Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, also known as Chiengmai, is the largest city in northern Thailand and the third largest city in the country after the metropolis of Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima. The city is located on the banks of the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River, near the center of a fertile inter-mountain basin at 335m above sea level. Chiang Mai serves as the religious, economic, cultural, educational and transportation hub for both northern Thailand and parts of neighboring Myanmar (Burma). The city was once the capital of an independent kingdom, and has strong cultural ties to Laos.
Chiang Mai was established as a royal residence in 1292 and became a town in 1296, serving as the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom until 1558, when it fell to the Burmese. In 1774, King Taksin of Siam drove out Myanmar; but Chiang Mai retained a degree of independence from Bangkok until the late 19th century.
In contrast to the usual densely populated Asian city, Chiang Mai has the appearance of a large village - orderly, clean, traditional and almost sprawling. The older part of town, especially the 18th-century walled settlement, lies on the west bank of the river; it contains the ruins of many 13th and 14th century temples. The modern east bank is a more open area with two bridges spanning the vast Ping River. Chiang Mai is a thriving tourist and resort hub. Phu Ping Palace, the summer home of the Thai royal family, is located nearby.
This famous city is also the center of Thai handicrafts. Small nearby villages specialize in crafts such as silverware, woodcarving and pottery, umbrellas and lacquerware. Traditional Thai silk is woven at San Kamphaeng to the east.
Chiang Mai is the terminus of the railway line 467 miles (752 km) from Bangkok and is also linked with southern Thailand by road and air. It also has an international airport.
The Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple complex is one of Thailand's most famous pilgrimage sites. The temple is located at an altitude of 1,073 meters on the slopes of Mount Suthep, one of the highest peaks in Thailand just outside the city. Doi Pui National Park covers an area of 40,000 acres (16,000 ha) around the mountain. King Kue-Na built the complex's monastery in the 14th century; This temple is said to be the place to keep the relics of the Buddha.
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