Chiang Mai ~ King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning "new city") in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. The ruler was known as the Chao. The city was surrounded by a moat and a defensive wall, since nearby Myanmar was a constant threat. With the decline of the Lannathai kingdom, the city lost importance and was often occupied either by the Burmese or Thais from Ayutthaya. Because of the Burmese wars that culminated in the fall of Ayutthaya in April 1767, Chiang Mai was abandoned between 1776 and 1791. Lampang then served as the capital of what remained of Lannathai. Chiang Mai formally became part of Siam in 1774 by an agreement with Chao Kavila, after the Thai King Taksin helped drive out the Burmese. Chiang Mai then slowly grew in cultural, trading and economic importance to its current status as the unofficial capital of northern Thailand, second in importance only to Bangkok. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Mai)
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is certainly one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai, as well as one of the most revered among all Thais. The chedi sits in a rather small courtyard at the very peak of the mountain. To reach the temple itself requires a climb up a naga staircase of 309 steps. For the faint of heart, there's also a funicular cable-car to the top which has just been re-built after several fatal crashes.
Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is certainly one of the most important temples in Chiang Mai, as well as one of the most revered among all Thais. The chedi sits in a rather small courtyard at the very peak of the mountain. To reach the temple itself requires a climb up a naga staircase of 309 steps. For the faint of heart, there's also a funicular cable-car to the top which has just been re-built after several fatal crashes.
Maesa Elephant Camp flanks a rushing river in a beautiful lush tropical valley a mere twenty minutes scenic drive from downtown Chiang Mai. Having been open for nearly 30 years and currently home to 78 elephants.
Royal Orchid Park is conveniently located within the bustling centre of the culturally rich city of Chiang Mai. Spread over 1.2 acres of natural landscapes & offer a self contained world of beauty and exotic plantations.
Hot Springs at Maekajan has three natural hot spring well. Each pond about 3 meters wide.
The room temperature about 80 degrees. Boiled eggs can be cooked within 3 minutes.
Chiang Rai ~ The city was founded by King Mengrai in 1262 and became the capital of the Mengrai dynasty. 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 Chiang Mai vassal. After Siam or Thailand annexed Chiang Mai in 1899 Chiang Rai was proclaimed a province of Thailand in 1933. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Rai_city)
Wat Rong Khun is a contemporary unconventional Buddhist and Hindu temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat. Construction began in 1997. It is designed in white color with some use of white glass. The white color stands for Lord Buddha’s purity; the white glass stands for Lord Buddha’s wisdom that "shines brightly all over the Earth and the Universe. It is the realization of a dream for Thailands noted artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs.
The Long Neck Karen Hilltribes only used to be found in Mae Hon Son, have been settling in the region of Chiang Rai. Their womenfolk are adorned with heavy brass necklaces at a very young age to lengthen their necks. Women with long necks are considered to be the village great beauty.
Opium museum for educating the future generations about its history and drug abuse. Opium production has been illegal in Thailand since 1959. Occasionally, you may come across some live specimen in a medicinal garden for educational purposes.
The Golden Triangle is one of Asia's two main illicit opium-producing areas. From a viewpoint set high on the hillside, there are magnificent views over the Mae Khong River to the physical triangle made by Burma, Laos and Thailand at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong River.
Mae Khong River boat cruise along the best Mekong River and you able to stop at Laos border shore to have some souvenir shopping fun.
Mae Sai , borders on Myanmar's Tha Khi Lek marked by the Mae Sai River with a bridge spanning both sides.
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