Although readily accessible, the city popularly known as the “Rose of the North” presents a superb contrast. Whereas Bangkok is a mere 200 years old, Chiangmai was founded in the late 13^th century and is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in Thailand. It was once the capital of Lanna, an independent Thai Kingdom and has preserved its unique cultural heritage to a marked degree.

Chiangmai is administratively divided into 22 Amphoes (literally means districts).

Climate:

Cool Season: late October to end of February). Average temperature: 21 degree Celsius and much cooler at night. The coolest months are December and January.

Hot season: early March to end of May. Average temperature 29.9 degree Celsius. the hottest month is April.

Rainy Season: early June to end of October. Average temperature 25.5 degree Celsius. The wettest month is September.

History

Chiangmai is an old city with a proud history. It was founded by King Mengrai who united several small tribes and called the new land - Lanna Kingdom. In 1259, he ascended the throne and built Chiangrai as his capital in 1262. In 1291, he decided to build a new city as the capital of Lanna Kingdom. He invited King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai Kingdom, and King Ngam Nuang of Phayao Kingdom, both were his close friends, to help select a site for the new city. They decided on a fertile plain between Doi Suthep Mountain and the bank of the Ping River.

The new city was completed, surrounded by a moat and wall, in 1296. It was named Nopphaburi Si Nakhonping “Chiangmai”.

Chiangmai was the capital of Lanna Kingdoms for a long time. It was attacked frequently and finally came under the control of Ayuthaya, then Burma. In 1774, King Taksin the Great of Thailand recovered it from the Burmese. Since then Chiangmai has been a province of Thailand.