Chiang Mai, in Thai เชียงใหม่ sometimes written as “Chiengmai” or “Chiangmai”, is the largest city in northern Thailand. It is the capital of Chiang Mai Province and was a former capital of the kingdom of Lan Na (1296–1768), which later became the Kingdom of Chiang Mai, a tributary state of Siam from 1774 to 1899, and finally the seat of princely rulers until 1939. It is 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok near the highest mountains in the country. The city sits astride the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River.
Chiang Mai means “New City” and was so named because it became the new capital of Lan Na when it was founded in 1296, succeeding Chiang Rai, the former capital founded in 1262.
Chiang Mai’s historic importance is derived from its close proximity to the Ping River and major trading routes.
While officially the city of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai District with a population of 160,000, the city’s sprawl extends into several neighbouring districts. The Chiang Mai metropolitan area has a population of nearly one million people, more than half the total of Chiang Mai Province.
For a more in-depth look at the history of Chiang Mai and the fortification walls, check out this incredibly interesting article:
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