 Chiang Mai literally means “new city” and has retained the name despite celebrating its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai the Great founded the city as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom on Thursday, April 12 1296 around the same time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai even conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded. Henceforth, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also to be the center of Buddhism in northern Thailand, King Meng Rai himself a very religious leader who even founded many of the city’s temples that remain important to this day. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to experience both historical and modern Thai culture coexisting side by side: the city features centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. This dichotomy is best appreciated within the moat-encircled old city, which retains much of the fortified wall that once protected the city center as well as the four main gates that provided access to the former Lanna capital city. Strangely, for many years tourists had mistaken Chiang Mai simply as the base from which they could plan trekking and rafting trips to hill tribe villages and explore other provinces. Once in Chiang Mai however, tourists are surprised by the fact that there are so many things to discover other than its beautiful and historic temples. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes, a number of elephant camps, many cooking & massage schools, numerous outdoor activities, a variety of handicrafts workshops, various cultural performances, and breathtaking scenery make Chiang Mai one of Asia’s most attractive tourist destinations. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around town" was once a common expression. Today, two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for travelers to experience all that Chiang Mai has to offer. The old city of Chiang Mai is a showcase of the north’s fascinating indigenous cultural identity that includes diverse dialects, a delectable cuisine, distinctive architecture, traditional values, lively festivals, numerous handicrafts workshops, northern style massage, and classical dances. Chiang Mai city features old-world beauty and charm as well as modern luxury and convenience. In addition to centuries old temples and some outstanding shopping opportunities, Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources including mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. The presence of numerous hill tribes that feature a wealth of unique cultures enhances Chiang Mai’s distinctive diversity. Hill tribe trekking, often combined with river rafting and elephant riding has always been one of Chiang Mai’s greatest tourist attractions. Nowadays there are innumerable activities and attractions both in the city and the surrounding province, including massage instruction and golf. Moreover, visitors can visit workshops where they can learn about the production of silk or silver, and purchase memorable, hand crafted souvenirs. With such a diverse range of attractions and an equally grand selection of dining and accommodation options, Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy the ultimate Thailand holiday. 
WHERE TO TRAVEL
 
Doi Ang Khang This is the location of a Royal agricultural station, 163 km. north of Chiang
Mai, which is a demonstration site for the research and cultivation of flowering
plants, temperate fruit trees, vegetables and other crops under the patronage of
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Outside the agricultural station, the area
of Doi Ang Khang is a nature resort where activities include trekking,
mule-riding and mountain-biking can be found
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วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 15 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2555
Travel in Chiang Mai Province
Travel in Chiang Rai Province
Chiang Rai has been inhabited since the 7th century, but it was not until 1262 that King Meng Rai established it as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The capital was later relocated to Chiang Mai and since that time Chiang Rai has lived in the shadow of its neighboring province, though for tourists this is a good thing.
Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise, endowed with abundant natural attractions and antiquities. Attractions range from ruins of ancient settlements and Buddhist shrines to magnificent mountain scenery and hill tribe villages. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is a magical experience; explore the mountains of the north along various hiking trails, many of which access the villages of diverse hill tribes groups, many of whom maintain their traditional lifestyles.
Chiang Rai town, which tends to be a little more ‘laid back’ than its more popular neighbor, now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to leave their troubles behind.Chiang Rai, the former capital of the great Lanna Kingdom, is a fascinating province filled with cultural and natural wonders, including the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Burma come together; an area that was once the hub of opium production, a trade that had much influence on cultural practices and lifestyles. Chiang Rai had stayed off the tourist radar for many years, its people enjoying very leisurely development and mostly traditional, rural lifestyles. Until this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character.
Recently tourism has boomed in Chiang Rai, where visitors have come to explore the pristine natural beauty of the countryside and immerse themselves in the indigenous culture, including those of a variety of different hill tribe communities. Fortunately for tourists, Chiang Rai is also a center for community development projects, helping rural villagers develop their attractions without adversely affecting their natural and cultural assets.
WHERE TO TRAVEL
Phu Chi Fa Phu Chi Fa is approximately 25 kilometers to the
south of Doi Pha Tang in Thoeng District. The cool climate produces colorful
flowering shrubs and the large meadow on the top provides breathtaking views of
Laos. In addition, spectacular scenery can be seen from the sheer cliff of Phu
Chi Fa, especially the sea of mist at sunrise. Visitors can stay overnight at
Ban Rom Fa Thong and Ban Rom Fa Thai.
