An Analysis of the Cultural Tourism Management of Nine Pagodas in Chiang Rai

Abstract

Research on "An Analysis of the Cultural Tourism Management of nine Pagodas in Chiang Rai" with the objectives to study the history, attributeand importance of the nine pagodas, to study the cultural tourism management of the nine pagodas and to analyze the cultural tourism management of the nine pagodas. The study method was throughdocumentation and interview with the abbots, community leaders, professionals, tourists, Chiang Rai tourist officer and shop owners.

The research result found that the nine pagodas are archeological sites with long history. They are believed to enshrine relics of the Buddha. The pagodas are very outstanding with regards to Buddhist arts. They are valued as sacred objects for their spiritual significance. They are regarded as the centers of love and unity of local people. Therefore they are worthy studying and promoting for tourism. The utilization of the nine pagodas for the purpose of tourism by the ways of promotion management will bring into light the value of their cultural heritage and will benefit to the development of local communities both in terms of society and economics. Analytically, most of their management was through the skill, knowledge and capability of individuals, i.e. abbots of the temples. Such individuals' management is positively beneficial as it moves fast according to their needs. However, its weakness is the lack of working integration and co-operation with communities, government and private sectors. Management and development plans are needed to fit well with the contexts of local areas, traditions and cultures. In addition, it needs to keep pace with tourism situation and government's policy in order to create greater benefit for local people, society and the country.