Stay in our Chiang Mai accommodation and experience the amazing culture, architecture and natural surrounding of this city which was founded in 1296 by King Meng Rai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The city was not only the capital and cultural centre of the Kingdom but also the main centre of Buddhism on northern Thailand. King Meng Rai founded many impressive temples which still exist today and are a must see for visitors. The city also contains interesting examples of Burmese architecture, which are relics of the time when Burma conquered Chiang Mai form 1556 until the end of the 18th century. Chiang Mai is a fascinating destination because until the late 1920s the city was only accessible by river and elephants and this isolation meant that its landmarks are well preserved.
Chiang Mai has many temples, each with something different to offer. Highlights include: Wat Chiang Man, which was built by King Mengrai in 1296 and boasts a chedi built in the Lanna style supported by elephant-shaped buttresses; Thailand's most revered Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Sihing, at Wat Phra Sing; Wat Chedi Luang, which boasts Chiang Mai's largest chedi, built in the 14th century; Wat Suan Dok, which boasts a 500 year old bronze Buddha image. A definite must-see for visitors is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perhaps the area's most famous landmark. This temple was built in 1383, on a mountain approximately 1073m above sea level. In the middle of a marble-tiled courtyard stands a gold-plated chedi, adorned with parasols, which houses holy Buddha relics.
While staying in our Chiang Mai hotels, visit some of the many museums preserving Chiang Mai's cultural heritage: the Tribal Museum in the Mae Rim District, features artistic objects conveying the culture, beliefs and way of life of the nine local indigenous hill tribes; the Chiang Mai Cultural Centre, in the Mueang district, has an excellent collection of Lanna art; and the Chiang Mai National Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the art and culture of Chiang Mai and upper northern Thailand and the Lanna Kingdom, and was built in the traditional Lanna style.
While staying in our Chiang Mai accommodation take a trip to some of the beautiful National Parks in the province, offering amazing walks through dense jungle, up mountains and by waterfalls. Chiang Mai also boasts Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon, which is 2575m above sea level. Check out some of the local markets in the Mueang district. Handmade products and cloths from local villages are hill tribes are for sale at the night Bazaar and every Sunday a large market is held on Ratchadamneon Rd, inside the old city.
