Thailand Travel

Bangkok
Bangkok History
Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Krung Thep for short, is the capital, largest urban area and primate city of Thailand. It was a small trading post in the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom and came to the forefront of Thailand when made capital in 1768 after the burning of Ayuthaya. However, the current Rattanakosin Kingdom....Next!!>>

Tourist Attration

Grand Palace and National Assembly
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Temples In Bangkok
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National Museum Of The Royal Barges
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Thai Khon Mask
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Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai History.
The Historic Capital Of Lanna Chiang Mai Rose of the North is located in a board fertile basin of Ping river, about 700 km north of Bangkok. Regarding as the principal city of the northern region, Chiang Mai consists of distinctive culture and various ethnic group along with beautiful scenery of natural environment..next!!

Tourist Attration

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
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Doi Inthanon National Prak
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Huai Nam Dang National Park
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Temples In Chiang Mai
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Bangkok History

Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Krung Thep for short, is the capital, largest urban area and primate city of Thailand. It was a small trading post in the mouth of the Chao Phraya River during the Ayutthaya Kingdom and came to the forefront of Thailand when made capital in 1768 after the burning of Ayuthaya. However, the current Rattanakosin Kingdom began in 1782 when the capital was moved across the river after being sacked by the Burmese. The Rattanakosin capital is now more formally called "Phra Nakorn", pertaining to the ancient boundaries in the metropolis' core and the name Bangkok now incorporates the urban build-up since the 18th century which has its own public administration and governor.

In the span of over two hundred years, Bangkok has been the political, social and economic center of not only Thailand but for much of South East Asia and Indochina as well. Its influence in the arts, politics, fashion, education, entertainment as well as being the business/financial and cultural center of Asia has earned its name as a global city. The city's mix of Thai, Chinese, Indian, Buddhist, Muslim and Western culture combined with the driving force of the Thai economy makes it increasingly attractive to foreigners both for business and pleasure and has made the city the world's top tourist destination.

Bangkok is the world's 22nd largest city by population with approximately 6,704,000 but due to large unregistered influxes of migrants from the North East of Thailand and many nations across Asia, the population of Greater Bangkok is estimated at nearly 15 million people. This has in turn shifted the country from being a rather homogenous Thai population to increasingly a more vibrant mix of Western, Indians and Chinese. The Bangkok Province borders six other provinces: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Chachoengsao, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom and all six provinces are joined in the conurbation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Area.

History
The town of Bangkok began as a small trading center and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River serving the Ayutthaya Kingdom, the precursor of modern Thailand which existed from 1350 to 1767. It is believed that the town's name derived from either Bang Makok, bang being the Central Thai name for towns or villages situated on the bank of a river, and makok (มะกอก) being the Thai name of either Spondias pinnata, Spondias mombin or Elaeocarpus hygrophilus (plants producing olive-like fruits), or Bang Koh, koh meaning "island," a reference to the area's landscape which was carved by rivers and canals.

After the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese Kingdom in 1767, the newly declared King Taksin established a new capital in the area of then-Bangkok, which became known as Thonburi. When Taksin's reign ended in 1782, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke reconstructed the capital on the east bank of the river and gave the city a ceremonial name (see below) which became shortened to its current official name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (which, similarly to "Los Angeles" means "city of angels"). The new city, however, also inherited the name Bangkok, which continued to be used by foreigners to refer to the entire city and became its official English name, while in Thai the name still refers only to the old district on the west bank of the river. The city has since vastly modernized and undergone numerous changes, including the introduction of transportation and utility infrastructure in the reigns of King Mongkut and King Chulalongkorn, and quickly developed into the economic center of Thailand.

Full name
The full ceremonial name of the city given by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, and later edited by King Mongkut, is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. This ceremonial name is composed in combination of two ancient Indian languages, Pāli and Sanskrit. According to the romanisation of these languages, it can actually be written as Krung-dēvamahānagara amararatanakosindra mahindrayudhyā mahātilakabhava navaratanarājadhānī purīramya utamarājanivēsana mahāsthāna amaravimāna avatārasthitya shakrasdattiya vishnukarmaprasiddhi. It translates to "The city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukam".

