People and Culture of Chiang Mai Friday, 25 February 2011 09:02 People and Culture of Chiang Mai Seventy percent of the land in the north is mountainous and in the past was densely forested, making overland communication difficult. As a result each valley developed slight variations in customs and language. People practiced wet-rice subsistence agriculture and were self-sustaining, making what they needed. Customs and beliefs associated with the agricultural cycle were passed down from their ancestors.   Read more...   Festivals in Chiang Mai Friday, 25 February 2011 09:02 Festivals in Chiang Mai The Chiang Mai valley is blessed with festivals almost the whole year round. Old festivals are based on the lunar calendar and either have their origin in Buddhist traditions or in Brahmanic and Tai beliefs associated with the rice growing cycle. Newer cultural festivals have evolved from a blend of local traditions and commercial interests. Read more...   Chiang Mai History Friday, 25 February 2011 09:02 Introduction to Lanna Chiang Mai owes her existence to the Ping River. The river provided the route along which the power of Chiang Mai could be extended beyond the wall of mountains that surrounded the valley; it was a channel for trade from China and Burma to the Gulf of Siam. The wide, fertile valley was able to support a large number of people, the basis of political power in the feudal kingdom of Lanna (the million fields).   Read more...