Chiang Mai is the gateway to northern Thailand. With a population of over 170,000, it's Thailand's fifth-largest city. Located amidst the rolling foothills of the Himalayan Mountains 700 km north of Bangkok, it could only be reached by an arduous river journey or an elephant back trip until the 1920's, isolation that has helped Chiang Mai retain its distinctive charm. The city rests on a plain at an elevation of 316 meters, and while greener and quieter than the capital of Bangkok, has a cosmopolitan air. Known as the "Rose of the North", its home to a significant number of foreigners.
Founded in 1296 AD, culturally rich Chiang Mai is the longest continuously inhabited settlement from the ancient days of Siam. Chiang Mai's historical center is the walled city (chiang in Thai, hence Chiang Mai - "New Walled City"). Sections of the wall remain at the gates and corners, as well as a moat.
More than 30 Buddhist temples, dating back to the founding of the city, remain inside Chiang Mai's city walls. The temples tempt visitors with a variety of architecture consisting of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna / Thai styles. Beautiful woodcarvings, Naga staircases, leonine and angelic guardians, gilded umbrellas and pagodas laced with gold filigree comprise some of the temples' visual delights. The most famous, Doe Suthep overlooks Chiang Mai from a mountainside 13 km to the west.
Chiang Mai plays host to numerous festivals including Loi Krathong (Lantern festival) seen at left.
John Brown Photojournalist On LIGHTSTALKERS
My Mondo Library Photography
My Photoshelter Photography Archive Homepage
Founded in 1296 AD, culturally rich Chiang Mai is the longest continuously inhabited settlement from the ancient days of Siam. Chiang Mai's historical center is the walled city (chiang in Thai, hence Chiang Mai - "New Walled City"). Sections of the wall remain at the gates and corners, as well as a moat.
More than 30 Buddhist temples, dating back to the founding of the city, remain inside Chiang Mai's city walls. The temples tempt visitors with a variety of architecture consisting of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna / Thai styles. Beautiful woodcarvings, Naga staircases, leonine and angelic guardians, gilded umbrellas and pagodas laced with gold filigree comprise some of the temples' visual delights. The most famous, Doe Suthep overlooks Chiang Mai from a mountainside 13 km to the west.
Chiang Mai plays host to numerous festivals including Loi Krathong (Lantern festival) seen at left.
John Brown Photojournalist On LIGHTSTALKERS
My Mondo Library Photography
My Photoshelter Photography Archive Homepage
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