"Chiang Mai Province" a Chiang Mai Travel Page by smirnofforiginal

Sitting in the north, Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest province. It is a mountainous region with several national parks within.

Over 10% of Chiang Mai's population are hilltribes. There are six principal hilltribes in Thailand: The Karen (known as Karieng) who arrived from across the Salween River in Burma. The Lisu, Lahu and Akha who are also from Burma (from the northern Shan state). The Hmong and The Mien crossed into Thailand from Laos.

Chiang Mai town was founded by King Mengrai and was previously the capital of the Kingdom of Laana. It is the capital of the province of Chiang Mai and the largest city in northern Thailand. In 1774 Chiang Mai became part of Siam when it was captured from Burma

Chiang Mai stands on the Ping River and it divided into four districts: Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila.