One of Thailand's largest cities, Chiang Mai is the chief economic center for the northern part of the country and serves as the northern railroad terminus.

Located on the Ping River about 80 miles from the border of Myanmar, Chiang Mai was founded in 1296. It later became the capital and religious center of the Lanna Thai kingdom.

The city was part of Burma from 1558 until 1775 and was then semi-independent until being incorporated into modern Thailand (Siam) in the late 19th century.