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Northern Thailand was the cradle of Thai-Buddhist civilisation and its rich history. It has been the scene of epic battles, of Burmese invasions, of the rise and fall of independent kingdoms, only distantly related to the ruling cities of the central part of the present-day kingdom. The North is a region of great natural wealth and scenic beauty. It embraces eight provinces bordered by Burma to the west, and Laos and the Mekhong river to the north. It is different from other regions of the country. It has a topography, culture and an ethnic make-up of its own. Getting to the North is now much easier than in the days of travel by boat orelephant. Thai Airways has several flights to the northern cities of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phrae, hitsanulok and Mae Hong Son. Several trains and many buses leave Bangkok for northern destinations.

The political, geographical and commercial centre of the North is Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand. Nearly 700 kilometres north of Bamgkok, Chiang Mai is popularly known as "Rose of the North". Chiang Mai's history is as old as that of the Thais themselves, In the 13th century, when Thais were fleeing en masse from southern China, King Mengrai ruled a Thai kingdom around Chiang Rai. When Kublai Khan sacked Pagan in 1287, Mengrai formed a life long alliance with the kings of Sukhothai. With his southern boundaries secure, Mengrai captured the old Mon kingdom at Haripunjaya in 1292. Later, he founded his new capital at Chiang Mai.

Located in a broad, flat valley of the Ping river, it has long been supported by the great expanse of rice fields in the south and the east. To the west, it is overlooked by the bulk of Doi Suthep, a wooded mountain beyond which extend forested mountains all the way through into Burma. Only a few years ago, a small, relaxed place, Chiang Mai is now a booming city. Getting around Chiang Mai is very easy. The baht buses take circuitous routes. A good opportunity for you to get a feel of the entire town without having to pay anything extra. The beautiful Chiang Mai has a huge wide variety of great hotels. Some of the best known are Amari Rincome, The Empress, Mae Ping and Chiang Mai Orchid.

A good place to start exploring Chiang Mai is the moat around the town which encloses some of its most important wats. The city's distinct history has ensured a lot of architectural variety. Some temples display Lanna-Thai architecture from the Mengrai period. The magnificent woodcarving on the pediments and doors have to be seen to be believed. Guarded by nagas and long-necked lions, these are usually attributed to Pagan. Notable among the ancient wats and chedis are:

Wat Chiang Man: Situated on Rajaphakinar Road, this is said to be the oldest temple of the region. Built by King Mengrai, who is believed to have lived in it while his capital was being constructed, it dates back to 1296. The bot, viharn and chedi are in the Lanna style. Wat Chiang Man houses images of Buddha which can be seen on request. One is called Phra Sila, known to have been gifted to King Mengrai by monks from Sri Lanka. The other is the Crystal Buddha, or; Phra Sak Tang Tamani, said to belong to the fifth century. It is famous for its rain-making powers. The wat features vivid murals depicting events in the Buddha's life.

Wat Phra Singh: Dating back to 1345, this Wat is located on the corner of Singharat and Rajadamnoen Roads. It was built by King Pha Yu to enshrine his father, King Pha Kan Fu's ashes. The name of this temple comes from one of the most famous images in northern Thailand, the Phra Singha Buddha. An early Chiang Saen style image, it was brought from Chiang Rai in 1400. A traditional northern style architecture, the interior walls of the chapel are decorated with narrative murals. To the right of the modern viharn is a 14th century repository of scriptures.

Wat Chedi Luang: A violent earthquake in 1545 toppled the pagoda of this wat and it was never restored. The biggest relic in northern Thailand, it is said that for 84 years the restless Emerald Buddha was housed here. Close to the entrance is a gum tree which, according to legend, if it falls will cause great misfortune to Chiang Mai.

Wat Suan Dok: This temple contains the ashes of the royal families of Chiang Mai. Off Suthep Road, Wat Suan Dok is located in a large compound which earlier was the pleasure garden of the Lanna kings. Also termed, The Flower Garden Temple, the wat dates back to 1383 and the central chedi is said to hold no less that eight relics of Lord Buddha. The chedis behind the bot contain the ashes of the royal families of Chiang Mai.

Wat Chet Yod: Built by King Tilokaraja in 1947, it has a historical importance as this was where the eighth World Buddhist Council was convened in 1477. The design is a replica of the ahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India where Buddha attained enlightenment. Close to Chiang Mai Museum, this wat is situated on the Super Highway outside the city.

Wat Umong: This wat is also outside the city centre of Cherng Doi Road. The largely ruined temple was built by King Mengrai in 1296.

Wat Koo Tao: Off Chotana Road, Wat Koo Tao is symbolised by its bulbous chedi shaped like diminishing spheres. Built in 1613, it contains the ashes of a Burmese ruler of Chiang Mai.

Zoological Park: The largest zoo in Thailand is located on Huai Kaeo Road near the university. With beautiful landscaped grounds it contains about 500 animals Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

National Museum: Close to Wat Chet Yot, the Museum is located on the Super Highway. Housing a small collection of Buddha images from various periods, it also displays hilltribe costumes and household utensils.

Famed for its cottage industry, Chiang Mai is a popular place for buying hilltribe handicrafts, woodcarving, silverware, lacquerware, celadon pottery and hand-painted umbrellas. Umbrella-making: Perhaps the most well-known local craft village is Bo Sang. Six kilometres to the east of the town, there is a visual feast in store for tourists. The umbrellas are made of durable waxy paper, cotton, or even silk, then handpainted in many hues and designs. Silverware: Starting near the Chiang Mai Gate and running straight through the silversmiths' district of Ban Wua Lai, the silversmiths' street is known as Wua Lai Road. The silverware made here is finely crafted and superbly designed. From embossed bowls and boxes to intricately worked filigree jewellery, there are many attractions in this "silver district".

Wood-carvings: Fine examples of religious and secular wood-carvings can be seen on several old buildings. Believed to have been brought by the Burmese in the 17th century, this art has now become a commercial craft. Many of the products, including animal figures, domestic ware and tables, made by the local wood-carvers, are exported. Lacquerware: The main lacquerware village can be found behind the Wua Lai Road, near Wat Nantharam, south of Chiang Mai. Among the popular lacquerware are bowls, cups, plates, boxes and trays. A visitor can actually watch the process of making and decorating lacquerware at this village. Basketry: San Kamphaeng, about 15 km from Chiang Mai is the hub of silk weaving. Cotton Weaving: Pa Sang, 36 km from Chiang Mai is where a variety of cotton weaves including batiks are produced.

Although there is plenty to do and see in Chiang Mai itself, there are several places around the city which are worth exploring. Doi Suthep : This is an easy trip to make out of Chiang Mai. There are several attractions here as well. The mountain road passes innumerable pathways that lead to sparkling waterfalls. At the top is a Buddhist monastery, with a holy relic enshrined in a 16th century golden stupa. After ascending the 290 steps of the dragon staircase, you get a fascinating view of the countryside below. The summer residence of the Royal Family, Phuping Palace is about six km from here. The beautifully landscaped gardens are open to the public when the Royal Family is not in residence. Also in the vicinity is the Meo village of Ban Doi Pui, which provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of hilltribes.

Doi Inthanon: Thailand's highest mountain, it is about 60 km, down the Chom Thong road, from Chiang Mai. At 8,500 feet, the peak provides some splendid views. The park around it is considered to be one of the most picturesque and awe inspiring in the country. The area is well known for its flora and fauna. Mae Klang Waterfall: At the foot of Doi Inthanon is a popular and beautiful waterfall Mae Klang.