Doi Mae Salong Doi Mae Salong is the site of Santi Khiri village, a community settled by the
former Chinese 93rd Division who moved from Myanmar to reside on Thai territory
in 1961. The village became well known for its enchanting scenery and tranquil
atmosphere. Today it is a major tourist attraction with its small-town ambience,
delicious native Chinese dishes, small hotels and guesthouses catering to
visitors and tea, coffee and fruit tree plantations. The scenery is especially
picturesque in December and January when sakuras are in full bloom. Scattered
with many hill tribe villages, Doi Mae Salong is ideal for trekking.
Doi Tung Doi Tung is located in Mae Fa Luang District and can be reached by taking
Highway No.110 for about 48 kilometers and turning left onto Highway No. 1149,
an asphalt road leading directly to Doi Tung. The route winds through beautiful
scenery with many interesting sites including the Doi Tung Palace (Pra Tamnak
Doi tung), the Mae Fa Luang Garden and Akha and Muser tribal villages. IN
addition to scenic lookouts, the most notable attraction is the Phra That Doi
Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site atop the mountain.
Doi Hua Mae Kham Doi Hua Mae Kham is the domicile of the hill tribes near the Thai-Burmese
border, about three hours by road along the Mae Chan-Ban Thoet Thai-Ban Huai In
route which winds along the steep mountain edges. The inhabitants are
predominantly of the Lisu tribe, with a smattering of the Akha, Hmong and Muser
tribes. Doi Hua Mae Kham is most spectacular in November when the yellow wild
sunflowers are in full bloom.
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Travel in Kamphaeng Phet Province
Geographically located in the lower portion of Northern Thailand along the banks of the Ping River, Kamphaeng Phet is 358 kilometers from Bangkok. To the east of Kamphaeng Phet are flatlands, while in the west there are a number of national parks with high rising mountains and lush, fertile forests.
In the areas along the Ping River near the provincial capital of Kamphaeng Phet there were once a number of ancient towns that served as strategic front-line frontier-posts between the northern and central kingdoms. In fact, the name Kamphaeng Phet literally means “strong as walls” or “forts make of diamonds”.
The capital city of Kamphaeng Phet is split into two: the new city, which appears very similar to a typical Thai provincial city, and the old city, encircled by the original fortification walls that now protect a historical park.
Kamphaeng Phet is a charming balance of old and new worlds, with comfortable accommodation available in the new city, while historical attractions await visitors in the wall-encircled old city. The town also features a lively street market, and day trip attractions include nearby Khlong Lan National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty filled with exotic flora and fauna.
WHERE TO TRAVEL
Wat Phra Si Ariyabot This monastery is locally called "Wat Phra Yuen" It is
fronted by a large pond. The walls are of vertics sand stone slabs decorated on
each side with Buddha images cast in each of the four attitudes, i.e.:
Reclining, Walking,Standing and Sitting.
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Travel in Lampang Province
Most visitors simply visit Lampang to see the Thailand Elephant Conservation Center, bypassing Lampang town on their way to Chiang Mai and provinces farther north. However, while the elephant center is certainly a must-see attraction, those willing to spend some time in the provincial capital are generally surprised by the charming and somewhat unusual town and province of Lampang.
Famous for its horse-drawn carriages and sporting a rooster on its provincial emblem (the bird also honored with a large statue in the center of town), Lampang boasts a long history of human settlements within the Wang River basin, some of which date back more than 1,000 years. Lampang is rich in archaeological evidence from the kingdoms of Hariphunchai, Lanna, and Burma.
The horse and carriage, a mode of local transportation that has survived the introduction of automobiles to Lampang, is a fun way to explore the surprisingly large town, which features a number of beautiful old temples. The rooster statue, which you are likely to pass along the way, is a much older symbol of Lampang, dating back to the city’s former name, Kukutthanakorn, or City of Roosters, a name that was derived from a local legend about a white rooster that was sent by the Brahmin God Indra to wake the local inhabitants so they could give alms to the Lord Buddha, who was purportedly visiting the town.
On the road from Lampang to Chiang Mai is the Thailand Elephant Conservation Center, the oldest and only government sponsored elephant center in Thailand, where the King’s white elephants are housed, visitors can learn about elephants, and elephant demonstrations are regularly performed.
