Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, sometimes written as Chiengmai or Chiangmai, is the largest city in northern Thailand, the capital of Chiang Mai province and the second largest city in Thailand. It is 700 km north of Bangkok in a mountainous region called the Thai highlands and has a population of 1.2 million people as of 2022, which is more than 66 percent of the total population of Chiang Mai province. Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 as the new capital of Lan Na, succeeding the former capital, Chiang Rai.: 208–209  The city's location on the Ping River and its proximity to major trading routes contributed to its historic importance.The city of Chiang Mai officially only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai district in the city centre and has a population of 127,000.