Located in mountainous northern Thailand, the city of Chiang Mai captures a balanced blend of history and culture as well as a vibrant contemporary scene. Situated on the banks of the Ping River, Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 and was the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558, with Lanna Thai architecture still featuring in the many accommodation options in Chiang Mai. Explore the Old Town, various temples, museums, take part in a cooking course or go shopping and grab a meal at night markets.