... Chiang Mai was originally named "Nopburi Srinakornping Chiangmai" meaning the new city. Changmai is now known as the “Rose of the North”. it was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and was founded in the 13th century. It is one of the oldest cities in Thailand and has a Small-Town, Old-World attitude completely different from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. The Lanna Style is a separate cultural heritage with a relaxed and laid-back attitude toward life.
Chiang mai is located in the Mae Ping River Basin, 710 kilometres from Bangkok, and 305 metres above sea level, the original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat, and vestiges of the fortified wall.Four main gates offer principal access to the old town, which is criss-crossed by main roads, and veined by charming narrow lanes with traditional teakwood houses and lovely everyday images of Northern Thailand,all begging to be admired.