Chiang Mai ToursRoutes. Chiang Mai Slide-Show. History (overview) of Chiang Mai and North Thailand. Geography of Chiang Mai. Climate in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Government Agencies and Usefull Addresses. THE ROSE OF THE NORTH. Lanna, land of a million rice fields, is the name by which the area of Chiang Mai and the North have been known for centuries. Bordered by the Mekong River and the mountains of Burma, and walled off by jungles from the central plains, Lanna - and the city of Chiang Mai - lived in remote splendour until this century. The early power bases were along the Mekong River. In the mid-13th century, King Mengrai marched south to create an empire in the Kok River Valley, establishing first the city of Chiang Rai, in 1296. After capturing Haripunchai (now Lamphun) and securing joint leadership of Phayao, he sought a more central headquarters and looked for one in the Ping River Valley. Here, Mengrai constructed a fortress and a temple, Chedi Luang. But, as they were unsuitable, he moved further north to establish Chiang Mai (New City) in 1296. Because the Ping River frequently overflowed its banks, Mengrai built the royal city of Chiang Mai on high ground to the west, surrounding it with a brick and earth wall 1 mile on each side and surrounded by a defensive moat. A smaller wall once embraced a residential section. Parts of the Chiang Mai walls are still intact today, and the area within is called 'the old city'. The flowering of Lanna culture dates from the reign of warrior King Tilokaraja. So influential was he that the 8th world Buddhist Council was held in Chiang Mai in 1455. Less than a century later, however, the kingdom and Chiang Mai were embroiled in many disputes, a situation the Burmese were quick to exploit. After repeated battles, Chiang Mai fell to King Bayinnaung of Pegu, in 1558 and was ruled by the Burmese for the next two centuries. While Burma spared Chiang Mai, the destruction that it visited upon Ayutthaya in 1767 was devastating. The Burmese conscripted Chiang Mai's young men and appropriated supplies for its war against Laos. So severe did the hardships become, that Chiang Mai was depopulated. Chiang Mai remained empty for 20 years until Prince Kawila ('the hero of Chiang Mai') triumphed over the Burmese in 1799 and established his headquarters in the city. For most of the 19th century, Chiang Mai was ignored by Burma. When the European colonial power began coveting the region, Bangkok's rulers realised their sovereignty over the area of Chiang Mai was in danger. In 1877, a Thai Viceroy took up residence in Chiang Mai and, untill 1939, ruled through a Chiang Mai Prince. Chiang Mai acquired new importance with the dawn of the 20th century. A railway, begun in 1898, was pushed north through thick jungles and mountains, the last rail being laid in 1921. But, while cities to the south began to grow as a result of investment by US government, Chiang Mai remained stable. It is only in the last 15 years that Chiang Mai started experiencing rapid growth. So far, Chiang Mai has happily managed to avoid beeing changed too greatly by the outside world, and has retained its charm and centuries-old culture. With careful development, the attractions of Chiang Mai have been preserved. Today more people that ever enjoy the comfort and charm of Chiang Mai. Situated between north latitude 17-21 and east longitude 98-99, the province of Chiang Mai is found in the upper area of Thailand's northern region. The distance from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is 750 kilometres (468.75 miles). Chiang Mai valley is 310 meters (1,027 feet) above sea level, and its land covers 20,107 square kilometres. The widest point of the province of Chiang Mai measures 136 kilometres (85 miles), and the longest 320 kilometres (200 miles). To the north, a 227 kilometres (141.82 miles) stretch of mountains divides Chiang Mai northern districts of Fang and Mae Ai from Burma Chiang Tung (Shan) state. In certain areas, the Kok River also acts as a border between Chiang Mai and Burma. On the east, Chiang Mai is bordered by the Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun provinces. The Mae Tuen River, ream Mountain