This cache in the moat bridge series is close to Chiang Mai Gate – one of the 5 gates into the walled old city of Chiang Mai. It is also close to the Bumrung Buri Market which is a Thai street food lovers’ paradise. From early in the morning until late you can find Thai specialty dishes, fruits and vegetables and for those who dare fried bugs of all shapes and sizes.
The city of Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai as the new capital for the Kingdom of Lanna. Modeled on Ankor Thom (the late 12th Century capital of the Khmer Kingdom in Cambodia), city walls were constructed to keep the city safe from danger. A “walled”city is called “Chiang” in Thai, hence Chiang Mai is called the “New Walled City”. The moat surrounding the city clearly marks out the boundaries of historic Chiang Mai. Over time the city walls were often destroyed and ruined during wars and invasions, but many parts have been restored and are now an essential part of the Chiang Mai heritage and skyline. The historic moat is crossed by several bridges, one of which is the location for this cache.