Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Travel guide - Travel in Chiang Mai

Travel in Chiang Mai

The largest city in northern Thailand and the capital of Chiang Mai. The political, economic and cultural center of northern Thailand. Located on both sides of Bin River. Population 102,000 (1980). The land on the outskirts of the city is fertile and the agricultural products are rich. Since 1296, it has been the capital of the Lanna Dynasty (or "South Palm"). The old city is on the west side of the river and the new city is on the east side of the river. They are connected by two bridges. Famous for its handicrafts, including jewelry, silverware, pottery, wood carvings, silk, etc. The industry includes teak preliminary processing and sawing. It has developed transportation and is the terminal station of the Northern Line Railway, 752 kilometers away from Bangkok. There is an airport. There are colleges and universities such as Chiang Mai University (), Institute of Technology, and College of Agriculture. There are about a hundred temples in the city, including the Qingmen Temple built in the 13th century. On the outskirts of the city, there is a Buddhist temple built in the 16th century on Mount Suthep, which is a holy place of worship for Buddhists from all over the world. The tourism industry is developed.

Chiang Mai is famous for its "beauties and roses". It is located in a plateau basin 300 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains. It has a cool climate, beautiful scenery, numerous historical sites and prosperous commerce. It is a famous summer resort in Southeast Asia. resort. This small town is quiet and elegant, the air is clean and fresh, and breathing is like kissing a lover's cheek. There are no gentle beaches to kill time here, no luxury shopping malls with crazy shopping, but only almost frozen time and a tranquility that makes people feel extremely comfortable. You can take a leisurely stroll in the ancient city without any destination, or you can trek through the jungle and go crazy shopping at the weekend night market. Noisy and peaceful are naturally combined in this city. Come to Chiang Mai, experience the unique cultural history of the former Lanna Kingdom, and smell this elegant northern Thai rose.

WatPhuakHong

WatPhuakHong? Lanna style monastery. However, the key attraction of this temple is the rare conical 7-story pagoda behind the house. It was built in 1517 AD. There are 52 Buddhist niches on the pagoda, in which the meditating Buddha sits. This shape may be influenced by the Chinese pagoda. The base layer also has There is a circle of ceramic decoration! There are two other similar towers in Chiang Mai, one at Wat Rampoeng and the other at Chedi Prong.

WatBuppHaram

WatBuppHaram is just opposite the Holy Fang Temple. It was built with King MuangKaew in 1497 AD, when Buddhism was most prosperous in the Lanna Dynasty. , is a temple that mixes Burmese and Lanna styles. The most attractive thing in the temple is the ancient small wooden monastery, which has a history of more than 300 years. It was restored at the end of the 19th century. The house is still in its original state. The detailed stucco decoration on the eaves and columns is still exciting, and it is a bit tilted. The front door makes people feel like they are getting old. Next to the small wooden monastery is a larger monastery with a history of 200 years. Walking on the path between the two monasteries, I feel nostalgic for the past. The newly built monastery on the left is colorful and resplendent. It looks like two different temples from the old monastery. The pediment with the golden bird walking on it is particularly worth a closer look. There is a large pagoda at the back of the temple. Its white appearance and huge body are quite majestic.

Orchid Garden

Although orchids are not the national flower of Thailand, they are the most commonly used flowers for Thai people to welcome guests and decorate. There are hundreds of types of orchids, such as plum blossoms near Chiang Mai. There are many orchid cultivation farms in Sashan Villa, which exhibit and sell all kinds of orchids. The farm also cultivates orchid seedlings in vacuum bottles for tourists to carry. In addition, there are also gold-plated, silver-plated, and glue-coated pins made of real flowers, which are particularly vivid and are also a good choice for gifts.

Chedi Luang Temple

As soon as you enter Chedi Luang Temple, you feel like you are in the mountains, surrounded by woods. The only popular things are the stalls at the entrance and the trees. motto. Along the path, you can pass through caves that ancient people wanted to use. The mottos on the roadside are the best companions. They are all marked in Thai and English. They are some poems that are profound and touching, such as: "Love is a Flower garden to be watered." by tears". After passing through this forest, there is a herbal garden on the left. Some medicinal plants are planted along the road, and behind are some Buddha statues scattered on the grass. Among them is a large Buddha head with a cheerful expression. , covered with moss. After seeing the spiritual pillar in the temple, turn right and you will see three straight caves, which can be connected inside. Monks used to practice here, but they have been re-paved and open to the general public. There are several statues at each end of the three caves. The Buddha statue is for people to worship. The fate of the cave is difficult. It was abandoned, destroyed by the Japanese army and robbed by thieves. It is said that there were murals in the cave from the 14th to 15th centuries, but they have disappeared.

