History of Chiang Mai (Lanna State: State of million of rice fields)
Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai who united many small kingdoms and called the new kingdom the Lanna Kingdom (kingdom of one million rice fields). After founding Chiang Rai as his capital in 1262. King Mengrai decided to build a new city as the capital of Lanna Thai in 1291. He invited his two close friends, King Ramkhamhang of Sukhothai and King Ngam Muang of Phayao, to help him to select the location for the new city. They decided on a productive plain between Doi Suthep Mountain and the Ping River. The new city, Chiang Mai, was completed in 1296, and was the capital of Lanna Thai for a long time.

After resisting attack by both by Ayutthaya and Burma many times, it came under Burmese rule in 1558. King Naresuan of Ayutthaya recovered it from Burma, and then it came under Burmese rule once again during the reign of King Taksin of Thonburi. It was recovered from the Burmese in 1774.

Since then, Chiang Mai has come under the control of a Central Thai administration. It remained rather isolated right up until the 1920's, when the railway line was built. Before that, the journey north took many weeks of travel by river and elephant. Such separate development has allowed Chiang Mai to preserve its unique character which has given rise to such nicknames as "Rose of the north". The city was the birth place of the country’s northern culture, and it possesses distinctive art andcharming traditions and customs. Its colorful traditional festivals have been passed on through the centuries.

Also, the people of Chiang Mai have a lighter complexion and slightly different looks from middle and southern Thais, and one of the most charming features of Chiang Mai are its beautiful girls who are noted for the fairest complexions in the country.

The gentle Chiang Mai people are blessed for their hospitality. People from all over Thailand come to Chiang Mai whenever there are celebrations or any festivals, not only for the fun and excitement of the event, but also to enjoy the friendliness and hospitality of the natives.

Chiang Mai’s Baan Thawai Village in the Hang Dong District, is a major center of furniture making, and the most popular woods and materials include teak, rosewood and rattan. . Woodcarving is a traditional northern Thai art, and is featured in numerous temples. In recent yeas, woodcarving has increasingly embellished furniture, gracing screens, chairs, tables, and beds. Carved elephants, figurines and tableware are among other popular purchases.

This picture is of 17th Century original Teak doors on the Renjaniwei palace in Pra Harai Thailand.
Great example of Thai Teak woodcarving, notice the incredible detail and brilliantly stunning color.