“Nopphaburi Sri Nakorn Ping Chiangmai” (new town) was established by King Mengrai in
1292 AD. Two hundred years later, the city was subdued by a Burmese invasion and
became Burma’s vassal state in 1558. In 1774, Chiangmai was liberated by King Taksin
and became part of Siam and once again capital of Lanna (a million rice fields) an
independent princedom, tributary to Bangkok.
Today, Chiangmai is the largest city of northern Thailand possessing unique cultural
characteristics surrounded by truly magnificent natural beauty. Chiangmai is also a centre
of learning, art, antiques, and the ancient tradition of Lanna. An increasing number of
tourists, both Thai and foreign, visit again and again, impressed by the hospitality and talent
of the people, reflected in various silk, silver, sa paper products, hand made cotton and silk,
wood carving, ceramics and other handicrafts and, of course, the food.
GEOGRAPHY
Chiangmai is situated 300 meters above sea level in a large mountainous area. The province
encompasses approximately 20,107 square kilometers. Chiangmai is separated from
Bangkok by 700 kilometers of highway or 761 kilometers of railway. Chiangmai province
is located between the northern latitude 17 - 21 and the eastern longitude 98 – 99.
Chiangmai northern border 277 kilometers of mountain range separates Chiangmai’s Fang
and Mae Ai districts from Myanmar’s Chiang Tung State. In some parts of northern
Chiangmai, the Kok River plays the role of the border between Chiangmai and Myanmar. In
the east, Chiangmai is bordered by Chiangrai, Lampang and Lamphun provinces. The south
of Chiangmai is separated from Tak province by the Mae Tuen River and also borders
Lamphun province. To the west lies Mae Hong Son province.
TRANSPORTATION
BY CAR:
Take Highway No. 1 (Phaholyothin Road) and turn to Highway No. 32 (Asia Highway) pass
Ayutthaya, Angthong, Nahkorn Sawan, then turn to Highway No. 1 to pass Tak, Lampang,
Lamphun to Chiangmai : a distance 696 kilometers or 9 – 10 hour.
BY RAIL
Express and rapid trains leave for Chiangmai from Hualamphong Station several times daily
and the trip takes about 12 – 15 hours depending on the class. It is recommended to
reserve the seat in advance, especially for sleepers class. For further information please
contact Tel: 02 220 4334 or call 1690 pr visit www.railway.co.th Chiangmai Railway
Station Tel : 053 242 094
BY AIR
Domestic Airlines ;
Thai Airways International Tel : 02 356 1111, 02 628 2000 or call 1566
www.thaiairways.com Chiangmai Office Tel : 053 920 999, 053 920 920
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