Chiang Mai (or separately, Chiang May), is 700 km from Bangkok.
This is not a coastal town, and not the resort. Chiang Mai is relatively close to the border with Myanmar (about 250 km). Yes, and to Laos as much. The town is standing on the bank of the ping river. The ancient city was founded at the end of the 13th century, so many historic buildings here. And here is very beautiful! Also, the town is customary to consider the developed center of the folk crafts - there are numerous products from silver, ceramics, silk, wood.
It can be noted that Chiang Mai stands on a rather hilly and even mountainous terrain. In the mountains, there are separate tribes here, with their own culture, some of which remain untouched by civilization.
And a couple of words about the sights of the city.
Temple Chetanan (Wat Chetawan)
The small temple was built in the middle of the 15th century, and it is considered one of the oldest in the city. He is named after the temple in India, in which, by giving, Buddha spent a lot of time. Entrance to the temple in the Burmese style watchman statues of dogs.
Inside the luxury temple is decorated with frescoes, which will receive guests about the life of the Buddha.
Address: Tha Pae Road, Mueang Chiang Mai
Temple Chiang Man (Wat Chiang Man)
This old gold-plated temple was built at the end of the 13th century on the orders of the king, which founded the city. It is believed that the king himself lived in this palace. And where the king died (in 1317) now there is a memorial stone. The temple is guarded by 15 elephants. Inside the temple you can see columns that share the room into three parts. These parts are decorated with Buddha images, too, very old. Also in this temple there is a quartz statuette of the Buddha, which, according to legend, can rain. There is another marble figurine brought from India. The rain does not cause.
Address: Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai
Local History Museum of Chiang Museum (Chiang Mai Local Museum)
In the museum you will learn more about local history and culture, about national heroes and so on. Here you can see old cards, sculptures, archaeological finds and so on.
Address: Intra Warorot, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai
Temple Pan Tao (Wat Phan Tao)
The name of the temple is translated as "Monastery thousands of furnaces." Perhaps because, once, they were engaged in the casting statues of the Buddha for a nearby temple. In general, initially, this room was the royal palace for the ruler of Chiang Mai, who lived here in the middle of the 19th century. In the area above the doors of the temple, you can see a very beautiful wood thread, and the whole frontton is all wooden. Ahead can see the image of a peacock standing above the sleeper dog. Dog, because it is a symbol of the year of birth of Chao Mahavong, the ruler of the city. The dog is still found in the decor of this temple. Behind the construction is a pond and a bird aviary.
Address: Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai
Lok Molely Temple (Wat Lok Molee)
Look for this temple near Computer Plaza (although it would be worth talking on the contrary, isn't it?). When and who built this temple is definitely unknown. But it is mentioned in ancient records, which are dated to the 60s of the 14th century. It seems like, the next ruler of the city invited 10 monks from Burma, which built the temple and remained to live in it. In the main pagoda of the temple, Pra Kaew Muang (Phra Kaew Muang), built in the first half of the 16th century, is kept by the dust of the Mengray dynasty. And the temple is decorated with amazing wood carvings. This temple is not very visited compared to other temples of the city, so you can even calmly remember.
Address: Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai
Nong Bouak Hard Park (Nong Buak Hard Public Park)
One of the most beloved places of recreation of local residents and tourists. Park with lush greenery, flowers, fountain and palm trees perfect for the whole family. As well as in this park, the annual festival of colors is held, during which you can admire more than three thousand types of orchids. And the main thing, the Damascus Rose, the flower, which grows in general only in Chiang Mai. The park works daily from 7 am to 19 pm.
Museum of Insects and Natural Wonders (Museum of World Insects and Natural Wonders)
The museum has been working for more than 10 years. If you are lucky, you will meet the most founder of the museum, which sometimes spends excursions by their possessions. Insects here are a different, about 430 species - and high beetles, and tiny midges. One of the most unusual museums of the city. Next to the entrance you can see the nest of termites made from the tree (the exhibit such). Also in the museum are kept minerals, minerals and other natural miracles.
Address: Srimankalajarn Road Soi 13, Muang Chiangmai
Temple Suan Dok (Wat Suan Dok)
Look for this temple on Sutkhep Street. The temple is amazing, but his pearl is a snow-white chedi with sacred relics. The construction of the temple is associated with the legend: one monk was a vision that he should go to the ancient city of Pang Cha and find the Pagoda in the ruins of the Buddha. In the morning, the monk went to the city, of course, found a relic, and when she took her out of the urn, she covered with an unusual light, then I mean, was really miraculous. And therefore the monk decided to build a temple where it would be worth putting find. This temple was selected the place.
It is said that a few years after construction, the relic was divided into two parts, and the incredible way both particles rose to its original size. One part was left in the temple, another was transferred to the next monastery.
In general, in this monastery there is a statue of Buddha high 5 meters high, and the hall for prayers is impressive with its magnitude and luxury - paintings, columns, statues. Also in the temple there are Chedi (urns for the dust) of other members of the royal family. On certain days in the temple there are hours of communication with monks.
Temple of Bar Tat Doi Kam (Wat Phra That Doi Kham)
This temple is on the hill, next to Chiangmay. The name of the temple is translated as "Golden Mountain". Built was this temple at 687 AD. For some time it was used, and then abandoned. So far, in the 60s of the last century, the locals did not find this construction and took it up with restoration. There is a legend that Buddha himself visited this temple, but the demons (Rakshasa) wanted to eat it. But, the impressive of the kindness of the Buddha, the demons just let him go and even swore no longer trying human flesh.
Next to the temple, you can see the statue of the Buddha from the White Pearl and Cheda with the Relics of the Buddha. Also impressive stairs, decorated with reliefs depicting marine snakes. On these stairs can be reached to the sightseeing site and admire Chiang Mai.