Amazing Thailand #12: Chiang Mai

Last chapter on the series "Amazing Thailand"! Chiang Mai ( เชียงใหม่ ), Lanna sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country. The city is on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river. In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city and attracts approximately 1 million visitors each year. Chiang Mai gained prominence in the political sphere in May 2006, when the Chiang Mai Initiative was concluded here between the ASEAN nations and the "+3" countries (China, Japan, and South Korea). Chiang Mai's historic importance derived from its strategic location on the Ping river and major trade routes. The city has long been a major center for hand-crafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving. While officially the city (thesaban nakhon) of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai district with a population of 150000, the urban sprawl of the city now extends into several neighboring districts. This Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of nearly one million people, more than half the total of Chiang Mai Province. Some of the touristic attraction in or around Chiang Mai include the Elephant Nature Park, the X-Centre (buggy, zorbing, kart, etc), Adventure Centre (river rafting, quad-bike/ATV ...



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Related : Travel in Bangkok Thailand