WatKuTao Temple

The full name of WatKuTao Temple is "WatWeruWanKuTao", "Weru" means "bamboo", and "Wan" is the shape of the bowl, so all It means "the bowl-shaped pagoda where the ashes are buried next to the bamboo forest". There are indeed several rows of bamboo groves in Gudao Temple, but the biggest attraction is the unusual tower, which consists of five monk-like bowl-shaped objects and is covered with colorful glass pieces.

Chiang Mai Architecture

Lampang

Lampang (LamPang?) is located 100 kilometers southeast of Chiang Mai. It has an elegant environment and is famous for its beauties. It is home to the concentration of Burmese temples. It is also the only provincial capital in Thailand that still retains the use of horse-drawn carriages as a means of transportation. The Lampang Luan Temple (PhraDhat Hairpoonchai) here has a luxurious exhibition hall built in 1925. The main entrance is covered with gold foil, which is extremely luxurious. There are two bronze Buddha statues in the main hall. Qili Sao Buddhist Temple is a famous temple with 20 pagodas standing side by side. It is said that those who visit the temple will get good luck if they can count 20 pagodas. Not far south from Lampang Province is Thailand’s Cotton Weaving Center Village. Thai cotton is abundant here, and there are about 2,000 hand-spinning machines in the village. It is a famous cotton fabric producing area. Shuanglong Temple, which houses the relics of the Buddha

Shuanglong Temple in Suthep Mountain

Suthep Mountain, located 16 kilometers west of Chiang Mai, with an altitude of 1,667 meters, is Chiang Mai’s natural Lookout. Phra Suthep Temple is one of the main tourist spots on the mountain and is the symbol of Chiang Mai city. The local Chinese call this mountain "Yuxian Mountain" or "Huixian Mountain", and it is famous for the famous Suthep Temple on the mountain. The hillside is covered with five-color roses, and the top of the mountain is surrounded by white clouds, creating a beautiful scenery. Climbing to the top of the mountain, you can have a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city.

Shuanglong Temple is located on the top of Mount Suthep. It was built in 1383 and is also known as the 'Relic Buddha Temple'. It is called Shuanglong Temple because there is a 500-meter-long dragon carved on both sides of the stone steps outside the temple gate, which is very spectacular. It is called the Buddhist Relic Temple because there is a golden pagoda built in the 16th century in the temple. It is said that the pagoda contains the relics of the Buddha Sakyamuni, so it is regarded as a holy place. The emperors of the Chiang Mai Dynasty all revered this temple and often came here to worship. There is an endless stream of believers from all over the world who come here to worship. A grand Buddhist ceremony is held here from June to July every year.

Phra Singh Temple

Phra Singh Temple (Wat Phra Singh), also translated as Phra Singh Temple, also known as Shuanglong Temple or Relic Buddhist Temple, is a famous tourist attraction in Thailand and the largest in Chiang Mai. The Buddhist temple, together with Wat Chedi Luang (Wat Chedi Luang?), is the most noble temple in Chiang Mai. Located to the west of the ancient city of Chiang Mai, at the end of Ratchadamnoen Road, it was first built in 1345 by King Menglai and later expanded several times to reach its current size. The Pasin Buddha statue enshrined in the temple is said to have been introduced from Ceylon more than 600 years ago.

The temple is surrounded by green pines and cypresses and towering ancient trees. Two giant dragons inlaid with colored glass pieces and fan-shaped glazed small tiles, each with seven large and small dragon heads, dominate both sides of the stone steps. High and majestic. The dragon's body, which is about 150 meters long, rises and falls with the stone steps, stretching all the way to the entrance of the Buddhist temple. The stone steps overlap each other, with 309 steps, just like the Buddhist dragon path, which is very spectacular. There are four Buddhist halls in the temple, east, west, north and south, each connected by a long corridor, forming a square shape. There is a golden Buddha in each hall, and the Lai Gan Hall in the main hall houses the three most spiritual Buddha statues in northern Thailand. In the center of the temple is a large golden pagoda about 20 meters high. It was built in the 16th century. It is said that the pagoda contains the sacred relics (relics) of the Buddha Sakyamuni. Emperors of the Chiang Mai Dynasty all revered this temple and often came here to worship. On the right side is the seven-spiral tower in the form of a high bed, which is known as the essence of Thai architecture. From April 13th to 15th every year, Wat Phra Sing is one of the main places where people celebrate the Water Splashing Festival.

