It may sound ridiculous when discussing Chiang Mai, a 720-year-old city, as a ‘new city’ according to its literally meaning. Depending on where in the world Chiang Mai is viewed, the city could be only in its toddling years when comparing to Jericho or Byblos while it is very old comparing to the rest of the world. Despite the aging matter, Chiang Mai is definitely striving with keeping balance in its traditional charm and modernized magnetism. Established along the River Ping in 14th Century, Chiang Mai has been the center of Buddhism, Lanna Culture, and ethnic traditions with changes in boundary both geography and civilization from time to time. Easily reached these days by plane, train, bus, or private car, travelers usually roam into Chiang Mai from Ku Muang, city center gateway where the mixture of local lifestyle and hip culture welcome visitors to chill out before unlocking what is kept inside the city for centuries. Four main landmarks from Ku Muang, the heart of town surrounded by the moat, namely, Tha Pae Gate, Suan Dok Gate, Chang Puak Gate, and Hua Lin Corner leading ways for explorer to approach the origin of what made the Kingdom one of the charming cities in the world. Chiang Mai is mainly backed up with the
strength of faith in Buddhism expressed not only through the highest numbers of temples in the country but also the aesthetic of its pristine Lanna architecture. Besides, Chiang Mai is blessed with the wealth of natural resources particularly mountainous complex where folk culture or animist practices can be discovered as part of trekking package. Visitors would not be fulfilled without being one of the witnesses of festivals where the ‘real live scene’ featuring the gathering of locals to take joy in their traditional but distinctive cult. ‘Chiang Mai Horizon’ is a memorial book depicting an unforgettable trip made by the professional photographer which can be represented as a gift or a premium souvenir featuring the best of Chiang Mai coupled with trip maker’s flavourful conversation behind one’s own trip. ‘Chiang Mai Horizon’ does not limit readers with incredible photo shooting spots but hope to evoke holiday makers to get out there to discover what beyond memorable scenery. Own experiences can always be created endlessly through the old and the new of Chiang Mai as travelling soul knows no boundaries. Whether the trip could probably turn out to be peaceful, exciting, or cheerful, the memory gathered is certainly worth a retold.
Step into a good morning on Arak Street with bare-footed monks from all ages. The early birds start their day in a traditional way before sipping coffee in decades old wooden premises and putting on their shoes to take them on their journey from Ku Muang, the city’s moat encompassing 5 city gateways, to elsewhere.
Distinguishing itself from other foods nationwide, through the unique looks, smell and taste of Northern Cuisine. The array of dishes including Khao Soi, egg noodle in curry soup and Sai Ua, the lengthy northern styled sausage.
Traveling in time along the Ping River on Chareonrat Road aka Wat Kade Road with its range of antique buildings from bygone days including strolling on the unsung hero of Chiang Mai’s economy since 1965, Nawarath Bridge (facing page) that connects people and trade together.
Located in Suthep Road, Wat Suan Dok Stupa has been established for 600 years to provide monks and Buddhists with religious study while the Kamlaung Hall is a Lanna-fused architecture to collect His Majesty the King’s agriculture genius works.
With a growing peace within and a reclining stressful mind under the shade of Buddhism at Wat Ban Dan Salee Muang Gan, contemporary Lanna styled temple with 12 horoscopes stupa (facing page) where visitors from all walks of life can visit.
The exquisite details of the parade can be noticed along the common routes in Chiang Mai starting from Wat Phra Singh to Tha Pae Gate, one of the ancient gateways which the original door panels still exist located at the east of Chiang Mai since 1296. Flags, flowers and all kind of decorations are spread around the city for the grand celebration.
Thirst for adventure while living in the city? Go west along the highway number 107 to Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam (facing page) where mystery of nature awaits.
In harvesting season in late October each year, all green stalks turn to gold grains layered level by level. The best spot to collect this picturesque moment.
Local wisdom is passed through generations. Low in cost, high in value. Baan Mae Glang Luang is located in Jomthong district serving blended coffee from the pot under the shelter amongst the rice terrace.
Never forget to experience sea, sand, sun when visiting Chiang Mai. Ocean of fog at Doi Luang Chiang Dao (facing page-top) is clearly visible from San Pakia Agriculture Center before heading to reserve the best seat observe the Sun disappearing the usual direction at Hua Singha, the triangle-peak at Doi Mon Jong (facing page-bottom). While staying in the area let’s sunbathe through the fog at Bo Kaew Pine Park.
Pink is surely the new black this season at Doi Luang Chiang Dao. From late December to early January, Wild Himalayan Cherry blossoms once a year to lure photographers to take some shots.
As if tough has never been noted in the journal, Doi Mon Jong located at Om-goi district (open from November, 1 through February, 15) challenges trekkers to boast another chapter how they survive with a chance to face wild elephant and fire among the cold.
At the outskirts of Chiangmai, Mae Jam, the traditional festival ‘Julakathin’ weaves people together to spin, twist and create cotton to cherish religious purpose led by the group of elderly ladies in the village.
More than 300 temples have been constructed in Chiang Mai and its outskirts and have long been a social center for the rural village communities.
CHIANG MAI HORIZON
Weerawut Nontavech www.facebook.com/weerawut.nontavech Weravut Nontavech, an interior architect created a breakthrough for his photography angles to fulfill the other side of his passion. A love of outdoor adventure drives him to discover the myth in nature, hidden sacred spaces as well as boutique and chic architectures on the way of his journey. Chiang Mai is considered to be the best location providing everything from less well-known temples people may not know exist, heritage wealth worthwhile for today’s life to the natural assets that await in mountainous landscape. His captures will certainly free viewer’s mind and awake the travelling souls for their next roaming.