and Luang Mountain separate Chiang Mai South from the province of Tak. Some portions of Chiang Mai South also border the Lamphun province. To the west, Chiang Mai is bordered by Mae Hong Son Province. Chiang Mai popularity stems in part from its pleasant climate. Temperatures from mid-November to January average between 13C and 28C (56F and 83F) in Chiang Mai; the hills are even colder. Temperatures in Chiang Mai begin rising in February and in the hot season (March-May) range between 17C and 36C (63F and 97F). In the rainy season (June-mid November), the highs can drop but the lows not at all. There is no considerable variation between day and night-times temperatures in Chiang Mai. The monsoon in Chiang Mai begins in May and ends in October, earlier than in Central Thailand. The rain generally falls sporadically - except during August and September when the streets of Chiang Mai can sometimes flood. TAT Government Agencies and Usefull Addresses. Academic Institutes in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai University Huey Kaew Rd. Tel. 221 699 Chiang Mai Dramatic Art College Suriwong Rd. Tel. 282 196 Maejo University Chiang Mai-Prao Rd. Tel. 498 858 Payap University Superhighway Chiang Mai-Lampang Tel. 241 255. Club Associations in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Guide Association 334 Nimmanhemin Rd. Tel. 212 942 Chiang Mai Tourist Business 100/19 Huey Kaew Rd. Tel. 212 373 Chiang Mai Restaurant Club 90/7 Superhighway Rd. Tel. 214 999 Northern Hotel Association 199 Changklan Rd. Tel 270 240 Northern Guesthouse Club 133 Chotana Rd. Tel. 217 513 The Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce Hillside Plaza Building, Huey Kaew Rd. Tel 222 462. Golf Clubs in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai-Lamphun Golf Club Sankampaeng Rd. Tel. 248 321-2 Chiang Mai Green Valley Country Club Chotana Rd. Tel. 298 249 Gymkhana Club Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd. Tel. 241 035 Lanna Golf Course Chotana Rd. Tel. 221 911 Maesa Resort Golf Maerim-Samoeng Rd. Tel. 248 180. Government Agencies in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Provincial Hall Chotana Rd. Tel. 214 197 Chiang Mai Municipal Office Vichayanon Rd. Tel. 232 588-90 Chiang Mai Public Relations Office Chotana Rd. Tel. 210 055 Communication Authority of Thailand, Region 5 Super Highway Chiang Mai-Lampang Rd. Tel. 279 758 Divisional Forest Office Charoenprathet Rd. Tel. 276 100 Electric Administration Area 1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd. Tel. 241 018 Fine Art Department Chiang Mai Super Highway Chiang Mai-Lampang Rd. Tel. 222 262 Chiang Mai Information Centre Prisanee Rd. Tel. 252 557 Muang District Office Inthawarorot Rd. Tel. 221 016 Northern Industrial Promotion Centre Tung Hotel Rd. Tel. 248 315 Provincial Telephone Administrative Tung Hotel Rd. Tel. 248 757 Provincial Waterwork Authority Wang Singha Kam Rd. Tel 233 478 Royal Project Office Suthep Rd. Tel. 278 204 Tourism Authority of Thailand(TAT) Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd. Tel. 248 604, 248 607 Tribal Research Institute and Library Huey Kaew Rd. Tel. 221 933 Chiang Mai Jail Kangruenjum Rd. Tel. 221 231. Hospitals in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Ram Hospital 8/4 Boonrueng Rit Rd. Tel. 224851. Chiang Mai Maharaj Hospital Suthep Rd. Tel. 221122. Police Stations in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Main Police Station Ratchadamnoen Rd. Tel. 221 040 Chiang Mai Tourist Police Office Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd. Tel. 248 974. Transport Stations in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Bus Station 1 Chotana Rd. Tel. 211 584 Chiang Mai Bus Station 2 Super Highway Rd. Tel. 242 664 Chiang Mai International Airport Airport Rd. Tel. 270 222 Chiang Mai Railway Station Charoen Muang Rd. Tel. 242 094 Chiang Mai Customs Airport Rd. Tel.277 695 Chiang Mai ForeignTrade Office Airport Rd. Tel. 277 901, 277 647 Chiang Mai Immigration Office Airport Rd. Tel. 277 510

