
3. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Open every night from dusk until midnight, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar has achieved legendary status worldwide for its sheer volume and low prices.
At the centre of all Chiang Mai maps, it's located on Chang Klan road and stays open every evening until midnight. Products you'll find here include
silver, antiques, jewellery and every kind of knock-off designer item you could want. Many of the Chiang Mai hotels are conveniently located here.
4. Thai massage and spas
You'll have no problem finding a place to get a massage or a beauty treatment in Chiang Mai. Hotels even offer spas in house now. Everywhere you
go, you will see signs inviting you to relax for a foot massage, whole body massage or spa treatment. The quality and price vary quite a bit depending
on where you go, and some of the best values can be found by word of mouth or by simply sizing up the location and facility before you commit
yourself. When in Thailand this is one good value activity you must try.
5. A trip to Mae Sa
Mae Sa is well-known for its seven-tiered waterfall as well as for the variety of tourist attractions and performances that are put on in the area. Visitors
can ride elephants at the highly popular Mae Sa Elephant Camp, and the star performers even stage a football match for spectators. There's a monkey
show, a snake farm and a dog show here as well. Taxis and tuk-tuks can be chartered for the 30-minute drive. Follow any tourist maps of Chiang Mai
northwards out of the city. Your hotels concierge can arrange the trip.
6. The Old City
A walking or biking tour of the Old City allows more intimate connections with the living remnants of Chiang Mai's rich history. Wat Chedi Luang is the
most important temple in the city and it contains the great chedi that was once brought down by an earthquake in the 16th century; Wat Phrasingh is
made in a classic, Northern Thai style; and Wat Chiang Mai is made completely of teak wood. Portions of the Old City wall have been restored,
specifically at the gates and corners, and the entire moat remains since its creation 700 years ago. It’s certainly more pleasant than strolling in
Bangkok.
7. Trekking
Most visitors to Chiang Mai will embark on some sort of trekking adventure. Countless tour guide operators can organise a package for you and trips
last anywhere from a full day to several nights, with accommodation provided by intermittent hill tribe villages. These journeys are pieced together with
segments of shuttling, hiking, rafting and riding (usually on elephants). It's one of the best ways to get out into the countryside for a new perspective.
Certainly a change to get of the Chiang Mai tourist map.
8. Courses and training
Whether you're a seasoned professional or only a beginner, Chiang Mai offers a wealth of classes and training in a variety of fields. The most popular
courses are in Thai cooking, Muay Thai (Thai kick boxing) and Thai massage. The social climate in Chiang Mai is conducive to staying for a while, and
many visitors choose to take a class while they get to know the city better. These are popular when visiting Thailand.
9. Adventure sports
After the chaos of Bangkok Cravers of adventures sports will not be disappointed in Chiang Mai. Rock climbers can hone their skills on the outdoor
wall next to the Night Bazaar before heading out to Crazy Horse Buttress. There's also the opportunity for white -rafting and mountain biking up Doi
Suthep. Some lower-key action can be found at the go-kart tracks.
10. Chiang Mai Zoo
The Chiang Mai Zoo is a great place to spend some time, not only in light of its 6,000 plus animals, but also because of its position on Doi Suthep
Mountain where you'll catch some great views of the city. Some of the animals include gibbons, elephants and two pandas on loan from China. The
latter have participated in several city festivals and are often featured in newspaper articles and other media.
Don’t forget to book you Chiang Mai hotels well in advance in the busy season.
About the Author
Andy Burrows is a web travel writer, he recommends; online guide to Chiang Mai – Northern Thailand Visiting Thailand
Source: http://www.propertyarticles.info/
Showing posts with label asia tour chiangrai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label asia tour chiangrai. Show all posts
Friday, April 25, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Wellcome to Chiangrai
Mueang Chiang Rai (Thai: เชียงราย; locally (Kham Muang) Ciang Hai; (Lao) also Xieng Hai) is a city in Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand.
Geography
Geographical location 19°56′N, 99°51′E. Muang Chiang Rai is 200 km northeast of Muang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province; 62 km south of Mae Sai and the Myanmar border; 60 km southwest of Chiang Saen on the Mae Khong across from the People's Democratic Republic of Laos; and 90 km north of Nakhon Phayao, Phayao Province.
The Mae Kok River runs along its north side, flowing from west to east and eventually merging with the Mekong River.
Demographics
Population 62,000.
12.5% of the population belong to the hill tribes, a collective term for the minority ethnic groups in the North of Thailand such as the Karen, Akha, Lisu, Meo and Muser. Many Chinese, particularly from Yunnan Province, have migrated to the area and assimilated with the Thai population to such extent that well over half of the large businesses in northern Thailand are owned by people of Chinese heritage.[citation needed]
Government
Chiang Rai is the capital of Chiang Rai Province.
