Culture & Religion

Chiang Mai province is completely different compared to most other Thai provinces, especially regarding culture. In fact it would be fair to say that the people of Chiang Mai enjoy one of the most distinctive cultural identities to be found in the whole of Thailand.

Although clearly flavored and influenced by contact with Myanmar (Burma) and to some extent Laos, much of Chiang Mai's uniqueness and individuality must be attributed to the past kingdom of Lanna Tai - a unique culture in itself often referred to simply as Lanna. The real individuality of Chiang Mai province, however, is without a doubt due in part to its physical location.

Centered within a highly mountainous geographical area, once covered in thick dense forests, overland communication was always previously very difficult. As a result, the Chiang Mai people have developed over the years their own customs and beliefs. They also have their own lilting dialect, their own architectural traditions, their own cuisine and a wide range of indigenous handicrafts, including silverware, lacquer ware, textiles and pottery. So much so that it is thought that Chiang Mai province has the largest concentrations of so-called cottage industries in world.

Today Chiang Mai province plays host to numerous sub-cultures and a variety of lifestyles. In the capital Chiang Mai, now a modern vibrant city, hilltribe hawkers and stallholders rub shoulders with lowland Thai traders and vegetable sellers. Such a kaleidoscope of rich culture is evident in the colorful festivals, foods and beliefs of these varied folk. The various hilltribes also lend a great deal of character and color to the diversified cultural landscape. In addition, it is generally acknowledged throughout Thailand that Chiang Mai women are the most beautiful and the people the friendliest and politest in the country.

The charm and gentleness of the Chiang Mai northerners seldom fails to impress even the most demanding of visitors to this wonderful province.

Although there are Mahayana Buddhists, Muslims and Sikhs in the larger towns, the main and established religion in Chiang Mai province is clearly Theravada Buddhism - as it is throughout most of Thailand's provinces. This is hardly surprising when one considers there are over three hundred Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai city alone.

The only real exceptions regarding religious beliefs are those of the various hilltribes that exist throughout the province. On the whole they are largely animist - meaning they worship the nature spirit world. Conversely, over the years, western missionaries have now converted some of the hilltribe people to Christianity.

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