Chiang Mai; sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai'; is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand; and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok; among the highest mountains in the country. The city is on the Ping river; a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.

King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city') in 1296; and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. The ruler was known as the Chao. The city was surrounded by a moat and a defensive wall; since nearby Burma was a constant threat.

Chiang Mai formally became part of Siam in 1774 by an agreement with Chao Kavila; after the Thai King Taksin helped drive out the Burmese. Chiang Mai then slowly grew in cultural; trading and economic importance to its current status as the unofficial capital of northern Thailand; second in importance only to Bangkok.