Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang is on the corner of Phra Pokklao and Phra Singh Rds, contains a very large and venerable chedi dating from 1441. It’s now in partial ruins, damaged either by earthquake or by the cannon fire of King Taksin during the recapture of Chiang Mai from the Burmese.

The Emerald Buddha was placed in the eastern niche here in 1475. The Lakmeuang of the city is within the wat. There are also some impressive dipterocarp trees on the grounds.
One of the best times to see this chedi is during the wian tian ceremony. ( One of the main Buddhist festival days.)
The large viharn was built in 1928. Round columns with bell shaped bases and lotus finials support the high red ceiling inside. The standing Buddha image inside is known as the Phra Chao Attarot. Made of a combination of brass alloy and mortar, the image dates back to King Saen Muang Ma. Buddhist posters are placed along the walls between the windows.Cabinets with Buddha images and Bencharong ceramics line the walls.
The cross shaped hall to the south of the main viharn contains the city pillar. Statues in small shelters surrounding this building are homes of guardian spirits. Legends say that a hermit went to the God Indra to ask for protection for the city from enemies. On condition that appropriate offerings were made, Indra permitted two kumaphan to carry the Inthakhin pillar from the Tavatimsa heaven to the city.

Chao Kawila moved the city pillar to its present site from Wat Sadoe Muang in 1800. He built statues of the kumaphan under shelters to the north and south of the main entrance to the temple. He also planted the three large yang trees.

The tree nearest the city pillar will protect Chiang Mai as long as it is not cut down. Other buildings in the compound include the Lanna campus of the Mahamakut Buddhist University (This is the northern campus for monks of the Thammayut sect, a reformist sect founded by King Mongkut, who was dissatisfied with the established Mahanikai sect). To the west of the chedi is a viharn with a reclining Buddha and the Sangkhachai Buddha.

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh is the most important of these northern wats. The walls are painted with the story of Sang Thong. Wat Phra Singh murals, the royal personages are clothed in traditional Thai costume of royalty which survives today in the costumes of the classic dance, and the common people are dressed in contemporary 19th century Burmese style. Here, there is a great deal of factual reporting and earthly humor tucked into the most reverent scenes.

Children play, women cook food, a man flirts with a group of girls and on the roof above his head a tom cat stalks a female. Wat Phra Singh started by King Pa Yo in 1345, the wihaan which houses the Phra Singh was completed between 1385 and 1400. It is an example of the classic Northern-Thai stye found during this period from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. The Phra Singh Buddha supposedly comes from Sri Lanka, but it is not particularly Sinhalese in style.
Wat Phra Singh is at the end of Phra Singh Rd near Suan Dawk Gate.

Wat Chiang Man

Wat Chiang Man was built in 1297 at the site of the camp King Mangrai used. It was the first temple to be built in Chiang Mai and contains several very old artifacts. The oldest structure is the Chang Lom chedi, it’s style that could have originated from Sri Lanka via Sukhothai, or from Pagan. Fifteen elephants represent a sea of unformed matter upon which the cosmos of the chedi floats.Nearby are a lotus pond, a raised scripture repository and an ubosot. The stela in front of the ubosot was inscribed in 1581, and is one of the oldest known records that establishes the founding date of Chiang Mai.
The temple has two Lanna style. The larger viharn was renovated by Khru Ba Srivichai in the 1920's. The standing Buddha image has an inscription on its slightly lopsided square base that dates it to 1465. This makes it the oldest dated Buddha image to be found so far in Chiang Mai. Close study shows new gilt veneer covers pits and cracks that indicate the image's real age.
The smaller viharn to the north contains two small but very famous Buddha images. The Phra Sila image is a bas-relief that probably came from Ceylon in about the eighth century. The image is believed to have the power to bring rain .

The Phra Sae Tang Khamani crystal image belonged to Queen Chamadevi, who brought it from Lop Buri when she became the first ruler of Haripunchai. The image reputedly survived the burning of Haripunchai when it was razed by King Mangrai, and is honored for its powers to protect against disaster.
Wat Chiang Man features typical Northern Thai architecture with Massive teak columns inside The central sanctuary,which in Noerthern Thailand is called a sim. The sim containing the venerated images is open daily 9 to 5. Wat Chiang Man is off Ratchaphakhinai Rd in the North-east corner of the old city.