Lampang city is the capital of the province of the same name, a city that features horse drawn carriages, relaxing riverside bars and restaurants, a number of spectacular Buddhist temples, and a friendly, laid-back local population. Just outside of the city, on the road to Chiang Mai, the Thailand Elephant Conservation Center is one of the premier venues for visitors to learn about elephants and watch elephant demonstrations.
WHERE TO TRAVEL
Doi Khun Than National Park The Khun Than mountain range of the Doi Khun
Than National Park forms a natural boundary between Lamphun and Lampang
provinces. The northern rail line to Chiang Mai runs through the longest rail
tunnel in the country, which is 1,352 metres long and takes five minutes to
traverse. The mountain has both virgin jungle and pinery.Many tourists choose to walk from the Khun Than
Station up the mountain, a distance of about 7 kilometres. There are four rest
areas on the way. Visitors may also camp overnight but must provide for their
own food. The best time to take the trip is between November and February when
the weather is fine and cool.
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Travel in Lamphun Province
Lamphun, a small northern province sandwiched between Chiang Mai and Lampang has a long and storied history. Lamphun was founded as the city of Haripunjaya, a Mon kingdom-city, arguably part of the Dvaravati civilization, established in the ninth (perhaps seventh) century by former Buddhist monks from Lopburi. Haripunjaya was first ruled by Queen Camadevi, daughter of the king of Lopburi, who established a legacy for the province’s reputation for beautiful women. The kingdom she ruled over thrived for several centuries, exerting wide influence across the region, before King Meng Rai used subterfuge to conquer the town in late 12th century and integrate it into the Lan Na Kingdom based in nearby Chiang Mai.
Today, Lamphun still retains the enchanting ambience of a small but old community, where life moves at a leisurely pace and remnants of the city’s fortifications remind visitors of the city’s proud history. Lamphun is some 670 kilometers from Bangkok and only 26 kilometers from Chiang Mai. Located on the banks of the Kuang River, Lamphun features a skyline made of temple spires and attractions across the province include ancient sites as well as forests, mountains, and lakes.
Nearly a thousand years after subjugation by the Lanna Kingdom from Chiang Rai, Lamphun remains a fairly sleepy province, particularly in contrast to its more popular and populous neighbor, Chiang Mai. This is in fact Lamphun’s allure. The charming provincial capital retains its fortified, moat-enclosed old city where the local population lives a relatively slow-paced lifestyle. Visitors will enjoy visiting exquisite temples via bicycle or samlor, bicycle powered cabs, and exploring a lush countryside where various hill tribe communities live and a number of natural attractions, including as Doi Khun Than National Park, feature many exotic plants and wildlife.
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Travel in Mae Hong Son Province
For those familiar with the name, Mae Hong Son conjures fantastic images of rugged, mist enshrouded mountains where isolated tribal villages await exploration. From the fascinating culture of the indigenous tribal communities to the spectacular natural beauty of the countryside, Mae Hong Son is certainly a dream-come-true destination for many visitors.
Nestled in a deep valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges, Mae Hong Son town has long been isolated from the outside world. Virtually covered with mist throughout the year, Mae Hong Son was once only accessible via harrowing, windy, narrow roads that took most of a day to traverse, an adventurous drive that made the town that much more alluring.
The name of Mae Hong Son refers to the fact that its terrain is highly suitable for the training of elephants. In fact, former governors of Chiang Mai used to organize the rounding up of wild elephants which were then trained in Mae Hong Son before being sent to the capital for work. Elephants remain an important part of the local culture, and elephant trekking is a popular tourist activity, often combined with overnight hill tribe home stays and river rafting.
Mae Hong Son is a fascinating province of Burmese and Lanna style temples, hot springs, hill tribe villages, trekking, rafting, national parks, and even an annual reggae festival. In addition to a charming capital in Mae Hong Son town, the town of Pai is also a traveler favorite; many people come to Mae Hong Son and Pai to experience the natural beauty of northern Thailand or witness one of the many festivals that are celebrated in Mae Hong Son, especially the annual novice ordination ceremony for young men declaring their intentions to become Buddhist monks.
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Travel in Nakhon Sawan Province
Nakhon Sawan Province, also known as Pak Nam Pho, is where the rivers Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan converge and form the Chao Phraya River, the most important waterway in Thailand.
