CHIANG MAI

In the north of Thailand, 700 km from Bangkok, between the highest mountains in the country and on the banks of the Ping River, lies a wonderful city, Chiang Mai. A true cultural center and spiritual retreat, which you will surely enjoy during your visit.

Since Antiquity, the city was a center of craft production, as it was located on the famous commercial route. For this reason, its inhabitants are more than accustomed to the visits made every year by thousands of foreigners in search of Thai art and culture. In the city itself there are more than 300 Buddhist temples, and I assure you that the beauty of its architecture will make you fall in love with it.

LET’S START WITH THE HISTORICAL FACTS

The city was founded in 1296 by the monarch Mengrai and was part of the Kingdom of Lanna, which was based on the union of various city-states, something like the ancient Greek polis. Later, it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, but after its fall in 1767 it became part of the Kingdom of Siam, currently Thailand. It was even uninhabited between 1776 and 1791, to later emerge as a great cultural and productive center, in other words, to become the second capital of Thailand.

VISITING CHIANG MAI

OLD TOWN

Inside the walls that surround the Old Town you can find numerous restaurants to try Thai food that is really delicious, as well as massage centers, souvenir shops, and most important, Buddhist temples, a jewel of architecture.

One of the temples that had impressed me was What Phra Singh, a temple that dates back to 1345. It houses the most revered Buddha image by the locals, which was brought from Sri Lanka in 1376. During the Songkrang festivities, that is, the celebration of the New Year, the sculpture is taken out and paraded through the city. On the other hand, the Wat Chiang Man temple was built by the founder of the city, hence, it is the oldest sacred place in Chiang Mai. I personally loved the Wat Indrakin Sadue Muang temple, whose name translates as “the navel of the city”, since it was here that the first pillar of the city was placed in 1296. Or Wat Suang Dok, which was built on the place where, according to the previous vision of a monk, a bone of Buddha had been found. Which by the way, is still kept in this temple.

Of course, there are many temples to visit in the city. But we are going to leave Chiang Mai a bit to see the rural areas.

TYPICAL VILLAGES AND THE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY

The Elephant Nature Park, located 80km from the city, is a perfect place for animal lovers, since it not only has a refuge for these wonderful big ones, but also rescues stray dogs or cats. This park was created in the 90s in order to rescue elephants from the owners who treated them badly, here the keepers use non-violent and ancient methods, to train them, and this does require more time and is based on earning confidence of these animals. In the park there are many fun activities, you can feed or bathe the elephants, it is a great adventure.

Also, back home, perhaps you will still have time to visit a typical village in the area, whose population is mainly dedicated to the primary sector or crafts. It is a great opportunity to buy typical products, handmade and also at a good price.

DOI SUTHEP MOUNTAIN

The most important Buddhist pilgrimage center in the country is located on the Doi Suthep Mountain. And to reach the temple that is at the top of everything you will have to overcome at least 300 steps, but surely you are in shape to climb them without problem. In addition to the temple, I recommend taking a walk through the beautiful Bhubing Palace Gardens and the Huay Kaew waterfall.

CONSEJOS:

• I always mention the same thing, but I repeat it just in case, ENJOY THE LOCAL FOOD. Thai food is really tasty. You will find a great culinary experience in the street markets, especially the Night Markets. It is in them, where you can try the most typical dishes of the area. In Asia it is a must-visit in many cities.

• To enjoy Thailand, in addition to cultural trips, it is mandatory, in my opinion, to visit the massage centers to relax a bit after a long day of sightseeing.