Chiang Mai Visa, Thai Calendar

Visa Issues
Regulations covering the issuance of Thai visas are found in Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) section 5, 12 (1), 34 (15). Essentially, although every visitor to Thailand requires a valid passport, whether you need a visa to enter Thailand is dependent on the period of time you are expecting to stay in the kingdom and your nationality.
Visitors from a number of countries must obtain their visas before entering Thailand. Other visitors will be issued with a visa on arrival at an international airport, a border crossing, or an immigration checkpoint. A limited number of countries have agreements with Thailand that enable their citizens to enter Thailand without a visa. Visas are issued either by consulates and embassies outside Thailand, or the Immigration Bureau of the Royal Thai Police within Thailand.

30-day visits: Most visitors are able to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without the need of a visa.

60-day visits: If you want to stay longer for a longer period you can obtain a two-month tourist visa from the Thai consulate or embassy in your country. However, if you are in Thailand and wish to extend your stay this can be done by obtaining a one-month extension from an immigration office (cost: 1,900 Baht).

Longer than 60-day visits: People wishing to stay in Thailand longer than two months require a ‘Non-Immigrant Visa’ – this is not a tourist visa and a person must meet certain requirements before being granted one (e.g. having family members in Thailand, etc.). A ‘Non-Immigrant Visa’ is issued for three months and can be extended to one year under certain circumstances.
Full details: A detailed description of visa requirements is provided by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Thai Calendar
Years are numbered according to the Buddhist Era (BE) which commenced 543 years before the Christian era. Thailand national holidays are linked to religious or agricultural traditions.
Loy Kratong Day(November)
Not a national holiday, but an evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around the kingdom.
King's Birthday (5 December) National Holiday
His Majesty the King's birthday is celebrated throughout the country and also serves as the nation's Fathers Day.
Constitution Day (10 December) National Holiday
December 10th celebrates the date in 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution.
New Years Eve (31 December) National Holiday
The day before the western New Year day is always a national holiday.
New Year's Day (1 January) National Holiday
The beginning of the western New Year is a national holiday in Thaland, one of three "new year" holidays celebrated every year.
Chinese New Year (February)
The beginning of the Chinese lunar year is celebrated in the Chinatowns of every city throughout Thailand. Some businesses close for the day, but it is not a national holiday.
Makha Bucha (February) National Holiday
Makha Bucha celebrates the Buddha's first sermon in to his disciples.
Chakri Day (6 April) National Holiday
Chakri Day commeorates the founding of the current dynasty, Rama I.
Songkran Day (13 April) National Holiday
Songkran is the traditional Thai new year, generally celebrated as a water festival.
Labor Day (1 May) National Holiday
International Labor Day is celebrated as a national holiday.
Coronation Day (5 May) National Holiday
Celebrates the day in 1949 when the current king was crowned.
Visakha Bucha (May) National Holiday
The holiest Buddhist holiday celebrates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of the Buddha.
Queen's Birthday (12 August) National Holiday
Her Majesty the Queen's birthday is a national holiday, also serving as the country's Mothers Day as well.
Buddhist Lent (August) National Holiday
This day marks the beginning of the Buddhist 'lent' period, a time when monks are supposed to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.
Chulalongkorn Day (23 October) National Holiday
Celebrates the birthday of one of Thailand's most revered kings.