Local school children are taught the full name, although few can explain its meaning because many of the words are archaic, and unknown to all but a few. Most Thais who do recall the full name do so as a result of its use in a popular song, Krung Thep Mahanakhon (1989) by Asanee-Wasan Chotikul and will often recount it by recalling the song at the same time, much in the same way that English speakers might sing the alphabet song while reciting the English alphabet.

The full name of the city is listed by Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest place name.

Huai Nam Dang National Park

It is formerly know as an area of Doi Sam Muen Highland development project which was initiated by His Majesty the King to solve the problem of forest encroachment and poaching, as well as to enhance the lives of the local hill tribe people.

As this area is filled with attractive natural condition and virginal forests provided vital watershed, Huai Nam Dang was declared the 81st national park of Thailand by the Royal Forest Department on 14th August 1995, with an area of 1,247 km2. Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana was gratefully presided over the opening ceremony of Huai Nam Dang National Park on February 1996.

Topography
The park is ruggedly mountainous spread from north to south and the same ranges Chiang Dao mountain range. The highest peak-Doi Chang at 1,962 meters above sea level, is the vital source of important streams, which flow into the Pai river, Ping river and Taeng river

Climate
The climate is comfortably pleasant all year.

Flora and Fauna
The healthy natural condition of Huai Nam Dang National Park is a matrix of highly diverse habitat types. Main plants found in this park are Malabar ironwood, Dipterocarpus Tubinatus, teak, Crudia chrysantha, Red cedar, Pinus kesiya Royle and orchids.

Tourist Attractions

Doi Chang Viewpoint

Doi Chang Viewpoint this highest viewpoint offers delightful view of orchid hanging from trees branch or trees top. This place deserves to be a source for nature study. It is in the north of Doi Gew Lom Viewpoint.
Activities : - View

Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint

Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint this viewpoint is well-know among Thai and foreign visitors who come here to see a spectacular sea of mist collects in the valley as well as various types of colourful flowers. Beside, this place situates Silver Orchids Palace, the palace of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana. Moreover, there are two nature trails: Ueang Ngoen Nature Trail and Chom Doi Nature Trail. Each trail covers a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers.
Activities : - View

Huai Nam Dang Waterfall

Huai Nam Dang Waterfall has 4 levels, surrounded by moisten plants of evergreen forest and marvelous rocks. This spectacular waterfall is located in the area of Huai Nam Dang village, Amphur Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai province.
Activities : - Waterfall Traveling

Lam Nam Mae Taeng

Lam Nam Mae Taeng The bank of Mae Taeng river are surrounded by evergreen forest with plenty of plants birds. White-water rafting along this current can be an enriching and exciting experience not easily forgotten. The trip start from Pong Duead Hot Spring through the short route of trekking tour to Ban Pang Pa Kha (7 km.) or Ban Pa Khao Lam (9 km.). The rafting take about 3-4 hours and ends at Ban Sop Kai.
Activities : - Rafting-Canoeing-Kayaking - Rafting

Mae Had Waterfall

It’s 40-50 meters height waterfall consisted of 4 floors, located in Tambon Maung Hang, Veing Hang District, Cheing Mai Province .
Activities : - Waterfall Traveling

Mae Lad Waterfall

It’s beautiful waterfall with about 40-50 meters height, located in Tambon Muang Hang, Muang Hang District, Cheing Mai Province.
Activities : - Waterfall Traveling

Mae Yen Waterfall

Mae Yen Waterfall this large and lovely waterfall is about 30-40 meters high and has 2 levels. It locates in Tambol Mae Hee, Amphur Pai, Chiang Mai province.
Activities : - Waterfall Traveling

Pong Duead Hot Spring

Pong Duead Hot Spring there are 3-4 big hot spring and some small and scattering all over the area. Here water erupts from geysers in a small stream, creating clouds of stream in the woodland. Sometimes, the hot water erupts as high as 2 meters. The temperature of water is about 90-99 degrees Celsius. There is a nature trail, Pong Duead Nature Trail, which covers a distance of 1,550 meters.
Activities : - Camping - Nature trail study - Mineral water bath - Trekking