Nakhon Sawan is in the lower northern part of Thailand between the North and the Central Regions and as such, it is regarded as the doorway to the North and the hub of transportation in the lower North. Nakhon Sawan is located in the lower north of Thailand and is often referred to as “Pak Nam Pho” a name that refers to the big Pho tree that is located at the mouth of the Chao Phraya, the most important river in Thailand. In fact, Nakhon Sawan is located at the confluence of four rivers: the Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan, all of which flow into the Chao Phraya.
In addition to the mouth of the Chao Phraya, Nakhon Sawan is home to a number of unique attractions: Nakhon Sawan Tower, atop Khiriwong Temple Hill, contains a shop selling locally made products and features a rooftop viewing platform that overlooks Nakhon Sawan Municipality and has a number of telescopes for visitors interested in astronomy and celestial observation; Bueng Boraphet Aquarium, built in the shape of a traditional Chao Phraya commercial transport boat, was built to commemorate the King’s 80th Birthday and features more than 30 fish tanks, including a 24 meter-long main tank exhibiting more than 100 kinds of freshwater tropical fish; and Bung Boraphet, the largest freshwater swamp in Thailand, which is home to nearly 150 species of animals, including the white-eyed river-martin and tiger perch, and hosts a large number of migratory waterfowl from November to March.
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Travel in Nan Province
A quiet and tranquil province, Nan is nestled in a verdant valley in northern Thailand along the border with Laos. Because of its relative proximity to Luang Prabang, the historical capital of the Laotian Lan Xang kingdom, the earliest settlers in the area were Lan Xang’s Laotians, ethnic Tai who are distantly related to the Tai people who settled in central Thailand. These early settlers established themselves around present-day Pua district, which is rich in rock salt deposits, about 700 years ago. The earliest Nan rulers allied themselves with neighboring principalities to establish the kingdom of Lan Na. The center of power in Nan eventually moved south to the fertile Nan River basin, where the capital of Nan exists to this day.
Nan's history, development, and architecture were greatly influenced by various neighboring kingdoms, in particular Sukhothai, which played important political and religious roles in shaping the development of Nan. Over the centuries however, Nan alternated between being an independent principality under the control of Lan Na, Sukhothai, Burma and Siam in that order. In 1558, the town was conquered and depopulated by the Burmese. By the late 18th century Nan forged an alliance with the new Bangkok centered Rattakosin Kingdom and existed as a semi-autonomous kingdom with a line of monarchs that ruled from 1786 until 1931. Today, Nan is still the home of numerous Thai Lue and other hill tribes who retain many of their fascinating customs and traditions.
The rural province of Nan is an attractive region of northern Thailand where there are high populations of hill tribe communities, including Hmong, N'tin, and Khamu. Much of Nan is devoted to agriculture, particularly rice and fruit cultivation.
Nan features six national parks, including the stunning Doi Phukha National Park, which contains mountains nearly 2,000 m high. The rich natural beauty of Nan makes it an ideal destination for trekking as the remote province sees far fewer visitors than neighboring Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.
The provincial capital of Nan has a relaxed charm, an interesting history, some impressive temples, and a good museum. There are also a number of quality restaurants and bars along the town’s riverfront to plan your adventures into the countryside or relax after sightseeing in the town.
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Travel in Phayao Province
Phayao town, which is situated beside picturesque Lake Phayao, features ornate gardens and parks that are popular picnicking grounds ideal for watching the fading sunset’s light reflecting upon the lake. The small city exudes a relaxing vibe, although Chai Kwan Road, which runs along the lakeside, features a respectable variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. A reasonable selection of accommodation is also available as the region is popular with Thai visitors from other provinces.
Aside from the large lake and a number of charming temples however, there is little to do in Phayao except relax and plan for explorations of the countryside and neighboring provinces. Nonetheless, few who make the journey to Phayao have any regrets about visiting this stunningly beautiful province.
Virtually enveloped by mountains and valleys, Phayao is a peaceful province. Though it has only modest facilities and conveniences, Phayao is an enchanting community with outstanding natural beauty and fascinating religious sites. Dating back more than 900 years, Phayao used to be an independent state before it became a part of the Lanna Thai kingdom in mid-14th century. Today, Phayao is a laid-back town surrounded by lush natural beauty. The lakeside strip of bars and restaurants is a perfect place to unwind and plan journeys into the countryside, within which many hill tribe communities retain much of their traditional lifestyles.
