Transcript Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand
Stats
Joanna Fuller’s trip
LA to Hong Kong to Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Historical Capital of Thailand
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Scenic mountain beauty, adventure activities,
ethnic hill tribes, historic temples, and
distinctive culture characterize Chiang Mai.
Located 700 miles north of Bangkok, the
province was once part of the independent
Lanna Thai Kingdom, (literally translated as
"the Kingdom of a Million Rice fields") which
ruled northern Thailand from the 13th - 16th
century. Chiang Mai city, the former capital
founded in 1296, flourished as a major
religious, cultural and trading centre until the
Burmese invaded in 1556. The legacy left by
Lanna can still be seen in the temples,
sculptures and city walls, which remain today.
Stats about Chiang Mai
• Weather; past week high range from 75F to 80 F, 94% humidity, heat
index 88F, this time of the year is rainy season
• famous night bazaar
• Population – 250,000
• No public bus
• Currency 1 dollar to 41 Baht
• Religion - Theravada Buddhism is the religion of over 95%
• Language – Thai, plus English is widely understood in Bangkok,
where it is the major commercial language. Also Lahu language in
the mountains.
Lahu Tribal People
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Musur comes from a Burmese word
for hunter. 5 varieties: Laho Nyi (Red),
Laho Shehleh (Black), Lahu Na (also
Black), Lahu Shi (Yellow, aka Musur
Kwi) and Lahu Hpu (White). Yi/Lolo
branch of the Tibetan-Burmese
linguistic group, closely related to Lisu,
each sub-group has its own distinct
dialect.
The soft and tonal Lahu Na is used as
a lingua franca among them, and by
some other hill-tribe groups also. Many
are Christian (but with an earth-mother
goddess, Ai-ma); they believe in a
supreme being but are animist too
Customs
• Take your shoes off before entering
• present the gift with both hands together
• receiver of the gift to wahy (two hands together like praying position)
before accepting the gift to show respect and gratitude
• Eat with a spoon, don't eat with a fork
• Sticky rice is a hand food! Ball it up, then make it into a pinch pot
and use it as a little edible spoon-bowl type thing to eat
People
Shopping
Shopping
Elephant tours
Buddhist temples
Bi-Vocational Center
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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The Lahu Christian Church is an association of 32 churches in
Northern Thailand. In an effort to better equip their pastors and
leaders, they have undertaken the task of building, staffing and
operating a bi-vocational training center in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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A four story Training Center
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Chiang Mai Airport
• Ten minutes from the airport and you've arrived in
Chiang Mai on the western side, not far from the old city
walls. Close this area, and generated by Chiang Mai's
30,000 students, is a new shopping and entertainment
complex with department store, cinemas, food halls, a
theatre and even an ice rink!