Chiang Mai VAT Refund for tourist

VAT Refund for tourist
Who can claim a VAT refund
• is not a Thai national
• is not an airline crew member departing Thailand on duty.
• departs Thailand from an international airport.
• purchases goods from stores displaying a "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign.
• present the goods and submit the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form(P.P10) and original tax invoices to the Customs officers immediately before check-in for departure from Thailand.
How to claim VAT refund?
• VAT refund only applies to goods taken out of Thailand with the traveller within 60 days from the date of purchase.
• Goods must be purchased from stores displaying the "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign.
• Goods must be at least 5,000 baht including VAT and must be purchased from each supplier at the amount of at least 2,000 baht per day.
• On the purchasing day, present your passport and ask the sales assistant at the store to complete the VAT Refund Application for Tourists form (P.P.10) and attach the original tax invoices to the form. Each application form (P.P.10) must show a value of goods of 2,000 baht or more.
• Before departure, present your goods and VAT Refund Application for Tourists form (P.P.10) to Customs officers for inspection before check-in.
• Luxury goods, such as jewelry, gold ornaments, watch, glasses, or pen, must once more be inspected by the Revenue officers at the VAT refund office at the departure lounge after passport control.
• You can either present your claim to the Revenue officers at the VAT Refund Counter or mail it back to the Revenue Department of Thailand or drop it into the box in front of the VAT Refund office.
How will the Refund be paid?
You can choose to receive your refund
1. Refund amount not exceeding 30,000 baht, will be made in cash (Thai baht) or by bank draft or credit to your credit card account.
2. Refund amount exceeding 30,000 baht, will be made by bank draft or credit to your credit card account.
The following fees apply to refund requests.
• For cash refund, a fee of 100 Baht.
• For bank draft refund, a fee of 100 Baht plus draft issuing fee at the rate charged by banks and postage fees.
• For credit into credit card account refund, a fee of 100 Baht plus money transfer fee at the rate charges by banks and postage fees.
The reasons why requests are disapproved
• You carry a diplomatic passport and reside in Thailand.
• You are an airline crew member departing Thailand on dutry.
• Goods were not taken out of Thailand within 60 days from the date of purchase.
• You did not depart Thailand by air carrier from an international airport.
• The name or the passport number on the original tax invoice attached to the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form (P.P. 10) is not yours.
• Value of goods purchased is less than 2,000 baht per day per store.
• VAT Refund Application for Tourist form ( P.P. 10) was not prepared on the date of purchase.
• Total value of the goods claimed for refund is less than 5,000 baht.
• Original tax invoices were not attached to the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form (P.P. 10).
• You did not carry the goods out of Thailand on the day of your departure.
• Goods were not purchased from participating shops in the VAT refund for tourists scheme.
• The quantity of goods shown in the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form ( P.P. 10) is less than that shown in the original tax invoice.
• Goods were taken out of Thailand without being inspected by Customs officers or by Revenue officers.
• Luxury goods were taken out of Thailand without being checked by the Revenue officers.
• Some of the tax invoices attached to the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form ( P.P. 10) were issued from a different store that mentioned on the form.

Chiang Mai Books, Consulates, Immigration

Maps, Books
1. Nancy Chandler's Map of Chiang Mai, 18th Edition.
“For many visitors, Chiang Mai's real appeal is in its secret sights, shops and cafes hidden down side streets and back alleyways, behind temples and inside otherwise nondescript lots. Nancy Chandler's Map of Chiang Mai shares these treasures, with extensive listings of everything from private museums and boutiques open 'by appointment only' to massage, cooking and Thai language schools, vegetarian restaurants, noodle stalls, things to do with the kids, tips for escaping the heat in summer, where to catch a European film, and more. The map includes detailed guides to the Night Bazaar and the backstreets of Warorot Market (Chiang Mai's Chinatown) as well as Greater Chiang Mai and the City Center. The latest edition index now includes more telephone numbers and descriptions than ever before!
2. DK’s Tourist Map Chiang Mai
3. Lonely Planet Thailand, Joe Cummings
4. Lonely Planet Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand, Joe Cummings
5. Lonely Planet World Food Thailand, Joe Cummings
Foreign Consulates
Australian Consulate 053-225975-6
Austrian Consulate 053-400231
British Consulate 053-203405
Canadian Honorary Consulate 053-850147
Chinese Consulate 053-276215
Germany Consulate 053-838735
Indian Consulate 053-243066
Japanese Consulate 053-203367
Swedish Consulate 053-220844
USA Consulate 053-252629
USIS 053-214120
YMCA Chiang Mai 053-221819, 053-222-366

Chiang Mai Immigration
Office hours are 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday
71 Moo3 Sanambin Road Suthep Muang Chiang Mai
Tel: 053 – 201755-6 Fax: 053-277-510

Post
The General Post Office is near the Train Station on Charoen Meuang Rd.
Office hours are 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. Saturday and Sunday from 9.00 am to 12.00am.
The New Mae Ping Post Office
Office hours are 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. Saturday 9.00am to 12.00am.
Other post offices branch : Praisani, Samlan, Phra Pokklao, Chotana, Mahidol, Chang Pheuak, Chang Khlan Rds, Chiang Mai University and Chiang Mai International Airport.

Chiang Mai Intown Transportation

There is a licensed airport taxi service available at the taxi kiosk outside the baggage-claim area. Purchase a ticket and present it to the drivers waiting by the arrivals exit area. The trip will cost approximately 100 bahts for a sedan car that seats 4-5 people (with luggage).
From the airport, train station and bus terminal, you can easily get a song taew (red mini-bus). To charter a minibus or car, please check the correct fare at the TAT counter first.
Normally, first-class hotels provide complimentary transportation between the airport, railway station or bus terminals and the hotel for guests who have made advance reservations.

Short-distance travel
1. For relative short distances you can take a sam lor or tuk-tuk (a tricycle). Fares must be bargained in advance. Short rides within the city costs between 20 and 30 bahts. Longer rides may cost as much as 50 bahts.
2. Just new in town is the taxi-metre, the same as those running around Bangkok. The minimum (starting) fare is 35 bahts.
3. Song taew (red mini-bus) is the most common means of transportation in town. Passengers can hop in and out as they wish. Simply tell the driver the destination and negotiate the price before boarding. Fares range from 10-20 bahts depending on the distance.
4. BicyclesSome travelers prefer to ride a bicycle around the city as most of the roads and alleys are accessible by bicycle. Bicycles can be rented from bicycle shops and certain guesthouses.
5. Rental cars All major car rental companies such as AVIS, Budget, and Hertz, as well as Thai car rental companies are ready to provide suggestions on travel itineraries. The easiest way to locate a car rental company is to ask at the airport or the hotel, as those are the places where most companies are located.
Chiang Mai roads are in good condition with signs posted in English. Why not take a car for a spin

Chiang Mai Transportations

By Car
Drive on Highway No.1 (Phahonyothin) and turn left to Highway No.32 (Asian Highway) which passes Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, and Nakhon Sawan, then take Highway No. 117 to Phitsanulok and Highway No. 11 to Lampang, Lamphun and Chiang Mai. The total distance is 695 kilometers.

By Bus
There are ordinary, 2nd class and 1st class air-conditioned buses leaving for Chiang Mai daily (8.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m.) from the Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal). Call 02 936 3600, 02 936 2852, and 02 937 8055 for a more updated bus timetable. Private buses, which can be conveniently booked in tourist-oriented places in Bangkok, are also available. However, the public buses from the Northern Bus Terminal are generally more reliable. The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on traffic.
If you travel to any districts in Chiang Mai, use Chang Phuak Bus Terminal located on Chotana Road, tel. 053 211 586. Destinations include those located along the northern route (Highway No. 107) which passes through Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, Chaiprakan, Fang and Mae Ai. Some buses continue to Tha Ton, the northern-most province of Chiang Mai.
If you wish to travel outside the province, use Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station. Contact tel: 0 5324 2664 for a more updated bus timetable. Destinations include Golden Triangle, Mae Sai, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Lampang, Lamphun, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son (both old and new routes), Mae Sot, Mae Sariang, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), and Udon Thani.

