For the people of Lanna, the forest was a fearsome place, a place where things beyond the realm of human understanding existed. The forest was beyond the power and the laws of the people-a place where savages, wild animal and evil spirits dwelled. And yet the forest provided sanctuary in times of trouble as giving birth to new communities. Forest hermits using unseen forces and powerful chieftains with rewards of treasure enticed the people to clear the jungles and start new settlements.

Building new towns and communities in the midst of the mountainous wilderness was not an easy task. Virgin jungle, soaring green mountains and rushing streams isolated settlements, forcing them to be self-sufficient and independent. Fortunately the necessities of life could be easily found in the pristine environment surrounding them.

Form ancient times, communities were set up along the major rivers. The River Kok gave rise to the Yonok community of Chiang Saen, the River Ing to the Phu Kam Yao or Phayao community and the River Ping to Muang Haripunchai and Wiang Tha Kan. Thest cities preceded the founding of Chiang Mai. Even Chiang Mai itself was built on the remains of former settlements.

In the 12th century, Phaya Mangrai, a capable ruler from Muang Hiran Ngoen Yang, united many of thest smaller communities and established a larger domain which became known as Yonok. He expanded the territory to include the Ping River basin and called it Khwaen Ping. Wanting a new administrative centre for his domain, he founded Chiang Mai - the ‘new capital’ of the kingdom he call Lanna.

Through many changes that brought periods of prosperity and hardship this ancient city has become the Chiang Mai that we know today. Though modern Chiang Mai no longer controls a kingdom, it has not lost its importance or charm. Endowed with natural resources, magnificent scenery and a vivid local culture, the city has become a centre of tourism as well as a centre of regional importance in education, industry, communication, commerce and service.

The people of Chiang Mai today are no longer just the khon muang-local Lanna people-made up of the Lawa, Tai Khoen, Tai Yong, Tai Yon, and Tai Yai. Other ethnic groups have joined; most notable are the khon Thai from other parts of thailand and the people of the hills referred to as the ‘hilltribes’ - the Hmong, the Mien, the Lahu and the Lisu - who have migrated from the mountains of neighbouring countries.

Over the centuries the stronger ethnic groups have preserved their traditions while the weaker ones have adapted. Throung the unbroken succession of generations, all groups have blended and lived together in peaceful harmony. Each new arrival has brought fresh cultural influences adding to the long history and culture of the city.

In 700 years of change, the city has seen both a golden age as capital of a powerful inland kingdom and ravages of war so bad that the people took refuge in jungles leaving only wild animals to roam the streets. Behind the face of the modern city, traces of this long past can be found in every quarter of the city. The old moats and battlements tell of the founding of a city; the ancient chedi and broken