Pong Ron

This hot spring located upper in the Northern Mae Pai National Forest Reserve, situated in Tambon Mae Ee, Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province. From Ban MaePing Village, there a 2 km long laterite road which leading you to Pong Ron. The area is covered by misty steam caused by boiling hot spring pond. Beside, small hot streams flow slowly throughout the area. Pong Ron consisted of 2 big ponds with a mean temperature of 73 degrees Celsius. Surroundings are abundant of teak trees.
Activities : - Mineral water bath

Tha Pai Hot Well

Tha Pai Hot Well the boiling water bubbles from the well. Its heat is about 80 degrees Celsius. This boiling water gathers and becoming a vast hot current with clouds of stream all over the area. The Pai Hot Well located about 30 kilometers from the park Headquarters. It is in Tambol Mae Hee, Amphur Pai Mae Hong Son province.
Activities : - Nature trail study - Mineral water bath

Contact Address
Huai Nam Dang National ParkMoo 5, Geed Jang District, Amphur Mae Taeng Chiang Mai Thailand 50300

How to go
By Car
Start at Chiang Mai province. Huai Nam Dang National Park is situated on the road number 1095 at Km. 65-66. It located about 109 kilometers northwest of Chiang Mai on the way to Mae Hong Son province. Several buses leave Chiang Mai’s buses station each day and cover the journey in about three hours. For private car, take road number 107 north about 37 kilometers to Mae Malai Market, from where the road number 1095 turns left and head for the hills for about 65 kilometers. Then a right turn leads just 6 kilometers from the park checkpoint to the Headquarter.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Doi Suthep-Pui used to be known as Doi Oi Chang. Its new name comes from the name of a hermit,Prarusiwasuthep who lived at Doi Suthep-Pui was a protected forest. In 1973, The Royal Forest Department decided that Doi Suthep and 13 other forest areas in the country should eventually be national parks.The Royal Forest Department sent Mr.Panya Boonsomboon to survey the area.

After that, the national park committed decided that only forest in good condition should be included in Doi Suthep-Pui National park and areas occupied by villagers should be excluded. In 1981, 100,662.50 rai in Chiang Mai were officialy gazetted as Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Making it the country’s 24th.

The following year, an additional 62,500 rai were annexed to the park, bringing the total to 163,162.50 rai (262.50) square Kilometers).

Topography
Doi Suthep, Doi Buakha and Doi Pui are the three main peaks in the park. The highest peak, Doi Pui, rises to 1,685 meters above mean sea levels.

Climate
Because of the high altitude, the weather on the upper slopes of the mountains is cool and pleasant all year even in hot season, average temperature is about 20-23 c. In the cool season, the air is cold and clear. Temperature can drop as low as 6 c in February, August and September are the wettest months with rain falling daily.

Flora and Fauna
There are two basic types of forest on the mountain: Deciduous forest below about 1,000 m elevation and evergreen forest above. The deciduous is further divided into two kinds, deciduous dipterocarp-oak Forest in the driest areas and mixed evergreen deciduous forest along streams and gullies. Common species are trees of the families Dipterocarpaceae, Fagaceae and Magnoliaceae.

Wildlife in the park includes common muntjac, wild boar, macaque and other small mammals. More than 300 species of birds can be seen here, including red junglefowl, pheasants, eagles, parrots, bulbuls and minivets. Rare species of amphibian, the crocodile salamander that can be found in only four localities in Thailand, one in Doi Suthep.

