Chiang Mai Blog | Former Capital of Thailand

The Underground Ancient City of Wiang Kum Kam

February 13, 2017 By // by Sarah Cruz Leave a Comment

History states that in the year 1288, King Mengrai relocated the capital of the Lan Na Kingdom to the old city of Wiang Kum Kam. From the former capital Chiang Rai, the capital was moved to the old city on the banks of the Ping River. Although proven to be a good strategic location with many advantages in terms of the city’s defense and trade, the area was low-lying and was extremely prone to flooding, forcing the king to look for a better location for his capital.

old city, wiang kum kam, chiang mai — Ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam

In 1926, King Mengrai chose a new site for his capital on the opposite site of the Ping River, the city now known as Chiang Mai. The city …

Kaleidoscope of Colors at the Royal Flora Grounds

January 16, 2017 By // by Sarah Cruz Leave a Comment

Imagine having a hearty lunch underneath a romantic pavilion in Indonesia and then walking your way at a leisurely pace to Bhutan by the afternoon, taking in the sights and sounds and society all around as you go. A lovely image? It’s one made possible by the Royal Flora Grounds, where entrance will get you the feeling of being transported into a botanical wonderland.

royal fora grounds, plants, flowers, chiang mai, thailand — The Beautiful Royal Flora Grounds in ChiangMai

The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek, which means Golden Flower Tree in Thai, was originally a celebration of King Bhumipol’s 60th ascension to the throne. The celebration took place from November 1, 2006 up until January 31, 2007. The 3-month long festival drew …

Visiting the Majestic Wat Phra Singh

January 15, 2017 By // by Sarah Cruz Leave a Comment

Wat Phra Singh has always been an important Buddhist monastery located on the west side of the city of Chiang Mai. Since its founding during the 14th Century, it has always been a major monastery and an important temple that houses 700 friendly monks who often approach visitors to practice proper English. It now houses two medieval Buddha statues that continue to lure in pilgrims and tourists for a serene environment and a place for meditation.

wat phra singh, chiang mai, thailand — Magnificent Wat Phra Singh

The temple was as originally built by King Pha Yu in 1345 to hold the ashes of his departed father, King Kham Fu. It was also known to …

Visiting the Grand Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

January 14, 2017 By // by Sarah Cruz Leave a Comment

Said to be the holiest shrine in the Northern Thailand region, the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep was founded back in 1936 in the most miraculous circumstances. Nowadays, it is seen standing grandly atop the Doi Suthep Mountain in the western outskirts of the city of Chiang Mai. Its origins are no less majestic, as the tale would have it.

wat phrathat doi suthep, chiang mai — Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

According to the legend, a magical relic multiplied itself just before it was enshrined at the Wat Suan Dok in Chiang Mai. A suitable place was then needed to shelter the new relic. Being unable to decide on a specific site, the King placed the relic on the back of a white …

Magnificent Ruins of the Wat Chedi Luang

January 13, 2017 By // by Sarah Cruz Leave a Comment

The Wat Chedi Luang or the Temple of the Big Stupa is a majestic ruined temple found in the center of Chiang Mai dating back to the 14th and 15th Centuries. Construction on the temple began in 1391 by instruction of King Saen Muang Ma primarily to hold the ashes of his late father, Ku Na. The building was expanded through the years by later kings until it finally achieved its final form in 1475. In time, it was given a great honor by housing the Emerald Buddha, which is the holiest religious object of all of Thailand. At this time, the temple had a height of 84 meters or 280 feet. Unfortunately for the temple, however, the Emerald Buddha was moved to a new home at the Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

wat chedi luang, temple, chiang mai — Majestic Wat Chedi Luang

A century after its construction, the severe earthquake of 1545 toppled the top part of the great temple. The Emerald was still kept in the chedi for another six years but was then moved to Luang Prabang, which is now known as Loas, by the king. Years later, the city of …

Looking Down on Creation at the Doi Inthanon National Park

January 12, 2017 By // by Sarah Cruz Leave a Comment

At a height of 2565 meters above sea level, the Doi Inthanon is the highest peak in Thailand. This high an altitude ensures that temperatures at the peak are refreshingly cool all year round and tip just below freezing point during the cool season of the region. Situated at the peak is the Doi Inthanon National Park that consists of rugged mountainous terrain and a lush tropical forest dotted with mighty rivers and a scenic waterfall. There can be no doubt that this park is a true jewel of the beauty of nature.

park, thailand, chiang mai — Doi Inthanon National Park

The park has a well-protected status of being a sanctuary for a wide variety of animal species and is said to be the best venue in Thailand to go bird watching. About 362 species of birds make their home at the park, and many of them are not easily found …