Chiang Mai Province

1) History of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was founded in 1839 B.E. (1296 C.E.) by King Mangrai as the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom. It was ruled by the Mangrai dynasty for over two centuries before falling under Burmese rule for nearly 200 years.

It was liberated by leaders like Phraya Kawila (under Siam/Thailand) in the late 18th century. It transitioned from a tributary state to a full province (Monthon Payap then Province) under Kings Rama V and VII. In 2011, it was named "The Most Splendid City of Culture."

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2) Area

Area: 20,107.057 km², Largest in the North. Terrain is largely mountainous and forested with central plains along both banks of the Ping River. Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon (≈2,565.3355 m), is in Chom Thong District. Other high mountains include Doi Pha Hom Pok (2,285 m), Doi Luang Chiang Dao (2,170 m), and Doi Suthep (1,601 m). 25 districts (amphoe), 204 subdistricts (tambon), 2,066 villages (muban)