The Northern Rose

Chiang Mai ('New City'), considered the Northern Thailand capital, often called the Northern Rose, was founded April 14th 1296 at 4.00 a.m., by King Mengrai.
Situated approximately 700 Km North of Bangkok, on the Ping river, is the fertile valley of Chiang Mai, 310 meters above sea level. Chiang Mai has a drier and colder climate than other parts of Thailand.
Population is said to be around 300000 inhabitants. The province itself is large, 130 km East to West and 320 km North to South. It's the home of a variety of minorities, i.e.: the Lua, Mon, Karen, Lisu, Akha, Hmong and Muser. The provinces around Chiang Mai are: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang and Lamphun.
As well as its culture, the architecture of Chiang Mai is Lanna Thai as well as Birmese and Sri Lankese. There are around 300 temples in Chiang Mai and its area.
The golden age of Lanna-Chiang Mai place around 500 years before King Tilokarat's reign. The city recently has taken off towards the modern age without losing track of its glorious past.

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