CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai (in Thai àªÕ§ãËÁè also sometimes written as "Chiangmai", is the second-largest city in Thailand, the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and the capital of Chiang Mai Province.

It is located at 18°47′20″N, 98°59′00″E, some 800 km north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.

In recent years Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city, although it lacks the cosmopolitan gloss of Bangkok. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come to the city each year. Chiang Mai's historic strength derived from its important strategic location near a southern branch of the ancient Silk Road, and long before the modern influx of foreign visitors the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewellery (particularly silver) and woodcarving.

Chiang Mai Province has an estimated population of about 1.6 million, with some 6-700,000 living in the city of Chiang Mai.

Beyond all doubt, however, the city is growing rapidly, as it has been perceived as the most livable city in all of Asia.

Chiang Mai is blend of Cambodian, Burmese, and Indian cultures. The result is the distinct Lanna culture and archeology that is still evident in Chiang Mai today.

Many of the sites built during the Lanna Kingdom are still intact and available as interesting touring destinations.

Ancient Buddhist temples can be seen almost everywhere in the city, with Wat Chaing Mun being the oldest. Other temples of interest include Wat Chedi Luang, which houses the city pillar that traditionally marks the center of a town; Wat Pra Sing, which holds a much revered Buddha image that is one of Thailand's oldest; and Wat Umong, which is a quiet meditational retreat shaded by majestic teak trees.