Thailand is a country rich in both culture and history and all this is more alive in the atmosphere in Chiang Mai. With more than 700 years of history, a stroll around the city will allow you to see structures like the age-old city walls and gates and the temples that have withstood the test of time through nearly a millennium.
King Meng Rai
Nophaburi Sri Nakorn Ping Chai Mai was founded in the year 1296 by King Meng Rai as a new city under the rule of the Lanna Kingdom. The king previously ruled a significant trading town at the banks of the river Mekong called Chiang Saen, Fang and Chiang Rai. Next, he when on South overrunning Haripunchi which is now called Lamphun.
The people of the kingdom
Those who lived in the valleys of river Ping, Wang and others called, Mon, became part of the kingdom too. With different cultures merged together, a unique people were born called, Khon Mueng with their own version of the Thai language.
The allies of Lanna Kingdom
The Lanna Kingdom’s King, Meng Rai, was an outstanding strong ruler who brought prosperity to his kingdom. He established valuable relationships with the neighbouring kingdoms ruled by King Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao. These strong bonds allowed him to fight off threats easily.
The peak period
The Kingdom was at it’s best under the rule of King Tilokarat. The reign of the Lanna Kingdom is said to have extended to the Nan province and all the way up to Myanmar. Chedi Luang was completed during this era, a structure as tall as 96m, even after the unfortunate earthquake in the 16th century, this structure stood as the tallest in the city until the 1950s. if you wish to explore the ancient Lanna Kingdom, book a Chiang Mai hotel, for example, the luxury hotel Anantara Chiang Mai Resort for your stay and head over to Thailand.
Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+
