Location
Seven hundred kilometres northwest of Bangkok and just over 300 metres above sea level, Chiang Mai sits along the Mae Ping River, a tributary of the Chao Praya River that flows through Bangkok. Chiang Mai, meaning “new city” in Thai, was founded by King Mangrai in 1296, succeeding Chiang Rai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, or literally “Kingdom of a Million Fields.”
Lanna was a prosperous trading centre on the route from Yunnan in the south of China to the Burmese coast and the Gulf of Martaban. The kingdom was also renowned for its scholars and craftsmen. A city wall was built to protect it from invading Burmese who nonetheless managed to occupy the royal capital in 1558. Chiang Mai formally became part of the Thai Kingdom in 1774 when King Taksin captured this prize back from the Burmese. As the unofficial capital of the north of Thailand, Chiang Mai remains a close second in national importance to Bangkok.
Wat Gate, the area of Chiang Mai surrounding 137 Pillars House, our boutique hotel in Chiang Mai, was formerly assigned to foreigners by the government. The house situated on a prime location along the Ping River and adjacent to the Wat Gate Khar Rham Temple for which the area is named.
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To the north of the temple sits a teakwood house that belonged to the former Thai Prime Minister, Dr. Sukij Nimmanhemin. And just south of that, another teak residence stands almost 100 years old built in European, colonial style with fine, slatted shutters affording both shade and air. Testament to the diversity of foreigners who gravitated to this area, one also finds the Sikh community temple behind Wat Gate from the same period as the European architecture.
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Three Kings Monument: Sitting in the middle of a large courtyard, the Three Kings Monument has a large bronze statue of King Mengrai (the founder of Chiang Mai) and his two friends, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao. Three of them worked together in the late 1200s to design and build Chiang Mai. Residents treat the monument as a shrine for the three men and replicas of it can be found throughout the city.
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Our teak house is rich with history of welcoming foreigners in Thailand who have made it their home. As with many of the most important Thai tales, this one starts in the royal court.
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Chiang Mai is well known as a centre for both traditional and modern arts and culture with an abundance of music and dance, celebrations, ceremonies and festivals. The key national parks of northern Thailand also offers numerous outdoor activities such as trekking and rafting. Not to be missed is a visit to Sankampaeng Road, an 8-mile shopping strip to discover authentic local arts and crafts made in Chiang Mai.
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Directions to Hotel
From Chiang Mai International Airport, proceed straight to Mahidol Road (Highway 1141). Turn left at Far Eastern University, continue to Bunrueang Road along the mold before turning right to Maneenopparat Road. Passing the intersection to Wichayanon Road, cross the Mae Ping river using the Nakornping bridge and head straight to Kaeo Nawarat Road. Turn right to Nawatgate Road and you will see 137 Pillars House located on the right side of Soi 1 Nawatgate Road. For more information, please call +66 53 247 788.
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