Thailand: The chedi of Wat Cheitta in the grounds of Nam Rong School, Chiang Mai

The old chedi of Wat Cheitta (วัด เชษฐา) is located to the northeast of the intersection of Ratchadamnoen and Prapokklao Roads, and set within a fenced-off section of the Nam Rong School grounds. The only record of the temple states 'that the name is related to King Chaicheitta of Luang Phrabang who ruled Chiang Mai during the 15th century’ [King Setthathirat, 1546-51].

Chiang Mai, sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai', is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among the highest mountains in the country. The city is on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.

King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. The ruler was known as the Chao. The city was surrounded by a moat and a defensive wall, since nearby Burma was a constant threat.

Chiang Mai formally became part of Siam in 1774 by an agreement with Chao Kavila, after the Thai King Taksin helped drive out the Burmese. Chiang Mai then slowly grew in cultural, trading and economic importance to its current status as the unofficial capital of northern Thailand, second in importance only to Bangkok.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia