As the capital of the kingdom of Lan Na, Chiang Mai once dominated the mountainous area of continental Southeast Asia between Southern Yunnan and Northern Thailand. During its golden age in the 15th and 16th centuries, the city played a major role in the development of Buddhism in Thailand.
However, the kingdom was to disappear in political struggles, and Chiang Mai became backwater of Siam until the city's heritage and mystique as the gateway to the mountainous Golden Triangle helped bring about its revival as the center of culture and commerce in Northern Thailand.
Oliver Hargreave first presents Chiang Maias a historical city of tradition that has evolved into a thriving modern city. Then he takes the city as a starting point for journeys into the picturesque valley and the surrounding mountains.
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