Tourist Attractions

A memorial statue to Cruba Sriwichai

It is situated at the base of the mountain welcomes pilgrims and travellers asike. Cruba Sriwichai was a teacher and a forest monk. He was a very wise man and the spiritual leader of the local people. People still come to this site to pay homage to Cruba Sriwichai before they ascend the mountain to make merit at Wat Pratat Doi Suthep, which is the spiritual center of Chiang Mai.
Activities : - Historical Sight Seeing

Doipui Peak

Nature trail study - Bird Watching
Activities : - Nature trail study - Bird Watching

Huey Kaew Waterfall

It is located near the Cruba Sriwichai Memorial, not far from the main road. You can walk to Wang Bua Ban, a beautiful pool at the base of Pha Ngoeb Criff.
Activities : - Bird Watching - Waterfall Traveling

Mae Sa Waterfall

This waterfall is a lovely set of nine falls that a good flow of water all year long. A distance of 100 to 500 meters separates all the falls.
Activities : - Bird Watching - Waterfall Traveling

Monthathan Waterfall

This place is a beautiful, nine-tiered waterfall that flows over a cliff. It is about 3 kilometers from Huay Kaew Waterfall.
Activities : - Bird Watching - Waterfall Traveling

Mork Fa Waterfall

One of a nice waterfall in Mae Tang District. Travelling on Chiang Mai - Fang (Road number 107) and keep to the left on Mae Malai - Pai (Road number 1095) about 58 kilometers. Moreover there are Mork Fa Cave and Nature trail near the fall.
Activities : - Nature trail study - Waterfall Traveling

Pratad Doi Suthep Temple

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province Thailand.The temple is often referred to as Doi Suthep although this is actually the name of the mountain it is located on. The temple is located 15 km from the city of Chiang Mai and is a sacred site to many Thai people. From the temple impressive views of Chiang Mai can be seen and it remains a popular destination of foreign visitors.
Activities : - Historical Sight Seeing - Cultural Sight Seeing - View

Pupingrachaniwet Palace

The Bhubing Palace is located on Doi Buak Ha, Muang District, Chiang Mai Province. It is the royal winter residence in Chiang Mai where the Royal family stays during seasonal visits to the people in the northern part of Thailand. The palace is also the royal guesthouse for prominent state visitors from abroad. In the past Their Majesties welcomed or granted royal audience to State visitors only in the capital of Bangkok. Bhubing Palace was built in 1961. The construction started initially with only the royal resident building and the guesthouse. The other buildings were additionally built on later dates. Phra Tamnak Bhubing Rajanives was built in northern Thai architectural style called “Ruen Mu” (Group of Houses). The building sits on stilts. The upper floor is the royal residential area while the ground floor houses the royal entourage. The building master plan was design by Prince Samaichalerm Kridagara while Mom Rachawongse Mitrarun Kasemsri designed the building. The construction of the Palace was undertaken by the Crown Property Bureau, under the supervision of Prince Samaichalerm Kridagara, assisted by Mom Mom Rachawongse Mitrarun Kasemsri and Mr. Pradit Yuwapukka. General Luang Kampanath Saenyakorn, the Privy Councilor was assigned to lay foundation stone on August 24, 1961 at 10.49 am. The Construction took 5 months to complete. The first royal visitors to stay at the palace were King Federick the Ninth and Queen Ingrid of Denmark on their royal visit to Thailand in January 1962 For more information Bhubing Palace
Activities : - View - flowers admiring - Bird Watching - Butterfly Watching - Historical Sight Seeing

San Ku

In 1983, The Fine Arts Department began excavation and restoration work on San Ku at the wish of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirinchorn who had learnt that this ancient, historical site had been looted and ravaged for a long time. Before restoration, San Ku was an ancient earth mound densely covered by trees. When earth and soil were removed, remains of chedi and wihan bases appeared. Exploration of the pit in the middle of the chedi base revealed many important historical artifacts. It was estimated that San Ku dates from 13th century A.D.
Activities : - Butterfly Watching - Historical Sight Seeing - flowers admiring - View - Bird Watching

Tard Mork Waterfall

It is far from Mae Rim District about 14 kilometers on Mae Rim - Sa Meung Road. It’s a quiet and moist forest especially in hot season.
Activities : - Bird Watching - Waterfall Traveling

Trail

Cultural Sight Seeing - Bird Watching - Nature trail study - Waterfall
Activities : - Cultural Sight Seeing - Camping - flowers admiring - Nature trail study - Biking Trail - Bird Watching

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
P.O.Box 99, Amphur Muang Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Thailand 50200

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park covers the areas of Sanpatong District, Chomthong District, Mae Chaem District, Mae Wang District, and Toi Lor Sub-district of Chiang Mai Province within an approximate area of 482 square kilometers or 301,500 rai. The National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand and the source of many rivers such as Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power. The National Park has beautiful natural scenery such as waterfalls, particularly Mae Ya Waterfall, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand.

