City Orientation Walk

Transcription

1 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 1 - City Orientation Walk Once capital of an independent ancient kingdom, between the 13th and 16th centuries AD, Chiang Mai is a treasure trove of historic sights: vestiges of walls and moats, hundreds of intricately decorated Buddhist temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, and more. These and other prominent attractions of Chiang Mai make up this orientation walk. Guide Location: Thailand» Chiang Mai # of Attractions: 11 Tour Duration: 2 hour(s) Travel Distance: 3.9 km Please note: This walk is also featured in the ios app "Chiang Mai Map and Walks" on itunes App Store and the Android app "Chiang Mai Map and Walks" on Google Play. The apps provide GPS navigation to guide you from one tour stop to the next, so you will never be lost. The apps offer additional walking tours in Chiang Mai. Check them out! GPSmyCity offers self-guided walking tours in over 1,000 city around the world. Please visit gpsmycity.com for more walking tour offers. List of attractions included in this self-guided walking tour: A) Tha Pae Gate B) Ratchadamnoen Road C) Wat Umong D) Wat Chedi Luang E) Three Kings Monument F) Central Police Station Monument G) Wat Phra Singh H) Wat Phuak Hong I) Suan Buak Haad J) Suan Prung Gate K) Chiang Mai Gate Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 1 -

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3 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 3 - A) Tha Pae Gate The Tha Pae Gate is the entrance to the old walled city of Chiang Mai. It is a landmark structure and the venue of many public gatherings and religious processions all year round. The Tha Pae Gate was built in 1296 during the reign of King Mengrai, the founder of the city of Chiang Mai. The eight main gates of the old city face a specific direction according to the eight compass points and each has an astrological faculty. The Tha Pae Gate faces east and has the astrological faculty of Mula or prosperity. Historically, it was the main gate that visiting monks, traders and diplomats had to pass to reach Chiang Mai. Some important annual events that take place near Tha Pae gate are the annual Flower Carnival in February, the Songkarn or the Thai New year celebrations in April and the Loy Krathong festival. It is also a meeting point for rural people and the city folk. On Saturday nights a live band performs at the permanent stage on the square in front of Tha Pae Gate. Many stalls that form part of the walking street- Ratchadamnoen Road Sunday market are set up near the gate and stalls selling local delicacies provide food and drink for the hungry visitor. Address: Moon Muang Rd., Soi 2, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 3 -

4 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 4 - Image Courtesy of Flickr and leozaza B) Ratchadamnoen Road The Walking Street- Ratchadamnoen Road is a Sunday evening market in Chiang Mai. It is popular with tourists and locals looking for authentic crafts, traditional food and local street entertainment. Ratchadamnoen Road, the main road between Tapei Gate and the Wat Phra Sing in the old city is closed for traffic and becomes a pedestrian road every Sunday evening between 2 pm and 10 pm. The street is flanked by stalls set up by vendors of handicrafts. Many stalls are run by the craftsmen themselves and the objects displayed are unique and diverse. Decorative objects made of wood, coconut shells, ceramics, fabric and paper are popular with the locals and tourists to take home as souvenirs. The grounds of the many temples that line Ratchadamnoen Road become food courts on Sunday evenings and visitors can enjoy local Thai culinary delights freshly made at the stalls. Some culinary favorites are the Som Tam or green papaya salad and Khao Soi, a soup that is a specialty in Northern Thailand. There is also plenty of entertainment with street musicians, Thai dancers, living statues and puppeteers performing for interested passer bys. The Walking Street- Ratchadamnoen Road Sunday market has become today one of the most visited Chiang Mai institutions that is frequented by locals and tourists. Address: Ratchadamnoen Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Takeaway C) Wat Umong (must see) Located a few miles west of Chiang Mai City and south of the University of Chiang Mai is the Wat Umong. It is in a natural setting at the foot of the Doi Suthep Mountain. Wat Umong was constructed over 700 years ago and still retains its rural ambience. It gets its name from the tunnels under the Stupa. Umong in Thai is tunnel. They were created by a Lanna King to prevent an eccentric monk called Thera Jan from wandering into the thick jungle surrounding the monastery. The tunnels are covered with beautiful religious murals that Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 4 -

5 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 5 - date back to the year The monks at the temple feed the deer that wander into the grounds. Visitors are allowed to feed the turtles and fish in the small lake within the temple complex and fish food is available at the gates. Signs with wise sayings in Thai and English are hung along the path leading to the lake. There is a little island in the middle called Pigeon Island. A notable feature in the complex is a pillar similar to that made by the Indian Buddhist emperor Ashoka in Sarnath which is today, India s national symbol. Informal Dharma discussions are held at Wat Umong on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Address: Suthep Road, Su Thep, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand Image Courtesy of Flickr and Akuppa D) Wat Chedi Luang (must see) The Wat Chedi Luang is a large ruined temple located in the heart of the old city area of Chiang Mai. It gets its name from the large Chedi or Stupa that once formed part of the temple complex. The construction of Wat Chedi Luang was begun by King Saen Muang Ma to hold the ashes of his father, Ku Na. His successors further expanded the temple and construction was completed in At the time, it housed the Emerald Buddha regarded as the holiest religious object in Thailand. In 1575, the temple fell to ruin and was never rebuilt. In the 1990s, the UNESCO and the Japanese Government built a new Chedi in Central Thai style rather than in the traditional Lanna style of other temples in Chiang Mai. Visitors can still see the old brick Wat. The large stairway that leads to the temple is guarded by stone figures of mythical snakes and elephants. The large Viharn or assembly hall has a brass statue of a standing Buddha installed by King Saen Muang Ma. He also planted the ancient Dipterocarp tree in the grounds. It is believed that a great catastrophe will befall the city when the tree falls. A small cross shaped building adjacent to the tree houses the city pillar dedicated to the spirit of the city. The tree and the spirit are said to protect Chiang Mai from evil and disaster. Address: Wat Chedi luang, Chiang Mai, Thailand Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Heinrich Damm Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 5 -

