Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in northern Thailand, lying on the fertile valley which is rich in natural and also cultural endowments. With its long exuberant history, the present-day Chiang Mai is the mirror reflecting its prosperity in the past, represented as culture, arts, and architecture, offering the spell-binding ambiance of ancient times.

Along with its ancient temples which are the heritage from the exuberant past, its distinctive beauty of nature enhances its charm; Chiang Mai is thus considered as the ideal place for both cultural discovery and natural exploration. Moreover, its peaceful atmosphere painted with smile of friendly people is another captivating charm of this city, allowing it one of the most adorable cities in Thailand.

Turning back to around 13th century, one of the powerful kingdoms in Indo-China region came into existence by proclaiming itself Lan Na Kingdom or "The Kingdom of One Million rice fields". The founder was Mangrai, the leader of Ngoen Yang (In the region of Chiang Saen). Being the charismatic and powerful man, he established dominance over the neighboring small principalities which are now in the areas of northern Thailand, north-western Laos, the eastern Shan States of Myanmar, and Xishuang-banna in southern Yunnan.

After a successful defeat over the kingdom of Mon, Hariphunchai, which is better known today as Lamphun Province, King Mangrai established the new capital on the proper location, on the bank of the Ping River, and named it as "Nopburi Sri Nakhon Ping Chiang Mai". From1296, Chiang Mai served as the capital of Lan Na Kingdom and was ruled by the kings of Mangrai Dynasty. The kingdom enjoyed its golden age by the 15th century; arts and Buddhism also came to the zenith as hundreds of temples were constructed under the royal patronage. Temples in Chiang Mai are graced by the characteristic Lan Na arts and architecture which remain the precious cultural heritage of Thailand today.

Later, Burma who was in warfare with Ayutthaya Kingdom invaded Lan Na and exploited manpower of Lan Na Kingdom for military purpose, causing the weakness in the kingdom. Also weaken by the internal struggles for throne; Lan Na inevitably faced its decline.

By 1774, Burma attacked Ayuatthaya; the future King Taksin the Great allied with Lan Na kingdom to drive the Burmese out. Chiang Mai was then a tributary state of Thonburi established by the king Taksin. In Rattanakosin Period (1782-present), Chiang Mai was still a semi-autonomous principality of northern Thailand; it was not until the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) that Lan Na was designated to be the administrative regions of Siam instead of tributary state.

And, when the system of administrative regions was changed into provincial division in 1932, Chiang Mai became then a province of Thailand. Altogether, Chiang Mai served as the capital of Lan Na Kingdom for 600 years (1296 AD-1932 AD), and celebrated its 700 anniversary as a city in 1996.

Along Phaholyothin Road leading to the north for about 720 kilometers away from Bangkok, you are entering the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lan Na, Chiang Mai. Passing through the abounding golden rice fields lining along the route together with the majestic mountains enclosing the fertile valleys through which several rivers flow to nourish the land, you can witness the fascinating harmony of Chiang Mai's landscapes. On the location of the present Chiang Mai town is the banks of the Ping River, bloodline of most people here and around.

The landscape of Chiang Mai is spectacular as it consists of different kind of topographical conditions: virgin forests, waterfalls, caves, gorges, cultivation and plantation areas. Its high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, the highest in the country (2,599 meters) originate several important streams and tributaries which in turn feed important rivers and irrigational canals which provide the water necessary to Chiang Mai's agriculture. Chiang Mai's largest and most important river is the Ping which originates in the mountain of Chiang Dao and flows southward for 540 kilometers

Boundaries
North: Connects the Shan State of Myanmar.
South: Connects Sam-Ngao District, Tak Province
East: Chiang Rai, Lamphun, and Lampang Provinces
West: Mae Hong Son Province.

Administratively, Chiang Mai is divided into 22 Amphoe (districts):

Since most of area is relatively high above the sea level, covered with mountains, Chiang Mai generally possesses mild climate with cool weather all year round, making it the ideal place for escaping the sweltering weather in the central Thailand. However, we can divide Chiang Mai's climate into three seasons:

Cool season commences in late October and ends in February. The average temperature is 21ºC and becomes much cooler at night. The coolest months are December and January. This is the favorite period for most Thai people to visit Chiang Mai due to its cool and fresh air as well as the floras which are being in their beautiful blossom at this time of the year, allowing the magnificent views, especially in the mountains.