Miao Village

The Miao Village is located near Peishan, Thailand, not far from Puping Palace. Since the village is located on a mountain, the road up the mountain is very rugged and difficult. As one of the only six existing mountain ethnic groups in Thailand, local villagers still retain the dressing style of ethnic minorities. Some Miao people understand Chinese expressions better. The Miao people make a living by farming and live a very simple and simple life. The locals make a living by selling tourist souvenirs, allowing tourists to experience the unique flavor of this simple and unpretentious life. The poppy flower, known as the most beautiful flower in the world, is here. The petals of this flower are particularly bright and beautiful, but the horror hidden under this beauty is daunting. The fruit of the flower is the raw material of drugs. Here you can visit the ethnic museum in the ethnic village, which displays the folk culture of Thailand's six mountain ethnic groups.

Other attractions

The only remaining northern Thai temple, Wat Chiang Man, Doi Inthanon, the Thai beauty of Phuping Palace, Marsa Valley, Old Chiang Mai, Chayut Temple, Tribal Research Center, Peishan Miao Village, Northern Thailand Cultural Park, Chiang Mai Botanical Garden, Chiang Mai Zoo, Chiang Mai National Museum, Chiang Man Temple, Duyingsana National Forest Park.

Scenic spots along the way

As a famous summer resort in Southeast Asia, the best travel season in Chiang Mai is from June to October every year. However, you need to pay attention to the weather forecast and avoid continuous rainy days.

Chiang Mai is located in a mountainous area, located on a plateau basin 300 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by mountains and clear rivers flow through the city. It has a cool climate, lush trees and colorful flowers. It has a higher latitude and a better climate. It is cooler than central and southern Thailand. However, Chiang Mai is located in the tropics and has a tropical monsoon climate, with little temperature difference throughout the year. The average annual temperature is around 22℃.

If you come to Thailand in winter, you should go to Bangkok and Phuket to escape the cold. If you come to Thailand in summer, you must come to Chiang Mai to escape the heat. Chiang Mai has just passed the hot season from June to October, with increased rainfall, often heavy rains, and a slight drop in temperature until late October, when the air is humid and the monthly average temperature remains at around 20°C to 25°C.

Although there is a lot of rain at the moment, compared to most other cities where the heat is unbearable during the "stove" time, Chiang Mai is a cool, pleasant, romantic and beautiful world!

Best Travel Time

The prime time to travel to Chiang Mai is the winter and spring seasons from November to April of the following year. In April there is a grand Water Splashing Festival. However, in the off-season from May to October, although it often rains, food and accommodation are cheaper, and rooms and train tickets are not tight. Chiang Mai has many events, holidays, markets, cultural centers, and entertainment options to keep visitors entertained all year round. 1. Don’t hold hands or scare others from behind.

2. Ladies are not allowed to wear short skirts and sleeveless clothes when entering the palace. Men must wear collared tops and are not allowed to wear slippers.

3. You must take off your shoes when entering the temple, and your clothing should be neat and dignified. It is best not to wear shorts.

4. Be courteous when meeting monks; women should avoid touching monks. If you want to donate property, you can ask a man to do it for you or place it directly on the table.

5. When greeting, you should put your hands together and do not point your fingers at people or objects.

6. The head is the most sacred part of the body. Do not touch other people’s heads casually. Khun in Thai means Mr., Miss, or Mrs. It applies to both men and women.

7. Men and women should not be too intimate in public places, nor should they lose their temper in public.

8. Gambling is prohibited in Thailand, and you are not allowed to play cards or mahjong even in hotel rooms.

McDull Travel Network Tips:

1. Time difference

Thailand time is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 1 hour behind Beijing time. Passengers should not forget to set their watches back one hour after boarding the plane from China. Greenwich time is 12 o'clock, Thailand time is 19 o'clock, and Beijing time is 20 o'clock.

2. Voltage and socket The power socket in Thailand has two holes, 220V, 50Hz. Domestic two-phase plugs can be used directly, while three-phase plugs require a converter. The three-phase plugs in Thailand are different from those in China (the middle one is round), so it is best to bring a three-phase to two-phase plug conversion device.