The Salaklang Changwat 19°54.805′N, 99°49.615′E holds the Provincial Offices.
The Municipal Offices are in the Thesaban 19°54′34″, N°99′49″39.
History
Sadu Meuang, Omphalos of the City
The city was founded by King Mengrai in 1262 and became the first capital of the Lannathai kingdom. However, it lost this status soon after to a new city built by Mengrai at Chiang Mai. Subsequently, Chiang Rai was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Thai territory. It was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.
In 1432 the Phra Kaeo, or Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered Buddha figure, was discovered in Chiang Rai when an earthquake split the Chedi at Wat Phra Kaeo. The beautiful jade figure was then seen concealed within.
In 1992 (B.E. 2535) the City Pillar was moved from Wat Klang Wiang to Doi Chom Thong, where it is known as Sadu Meuang (TH: สะดือเมือง), the Navel or Omphalos of the City.
Buddhist temples
Wat Rong Khun
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, 19°54.970′N, 99°49.365′E
Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai, 19°54.704′N, 99°49.647′E
Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Rai, 19°54.653′N, 99°49.882′E
Wat Doi Khao Khwai, 19°52.892′N, 99°48.582′E
Wat Rong Khun, 19°49.480′N, 99°45.800′E, a modern temple built since 1998 by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat
Tourist attractions
Princess Mother Hall and Doi Mae Salong Located about 70 km northwest of Chiang Rai accessed by a scenic, and sometimes quite steep, road from Mae Chan. In Mae Salong there is a museum of the Kuo Min Tang and their plight after exiled from China by Mao Zedong, and subsequently forced to leave Burma from where they entered Thailand, helping at times to fight the Communists.
Doi Tung Royal Villa is the final residence of the mother of the King of Thailand, known as the Princess Mother. It is located at kilometre 12 on highway 1149, to the west of highway 1. This magnificent villa was built on the mountain overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys in a unique mix of Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. Adjacent to the villa is a large flower-filled garden, and a memorial hall commemorating the Princess Mother.
Doi Tung Zoo
Phucheefah
The Gate of Siam is a location on the border with Laos where one can stand high up on a mountain with Laos directly in front and the mighty Mekong River flowing beneath.
Panoramic view of Phucheefah point
Education
Colleges and universities
Mae Fah Luang University
Chiang Rai Rajabhat University
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Chiang Rai Campus
High Schools
Samakkhi Wittayakom School 19°54.314′N, 99°49.598′E
Primary Schools
Bansonkong School 19°54.045′N, 99°49.671′E
Piti Suksa Montessori School 19°55.400′N, 99°49.950′E
[ http://www.amecschool.net ]
Hospitals
Overbrook Hospital (Semi-Private) Easy access from city center, modern facility founded 1903 by Dr. Joseph Kampol, a missionary hospital, current president Dr. Ploum.
Sriburin Hospital (Private, and comparatively better quality)[citation needed]
Chiang Rai Prachanukhro Hospital (Public)
Transportation
Route 1 runs from Bangkok through Chiang Rai to Mae Sai on the Myanmar border. Chiang Rai is 839 kilometers from Bangkok, about 14 hours by car or by bus. According to official bus schedules, the bus ride to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai takes approximately an hour and 30 minutes, however the 175 km trip most often takes at least two and a half hours.
Several flights are available to and from Bangkok daily. Chiang Rai International Airport flight time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
There is scheduled boat service between Chiang Rai and Thaton in Chiang Mai province daily.
There are currently no rail services to Chiang Rai as the railway line from Bangkok ends at Chiang Mai. There have been talks of extending the rail line to Chiang Rai in the near future,[citation needed] but this is unlikely to happen as the city's population is well below 1 million and there isn't as many international tourists visiting Chiang Rai as Chiang Mai
Geography
Geographical location 19°56′N, 99°51′E. Muang Chiang Rai is 200 km northeast of Muang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province; 62 km south of Mae Sai and the Myanmar border; 60 km southwest of Chiang Saen on the Mae Khong across from the People's Democratic Republic of Laos; and 90 km north of Nakhon Phayao, Phayao Province.
The Mae Kok River runs along its north side, flowing from west to east and eventually merging with the Mekong River.
Demographics
Population 62,000.
12.5% of the population belong to the hill tribes, a collective term for the minority ethnic groups in the North of Thailand such as the Karen, Akha, Lisu, Meo and Muser. Many Chinese, particularly from Yunnan Province, have migrated to the area and assimilated with the Thai population to such extent that well over half of the large businesses in northern Thailand are owned by people of Chinese heritage.[citation needed]
Government
Chiang Rai is the capital of Chiang Rai Province.