Topography
The geographical features of the National Park consists of high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountaintop in Thailand (2,565 meters above the sea level), followed by Doi Huamodluang (2,330 meters above the sea level). Doi Inthanon is the source of many rivers including Mae Klang, Mae Pakong, Mae Pon, Mae Hoi, Mae Ya, Mae Chaem, Mae Khan, and being part of Ping River, where the Bhumipol Dam is situated and generating the electrical power.

Climate
Since the National Park is located at 2,565 meters above the sea level, it has cold weather and high humidity throughout the year, particularly on the top of the National Park. In winter, the temperature at the National Park is below 0„ac. And in summer, despite hot weather in central Chiang Mai and nearby districts, it is still freezing on the top of Doi Inthanon and tourists should be prepared with thick clothes.

Flora and Fauna
In general, the National Park contains alternate areas of vast lands and forests since tribesmen opened up wasteland for cultivation. (It can be seen from both sides to the top of Doi Inthanon that the mountains are all reclaimed unlike other national parks).

Doi Inthanon National Park has varieties of forests, including virgin forests, pinery, timber forests, and mixed forests. Economic plants available in the National Park include teak, Malabar Ironwood, pine, timber, Dipterocarpus Intricatus (Hiang), ebony, Xylia Xylocarpa (redwood plants), Leguminosae (Pradoo), Terminalia Arjuna (Rokfa), Afzelia Bijuga (Maka), Black Wood, Michelia Alba, Lagerstroemia (Tabaek), etc. Moreover, there are varieties of beautiful wild flowers such as Fah-mui, Chang Daeng, Rongtao Naree (wild orchids), and wild roses. Meanwhile, moss, Kao Tok Ruesi, and Osmunda can be found everywhere.

The number of wild animals in the National Park is decreasing since tribesmen hunt them and forests are reclaimed for dwellings, as a result, some species of large animals become extinct. At present, some surviving animals include goral, deer, tigers, wild boars, bears, wild rabbits, and wild fowls.

Tourist Attractions

Borichinda Cave

This impressive limestone cave has a gigantic entrance camber and tower and a scene huge chamber with a skylight opening to the surface. This cave has a medium-size, which has beautiful stalagmite, is situated in the middle of deciduous forest. It takes about one hour walk from the main road.
Activities : - Nature trail study - Cave/Geological Touring

Doi Inthanon Mountain Peak

Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in the country. There is cold temperature all the year round and has stupa of Phra Chao Intharawichayanon, the king of ancient Chiangmai.
Activities : - flowers admiring - Bird Watching - Historical Sight Seeing - View - Nature trail study

Mae Klang Waterfall

Mae Klang Waterfall is located in the east of the National Park, approximately 8 kilometers away from Chom Thong - Doi Inthanon Road, then make a left hand turn for 1 kilometer until reaching the Waterfall. This waterfall is very popular among Thai and foreigners who come to swim, picnic and relax. The rapid stream and waterfall spill over the area produce cool and pleasant for visitors.
Activities : - View - Waterfall Traveling - Historical Sight Seeing

Mae Pang Waterfall Group

At Km. 6.6 on the Mae Chaem road is the turn-off to Mae Pang Waterfall. The laterite access road descends about two kilometers to the Mae Chaem Ranger Station and camp-ground, and is suitable for any vehicle although the road can be slippery on the uphill after a heavy rain. The area is quiet, of the beaten track, and can be described as the backcountry of Doi Inthanon Park. It offers a rewarding loop hike of 1 to 2 hours through untouched terrain with small waterfalls and tumbling creeks along most of the route. You can walk along the whole loop since it is largely un-marked, but any visitor can walk the 800 meters to Mae Pang waterfall and back again, as wall as the 200 meters to Huay Sai Luaeng waterall (just beyond the camp-ground).
Activities : - flowers admiring - Waterfall Traveling - Butterfly Watching - Nature trail study - Bird Watching

