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destination feature
The entrance to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most revered temple
Culture-Rich Chiang Mai
Thailand’s second-largest city and northern capital, Chiang Mai, offers something for everyone. Chris Wee takes in the sights and sounds of this ancient and culture-rich city.
Founded in 1292,
Chiang Mai is nestled in
the rolling foothills of the
southernmost Himalayan Moun- tains, 800km north of Bangkok. Chiang Mai actually translates as “New Walled City”, with parts of the old wall restored as gates and corners, enclosing a quaint moated inner city. No tall buildings within the inner city, just a profusion of temples of Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai styles and origins, decorated with woodcarvings, dragon stairways, temple guardians, gilded umbrellas and stupas laced with gold filigree. Small side roads with quiet neighbourhoods give the
18 ENDLESS VACATION
Photos: Chris Wee