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Travel in Petchabun Province
Despite being farther south than neighboring Loei, Phetchabun is considered part of the north than the northeast or central regions of Thailand. That said, its topography is similar to that of Loei, as Phetchabun borders three regions of Thailand, the North, Central, and Northeast. The central part of Phetchabun province is in the Pa Sak River basin and contains mountain ranges running along both the western and eastern sectors.
Because of the fertility of the land, Phetchabun has always been an agriculturally productive area. The very name of the province derives from a name meaning “the land of crops and foods.” Today, Phetchabun is a province with rich tourism potential. Its climate is pleasant due to the mountainous and forested areas, and it has a rich history dating back more than 1,400 years.
Phetchabun is a province of rich tourism potential with attractions including Khao Kho National Park, which has been referred to as "Little Switzerland" because of its beautiful scenery and cool weather; Nam Nao National Park, which features a large number of wild animals that can be spotted while trekking; and Than Thip Waterfall, which is a popular place for swimming.
Phetchabun also features a rich history dating back more than 1,400 years, the height of which occurred after the 11th century when the city was a point of contact between the Dvaravati and Khmer Empires. The city was a prosperous center and a number of ruins remain for visitors to appreciate at Si Thep Historical Park.
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Travel in Phichit Province
The land of crocodiles, Phichit was founded nearly a millennia ago and
features many historical, cultural, and natural attractions.
Nurtured by two rivers that run parallel to one another north to south, the land of Phichit is agriculturally fertile and has been populated for centuries. Once the site of an ancient town dating back almost a thousand years, Phichit played in a major role in the history of both the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms.
Known as the land of the crocodiles, Phichit has long been home to this ferocious reptile, which has thrived in its waters, particularly the Yom and Nan Rivers. There are today several fresh-water crocodile farms and few if any wild crocodiles roaming about. Phichit also features in the Thai epic Krai Thong, which was composed by King Rama II, another testament to its long and storied history.
Phichit, which means “the beautiful town " was founded nearly 1,000 years ago, though it changed names several times during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. Because of its location and fertile soil, the province was a traditionally important region and even the famous Thai love story and epic legend "Kraithong" features Phichit.
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Nurtured by two rivers that run parallel to one another north to south, the land of Phichit is agriculturally fertile and has been populated for centuries. Once the site of an ancient town dating back almost a thousand years, Phichit played in a major role in the history of both the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms.
Known as the land of the crocodiles, Phichit has long been home to this ferocious reptile, which has thrived in its waters, particularly the Yom and Nan Rivers. There are today several fresh-water crocodile farms and few if any wild crocodiles roaming about. Phichit also features in the Thai epic Krai Thong, which was composed by King Rama II, another testament to its long and storied history.
Phichit, which means “the beautiful town " was founded nearly 1,000 years ago, though it changed names several times during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. Because of its location and fertile soil, the province was a traditionally important region and even the famous Thai love story and epic legend "Kraithong" features Phichit.
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Travel in Phitsanulok Province
 Apart from its exceptional natural charisma, Phitsanulok provides visitors with an opportunity to explore notable chapters of Thailand's history. For example, Phitsanulok contains evidence of an ancient community dating back between 2,000 and 4,000 years, including ancient stone axes. In addition, the old temple of Wat Chula Mani, situated 5 kilometers south of the city, was built even before the Sukhothai Kingdom came to power in the 12th century. Phitsanulok prospered under both the Kingdoms of Sukhothai (1238-1378 C.E.) and Ayutthaya (1350-1767 C.E.). In particular, it played a strategic role in the Ayutthaya era when it became the Kingdom’s royal capital for 25 years during the reign of King Borom Trailokanat. Phitsanulok was also the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great (R. 1590-1605) the legendary King who declared Ayutthaya’s independence from Burma in 1584. King Naresuan is known for his victorious and honorable single-hand combat atop an elephant-back against a Burmese Crown Prince. Once named Song Khwae, meaning two rivers, Phitsanulok is situated between the Nan and Khwae Noi Rivers, which is also a strategic location between Thailand’s central plains, northern mountains, and northeastern plateau. Phitsanulok is therefore a natural hub and an ideal base for travelers wishing to explore the lower North and western Northeast. However, Phitsanulok is more than just a stopover for tourists; it is a province with a number of tourism opportunities. While most of Phitsanulok's terrain is flatlands, one third of the area is covered by mountains in the north and east, where national parks and waterfalls await exploration.  HOME References |
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