6 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 6 - E) Three Kings Monument (must see) The Three Kings Monument is dedicated to the three Northern Lao Kings who founded the city of Chiang Mai. It is the venue of the King s birthday celebrations in early December annually. The Three Kings Monument consists of the statues of King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai and his two friends, King Ramkamhaeng of Sukothai and King Ngam Muang of Payao. They are believed to have worked together to build the city. It consists of three bronze statues of kings in 14th century costumes. It has become an iconic part of the city and is reproduced in different forms and installed in different parts of Chiang Mai. There is a square in front of the monument which is the venue for many festivals. The square is surrounded by restaurants serving western food and the office of the Thai Airways. The Three Kings Monument is located inside the city walls at the center of the old city. The monument is in front of the Old Provincial Hall building which is today the City Art and Culture Center. The locals regard the monument as a shrine for the three kings. They offer flowers, incense and candles to the statue to invoke the blessings of these great Kings who conceived of the idea of the city of Chiang Mai. Address: Prapokklao Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand Image Courtesy of Flickr and leozaza F) Central Police Station Monument The Central Police Station is located on the Ratchadamnoen Road, which is the central road in Old Chiang Mai, and where the main tourist attractions are. There's an interesting monument in the yard of the police station. It represents a policeman saving the life of a young man. The monument is very moving. Address: Ratchadamnoen Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand Image Courtesy of Flickr and Dave Lonsdale Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 6 -

7 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 7 - G) Wat Phra Singh (must see) Chaing Mai s most important and sacred image of the Buddha, the Phra Buddha Singh is housed in the assembly hall of this ancient temple. The temple is an active place of worship and hosts important festivals. The Wat Phra Singh was first called the Wat Li Chiang Phra. It was constructed by King Pha Yu to contain the ashes of his father, Kham Fu. In 1367, the Phra Singh image of the Buddha found its way to Chiang Mai from the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya in India. The temple gets its name from this statue of the Buddha with a unique lion style. The temple is guarded by stone lions. The Wat Phra Singh complex consists of a large assembly hall or Viharn with a gilded copper image of the Buddha surrounded by white pillars supporting a red roof. The smaller assembly hall houses the Phra Singh statue. The hall is covered with paintings of the Buddhist folk tales, the Jataka tales. The Ubosot or ordination hall is perpendicular to the small Viharn and is decorated with elaborate mandala designs. The complex also contains a small monastic library and several Chedis including an old one dating back to The statue of Phra Singh is taken from the temple in procession around Chiang Mai during the Songkran or Thai New Year festival annually. Address: Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai, Thailand Image Courtesy of Flickr and Akuppa H) Wat Phuak Hong Wat Phuak Hong is translated as The Monastery of the Flight of Swans. It is a very beautiful temple in the Old Town of Chiang Mai. The architecture of the temple is well worth seeing. You'll see several circular layers stacked on top of one another, which form the temple. There are different opinions concerning this style of construction. Some think it's a Yunnanese-influenced design, while some think it's Lanna. Address: Wat Phuak Hong, Chiang Mai, Thailand Image Courtesy of Stephen Simpson Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 7 -

8 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 8 - I) Suan Buak Haad (must see) The Suan Buak Haad is a public park on the south western corner of the moat in Chiang Mai. It is the venue of the annual flower festival that takes place in early February. The Suan Buak Haad is the main recreation place for the locals of the city. There are vendors at the gate and visitors can buy food and rent a mat to sit on the grass. The locals also do their daily exercise here and come to jog or walk in the park. The formal gardens are landscaped around small lakes and bridges and offers an ideal setting for a leisurely and serene stroll. A children s play area makes it a favorite spot for local families. The Suan Buak Haad comes alive during the annual flower festival. The Flower Festival Parade ends at the park. Flower and plant sellers especially those who sell orchids are allowed to set up stalls. Some stalls also sell garden figures and decorations. A competition is held and special displays of flowers and miniature trees compete for the prize. There are displays by well known Thai landscape specialists and displays from neighboring countries. By late afternoon the flower competition ends and a competition to choose the Miss Chiang Mai Flower Festival begins. At this time the garden becomes the venue of a large party with loud rock music and partying locals and tourists. Address: Bumrung Buri Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand Image Courtesy of Flickr and // Nicolai Bangsgaard J) Suan Prung Gate Suan Prung Gate was built in the 15th century, much later than the other four gates. The gate was built by a king of Chiang Mai so his mother could enter the city directly, as she lived not far from this part of Old Town. There was, and still is, a tradition in Chiang Mai of carrying dead people for cremation through this gate. Address: Bumrung Buri Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand Image Courtesy of Stephen Simpson Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 8 -

9 Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 9 - K) Chiang Mai Gate Chiang Mai Gate was built in The gate led to the old Lamphun Road. It was rebuilt and is now wider than it used to be in ancient times. There's a market at this gate. You can buy both exotic, fresh and cooked foods, plus household items here. The Shrine of San Chao Pu Pratu Chiang Mai is also located at this gate. Address: Bumrung Buri Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand Image Courtesy of Stephen Simpson Copyright by GPSmyCity.com - Page 9 -