Chiang Mai was originally named "Nopburi Srinakornping Chiangmai" meaning the new city. Changmai is now known as the “Rose of the North”. it was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and was founded in the 13th century. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand and has a Small-Town, Old-World attitude completely different from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. The Lanna Style is a separate cultural heritage with a relaxed and laid-back attitude toward life.
Chiang mai is located in the Mae Ping River Basin, 710 kilometres from Bangkok, and 305 metres above sea level, the original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat, and vestiges of the fortified wall. Four main gates offer principal access to the old town, which is criss-crossed by main roads, and veined by charming narrow lanes with traditional teakwood houses and lovely everyday images of Northern Thailand, all begging to be admired. There are more than 30 temples in this area.The oldest temple is Wat Chiang Man, It was built in 1296 by King Mengrai of Lanna kingdom. The temple is famous for its Lanna-style chedi supported by rows of elephant-shaped buttresses. The beautiful Lanna-style ordination hall enshrines an ancient Buddha image named Phra Kaeo Khao, revered by Chiang Mai locals. Wat Chiang Man is situated off of Ratchapakhinai Road in the northeast corner of the old city.
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 pagodas and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels.
Nowadays there are innumerable activities and attractions both in the city and the surrounding province. such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep,It is the most famous and important temple in Chiang Mai every visitor must pay a visit. On top of Doi Suthep Hill, at 3,520 feet above sea level, finds the revered golden Phra That (chedi) of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep rises against the sunlight. The temple was built in 1383 to enshrine Buddha’s relicsAfter praying the Phra That for good lucks, don't forget to proceed to the Bhubing Rajanives Palace , is a Royal Residence. And not far from here around a few kilometres further down the road you’ll reach the Blue Hmong village of Doi Pui , is one of the few places close to town to meet and chat with the Hmong ethnic hill-tribe as well as learn about their way of live from the living museum.
Finally if you want Say hello to the China Panda Family Ambassador to Thailand, don't miss the Panda House in Chiang Mai Zoo. The Chiang Mai zoo is surrounded by hilly terrain which is home to thousands of species of wild plants and flowers adorning the natural landscape of valleys, streams and waterfalls. Chiang Mai Zoo is the first and only zoo in Northern Thailand where visitors can experience the excitement and intimacy of various species of animals in their natural habitat.