Chiang Mai_2011
Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 as the new capital of Lan Na, succeeding the former capital, Chiang Rai. With the decline of Lan Na, the city lost importance and was occupied by the Taungoo in 1556. Chiang Mai formally became part of the Thonburi Kingdom in 1775 . Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand and the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok.
