Chiangmai

Chiang Mai, also sometimes written as "Chiengmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located at 18°47′20″N, 98°59′00″ECoordinates: 18°47′20″N, 98°59′00″E, some 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.
In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city, although it lacks the cosmopolitan nature of Bangkok. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its important strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors, the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.
While officially the city (thesaban nakhon) of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai district with a population of 150,000, the urban sprawl of the city now extends into several neighboring districts. This Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of almost 700,000 people, nearly half the total of Chiang Mai Province. The city itself is subdivided into 4 wards: Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila. The first three wards are on the west bank, while Kavila is located on the east back of Ping River. Nakhon Ping ward covers the north side of the city. Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila cover the west, south, and east side respectively. The central part(old town) is covered mostly by Srivijaya ward and partly by Nakhon Ping and Mengrai wards. See the map of Chiangmai City wards
form wikipedia

Summit of Mekong River countries kicks off

A summit of the six countries connected by the Mekong River kicked off Sunday in land-locked Laos, state media reports said.The 3rd Summit of Greater Mekong Subregion countries - Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam - was officially launched Sunday morning in Vientiane, Radio Laos reported in a broadcast monitored in Bangkok.
Khamthan Suthienamtha, secretary general of the Youth Union of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, opened the meeting with the prediction that the summit would help "meet the strategic targets of the younger generation in all six countries."
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived Saturday to attend the summit and met with Lao President Choummaly Saygnasone Sunday morning to discuss bilateral relations.
China has become a leading aid donor to Laos in recent years. Chinese companies have become major investors, especially in rubber plantations and hydroelectricity projects, in the land-locked communist country of less than 6 million people but a land mass equal to half of France.
The summit co-hosted by the Asian Development Bank is expected to mark the official opening of a 1,800-kilometre road from Kunming, in China, to Thailand's capital Bangkok.
Besides Wen, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Myanmar Premier General Thein arrived in Vientiane Saturday to attend the summit, which will also draw the premiers of Thailand and Vietnam.
The bloc was established in 1992 to promote economic and social development, irrigation and cooperation within the six countries linked by the 4,200-kilometre Mekong River.
Deutsche Presse-Agentur
from nationmultimedia.com

Tourist attractions in Chiangrai

Princess Mother Hall and Doi Mae Salong Located about 70 km northwest of Chiang Rai accessed by a scenic, and sometimes quite steep, road from Mae Chan. In Mae Salong there is a museum of the Kuo Min Tang and their plight after exiled from China by Mao Tse Tung, and subsequently forced to leave Burma from where they entered Thailand, helping at times to fight the Communists.
Doi Tung Royal Villa is the final residence of the mother of the King of Thailand, known as the Princess Mother. It is located at kilometre 12 on highway 1149, to the west of highway 1. This magnificent villa was built on the mountain overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys in a unique mix of Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. Adjacent to the villa is a large flower-filled garden, and a memorial hall commemorating the Princess Mother. Doi Tung Zoo Phucheefah The Gate of Siam is a location on the border with Laos where one can stand high up on a mountain with Laos directly in front and the mighty Mekong River flowing beneath.

Ecotourism in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has many tourism spots in terms of such natural attractions as mountains, cultural and historical sites which reflect the glories of Chiang Mai civilization and a sophisticated infrastructure. Chiang Mai has been proud of the city’s 700 year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Thailand government is now looking forward to the policy about tourism development with emphasis in community participation, safety of tourists and non-exploitation. The national parks system in Chiang Mai has great opportunities for the ecotourism industry.

Tourists can enjoy trekking, elephant shows, cycling tours, rafting and bird washing. Chiang Mai offers unique opportunities for the adventures. Lush hills and virgin forests are scenic backdrops that will make tourists trekking by foot or on elephant back truly memorable. The most popular trails are in Doi Inthanon National Park where over 300 bird species and a wide variety of orchids and other flowers can be seen. Chiang Mai also has a lot to offer to bird lovers. Its forests, perfect wildlife sanctuaries, are good observation spots for bird watching activities. Among several popular places are Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep. Chiang Mai’s mountainous terrain and scenic destinations make the province perfect for both cycling and mountain biking. Alternatively, it is possible to experience the scenery along Maenam Ping which flows peachfully through villages, old temples, farms, etc. Chiang Mai, as well as, provides good opportunities of rafting using bamboo or rubber rafts, as there are lots of rivers and streams flowing throughout the province. All rivers flow throughout the province. All rivers flow through lush forests and hill tribe settlements.

Tourists can also buy hill tribe products. Exotic, traditional and unique, products are sold by hill tribe people dressed in traditional costumes. It is not possible to resist buying one of the hand-made silver ornaments, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, hairpins, pipes, and embroidered items that are available.Ecotourism in Chiang Mai can be both natural and cultural ways in the same times. Tourists can enjoy traveling during helping nature and local people.