Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also to be the center of Buddhism in northern Thailand Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to experience both historical and modern Thai culture coexisting side by side .
The inhabitants speak Kham Muang (also known as Northern Thai or Lanna) among themselves, though central Thai is used in education and is understood by almost everyone. English is used in hotels and travel-related businesses. The Kham Muang alphabet is studied only by scholars, and Northern Thai is commonly written with the standard Thai alphabet.
Chiang Mai is a cultural and religious hub, the old town alone has 121 temples which are open to the public. Chiang Mai is also the gateway to local hill tribe villages of Karen and Mon ethnicities. The people of Chiang Mai are proud of their city and its history as a separate Kingdom before Siam was unified.