|
|
Chiang
Mai:
Chiang Mai lies in Thailand’s northern mountainous region,
some 700 km/440 miles from Bangkok in the fertile valley of the Ping
river. It was once a major religious, cultural and trading center.
Chiang Mai is considered a national Shangrila because of its scenic
beauty, distinctive festivals and ancient temples dating from the
1300s giving it a cultural personality all its own. It was built in
the Thirteenth century and is Thailand’s second largest city. Chiang
means “walled city” and Mai “new”. It was over run several times by
the Burmese, reverting finally to Thailand in 1932.
Many
Hill tribes live in the mountains each with its distinctive ceremonial
attire, rituals, dances language and c ustoms. 2 to 7 days jungle treks on foot, horse- or elephant-back
or 4-wd vehicles are available through the forests, mountains and
villages.
Wat
Chiang Man is Chiang Mai’s oldest temple and was built by king Mengrai,
the founder of Chiang Mai in 1296. Two famous Buddha images can be
seen here, one being the crystal Buddha. There are s everal
wats or temples in Chiang Mai. Wat Phra Singh built in 1345 has a
1500 year-old Buddha is very well preserved. Wat Chedi Luang is the
site of an enormous pagoda which once housed the revered Emerald Buddha
(now enshrined in Bangkok). Wat Jet Yot (seven spires) lies near the
Chiang Mai Museum, said to be modeled after the Mahabodi Temple in
Bodh Gaya (India) where Buddha received enlightenment. The National
Museum has a large collection of North Thai works of art, ancient
Buddha images, and weapons. The Wat Phra is Chiang Mai’s most visible
landmark, overlooking the city from its mountain backdrop 15 km (10
miles) from town at 3 520
ft., built in 1383. A steep staircase (about 200 steps) with carved
dragons on either side leads up to the temple. The golden pagoda of
the temple contains holy relics of the Buddha and so draws many pilgrims.
The Phu Phing palace beyond the temple has lovely gardens, which are
open to the public when the Royal family is not in residence. About
4 km (1 mile) from the palace is the Doi Pui Tribal village of the
Meo
tribe’s, which showcases tribal life and contains an interesting opium
museum.
The
night bazaar is a great place to pick up gifts and bargain to your
hearts content. Hand made pewter ware, gold jewelry, silver tribal
jewelry, finely crafted silverware and lacquer ware and Chiang Mais
famous painted paper umbrellas make shopping interesting.
Silk,
silver and wood handicrafts add to the citys fame, making her
one of Thailand's prime tourist attractions.
|
|