Cultural Background

Wat Chiang Man:Rathaphakinai Rd., Tambon Siphum.It is Chiang Mai's oldest wat,built around 1300.Formerly,it was the residence of King Mengrai,the founder of Chiang Mai. If  is famous for the small ancient Buddha image named "Phra Setang Kha-Ma-Ni" or "Phra Kaeo Khao" made of precious stone.

Wat Suan Dok: Suthep Road. It was built around 1383 by King Ku-Na.The ashes of the Royal Chiang Mai Family are entombed in several white chedis.In the Viharn,vast,cool and calm,sits a 500-year-old bronze Buddha image which is one of the most beautiful and largest metal images in northern Thailand.

Wat Chet Yot or Wat Photharam: Highway No.11. It is interesting for its history.King Tilokkarat sent his architects to India to study the design of the Chedi of Buddha Gaya. The architects returned and made a replica of it. The structure was built in 1477. It has seven spires. There is also a big Pho tree which is believed to have been brought by King Tilokkarat from Si Lanka.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: a magnificent Buddhist temple standing on the top of Doi Suthep,3,520 feet above sea level, 16 kms.from town. There are 290 steps to climb after that,but it's worth the effort,not only to see the temple but also for the wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. It is one of the holy temples visited each year by Buddhist pilgrims from everywhere. The temple was built by King Ku-Na in 1383.

Cottage Industries: it is said that Chiang Mai is the world's largest center of cottage industries. The people are divided into communities,each working at thir crafts. It is where most of the Thai silk is made and also famous for its wood-carving,silverware and pottery. The people make temple bells,produce paper by an ancient process and make charmingly painted umbrellas. For those interested in craft, endless time can be spent visiting the communities and watching the delicate workmanship.The craftsmen are friendly people and they are pround to show visitors around,whether they buy their ware or not.