Chiang Mai Province
Chiang Mai province the historical of northern south-east Asia,a fertile region of Mountains,valays and rivers where peoples from China, Laos, Myanmar(Burmar) and Thailand long traded goods and ideas in a fusion of cultures.This blend has been further enlivened by the presence of tribal societies such as the Hmong(Mien) whose ethnic heritage knows no fixed political boundaries.
In the pass centuries Chian mai served as an entrepot for a flourishing caravan in opium.Silk and Timber.At the moment after Our Great King Bhumiphol was solve problem hill tribe people plant opium by King Royal project change to give them career by, give them vegetable seeds, Fruit, and coffee buy their vegetables back from them to sell in the King Royal projects shop and sell for hi class hotel and restaurant.Today it is Thailand's second-largest city and the north's principal hup for tourism,transport,education cross-border commerce.In a period of rapid development ,Chiang Mai - crowned to the west by Doi Suthep mountain and its sacred temple,and center on a moat old town - has manage to retain its charm and laid-back feel.find ancient Chedi(stupa) side by side with modern architecture, a delicious and distinctive cuisine,accommodation ranging from back-packing digs to boutique hotels,as well as great shopping,pampering spas and myriad of courses to try out.
Outside of provincial capital,Chiang Mai province boasts more natural forest cover than any other province in the north. In addition,two of Thailand's highest mountain peaks are in Chiang Mai province : Doi Inthanon (2565m) and Doi Chiang Dao (2195m). Cycling,hiking,elephant trekking,bird-watching and river rafting attract those interested in Chiang Mai Province's natural surrounds, while visitors keen on learning more about the region,fascinating ethnic minorities can visit semi-remote villages on mountain slopes.
One of many questions Thais may ask foreigner visiting Thailand is 'Have you been to Chiang Mai yet? , underscoring the feeling that Chang Mai is a keystone of any journey of Thailand. Along with Sukhothai further south, it was the first Southeast Asian stare to make the historic transition from domination by Mon and Khmer cultures to a new era rule by Thais.
Chiang Mai has always had many feathers to its bow with its cultural riches, relative peacefulness, fantastic handicraft shopping, delicious food and proximity to many natural treasures. Changes are afoot however,with the city becoming some where to watch in the style stake. Chic Thai-style boutique hotels are popping up every where, and one look at trendsetters setting up shop (and bar and restaurants), particularly in the Nimmanhaemin area, shows that the city's identity is changing. Yet, the northern capital still manages to retain the relaxed, temple-sprinkled, cultural capital atmosphere of yore, alongside these new hip happenings.with its many and varied attractions,the days of Chiang Mai just being a quick stop off point before heading to the hills are long gone.
Orientation
The old city of Chiang Mai is a neat square bounded by moats and partial walls. Moon Muang road, along the eastern moat, is the centre for cheap accommodation and eateries. Tha pae road runs east from the middle of this side and crosses Ping river, changing into Charoen Muang. The trendy Nimmanhaemin area is west of the old city. The train station nd the main post office are further down Charoen Muang road, a fair distante from the city centre. There are two intercity bus terminals in Chiang Mai , one near Chang Pheuak (white Elelephant Gate, and a larger one called Chiang Mai Arcade.
Several of Chiang Mai's important temples are within the moat area,but there are others to the north and west. Doi Duthep rises up to the west of the city and from its temples you get a fine view over the city.
