History of an Empire

The history of Chiang Mai or the “new city” founded in 1296 is the site of the former hill tribe community, Wiang Nopburi. Closely related to Burmese Wa tribes to the West, the Wiang Nopburi Lanna tribal society populated quite large cities across the Chiang Mai valley. Led by the ruler, or Chao, Chiang Mai succeeded Chiang Rai as the seat of the Lanna Kingdom. The decline of the Kingdom saw a transition to Burmese rule in 1556.

In 1775, Chiang Mai was incorporated as part of Siam in 1775 by an agreement with Chao Kavila, after Thai King, Taksin liberated the city. While abandoned from 1776 to 1791 during the Burmese insurgency, Chiang Mai continued to grow post this period. The contemporary landscape of Northern Thailand’s culture, economy, and especially trade substantiates its recognition as the second most important city in the country.

Cultural Sites

Recognized for its more than three hundred Buddhist temples or Wat, Chiang Mai is a center of religious pilgrimage. The city most visited for temple architecture, the efficacy of the region’s influence on the structural elements of Thai Buddhism is well acknowledged. So important is Chiang Mai’s development in Thai art and architectural history that the city is unrivalled by the capital in respect to transmission of key cultural aspects of Buddhist intellectual and spiritual thought and practice.

The Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center. Chiang Mai National Museum, and the city’s Tribal Museum encompass a vast history of resplendent regional culture. The Chiang Mai National Museum offers highlights of the history of the Kingdom of Lanna and the greater region affected by the tumultuous Burmese invasion. The Tribal Museum exhibits local mountain tribal culture, describing the history of shared ritual and economic activity.

The continuity of Chiang Mai as a second financial center of Thailand’s north is illustrated in the presence of two institutions: Bank of Thailand Museum and the Mint Bureau of Chiang Mai. The Bank of Thailand Museum covers the history, operations, and market activities of the organization, and its import in national and international commerce.

The city’s history as a Southeast Asian trade center put the city on the map for the Sala Thanarak, Treasury Department. Tourists can visit the Ministry of Finance, Mint Bureau located one block from AUA on Rajdamnern Road. The coin museum is open to the public for viewing of the Lanna Kingdom currency, including leaf money produced from recycled silver and brass bubbles. Also known as “pig-mouth” currency, these rare currency pieces are fascinating to review.

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Phuket Island

Thailand’s Phuket island is the most popular of the island resort destinations in the country. Specifically, the Island’s Patong, Kata and Karon beaches known for their geographical beauty are host to an array of world class hotels. While more crowded than other island destinations in Thailand, Phuket’s resort hotels are notable for excellence in service. Where to stay Phuket: Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa, Rawai, and Vijitt Resort, Rawai.

Islands to Visit Near Phuket

Outside of Phuket, Thailand’s other islands are less spoilt than other coastline destinations in the Archipelago. Koh Hae (Coral Island), Koh Lanta, Koh Mook, Koh Ngai and Koh Radang are smaller chains of islands. The latter located just south-east of Phi Phi Island, is exquisite in limestone rock formation. Visit Morakot Cave and swim through a 70-metre tunnel located under a cliff face. Koh Phi Phi’s Maya Bay is a stunning cove speckled coast. The Pileh Lagoon on the island offers snorkelling in crystal clear waters, with visibility of more than 50 metres.

Koh Racha about 19 kilometres off of the coast of Phuket is a white sand beach paradise. Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi is very similar, yet dotted with high-end resort spas not as frequented by foreign tourists. Visit Krabi on the mainland for its pristine beaches. Phang Nga is a beautiful hideaway offering vista views for miles.

Where to stay: Sri Lanta Resort.

Gulf of Thailand

Koh Phangan and Koh Samui have recently increased in popularity for its youth oriented recreation. Koh Samui is a spectacular island known for its crescent-shaped beach at Chaweng. Nightlife lovers will enjoy listening to sounds of Blues and Reggae music, then escape to calm south of Chaweng Noi. The island also offers some significant Buddhist architecture on the north coast, in the wooden village of Bophut. Take a ferry or speedboat to visit Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Angthong National Marine Park is also nearby.

If diving or snorkel is your sport, Koh Tao and adjacent Koh Nangyuan in the Gulf of Thailand, offer divers and snorkelers some of the best waters in Thailand. Smaller than Koh Tao, the island of Koh Nangyuan is an untouched virgin. For exploration Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan offer an excellent environment for the active visitor.

Where to stay: Impiana Resort, Chaweng Noi, Palita Lodge, Koh Phangan, The Sarann, Chaweng Noi, or Tapan Noi, Kho Phangan.

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