Songkran Festival/Water Festival (Thai New Year)

 

Songkran Festival/Water Festival (Thai New Year)

Thailand's most celebrated festival is the Songkran Festival. It starts April 13 and lasts between 3 and 10 days, depending on where you are in Thailand.The Thai people celebrate this festival with water. Everyone gets soaking wet and since it is the hottest season of the year, the custom is quite refreshing. Songkran is a Public Spring Cleaning Day, supported by the religious belief that anything old and useless must be thrown away or it will bring bad luck to the owner.

The Songkran festival: from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti, or literally "astrological passage" is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year's Day from 13 to 15 April. It coincides with the New Year of many calendars of South and Southeast Asia.

The date of the festival was originally set by astrological calculation, but it is now fixed. If these days fall on a weekend, the missed days off are taken on the weekdays immediately following. If they fall in the middle of the week, many Thai take off from the previous Friday until the following Monday. Songkran falls in the hottest time of the year in Thailand, at the end of the dry season. Until 1888 the Thai New Year was the beginning of the year in Thailand; thereafter 1 April was used until 1940. 1 January is now the beginning of the year. The traditional Thai New Year has been a national holiday since then.

Songkran has traditionally been celebrated as the New Year for many centuries, and is believed to have been adapted from an Indian festival. It is now observed nationwide, even in the far south. However, the most famous Songkran celebrations are still in the northern city of Chiang Mai, where it continues for six days and even longer. It has also become a party for foreigners and an additional reason for many to visit Thailand for immersion in another culture.

New Year traditions

The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. Thais roam the streets with containers of water or water guns (sometimes mixed with mentholated talc), or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby. This, however, was not always the main activity of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends, neighbors, and monks.

Besides the throwing of water, people celebrating Songkran as a Buddhist festival may also go to a wat (Buddhist monastery) to pray and give food to monks. They may also cleanse Buddha images from household shrines as well as Buddha images at monasteries by gently pouring water mixed with a Thai fragrance (Thai: น้ำอบไทย) over them. It is believed that doing this will bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year. In many cities, such as Chiang Mai, the Buddha images from all of the city's important monasteries are paraded through the streets so that people can toss water at them, ritually 'bathing' the images, as they pass by on ornately decorated floats. In northern Thailand, people may carry handfuls of sand to their neighborhood monastery in order to recompense the dirt that they have carried away on their feet during the rest of the year. The sand is then sculpted into stupa-shaped piles and decorated with colorful flags.

Some people make New Year resolutions - to refrain from bad behavior, or to do good things. Songkran is a time for cleaning and renewal. Besides washing household Buddha images, many Thais also take this opportunity to give their home a thorough cleaning.

The throwing of water originated as a way to pay respect to people, by capturing the water after it had been poured over the Buddhas for cleansing and then using this "blessed" water to give good fortune to elders and family by gently pouring it on the shoulder. Among young people the holiday evolved to include dousing strangers with water to relieve the heat, since April is the hottest month in Thailand (temperatures can rise to over 100°F or 40°C on some days). This has further evolved into water fights and splashing water over people riding in vehicles.

Nowadays, the emphasis is on fun and water-throwing rather than on the festival's spiritual and religious aspects, which sometimes prompts complaints from traditionalists. In recent years there have been calls to moderate the festival to lessen the many alcohol-related road accidents as well as injuries attributed to extreme behavior such as water being thrown in the faces of traveling motorcyclists.

The water is meant as a symbol of washing all of the bad away and is sometimes filled with fragrant herbs when celebrated in the traditional manner.

Songkran is also celebrated in many places with a pageant in which young women demonstrate their beauty and unique talents, as judged by the audience. The level of financial support usually determines the winner, since, to show your support you must purchase necklaces which you place on your chosen girl.

Astrological Calculation

Although the traditional calendar of Thailand like most of Southeast Asia utilizes a lunisolar calendar, the date of the new year was calculated on a purely solar basis. The term Songkran comes from Sanskrit "Sankranta" and means "a move or change" - in this case the move of the sun into the Aries zodiac. Originally this happened at the vernal equinox, but, as the Thai astrology did not observe precession, the date moved from March to April.

There is a similar named Indian Festival called as Sankrant or Makar Sankranti, celebrated on 14 January every year. Songkran as such has similarity to Indian festival of Holi.

The traditional new year celebration in Sri Lanka also coincides with the Thai new year.The Tamil New year, The Bengali, Nepali, Orissan and Malayali New years in south Asia also fall on the same day as the Thai new year

Greetings

The traditional greeting is "สวัสดีปีใหม่" (sa-wat-di pi mai), basically "Happy New Year". Sawatdi is also used for "hello" or "goodbye". Pi and mai mean "year" and "new" respectively in Thai. Another greeting used is "สุขสันต์วันปีใหม่" (suk-san wan pi mai), where suksan means "happy".

However, most people use "สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์" (suk-san wan songkran) — meaning "Happy Songkran Day" — since pi mai is more often linked with 1 January. Suksan is also used as an attribute for other days such as Valentine's Day ("สุขสันต์วันแห่งความรัก" suk-san wan haeng khwam rak; Happy Valentine's Day).

In other calendars

Songkran is also celebrated in Laos (called pee mai lao), Cambodia (called Chaul Chnam Thmey, Cambodian New Year), Myanmar (called Thingyan), and by the Dai people in Yunnan, China (called Water-Splashing Festival). The same day is celebrated in South Asian calendars as well: the Assamese (called Rongali Bihu), Bengali (called Pohela Boishakh), Oriya (called Maha Visuba Sankranthi), Malayali, Punjabi, Sinhalese, and Tamil New Years fall on the same dates, based on the astrological event of the sun beginning its northward journey. And, as mentioned above, there is an Indian Festival called as Sankrant or Makar Sankranti in Marathi, celebrated every year on 14 January. Songkran as such is similar to the Indian festival of Holi, with a lot of splashing of water as paints, colored dusts, and fragrances.

The traditional new year celebration in Sri Lanka also coincides with the Thai new year.

In Nepal, the official new year is celebrated on the 1st of Baisakh (Baisākh) according to astrological calendar Vikram Samwat and day often falls somewhere between 12–15 April.

It occurs at the same time as that given by Bede for festivals of Eostre—and Easter weekend occasionally coincides with Songkran (most recently 1979, 1990, and 2001, but not again until 2085).

Source:
	-wikipedia
	-beachpatong

Emerald Buddha and its imminent trail

Buddha images vary in value according to many criteria, amongst which are age, beauty, material, history, and magical power. Such facets combine to give spiritual power and no image in Thai history has surpassed the Emerald Buddha which now resides in the temple of the same name, Wat Phra Kaew, the royal chapel of the Grand Palace.

So highly prized, it has led a very peripatetic life. Legend has it that it was carved in Palibutr in India (now is “Pattana State”) and then went to Ceylon (Sri Lanka). From there it made its way to the Khmers of Angkor, so they say. What is sure is that it revealed itself in Chiang Rai in the 1430s at the pagoda of Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai, emerging from under plaster and gold leaf.

There are two stories to choose from here: either it cracked open while being transported or it was struck by lightning and revealed itself. Either way, it was immediately thought to possess particularly potent spirituality.

Thus began its coveting by kings. The King of Chiang Mai wanted it brought to his palace but the chosen carrier elephant refused to go all the way, stopping in Lampang. The image resided there in the first of many Temples of the Emerald Buddha for some 30 years before eventually reaching Chiang Mai.

As we know, at that time Laan Na and Laan Xang is the relative dynasty. When Chiang Mai (Laan Na), were interregnum, they asked for little prince from Laan Xang to royal throne. He sat as the king of Laan Na untill 1551 Laan Xang also lacked of King that he backed his home land and brought the Emerald Buddha image of Laan Na to his capital of Luang Prabang on the upper Mekong river. When his Kingdom of a Million Elephants/Laan Xang moved capital to Vientiane a few years later, the Emerald Buddha also were taken too and gained pride of place in the royal chapel, naturally named Wat Phra Kaew.