Chiangmai Restaurant. ChiangMais restaurants offer the variety of styles and dishes to make you feel right at home. Whether it be Western food, such as Italian, French, American, and German; or Asian, such as Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese, ChiangMai has it all. KhumKaew Palace Khantoke. The northern traditional treasure of Lanna atmosphere. Experience and meet the charming people of northern Thailand at the KhumKaew Palace Khantoke - Home of the Lanna heritage. Thai Kitchen Cookery School. The only Thai cookery school where you learn real Thai cooking completely hand on - with instructions in excellent English by the Chef Tim and his family. The Red Lion English Pub Restaurant. A firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, The Red Lion features an air-conditioned bar as well as a pleasant terrace over-looking the vibrant ChiangMai Night Bazaar. Smiling Monkey Pub Restaurant. Tasty Thai food and a wide range of refreshing drinks in an enchanting atmosphere. White Lotus Restaurant Bar. Featuring the best cheeseburgers, cold draft beer and pub darts in Chiang Mai. And then, of course, theres the Thai and Northern Thai dishes that every visitor who truly wants to experience Chiang Mai must try Thai food, as Thai culture, is a blend of different tastes and spices from several countries. Ingredients from India and China have been mixed and matched through the passage of time into what is now known as Thai food. Most Thai dishes have a strong and spicy taste, some of the favorites being as follows; Somtom, a papaya salad mixed with peppers, tomatoes, peanuts, shrimp, and lime; Tom Yam, a spicy, sour soup that is made with chicken, pork, shrimp, or beef; and of course, the many different curries. These, however, are only a small representation of the many delicious dishes that Thailand has to offer. Northern food offers a variation from Thai food, as it is a blend of both local and Burmese tastes. Most of the spices used in Northern dishes originated in Burma, thus giving Northern dishes a distinct smell and taste. Some of the popular Northern dishes indude the following: Nam Prik Ong, which has a sweet, sour, and spicy taste, is made from minced pork, mixed with pepper sauce, and tomatoes; Nam Prik Num, stronger in taste and made from barbecued peppers and anchovies; Larp Koi, made from minced pork or beef, mixed with peppers and other spices, is eaten with fresh vegetables; and Khow Soy, a Chinese - Muslim egg noodle dish filled with chunks of beef and chicken and lightly sprinkled with coconut cream and garnished with garlic and crispy noodles. Again, this is only a small representation of the complete list of Northern food. As most Thai people prefer to eat breakfast at home, the majority of restaurants and shops remain closed until later in the morning. In the downtown area, there are some restaurants which serve early breakfasts, and almost all of the hotels and guest houses do provide a breakfast service. There are also numerous shops and vendors that sell X shaped pastries called patangkoh and a porridge called joke as local Thai breakfasts. In addition, markets and shops sell breads and fruits along with Thai and Northern foods. Lunch time offers a variety of choices for dining. All-you-can-eat buffets at large hotels feature Western, Chinese, and Japanese foods at between 80-200 baht per person. There are also many restaurants featuring foods of all types. And of course, there are the noodle shops located almost everywhere throughout the city. It is the time when almost all the restaurants around the city are in full swing. Whether you plan to dine Italian or Indian, ChiangMais dinner- time restaurants provide the array of dishes to satisfy your tastes. At this time there are also food gardens which offer a variety of dishes among a pleasant atmosphere of both light and live music. A little note on the dressin Thailand you are not expected to dress up for dinner at a restaurant, although you may certainly do so if you wish. It is also possible to sample Northern dishes at one of the 'Kantoke Dinners' in ChiangMai. At this event, visitors are seated in the floor around a circular tray with Northern dishes on it and eat while watching traditional Thai and Northern dances and hill tribe culture shows. Kantoke Dinners provide a good way to get to know both the Northern food and culture at the same time.