The Salaklang Changwat 19°54.805′N, 99°49.615′E holds the Provincial Offices.
The Municipal Offices are in the Thesaban 19°54′34″, N°99′49″39.
History
Sadu Meuang, Omphalos of the City
The city was founded by King Mengrai in 1262 and became the first capital of the Lannathai kingdom. However, it lost this status soon after to a new city built by Mengrai at Chiang Mai. Subsequently, Chiang Rai was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Thai territory. It was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.
In 1432 the Phra Kaeo, or Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered Buddha figure, was discovered in Chiang Rai when an earthquake split the Chedi at Wat Phra Kaeo. The beautiful jade figure was then seen concealed within.
In 1992 (B.E. 2535) the City Pillar was moved from Wat Klang Wiang to Doi Chom Thong, where it is known as Sadu Meuang (TH: สะดือเมือง), the Navel or Omphalos of the City.
Buddhist temples
Wat Rong Khun
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, 19°54.970′N, 99°49.365′E
Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai, 19°54.704′N, 99°49.647′E
Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Rai, 19°54.653′N, 99°49.882′E
Wat Doi Khao Khwai, 19°52.892′N, 99°48.582′E
Wat Rong Khun, 19°49.480′N, 99°45.800′E, a modern temple built since 1998 by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat
Tourist attractions
Princess Mother Hall and Doi Mae Salong Located about 70 km northwest of Chiang Rai accessed by a scenic, and sometimes quite steep, road from Mae Chan. In Mae Salong there is a museum of the Kuo Min Tang and their plight after exiled from China by Mao Zedong, and subsequently forced to leave Burma from where they entered Thailand, helping at times to fight the Communists.
Doi Tung Royal Villa is the final residence of the mother of the King of Thailand, known as the Princess Mother. It is located at kilometre 12 on highway 1149, to the west of highway 1. This magnificent villa was built on the mountain overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys in a unique mix of Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. Adjacent to the villa is a large flower-filled garden, and a memorial hall commemorating the Princess Mother.
Doi Tung Zoo
Phucheefah
The Gate of Siam is a location on the border with Laos where one can stand high up on a mountain with Laos directly in front and the mighty Mekong River flowing beneath.
Panoramic view of Phucheefah point
Education
Colleges and universities
Mae Fah Luang University
Chiang Rai Rajabhat University
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Chiang Rai Campus
High Schools
Samakkhi Wittayakom School 19°54.314′N, 99°49.598′E
Primary Schools
Bansonkong School 19°54.045′N, 99°49.671′E
Piti Suksa Montessori School 19°55.400′N, 99°49.950′E
[ http://www.amecschool.net ]
Hospitals
Overbrook Hospital (Semi-Private) Easy access from city center, modern facility founded 1903 by Dr. Joseph Kampol, a missionary hospital, current president Dr. Ploum.
Sriburin Hospital (Private, and comparatively better quality)[citation needed]
Chiang Rai Prachanukhro Hospital (Public)
Transportation
Route 1 runs from Bangkok through Chiang Rai to Mae Sai on the Myanmar border. Chiang Rai is 839 kilometers from Bangkok, about 14 hours by car or by bus. According to official bus schedules, the bus ride to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai takes approximately an hour and 30 minutes, however the 175 km trip most often takes at least two and a half hours.
Several flights are available to and from Bangkok daily. Chiang Rai International Airport flight time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
There is scheduled boat service between Chiang Rai and Thaton in Chiang Mai province daily.
There are currently no rail services to Chiang Rai as the railway line from Bangkok ends at Chiang Mai. There have been talks of extending the rail line to Chiang Rai in the near future,[citation needed] but this is unlikely to happen as the city's population is well below 1 million and there isn't as many international tourists visiting Chiang Rai as Chiang Mai
Tourist attractions in Chiangrai
Princess Mother Hall and Doi Mae Salong Located about 70 km northwest of Chiang Rai accessed by a scenic, and sometimes quite steep, road from Mae Chan. In Mae Salong there is a museum of the Kuo Min Tang and their plight after exiled from China by Mao Tse Tung, and subsequently forced to leave Burma from where they entered Thailand, helping at times to fight the Communists.Doi Tung Royal Villa is the final residence of the mother of the King of Thailand, known as the Princess Mother. It is located at kilometre 12 on highway 1149, to the west of highway 1. This magnificent villa was built on the mountain overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys in a unique mix of Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. Adjacent to the villa is a large flower-filled garden, and a memorial hall commemorating the Princess Mother. Doi Tung Zoo Phucheefah The Gate of Siam is a location on the border with Laos where one can stand high up on a mountain with Laos directly in front and the mighty Mekong River flowing beneath
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