Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
shoppers burdened with produce. Across the road from the
săhm·lór
is the river, the his-
toric thoroughfare for delivering farm goods to the commercial centres.
Talat Tonlamyai
(Th Praisani; 24hr)
Facing the river, the city's main fresh
flower market
(gàht dòrk mái)
offers
a bouquet of tropical and temperate flowers that are brought to market at night to avoid
the wilting daytime heat. Cool-weather varieties, including daisies and roses, are grown in
the nearby highlands. Catch the flower market during citywide festivals, such as Loi Kra-
thong and the Flower Festival.
MARKET
Chinatown
(Th Chang Moi)
The city's small Chinatown is marked by a flamboyant
Chinese-style arch
and
the typical two-storey shophouses of Thailand's mercantile districts. It is an interesting
stroll en route to Talat Warorot. There are old-style apothecaries, two Chinese
temples
and
clan houses that host an annual Chinese New Year parade. A small population of Sikhs
HISTORICAL DISTRICT
Wat Bupparam
(Th Tha Phae; donations appreciated; 6am-6pm)
This highly ornate temple is an example of Shan
and Myanmarese influences on Chiang Mai's temple architecture. It is one of three
temples (including Wat Chetawan and Wat Mahawan) along Th Tha Phae financed by
teak merchants from Myanmar who immigrated to Chiang Mai a century or more ago.
No two guardian deity sculptures are alike; the whimsical forms include animals play-
ing and various mythical creatures. Wat Bupparam contains a charming little
bòht
con-
structed of teak and decorated in pure Lanna style.
TEMPLE
Wiang Kum Kam
( 8am-5pm)
Pre-dating Chiang Mai, Wiang Kum Kam served as the Lanna capital for 10
years from 1286. The city was abandoned in the 16th century due to flooding when Mae
Ping changed its course. Today the excavated ruins cover 3 sq km. The actual ruins have
more historical importance than spectacle; the horse-drawn carriages for visitors and the
bucolic setting add to the ancient ambience.
It is about 5km southeast of town off Th Chiang Mai-Lamphun (Rte 106).
HISTORICAL RUINS