Hot season starts in early March and terminates at the end of May. Hot season in Chiang Mai is not as harsh as anywhere else in Thailand; the average temperature is 29.9ºC. However, temperatures can reach high degrees in April which is the hottest month of the countrywide.

Rainy season begins in early June and lasts in the end of October. The average temperature is 25.5ºC. The wettest month is September.

With a total population of 1,547,085, Chiang Mai is one of Thailand's largest provinces. 80% of people in Chiang Mai are local by birth and speak a dialect that is a slight variation of the central Thai language. The remaining 20% is composed of Thai national and foreigners who have moved to Chiang Mai to work, study, or retire.

The people of the valleys refer to themselves as khon muang, and are of mixed origin. The first known residents were Lawa. These people were joined by other groups moving along the trading routes of the river valleys; among those groups, Mon was a notable one. Mon people moved into the region from Myanmar, and then established the Kingdom of Haripunchai which is better known today as Lamphun Province. The other was Tai Yuan ethnic group migrating from southern China and settled down in different geographic base with different traditions and beliefs. As a result, there are subtle differences within the population of the valley nowadays, creating an interesting patchwork quilt of cultures which blanket the hills of Chiang Mai.

Thai government recognizes six major groups of hill tribes, divided into dozens of sub tribes with distinct languages, religious beliefs, customs, costumes, and historical backgrounds: Akha (Ekaw), Hmong (Meo), Karen (Yang, Kariang), Lahu (Musser), Lisu (Lisa), Mien (Yao). The hill tribe people's main professions are agricultural; planting fields, herding, and hunting for the living.

The majority of Chiang Mai people (80%) still earn a living through agriculture and agricultural related professions. With the rapid growths of tourism in the province, professions both directly and indirectly related to tourism are the alternative jobs for Chiang Mai people nowadays. Regarding general commerce and industry, they mainly involve in handicrafts and processing agricultural products.

Chiang Mai people communicate with its main characteristic ethnic language called kham muang. With different tones and vocabularies, persons from central Thailand may not understand the northern language immediately. Difference between northern language and central language is that of their different origins. The roots of kham muang can be traced to Pali language which spread through Mon civilization whereas the central Thai language came from Sanskrit via Khmer civilization of Angkor. Kham muang has its own script used in religious texts, but most local people are unable to read it.

Chiang Mai is famous for its handicraft of which the skills are inherited within local people generations by generations, creating the preciously and impressively delicate craftsmanship which becomes one of the Thailand's characteristics. Consequently, Chiang Mai has become the center of traditional craft industry for both internal and also foreign markets.

At the beginning, the folk skills were used to produce the necessities of daily life, and then have combined with the high arts of decoration used in temples and court, resulting in the basis of Chiang Mai's handicrafts. These are the most well-known handmade products demanded by clients from all over the world.

Basketry: Bamboos have been the fundamental materials for making necessities in daily life such as hats, baskets, and traps. The art of making basketry is splitting bamboos into thin supple strips that can be woven into complicated patterns. The most common woven objects made in the north are streamers and containers for sticky rice, mats, and traps for catching fish.

Ceramics: Chiang Mai is very famous for ceramic making with its special technique known to have been developed in China at least 2,000 years ago. The technique involves applying the glaze before firing with a high temperature. It is uncertain when Lan Na adopted the technique in the kingdom. However, several kilns were found around Chiang Mai and neighboring provinces. The main kiln is at Kalong (near Wiang Papao) and at Sankamphaeng. It is generally accepted that ceramic production began in the 14th century and was helped by Chinese potters who had moved south from the Mongol invasion in China. Then Lan Na was the center of ceramic industry in the region and its vicinity until the fall of Lan Na to the Burmese. Meanwhile, the cheaper blue and white wares from China associated with wars had put out the fire in Lan Na kilns. It was not until the 20th century that the production began again, bringing Lan Na pottery a new age.
Traditional earthenware can be seen at Ban Muang Kung as well as Ban Kuan. Along Sankamphaeng Road, several places produce and sell celadon.

Lacquer ware: Lacquer ware is one of the timeless souvenirs from Chiang Mai. The main design is in black and gold; a style is known as lai rod nam. Lacquer ware can be made in the form of containers, ornaments and other various souvenirs.

