Chiang Mai people refer to themselves as Tai Yuan. Groups of people moved to the valley to trade and work near the Ping river. Notable of these are the Mon who came from Thaton in Burma.

By the 13^th century the dominant groups throughout upper Siam (Thailand)  were ethnic Tai Yuan who had been migrating south into the valleys since at least the 10^th century. 

King Kawila brought in people from Tai Yan, Tai Khoen, Tai Leu. These people settled into defined geographical areas which resulted in subtle differences in dress, culture and language.

The 19^th century saw hill tribes migrating to the valley especially after the communist takeover of China in 1949. The 20^th century economic boom has seen migration from the south of Thailand and an influx of foreigners and tourists.

Religious belief has centred around Mahayan Buddhism which came to the region via the Khmer empire and the silk road from China. Thervada Buddhism is now the most popular religion in the region.

Chiang Mai popularly known as the “rose of the north” is located near the Ping river in the North of Thailand. Chiang Mai city sits in a rich fertile valley and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and maintains a strong unique cultural identity.

Some of the first inhabitants to settle in in the valley were the Mon. Drawn by trade along the river the Mon chose the valley to establish Hanpunchai Lamphun in the eighth century. In 1296 King Mengrai officially founds Chiang Mai as the the capital of the Lanna Kingdom.

In the late 15th century The kingdom reached the height its powers with King Yilokarts patronage of the eight Buddhist Council in 1477. This produced canonical texts which were used to form the religious system of Siam (Thailand) and Cambodia.

Read more: Chiang Mai Guide - Chiang Mai History