Ancient kingdom wedged between Burma and the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Lanna (Northern Thailand) was often the victim of one or the other. In the 15th century, The Kingdom of Lanna reached its zenith but in 1558 is occupied by the Burmese and remain under their control for 2 centuries. Finally Lanna definitely remained under Siamese influence in the late 18th century when Chiang Mai was taken over by the King Taksin.

This area is a historical crossroad of Southeast Asia where peoples from China, Laos and Burma have always maintained commercial and cultural exchanges. The two major cities in the North are Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of Lanna and the second city of Thailand, and Chiang Rai located at few kilometers from the famous Golden Triangle historically known for smuggling opium.

Today Northern Thailand includes 5 provinces: Mae Hong Son, Lamphun, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai. The province of Chiang Mai has known a great development for ten years. The Shinawatra family in power since 2001, first under the colors of Thaksin and his sister Yingluck, is originally from Chiang Mai. To relieve Bangkok and create another economic pole, it has fostered the development of the city. Chiang Mai today bears little resemblance to what city it was 25 years ago http://www.chiangmaicitynews.com/news.php?id=2622. The province of Chiang Rai might also witness some development, benefiting both the opening of Burma and development of the province of Chiang Mai. Beside these two provinces Mae Hong Son might continue keeping its traditional aspect: green mountains everywhere and many ethnic tribes inhabiting the mountains. There will always be something for everyone in Thailand.