Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Top of chapter
Discover Chiang Rai &
Northern Thailand
At a Glance
•
»
Chiang Rai
(
Click here
) Border province known for coffee, trekking and the
Golden Triangle.
•
»
Kamphaeng Phet
(
Click here
) Detour for temple buffs.
•
»
Mae Hong Son
(
Click here
) Rugged landscape, Burmese influences and
Pai.
•
»
Phitsanulok
(
Click here
) Famous Buddhist temple and rail access to Suk-
hothai.
History
Northern Thailand's history has been characterised by the shifting powers of vari-
ous independent principalities. One of the most significant early cultural influences
in the north was the Mon kingdom of Hariphunchai (modern Lamphun), which held
sway from the late 8th century until the 13th century.
In 1238 Sukhothai declared itself an independent kingdom under King Si
Intharathit and quickly expanded its sphere of influence. Because of this, and the in-
fluence the kingdom had on modern Thai art and culture, Sukhothai is considered
by Thais to be the first true Thai kingdom. In 1296 Phaya Mengrai established Chi-
ang Mai after conquering the influential Mon kingdom of Hariphunchai.
Later, Chiang Mai, in an alliance with Sukhothai in the 14th and 15th centuries,
became a part of the larger kingdom of Lan Na Thai (Million Thai Rice Fields), pop-
ularly referred to as Lanna. The golden age of Lanna was in the 15th century.
