Chiang Mai Guide - People

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.