Hand-woven fabrics: In the past, weaving was the most important skill for women. Simple and plain design was made for daily life use, and it became more elaborate when used in ceremonies or rituals. The original material for weaving in the region was cotton which was generally made for clothes of ordinary people. Later on silk was imported from China and India, but used by only high ranking families. Geography and ethnic origin determined the style of weaving. In Chiang Mai Valley, the favored style is called tin chok which creates diamond shaped patterns.

Silverware: Silverware in Chiang Mai goes back to the time of King Mangrai who imported silversmiths from Burma. The modern silver industry is mostly done by Burmese origins who settled in Wualai area hundred years ago; and the village remains the center of traditional silver working ever since.

Wood carving: Woodcarving is a traditional northern Thai art which is featured in numerous temples, royal court and household objects used by the noblemen. In recent years, wood carving has increasingly embellished furniture, gracing screens, chairs, tables, beds, and others for decorative purpose. The village that is specialized in wood carving is Ban Taawai.

Umbrellas: Umbrellas have traditionally been produced in the area around Ban Bo Sang. They are made of sa paper which is from sa plant. Sa paper became very popular for the purpose of decoration.

Chiang Mai is enlivened by festivals almost the whole year round. Some festivals are the old ones which depend on lunar calendar and have their origin in Buddhism or Tai traditional beliefs; others are the newer which are from a blend of local tradition and tourism's purpose.

There are three main festivals which offer the joyful atmosphere for tourists who visit Chiang Mai in these festive periods.

Flower Festival: The three-day-event occurs before the end of cool season-that is the first weekend of February-when flowers in Chiang Mai are in full bloom and at their best. On the festive day includes parades and floats decorated with beautifully colorful flowers. Music and dance makes the festivals even more cheerful. The festival takes place throughout the main city streets and at Buak Hard Park.

Songkran: This festival is actually celebrated countrywide, but it seems that Songkran in Chiang Mai is unlike anywhere else due to its traditionally colorful atmosphere. Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year held in the mid of April when the sun moves out of Pisces. In Chiang Mai, the main events take place over three days (the dates vary for the Northern provinces). Normally, the first day of the festival is on 13th April which is considered the last day of the old year. The New Year day falls on the third days of the festival. On this day, in early morning, people in traditional costume bring offerings to the temple; the images of Buddha will be paraded around town in the afternoon, and people toss scented water to bathe the images. In addition, juniors pay respect and demand pardon for whatever they done wrong the past whole year to elderly people and family members in a ceremony of tam hua. The favorite activities, especially for teens and children is water throwing. In Chiang Mai town seems to be the most cheerful and boisterous place for water splashing. Each year, many visitors eye to participate in this joyful festival and it is rewarding, absolutely.

Inthakin: According to the old lunar calendar followed by the Northern Thai people of long ago, the week of the Inthakin ceremony begins on the 12th day of the waning moon of the eighth month and continues until the 3rd day of the rising moon of the ninth month. The week's events take place at Wat Chedi Luang where the Inthakin Pillar is housed. The Inthakin pillar is a sacred pillar believed to have been erected on the advice of a forest hermit. The indigenous inhabitants believe that the pillar can protect against enemy attack, and to pay respect to the pillar will make them live in peace. This legend of the Inthakin Pillar plays an important role in proving the founding of the city of Chiang Mai and is the origin of the annual tradition held to pay respect to the city pillar.

Loi Krathong: It is locally known as "Yi Peng", considered the most colorful festival of the year. It takes place over the three days of full moon in the twelfth lunar month which usually falls in November. In the morning of the full moon day, people go presenting offering at the temple before releasing large hot air balloons. As night falls people enjoy making a kratong, a float made of banana leaf bearing a candle, incense, flower, and small coin and release it into the rivers or lakes to honor the Goddess of River-Mae Khong Kha. It is believed that by releasing floats and balloons they cast way bad luck and give thanks to the rivers and heavenly spirits. The river Ping then becomes a stream of lights floating soothingly with the current, completed with small hot air balloons rising like lanterns high into the sky, creating the spectacular and impressive sight. Other activities on this full moon night include boat races, parades, beauty contest as well as dance and music.