Mae Ya Waterfall

Mae Ya Waterfall is a large waterfall of 260 meters high, located in the south of the National Park. The Waterfall originated in Mae Ya Gully. Many tourists claimed that the Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand since the Waterfall is like a combination of different waterfalls. The Waterfall can be accessed from the right hand side of Chomthong-Hod Road, then, follow the guide posts.
Activities : - Waterfall Traveling - flowers admiring - Butterfly Watching

Phra Mahathat Chedi

At Km. 41.5 of Chomthong-Doi Inthanon Road, there are Phra Mahathat Chedi Nophamethanidol and Phra Mahathat Noppholbhumisiri built for presenting to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit by Thai Air Force.
Activities : - View - Historical Sight Seeing - flowers admiring

Siriphum Waterfall

The Waterfall was formerly called “Lao Lee Waterfall”, which was named after the headman of a nearby tribesman village. After that Mr.Ror.Vor. Jakthong Thongyai, a former Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, named the Waterfall “Siriphum” to enhance the prestige of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. The Waterfall is located near km 31, Chomthong-Doi Inthanon Raod
Activities : - flowers admiring - Butterfly Watching - Bird Watching - Waterfall Traveling - View

Siritan Waterfall

This waterfall is 81 km. from Chiang Mai. Take the route 108, Chiang Mai - Hod and turn left at 58 th km. and continue on Chomg Tong - Doi Intanon for 23 km. you will reach Siritan Waterfall. The 100 meters trail in the Montain Rainforest will brighten up your day.
Activities : - Bird Watching - View - Butterfly Watching - Waterfall Traveling

Vachiratharn Waterfall

Vachiratharn Waterfall (or “Muangyong Waterfall”) is a 70-meter-high waterfall, having originated in Mae Klang Gully and being located near km 22, Chomthong-Doi Inthanon Raod. At the Waterfall, there are many caves; and the most beautiful one is Borijinda Cave, a large cave with stalactite and stalagmite, located in the east of the National Park.
Activities : - View - Bird Watching - Waterfall Traveling

Wang Kwai Waterfall

This waterfall has cold pleasant water which is suitable for swimming. Visitors can take route 00, Chiang Mai - Hod, turn right to route 00, Chom Tong - Doi Inthanon at 58 km. and proceed for another 9.7 km.
Activities : - Bird Watching - Butterfly Watching - Nature trail study - Waterfall Traveling - View

Contact Address
Doi Inthanon National ParkAmphur Chom Thong Chiang Mai Thailand 50160

How to go?
By Car
From Chiang Mai, take route 108 towards Chomthong. At km.57 (1 kilometer before arrive to Amphur Chomthong) take a right on route 1009 (Chomthong-Doi Inthanon Road). At km.31 of this road is the Park Headquater.

Temples in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai's temples are perhaps the most interesting of its many attractions. Unlike Bangkok, where few temples are more than 200 years old, some temples in Chiang Mai are as old as the city, which celebrated it's 700th anniversary in 1996.

The one temple every first-time visitor absolutely, positively must see is the mountain-top Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep The temple is a "must see" not only for its importance as a pilgrimage temple, but also for the outstanding views it affords of the city and its surrounding plain, when the weather cooperates. A trip to the temple is usually combined with a stop at the royal Phu Phing Palace and the Doi Pui Maeo village.

Wat Chedi Luang

In its day, Wat Chedi Luang must have been the most impressive temple in Chiang Mai. Built about 600 years ago, the huge chedi which give the temple its name must have soared high above the surrounding city.

Wat Chiang Man

Probably the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, Wat Chiang Man is located near the Changpuek gate in the city's northern wall.

Wat Chiang Yuan

Although possibly very old, this temple just outside the northern moat was well maintained by the Burmese and Shan communities.

Wat Gate

Its not in any of the major guidebooks, but we think this temple on the east bank of the Ping River is definitely worth a visit. Don't miss the temple's museum, with hundreds of photographs showing life in Chiang Mai as much as a 100 years ago.

Wat Jed Yod

Slightly out of town on the northern loop of the ring road, this late 15th century temple was built to host the Eighth World Buddhist council. Wat Jed Yod is unlike just about any other Thai temple. Its also next to the National Museum, so you can easily spend an afternoon viewing the temple and the museum.

Wat Pan Tao

Next to Wat Chedi Luang is a small interesting temple called Wat Pan Tao, which means "to increase 1,000 times." The temple was built around the same time as Wat Chedi Luang, in the late fourteenth century. It was one of four monastic temples serving the royal temple.

Wat Pra Sing

Within the walls of the old city, Wat Pra Sing was started in the mid-14th century. The Buddha image which gives the temple its name is one of the most revered in Northern Thailand.

Wat Suan Dok

Just outside of the town walls on Suthep road, Wat Suan Dok is interesting for its large open-air sala and its many reliquaries containing the ashes of Chiang Mai's royal family.

Chiang Mai History

Chiang Mai History

The Historic Capital Of Lanna Chiang Mai Rose of the North is located in a board fertile basin of Ping river, about 700 km north of Bangkok. Regarding as the principal city of the northern region, Chiang Mai consists of distinctive culture and various ethnic group along with beautiful scenery of natural environment. Nowadays, Chiang mai is the commercial, educational,and travel center. Among the modern civilization, there are still numerous remaining of its long and glorious culture. Moreover the hospitality of people, old local traditions and belief and a hundred of monuments are very unique.

Chiangmai is an old city with a proud history. It was founded by King Mengrai who united several tribes and named the new land as Lanna Kingdom. In 1259, he governed the throne and built Chiangrai as his capital in 1262. In 1291, he decided to build a new city as the capital of Lanna Kingdom. He invited King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai Kingdom, and King Ngam Nuang of Phayao Kingdom, both were his close friends, to help select a site for the new city.

They decided to build the new city on a fertile plainbetween Doi Suthep Mountain and the bank of thePing River.The new city was completed, surroundedby a moat and wall, in 1296. It was named Nopphaburi Si Nakhonping Chiangmai.

Chiang Mai was the capital of Lanna Kingdom for a long time. It was attacked frequently and finally came under the control of Ayuthaya, then Burma. In 1774, King Taksin the Great of Thailand recovered it from the Burmese. Since then Chiang Mai province has been a part of Thailand.

National Museum Bangkok

NATIONAL MUSEUM BANGKOK
Originally the Personal Museum of King Rama IV with a collection of antiques and Royal Gifts, King Rama V subsequently opened the Sahathai Samakom Pavilion (Concordia Tower) in the Grand Palace grounds as a Public Museum. It was then moved to three palace buildings in he Front Palace (Wang Na). King Rama VII then Save over all buildings in the Front Palace to be he Bangkok Museum.Exhibition areas are split into three groups:

Gallery of Thai Nation: From the Kingdom of Sukhothai to the Rattanakosin period, in the Sivamokhaphiman Hall.

History of Art and Archaeology in Thailand: Divided into two periods: Prehistory, at the back of the Sivamokhaphiman Hall, and the Historical period, exhibiting sculpture from the 15th century 80 to the Rattanakosin period at the Prapat Pipitthapan Building, with sculpture from before this period on display in the Maha Surasinghanat Building.

Fine Arts and Ethnology: Includes displays of musical instruments, nielloware, gold, mother-of -pearl inlay, wood carvings, old textiles, khon masks, puppets, etc. in the group of palace buildings.

Funeral Chariot Hall: Displays funeral carriages such as Phra Mahaphichai Ratcharot, Vejjayantra Ratcharot, the Small Carriage (Ratcharot Noi) and other paraphernalia of Royal Cremations.

In the past, the Front Palace was of secondary importance only to the main palace, and was the residence of Somdet Chao Phraya Maha Surasinghanat, the heir apparent. The many buildings inside include Bhuddhaisawan Chapel, Tamnak Daeng (Red House), Mungkhalaphisek Pavilion, and Sala Longsong Pavilion, considered to be "outstanding examples of traditional Thai architecture."