By Train
Express and rapid trains operated by the State Railways of Thailand leave for Chiang Mai from Bangkoks Hua Lamphong Station 6 times a day from 8.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. The trip takes about 11-12 hours for express trains. For more information, contact tel. 1690, or 02 223 7010, 02 223 7020. Chiang Mai Railway Station, tel. (053) 24 2094, 244 795, .247 462 245 363-4
By Air
Domestic airlines including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, Nok Air, Orient Thai Airlines, Air Andaman and Phuket Air operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Thai Airways also operates domestic flights from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Phuket. International flights to and from Chitakong, Luang Phrabang, Khunming, Yangon and Japan (Narita) are also provided. Call 02 628 2000 (Bangkok), 053 211 044-7 (Chiang Mai), or visit http://www.thaiairways.com/ for more information.
Bangkok Airways also offers several flights daily on the Bangkok - Chiang Mai route, some with a stopover at Sukhothai. International routes to and from Jinghong and XiAn are also available. Call 02 265 5555, 265 5678 (Bangkok Office) or 053 27 6176 (Chiang Mai Office) or visit http://www.bangkokair.com/ for more information.
SGA offers flights to Chiang Mai. For more information, call Bangkok Office 66 2664-6099 or visit: http://www.sga.co.th/
For Nok Air call 1318 or visit www.nokair.co.th for reservations. Apart from Bangkok-Chiang mai flight, the airlines also operate flights between Chiang mai and Udon Thani twice aweek.For Orient Thai Airlines, call 02 267 2999 or visit http://www.orient-thai.com/ for more information.
Foreign Airlines operating flights from Chiang Mai to several destinations are: Air Mandalay operates flights between Chiang Mai and Yangon on Sundays and Thursdays. Contact 053 818 049 (Chiang Mai office), visit www.myanmars.net/airmandalay or write to http://cnxrr6t@sita.gmsmail.com/ for more information.
Mandarin Airlines operates flights between Chiang Mai and Taipei three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. For more information call, 053 201 268-9 (Chiang Mai office) or visit http://www.mandarinair.com/
Lao Airlines operates flights on the Chiang Mai Luang Phrabang route three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Call 053 223 401 (Chiang Mai office), visit http://www.laoairlines.com/ or write to http://qvcnx@loxinfo.co.th/ for more information.
Silk Air operates flights between Chiang Mai Singapore three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Call 053 276 459 053 276 495 (Chiang Mai office) or visit http://www.silkair.com/ for reservations.

Chiang Mai Setting

Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately 310 meters above sea level, is situated approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, the city covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometers and is the country’s second largest province. Chiang Mai borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun and Tak Provinces on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun Provinces on the east and Mae Hong Son Province on the west. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles and mountains, which are home to the hill tribes. In addition, wildlife and exotic flora may be found in the national parks.

Most of Chiang Mai’s mountains are oriented from north to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang. One of Chiang Mai’s distinctive features is Doi Inthanon, Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys, which spread along the banks of the largest and most important river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates from the Chiang Dao mountain range.

Chiang Mai Province

Chiang Mai, the city of 700 year history. Its rich traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find the old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.

Tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase "a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around" was common. Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia’s most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may not be long enough for serious travelers.

The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai’s distinctive diversity.

Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions. At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful. Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs. Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists can enjoy themselves to the fullest.

Chiang Mai literally means new city and has retained the name despite having celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996. King Meng Rai founded the city as the capital of the Lanna (A Million Rice Fields) Kingdom on Thursday, 12th April 1296 during the same period of time as the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. King Meng Rai the Great conferred with his friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao before choosing the site where the capital of the Lanna Kingdom was to be founded.

From then, Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. King Meng Rai himself was very religious and founded many of the city’s temples, which are still important today.

At the height of its power, the Lanna Kingdom extended its territory far into Burma and Laos, and southwards to Kamphaeng Phet a province above Sukhothai. The Burmese conquered the Lanna Kingdom in 1556 ending the dynasty founded by King Meng Rai that lasted over 250 years. As Burma had occupied Chiang Mai for nearly 200 years, Burmese architectural influences are visible in many temples. At the end of the 18th century, King Taksin the Great regrouped the Thais in the south and finally drove the Burmese out with the help of King Kawila of Lampang thereby regaining Thai independence from Burma. Chiang Mai was then governed by a succession of princes who ruled the north as a Siamese protectorate under the Chakri dynasty. In the late 19th century, King Rama V appointed a high commissioner in Chiang Mai and it was only in 1939 that Chiang Mai finally came under the direct control of the central government in Bangkok the same time the country was renamed Thailand.

In the past, Chiang Mai was only accessible by river and elephants. More convenient access was achieved only when the railway line was completed in the late 1920’s. Moreover, the first motor vehicle driven directly from Bangkok arrived in Chiang Mai in 1932. Such isolation was more favorable to Chiang Mai as it helped to nurture and preserve the unique Lanna culture.

When we look at Chiang Mai today, it is the economic, cultural and communications hub of northern Thailand complete with excellent infrastructure, good roads, by passes and road tunnels, and reliable communications infrastructure.