After the fall of Ayutthaya, the resurgent Siamese expelled the Burmese and went on to invade Laos in 1778 under Chao Phya Chakri. This great general naturally seized the Emerald Buddha from Vientiane and took it back to King Taksin in Thonburi (now it is a province of Thailand), who set it up in his royal chapel, the Temple of the Dawn or Wat Arun.

Upon the dethroning and execution of the mad Taksin in 1782, General Chakri became King Rama l, set up his capital across the river at Bangkok. King Rama l began to construct the present Wat Phra Kaew and ceremonially transferred the Emerald Buddha. Ever since, this temple has been the principal royal chapel of the Chakri dynasty and three times each year, the King goes to change the image’s gold robes according to the seasons of time.

The Emerald Buddha is made of translucent green jasper and is a sitting image 75 cm in height. It is raised on an 11 meter high altar and crowned by a nine-tiered umbrella. Its three raiments are all made of gold. The summer season robe resembles that of a monk, the robe for the rainy season is an arrangement of breastplate, belts and bands, whilst the winter season covering is an intricate chain-link cloak.

The three raiment changes are performed by the king in ceremonies attended by high ecclesiastical, court and government officials at the official commencement of each season.

If ever the Emerald Buddha changes place rather than just clothing again, this will surely be a sign of some major upheaval in Thai history.

Glossary:

Wat Phra Kaew : name of the temples of the Emerald Buddha that there are many temple in Thailand are called Wat Phra Kaew

Wat : is temple

Phra Kaew : the Emerald Buddha

Laan Na : the ancient state of the provinces in North part of Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lam Phun etc.

Laan Xang : the ancient state of Laos

Luang Prabang : the ancient capital Laan Xang now is one city of Laos

Chiang Rai City of Thailand

Mueang Chiang Rai is a city in Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Changwat Chiang Rai, a northernmost Changwat/province in Thailand. History The city was founded by King Mengrai in 1262 and became the capital of the Mengrai dynasty. Subsequently, Chiang Rai was conquered byBurma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Chiang Mai vassal. After Siam or Thailand annexed Chiang Mai in 1899 Chiang Rai was proclaimed a province of Thailand in 1933. In 1432 during the reign of King Sam Fang Kaen of Mangrai dynasty (1402–1441) the Phra Kaeo, or Emerald Buddha, the most reveredBuddha statue, was discovered in Chiang Rai when an earthquake split the Chedi at Wat Phra Kaeo of Chiang Rai City. The beautiful jade figure was then seen concealed within. Another telling of the story has the 'Emerald Buddha' hastily covered in mud just before marauders entered to pillage. It wasn't until many years later, that the clunky-looking mud Buddha was found to actually house the magnificent jade statue, perhaps by way of the earthquake mentioned above - which caused a piece of the clay to break off - revealing the jade beneath. In 1992, the City Pillar was moved from Wat Klang Wiang to Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, where it is known as Sadue Mueang (Thai: สะดือเมือง), the Navel or Omphalos of the City.

Geography Chiang Rai City is 200 kilometres northeast of Chiang Mai City, 62 kilometres south of Mae Sai and the Burmese border; 60 kilometres southwest of the town of Chiang Saen on the Mae Kong across from Laos; and 90 kilometres north of Payao town. The Mae Kok River runs along Chiang Rai's north side, flowing from west out of Burma at Taton town - to east and thereby merging with the Mekong River. There are four bridges spanning the Mae Kok river within the town's boundaries, each running south/north. Most of the terrain surrounding Chiang Rai town is either flat or has moderate hills. The exception is outward in the west and northwest directions, where limestone hills are evident, some of which have straight-up exposed cliffs. Not surprisingly, that's also the direction where most of the region's Hill Tribe people have their villages, further afield. Demographics Official Population count: According to the Thailand National Statistical Office, as of September 2010, Chiang Rai municipal district has a population of 199,699. With the spread of the city extending into neighboring districts, the metropolitan area is considered somewhat larger by local residents. 12.5% of the population belong to the hill tribes, a collective term for the minority ethnic groups in the North of Thailand such as the Karen, Akha, Lisu,Meo, and Muser. Many Chinese, particularly from Yunnan Province, have migrated to the area and assimilated with the Thai population to such extent that well over half of the large businesses in northern Thailand are owned by people of Chinese heritage Government Chiang Rai City is the capital of Changwat Chiang Rai. The City Hall 19°54.805′N 99°49.615′E holds the Provincial Offices. The Thetsaban holds the Municipal Offices 19°54′34″N 99°49′39″E. Buddhist temples -Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, 19°54.970′N 99°49.365′E -Wat Phra Kaeo, Chiang Rai, 19°54.704′N 99°49.647′E -Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Rai, 19°54.653′N 99°49.882′E -Wat Doi Khao Khwai, 19°52.892′N 99°48.582′E -Wat Rong Khun, 19°49.480′N 99°45.800′E, a modern temple built since 1998 by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat -Chedi Doi Trimoorati,.Map Tourist attractions in or near Chiang Rai town -Night Bazaar is a night market, located in the middle of downtown, Chiangrai. A place for souvenirs and local products, with free cultural performances. Also more than forty restaurants. -Saturday Night Walking Street just north of downtown. Hundreds of local folks display their crafts and food. Includes local dance and showcase displays. Tourist attractions further afield, within Chiang Rai province -Princess Mother Hall and Doi Mae Salong Located about 70 km northwest of Chiang Rai accessed by a scenic, and sometimes quite steep, road from Mae Chan. In Mae Salong there is a museum of the Kuomintang and their plight after exiled from China by Mao Zedong, and subsequently forced to leave Burma from where they entered Thailand, helping at times to fight the Communists. -Doi Tung Royal Villa is the final residence of the mother of the King of Thailand, known as the Princess Mother. It is located at kilometre 12 on highway 1149, to the west of highway 1. This magnificent villa was built on the mountain overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys in a unique mix of Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. Adjacent to the villa is a large flower-filled garden, and a memorial hall commemorating the Princess Mother. -Doi Tung Zoo and another zoo 25 km south of town, just off of the old road to Chiang Mai. Besides a decent collection of animals, it has an entire section dedicated to birds, most of which are colorful flightless types. -Phu Chi Fa -The Gate of Siam is a location on the border with Laos where one can stand high up on a mountain with Laos directly in front and the mighty Mekong River flowing beneath. -Saun Mai Ngam Park Many beautiful trees and flowers. Some are more than 100 years old. This is a place where Chiang Rai Flower festival is held at the end of every year. Transportation Route 1 runs from Bangkok through Chiang Rai to Mae Sai on the Burma border. Chiang Rai is 839 kilometers from Bangkok, about 14 hours by car or by bus. According to official bus schedules, the bus ride to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai takes approximately an hour and 30 minutes, however the 175 km trip most often takes at least two and a half hours. All of these times should take into account the rainy season which lasts from about June to late October, this can severely inhibit travel with road sections often completely flooded and even washed out. Several flights are available to and from Bangkok daily. Chiang Rai International Airport flight time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are several major operators including Thai airways, Air Asia, Nok air and One to go. There is scheduled boat service between Chiang Rai and Thaton in Chiang Mai province daily this journey will last about 3–4 hours and is a pleasant alternative to the bus ride through the mountains. There are currently no rail services to Chiang Rai as the railway line from Bangkok ends at Chiang Mai. There have been talks of extending the rail line from Den Chai to Chiang Rai in the near future,[1] but this is unlikely to happen as the city's population is well below 1 million and there aren't as many international tourists visiting Chiang Rai as Chiang Mai. Also there are no major industrial complexes in the region as it is largely a rural economy. Source: Thaiwiki

May: Time in Thailand today : What you can see

Nowadays, if people come to visit Thailand they can participate in many festival. Many of these festival is concern with way of life of people in Thailand. Here, I present two festival that will be act in May 2012. Visakha Bucha/Vesak, (nationwide) mid-May (full moon of 6th lunar month). Makha Bucha Day is very special day for Buddhists around the world. Because in the Makha Bucha Day is on the full moon day of the 3rd lunar month, Makha, of the year, 4 special events happened: 1. There were 1,250 Sangha followers, that came to see the Buddha that evening without any schedule. 2. All of them were "Arhantas', the Enlightened One, and all of them were ordained by the Buddha himself. 3. The Buddha gave those Arhantas the principles of the Buddhism, called "The Ovadhapatimokha". Those principles are: - To cease from all evil, - To do what is good, - To cleanse one's mind; 4. It was the full moon day. Activities to be Observed on Makha Bucha Day 'TUM BOON': Making merit by going to temples for special observances, making merit, listening to Dhamma preaching, giving some donations and join in the other Buddhist activities. 'RUB SIL': Keeping the Five Precepts, including abstinence from alcoholic drinks and all kinds of immoral acts. 'TUK BARD': Offering food to the monks and novices (in the alm bowl). Practice of renuciation: Observe the Eight Precepts, practice of meditation and mental discipline, stay in the temple, wearing white robes, for a number of days. 'VIEN TIEN': Attending the Candle Light Procession around the Uposatha Hall, in the evening of the Vesak full moon day.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony, (Sanam Luang, Bangkok) May 11 (roughly 8-9 am.). An ancient Brahman ritual, this celebrates the official start of the rice-planting season. Scarlet-clad handlers who sacred oxen pulling ploughs, followed by the Minister of Agriculture who scatters consecrated rice seed. The colourful ceremony is presided over by the King and Brahman priests, with court and government officials participating. At the end, upcountry formers leap the barriers and rush to dig up the auspicious seed in o grand melee. Access: Sanam Luang is the large oval field north of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok. Rocket Festival, (Yasothon, Northeast) second weekend, Saturday-Sunday. There is one more festival that people don't miss to visit that is Rocket Festival. This is you will be fun with it because they will start by rocket parade, in there, the folk dance also will be perform by at least 50 girl in one group. So people would like to take photos more as they can.  Rocket Festival is a widespread custom in the northeast, most exuberant at Yasothon province of Thailand. Normally they call “Bang Fi” festival. Villagers build elaborate wooden rocket launchers and shoot huge squibs from them which go spluttering wildly across the fields. This takes place on the Sunday and is supposed to ensure plentiful rains for the imminent rice-planting season. On the Saturday, there ore colourful parades of rockets and folk dancers, and the obligatory beauty contest.

Valentine's Day : Love in Buddhism

PhraDhamrajanuwatra, Wat Phrakaew
Chiang Rai : Thailand

Phradhamarajanuwatra (Suthasana Suthasano), as he is one of the higher Sangha Order governor (the Sangha dean of the Sangha region 6 in Thailand, and the abbot of Wat Phrakaew, Chiang Rai, Thailand) reminds all people in the festive season of love, the Saint Valentine’s day, on the l4th of February, 2012, saying that all of us should think over about what love is. One should have consciousness, physical collectedness and mindfulness. Do not do any damage physical damage to anyone or create regret to others especially to the members in the family. Once the bad things happen, both physically or mentally, it can never be the same again. The followings questions he explained to remind us on this auspicious occasion.

Q: Pay to your Holy Highness. Sir, May I ask, what does love in Buddhism mean?

A: Love in Buddhism may mean kindliness or pitiful, which is a kind of love that reaches out to all creatures on earth, and not only to the ones we love, but to all things that exist in the universe. For example, when we make merit, as when we pour the ceremonial water. This ceremonial water pouring is a way of emitting kindliness, pitiful and love to all creatures exist in the world or universe. Let them be happier or let them be free from any kinds of suffering. Love in Buddhism is so great and without bound.

Q: How should we lead our life?

A: In Buddhism, we have the 5 precepts (Panca Sila) as a guideline to lead our life. If everyone follows these 5 precepts, I believe that the society as a whole will be free from problems and be more peaceful.

The 5 precepts (Panca Sila) are considered as a guarantee to good life for everyone as follow:

Precept one: Guarantee of peaceful life, Panati-pata veramani sikkha padam samadiyami. All creatures on earth love their own lives, if we do not infringe on other creatures' life, other creatures also will not infringe on us, all will live a peaceful life, there would be not fighting and there would be no killing.

Precept two: Guarantee of asset, Adinna-dana veramani sikkha padam samadiyami. If everyone is honest, do not encroach on other's property, no greed in unlawful possession, the society, as a whole would be more livable and safer, be wealthier and money would not be a source of conflict.

Precept three: Guarantee of good family life, Kamesu miccha-cara veramani sikkha padam samadiyami. People should have only one life, one love, one family. The family bond of the relationship of the family is strong, the other institutes would follows suit and for one thing the bond in the higher society like the notion would be stronger as a whole.

Precept four: Guarantee of good society, Musavada veramani sikkha padam samadiyami. Refrain yourself from false speech and always tell the truths. By doing this, the society is more reliable when everyone honors what they hove said. This will create a better working atmosphere and the whole notion will be more civilized.

Precept five: Guarantee for health, Sura meraya-majja-pama-datthana veramani sikkha padam samadiyami. All kinds of intoxicated drinks like alcoholic drinks may lead you to lose of conscientiousness and it also endanger your health, if we can avoid them, we will become stronger and more vigorous.

Can you see that in reality, all things are connected and linked together? So, before you do anything, you must think carefully and do not lose your conscientiousness.

"Do not attach yourself to anything but follow the middle path of life. We are parts of the society. 

Do not use ourselves as a scale to judge others. We must take others into consideration. Know how to give and share."

Source: chivamagazine

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Sangha

Buddhist monastic order, traditionally composed of four groups: monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. Established by the Buddha, it is the world's oldest body of celibate clerics. Together with the Buddha and the dharma, it makes up the Threefold Refuge, a basic creed of Buddhism. Buddha established the bhiksu sangha for men and later the bhiksuni sangha for women. Members depend on alms from the community, since they are discouraged from engaging in commerce or agriculture. They live according to the Vinaya Pitaka.

Phra Ghao Tan Jai : the Buddha Image made in specific time

Wat Phrakaew Chiang Rai: Thailand

Phra Ghao Tan Jai

Phra Chao Tan Jai as the Lanna people understand it refers to the construction of a Buddha image within a certarn specified period. ln the past. people relied on daylight. Thus at the first light of the day shines. People begin to get busy and continue to work untill it is finished before the sunset. Work, therefore. as done within a period of about 12 hours.

The Lanna people moved frequently within the Lanna territory. These mass migrations were brought about by factors such as pestilence. natural disasters or even warfare. Wherever they went, they moved as a group. Over time, the people began to look for a place where they could worship - such as a temple. When they have found an appropriate place for the temple. they immediately begin work in construcitng a Buddha image usually made from stone, earth, sand, bamboo and is decorated with Saa paper and finish the construction with a mixture of honey, ash and fine soil.

Before the appointed day for construction, all building materials are collected and placed near the construction site. Bedding materials and food are brought to the site as well. Very often the site of construction is located on a hill because this is believed to be a good locatron. Water will therefore. have to be hauled up the hill.

ln the morning, a ceremony will be held to make offerings to the spirits such as those that govern the forest, the site where the construction will occur- depeniling on local beliefs. The elders give advice as to when construction should be done by the able bodied men. Women provide support tc the men bv cooking food and providing water. Other groups who are skilled willornaments, which will be used for the temple such as the many tiered umbella or Bang Soon or Kang Jong (Lanna luanguage). There will also be others that will weave the outer vestments of ttre susupeior monk.

As the sun begins the beat down on the people and harden the newly constructed image. The people hurry up to finish construction. Often many people are required to work together to combine their skill and kowledge. By afternoon, the image is beginning to take shape and people forget that they are tired from all of the work they have so far put into construction. Furthermore,they have to rush and finish con-struction before the sun sets. One of the last activities villagers perform is to remove the construction materials off the new Buddha image. At this point people will begin praying and ringing the bell to symbolize the completion of the phra Tan Jai image.

Another ceremony practiced by the Thai Lue,Tai Khuen,Tai and Tai Yai (Shan) that is related to the phra Chao Tan Jai is called Tan Phra Phra Chao Tan Jai. This practice is similar to the Lanna ceremony called Julla Kathin when people make offerings to all the priests in the temples. Ceremonies begin after sunset and ends before sunrise. Usually. This ceremony is performed after the Buddhist lent which is before the winter season.

The Phra Chao Tan Jai ceremony is performed to strengthen the Buddhist institution. Furthermore, the ceremony results in building unity among the followers of Buddhism. preserves and strengthens local people's wisdom. Which is the foundation of the Lanna heritage.

Chiang Rai Tourist Attractions

Chiang Rai Tourist Attractions in the city , Chiang Rai province was established by King Mengrai in 1262 AD, which marked the beginning of the Lanna Kingdom. The province consists ofvalleys, which are punctuated by hills and has a total area of 11,678 square kilometers. It is 829 km from Bangkok and has a population of 1.3 million scattered in 18 districts. It shares its borders with Myanmar in the north and northwest, Laos towards the east and, Phayao province to the south and Chiang Mai to the west.

The important tourist and destinations

King Meng Rai: The monument of the first King of Lanna known as "Por Khun Meng Rai". lt is located at Ha yeak por Khun (literally the five slreet intersection) right Inside the city.

Wat Phra Singh is located on Singhaklai road and was built during the reign of King Mahaprom. lt is important because it used to be the residence of "Pra Bhuda Sihing" before it was relocaled to Wot Pra Singh in Chiang Mai province.

Wat Phra Kaew is located on Trai Rat road and was the former residence of the famous Emerald Buddha found during the reign of King Sam Fang Kaen in 1434 AD. When the original Emerald Buddha was transferred to its present residence in Bangkok, the people of Chiang Rai received a replacement which local people have named the Jade Buddha of Chiang Rai

Wat Phra That Doi Thong is located on Doi Thong mound near the ex-Chiang Rai provincial hall. At first the pagoda of this temple was built during the time of Ruen Kaew, the ruler of this area in 94O AD. but was destroyed by the earthquake. The present pagoda was built during the time of King Meng Rai and is also considered as the navel (or center) of the city.

Wat Rong Kun, Baan Rong Khun, which is about 14 km south of Chiang Rai city nd only slightly off the super highway.it is designed by the national artist Mr.charermchai Kositpipat. The main temple building or uposot is a distinctive white color and decorated with fragments of reflective glass and can be seen from afar. Painting and murals inside the temple are also very beautiful.

Huay Mae Sai Waterfall. Starting with an elephant safari from Karen Ruam Mitr village in Mae Yao sub-district, tourists will be able to experience nature and visit this waterfall and several hilltribe village.

Khun Korn Waterfall Forest Park villagers called Taad Mok waterfall is the most highest and beautiful waterfall in Chiang Rai.

Doi Mae Salong is located at Mae Fah Luang district, about 25 km from Chiang Rai City center. lt is the place where the 93rd Army of the Nationalist Chinese (Koumintang) army sought refuge after being purged from power. Tourists can visit the Chinese Military Monument, view the splendor of Cherry blossoms during the winter months, sample some of the finest teas grown in the area and pay respect to the King's Mother Pagoda.

