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Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand. It was a former capital of the Kingdom of Lan Na (1296–1768), which became a tributary state of the Kingdom of Chiang Mai from 1774 to 1939. It is 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok and is situated amongst the highest mountains in the country.

The city sits astride the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River. Chiang Mai means "new city" and was named because it became the new capital of the Lan Na kingdom when it was founded in 1296, succeeding Chiang Rai, the former capital founded in 1262.

Chiang Mai gained prominence in the political sphere in May 2006, when the Chiang Mai Initiative was concluded between the ASEAN nations and the "+3" countries (China, Japan, and South Korea). Chiang Mai was one of three Thai cities contending for Thailand's bid to host the World Expo 2020 (the others were Chonburi and Ayutthaya). Ayutthaya, however, was the city ultimately chosen by the Thai Parliament to register for the international competition. Chiang Mai has positioned itself to become a Creative City and is considering applying for Creative City status with UNESCO. Chiang Mai was one of two tourist destinations in Thailand on TripAdvisor's 2014 list of "25 Best Destinations in the World", where it stands at number 24. Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its close proximity to the Ping River and major trading routes. While officially the city of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai district with a population of 160,000, the city's sprawl extends into several neighboring districts. The Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of nearly one million people, more than half the total of Chiang Mai Province.

However, most people in the city migrant from oversea and mostly from Bangkok and Isan provinces. That has to transform Chiang Mai like little Bangkok, heavy traffic and increase of crimes and unfriendliness. The locals have moved away from the city and dwelled in the mountain areas and farming.

Chiang Mai is favorite for travellers who love adventure with nature, animals and culture. Tropical food and diet and simple life, these are old Chieng Mai the way of life. No need to hurry and complete like the sin city, Chiang Mai is remain a true cultural city in Thailand.