New City. What’s New in Chiang Mai?

The name Chiang Mai literally means “New City.” Yet, despite its name, this beloved northern city is anything but new. In 2027, Chiang Mai will be approaching its 730th anniversary—a remarkable milestone in the history of Thailand.

The city was founded by King Mangrai, a descendant of Lavachakkaraj, the legendary founder of Chiang Rai. Through his vision and leadership, King Mangrai brought together people and neighboring territories, eventually establishing what became known as the Lanna Kingdom—often written as Lan Na, the historic kingdom of Northern Thailand.

As someone who comes from a northern Thai family and has lived among the local community for more than half a century, I have had the privilege of witnessing Chiang Mai continuously transform before my eyes.

I remember a Chiang Mai of wooden houses, often built on stilts with open spaces beneath them. These shaded areas were more than just part of a home; they were places where families gathered, children played, meals were shared, and everyday life unfolded. Large family compounds were common, with several generations of brothers, sisters, children, and grandchildren living together on the same piece of land.

Today, many of those traditional family compounds have given way to modern residential developments and planned communities.

Education, too, has changed dramatically. As the city has grown and attracted people from many parts of Thailand and from overseas, younger generations have gained access to better educational opportunities, including international schools. Chiang Mai has also become an attractive place to live for foreigners working in nearby industrial areas, particularly in Lamphun Province, which is only around 20 minutes from the city. For many, living in Chiang Mai offers the perfect balance of convenience, culture, and quality of life.

The city’s roads and transportation networks have expanded along with its population. New roads have been built to connect different parts of the city, supporting Chiang Mai’s role as the cultural and economic heart of Northern Thailand.

And, of course, the way we travel has changed.

Some forms of transportation that were once familiar sights have almost disappeared. The traditional human-powered bicycle rickshaw, for example, has largely been replaced by the faster tuk-tuk. The famous red songthaew—the shared pickup trucks that have long been part of Chiang Mai’s identity—are still around, but the way people use transportation has changed considerably.

Today, ride-hailing services such as Grab have become part of everyday life. With air conditioning, comfortable seats, and a fare that passengers can see before deciding to book, convenience and speed have become increasingly important to modern travelers.

Public buses have also become less visible in daily life, reflecting a broader change in how people choose to move around the city. Time, convenience, and accessibility now play a major role in our decisions.

Communication has undergone an even greater transformation.

Almost everyone carries a mobile phone today. It has become a camera, a map, a means of communication, a source of information, and so much more. Internet connectivity has become an essential part of everyday life—something many of us now find almost impossible to live without.

Yet, amid all this change, local people continue to work hard to preserve Chiang Mai’s cultural identity. Community groups and cultural enthusiasts continue to safeguard local traditions and pass them on to younger generations, hoping that development and preservation can move forward hand in hand.

A New Chiang Mai Awaits You

So, what will you discover when you return to Chiang Mai?

For those who have visited this beautiful northern city before, you may be surprised to find that there are always new stories waiting to be discovered.

At the heart of the old city stands the Three Kings Monument, a place deeply connected with Chiang Mai’s history and identity. Not far from this central area is another site whose story reflects the many chapters of the city’s past.

For generations, this area was known as the former central prison. Long before that, however, it was a khum—a traditional residence of the rulers of Chiang Mai.

When Chiang Mai became incorporated into Siam, the area was transformed into a place of imprisonment, reflecting the political and cultural changes of that era. Today, the memories associated with this historic site are being given a new life. The area is being transformed into a public park and a museum, creating a place where younger generations can learn about the history of Chiang Mai and its people.

Even public spaces are changing.

For many years, Buak Haad Park was one of the few places in the city where local people could exercise, relax, or bring their children to enjoy an afternoon outdoors. Today, it has another spacious companion in Railway Park, providing more room for people to exercise, breathe, relax, and escape the bustle of the city.

Chiang Mai’s shopping and everyday life have also evolved. Modern shopping centers and convenience stores have become part of the urban landscape, while traditional fresh markets have been renovated and improved, with greater attention given to cleanliness, hygiene, and the well-being of consumers.

Around the old city moat and along the main roads surrounding the historic center, infrastructure has also been improved. Some utilities have been moved underground, allowing the cityscape to become cleaner and more visually harmonious. Roads have been upgraded, making journeys smoother and more comfortable.

All of these changes share a common purpose: to allow Chiang Mai to grow while preserving the beauty and character that make the city unique, as it continues its journey toward recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Come and Discover Chiang Mai

But there is something I would like to ask of everyone who visits Chiang Mai.

When you come, please come not only as a traveler, but also as a respectful guest.

Take time to understand the people, traditions, temples, customs, and way of life of the local community. Appreciate the culture that makes Chiang Mai different from anywhere else in the world.

Respect for the host is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to travel.

There is an old Thai saying:

“When you enter a city, follow the customs of that city.”

It remains true today.

Whether you come to Thailand, to Chiang Mai, or travel anywhere else in the world, respecting the people and culture of the place you visit is always a beautiful gesture. It creates understanding, friendship, and memories that last far beyond the journey itself.

So, if you have visited Chiang Mai before, come back and see what has changed.

And if you have never been here, perhaps now is the time to discover this ancient city with a new heart.

Chiang Mai may be nearly 730 years old, but its story is still being written.

Come and experience the old and the new, the timeless traditions and the changing city, the warmth of its people and the beauty of Northern Thailand.

Come to Chiang Mai.
Come to Thailand.
And discover a place where the past and the future meet.