Doi Hua Mae Kham is approximately 100 km from Chiang Rai city center. Located right along the Thai-Myanmar border, it is also a place where tourists visit because of the beautiful yellow blossom of the Bua Thong plant. Hmong, Lisu and Akha people populate this hilltribe village.

Doi Tung is one ofthe most famous tourist destinations of Chiang Rai province. Several places can be seen on "Doi Tung palace",such as the palace of the King's Mother which was built fusing Lanna and Swiss architectural styles. Then there is Ihe "Mae Fah Luang garden", the most beautiful park of the country. Tourist can also visit "Phra That Doi Tung" has as sacred Buddha relic and is said to have been constructed in the year 911 AD. "The Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden," also offer you an unobstructed view.

Mae Sai and Tachilek are sister cities on the Thai-Myanmar border. Tourists can get day passes to enter Tachilek. Mae Sai is one district of Chiang Rai province: Thailan, Tachilek is Shan state of Myanmar.

Tham Phum Tham Pla is a place located along the super high way to Mae Sai district where people can find many caves. ln this particular cave water gushes out of the cave located at the base of a hill. The crystal-clearwater in the pond is home to many different types of flsh. Troops of sometimes, naughty monkeys also await for handouts from tourists. Also nearby is a cave called "Tham Sao Hin pha ya Nark".

Tham Luang (Big Cave). The biggest and longest limestone cave in Thajland is away 5 kilometres from Mae Sai.

Golden triangle. lt's located away approximately 8 kilometres from Chiang Saen city is three border gathering Thai-Lao-Myanmar famous in opiums.

The Hall of Opium is located at the Golden Triangle park, about 9 km from Chiang Saen district. This world class museum highlights the history of opium and other recreational drugs.

Chian Saen Lake is located off the Chiang Rai-Chiang Saen road and is about 3 km before the city of Chiang Saen. During the cold months tourist watch many different kinds of migratory birds that spend the winter in this area.

The Ancient towm of Chiang Saen is more than 1,000 years old and several ancient structures can still be seen. Some of these are Wat Phra That Chedi Luang,

the biggest pagoda, Wat Pa Sak, Wat Phra That Jom Kitti, where the ancient pagoda said to have been built in 940 AD. is localed. Wat Phra That Pha Ngao has a pagoda located on a big rock, which is similar to the "Phra That lnn Kwaen in Myanma".

Chiang Kong Distric is a place famous for the Giant Mae Khong catfish. A ceremony to pay respect to the god of Mae Khong giant catfish is held each year on the 18th of April. Tourist can also cross the river to visit Laos, or even to ride the boat to World Heritage City of Luang Phra Bang in Laos.

Doi Pha Tang is located at Wiang Kaen district. Tourist can watch the beautiful sunrise from a cliff and see the cherry blossom and "Dok Siew' (Bauhinia malabarica) during winter.

Phu chi Fah is located at Thoeng district, 25 km away from Doi Pha Tang. Tourists come here to observe the sea of fog that settles in the valleys at dawn.

Phra That Jonm Joh. lt's located at Baan Wiang Johm Joh, Wiang sub-district is old temple with rnany valuable ruins also become obviously splendid viewpoint and other areas of Thoeng.

Doi Wa Wi and Doi Chang are located at Mae Suai district, about 75 km from the city of Chiang Rai. lt is agro-tourist estination where visitors can see tea farms. You might want to sample some of their tea.

Phra That Mae Chedi. lt's located in Mae Chedi village, Myanmese sculpture shaped ancient pagoda. Mae Tho Waterfall. lt'S located in Khun Jae National park (Doi Lang Ka) at the police kiosk Mae Tho, a high 7 floors 40 metres waterfall.

Wiang Kalong. lt was appeared many kidn ruins called Kalong Kiln and located at Ban Wiang Kalong found ancient ruins of 499-500 B.E.