Thailand’s second largest city after its capital is most beautiful and ancient city of the northern province of the same name name – Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai), that in Russian sounds like “new fortress”. City, founded in the 13th century as the capital then independent kingdom of Lang, located among the mountains – Doi Intani (Doi Inthanon) and Doi Suthep.
Today, despite the forced industrial development and a relatively short distance from it to the current the capital, the city still retains its old-world charm.
First of all, this is due to the development of private handicrafts, among which the leading place is Its exclusive look is green ceramics. In addition, local craftsmen produce unique silver products, lacquered miniatures, hand-painted paper umbrellas and much another.
The primordial spirit of Chiang Mai is given, inhabiting it, exotic tribes that have preserved the traditional tribal way of life.
In addition, there is a large number (about three hundred) ancient Buddhist temples (Vata) and other historical monuments. Here are some of them:
- Wat Phra Singh, created in 1345. Famous for being the precious Buddha Phra Singh.
- A little later, in 1383, at the top of Mount Doi Suthep was erected Wat Prahat Doi Suthep (Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep). Is interesting history of its formation. According to legend, this place has an elephant the back of which was attached to the sarcophagus with the ashes of the Buddha, began to walk in circles and frantically trumpeting into the trunk that the locals felt for commemoration and buried here the holy relics. And on the spot burials erected a temple.
- At the very beginning of the 15th century, Wat Chedi was erected Luang), which adjoins the largest in Thailand monumental relic storage facility – stupa (or chedi) and etc.
Staircase to the temple of Wat Doi Suthep
All this together with the cordial hospitality of the locals, exotic cuisine and colorful celebrations and festivals makes The city is a cherished goal for tourists from all over the world. Here I would like to a little stop at reviewing festivals that take place in city on a regular basis. It:
- Loy Kratong – the reward of honors to the God of water, for why people launch boats from banana leaves into the water, decorated with candles. This festival is held, usually in November and always at full moon.
- During the flowering of tropical plants that accounts for The first weekend of February, the city held a flower festival where the flowers appear in all their original glory and diversity.
- And in the middle of April there are celebrations of the Thai New Year. Songkran, the main event of which is a douche cold water.
Kratong float on the water, taking away all the troubles away
Flower Festival of Thailand, parade carts
Having been to Chiang Mai once, you can’t help falling in love with him! Yes, here there is no sea, but this is even a plus, since there are no packages for this yet tourists, and the atmosphere here is special, not at all touristy and without the smell of money.
If you are going to visit Chiang Mai and are looking for accommodation, I remind you That we have a review of Chiang Mai’s 22 guesthouses. Or you can search and book a hotel in Chiang Mai on RoomGuru.
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