Chiang Mai means New City ( Chiang = City, Mai = New ). About 700 hundred years ago the capital city of the northern cities of Thailand was at Wieng Kum Karm, about 10 km from Chiang Mai to the southeast. But there were floods every year at Wieang Kum Karm so the King Meng Rai decided to move the capital city from Wieng Kum Karm to a new place on hill between the mountain and the river Ping. He named this new city Chiang Mai.
When you come to visit Chiang Mai you should not miss visiting Doi Su Thep, the most beautiful temple in Chiang Mai. Doi Su Thep is on a peak of a mountain about 40 minutes drive from downtown ( 14 km ). It is a very good viewing point for seeing Chiang Mai. Not far from Doi Su Thep there are a hill-tribe village and the Winter palace, with many beautiful flowers.
How to get there: I recommend that you rent a motorbike in town, it is only about 150-250 Baht per day, because you can see more on the bike than sitting in a car and you won't get car-sick. [edit text][editors]