McDull Travel Network’s featured experience recommendations:

1. Elephant Safari

Elephants play an important role in Thailand’s history and culture , it is not only a mount on the battlefield and a good helper in engineering, but also a symbol of the king. Almost everywhere in Thailand, you can have the opportunity to ride an elephant and watch elephant performances. Especially Chiang Mai, which is rich in elephants, is the best choice for close contact with this cute animal.

2. Trekking For the city of Chiang Mai, historical sites are concentrated in a specific area. It is particularly suitable to be integrated into a walking tour that includes all the attractions, so that you can spend a good day enjoying them one by one. In addition, wilderness hiking and long-distance hiking are one of the biggest highlights of northern Thailand. The roads here criss-cross, and tourists can pass through mountains covered with dense jungles during the day, and rest in hill tribe villages at night; lovers of folk tourism and eco-tourism can also ride elephants to satisfy their curiosity . Chiang Mai is one of the prime locations for these tours.

3. Thai massage and SPA In Thailand, people think that massage and spa are not a luxury, but a necessary fitness therapy. There are massage spas everywhere in Chiang Mai, which have long enjoyed a good reputation, with reasonable prices and high-quality services. Come for a foot or full body massage to relieve fatigue and restore vitality. Massage places can be found everywhere in Chiang Mai. There are even rows of massage places on both sides of the market road to provide you with massage. Massage parlors are a social place here, so remember to dress appropriately. In recent years, in addition to traditional massage methods, hydrotherapy has also become increasingly popular. In addition, herbal hot compress massage, acupressure massage, oil massage, body wrap, body scrub, facial care and all-day massage package, no matter what you need, you can find the one that meets your requirements.

4. Jungle Flight Although Chiang Mai is an ancient city, it also takes into account many people’s desire for adventure. I remember when I was a child, I watched Tarzan leaping through the primeval forest, shouting loudly with the sound of wind whistling in my ears. This is the essence of jungle leaping. Currently, the Jungle Flight tropical jungle flight adventure journey is more than 4 kilometers long. During the journey, tourists will fly among 34 treetop platforms, experiencing the thrill of being 50 meters above the ground, with a maximum length of 300 meters, and a speed of 50 kilometers per hour; the 40-meter high altitude drop will make you scream; the 35-meter-high giant net will let you You can climb down like Spider-Man; walk on the 2 high-altitude suspension bridges and the 570-meter-long jungle suspension bridge plank road, and enjoy the charming scenery of the tropical alpine jungle...

5. Cycling (Cycling) Qing Most of Mai's scenic spots are concentrated in the ancient city, and the scenic spots in the ancient city can be reached on foot. But in addition, the scenic spots around the ancient city such as the suburbs of the ancient city and the Pinghe Rock Bank area may be a little far away on foot, but they are very suitable for cycling. Then spend a day renting a bicycle to explore all the attractions in the ancient city of Chiang Mai. It won't be too tiring, and you can control your own pace. In addition, the countryside and mountains around Chiang Mai are very suitable for cycling, and Doi Suthep in the west of Chiang Mai has a particularly high reputation.

Cycling to visit the towering Doi Suthep National Park is also an extremely comfortable travel experience.

6. Taste northern Thai food and watch folk dances. Chiang Mai is a happy paradise for gourmets. It provides complete sets of delicacies from all major Asian and European cuisines, such as traditional northern dishes. A cuisine called "Khantok", including curry, fried chicken, sauce, fried pork rinds and wild vegetables, is delicious. Khan means bowl and Tok means short round platform. It is said that it was originally the king's "royal banquet". People eating must take off their shoes and sit cross-legged on the floor. There are 8 dishes for dinner, mainly curry and hot and sour dishes, which are typical northern Thai flavors. There are folk dances and music during the meal, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

7. Take a hot air balloon overlooking Chiang Mai in the early morning. Overlooking Chiang Mai from a high altitude is a new and exciting project. It usually takes off one hour before sunrise, so you can enjoy the perfect sunrise in mid-air. . You can also enjoy Chiang Mai's beautiful and wide plain valleys and rural rice fields.

8. Ping River Sightseeing Tour Most of the areas where the Ping River flows through Chiang Mai are rural mountains. The river banks are green grass and stilted huts. There are many day and night river sightseeing group tours to explore this area. A waterway.