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A Short History of Bangkok
Both literally and metaphorically, all roads in Thailand lead to Bangkok (derived from bang magkok, which means "Village of the Wild Plum"), the center of almost everything: of power both temporal and spiritual, of the ancient monarchy, of commerce and communications, of higher education and the arts, of that indispensable part of life the Thais call sanuk or "fun". It has a dynamic moder façade, sprawling and often confusing to the newcomer, best comprehended perhaps by looking back to the city's early days.
Founding of Bangkok
Following the 1767 destruction of Ayuthaya, after 400 years of rule from there, the Thai capital was moved first to Thonburi on the west bank of the lower Chao Phraya River and then in 1782, to a small trading port called Bangkok on the opposite bank. King Rama I, who decreed the move, felt the position of the new capital was more defensible and that it offered the space for a capital worthy of the Chakri Dynasty, which he had founded. He gave it a lengthy official title, which the Thais have shortened to Krung Thep, "City of Angles," while foreigners continue to use the old name; the period of Thai history thus inaugurated is called Rattanakosin. As a matter of interest, Krung Thep is adapted from is actual name (listed in the Guiness Book of Records as the world's longest place name): Krungthep Mahanakhon Bovorn Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Madhadilokpop Noparatratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniveymahasathan Amornpiman Avatansathit Sakkathattiya-avisnukarmprasit.
Ayutthaya
Founded in 1350 by King Ramathibodi I, Ayutthaya grew from a small town with fortified mud walls on an artificial island I Chao Phraya River into one of the largest, most cosmopolitan cities in Southeast Asia. With only one interruption, when it fell to the Burmese in the mid-16 th century, it was the center of Thai power for more than 400 years, its rule extending over the entire Central Plans as well as many areas of the far east and south. The 33 rules of Ayutthaya adopted the Khmer concept of divine kingship, complete with Brahminic rituals, and built spectacular palaces as well as great Buddhist monuments; most of the major remains visitors see today were constructed in the city's first 150 years. The peak of opulence, however, came in the 17 th century, when ships from all over the world sailed up the Chao Phraya to trade and Ayutthaya had a population of more than a million, among them Indians, Chinese, Japanese, and assorted Europeans; during the reign of King Narai (1657-88), two French embassies came from the court of Louis XIV and a Thai embassy was sent to Paris. Ayutthayan power began to decline after the death of Narai, and a series of wars ensued with Burma , Thailand 's traditional enemy. In 1767, after a 15-month siege, the city fell to an invading army that wasted little time in burning almost every building. Under the leadership of the future King Taskin, the Thais rallied and managed to expel the enemy in a remarkably short occupation and the capital was moved further downriver, first to Thonburi and later to Bangkok .
Chiang Mai
Once the cultural, religious, and political center of a northern kingdom known as Lanna Thai, Chiang Mai was founded in 1297 by King Mengrai, who had previously established the city of Chian Rai and also conqureed the old Mon capital of Haripunchai. A northern legend says Mengrai had the assistance of two allies, King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao, and that the site was selected because an auspicious assembly of rarae animals had been seen there: two withe samba deer, two white bakring deer, and a white mouse with a family of five. Over 90,000 laborers were supposedly involved in the construction of the city.
Appealing in both culture and scenery, the Chiang Mai valley is one of the most popular Thai destinations. It may no longer be the remote Shangri-La described by early visitors - who had to journey for weeks by river and elephant to reach it - but it still possesses a beguiling blend of ancient ruins, local crafts, and continuing traditions.