Northern Thailand is a landscape with mountain ranges and steep valleys. In 1296, King Mangrai founded Chiang Mai, capital of the northern kingdom of Lanna (Lan Na), which means "kingdom of a million rice fields." Lanna became a center of Buddhist learning and great temples. Today Chiang Mai is the largest city in the north, but the province also has beautiful national parks and outdoor activities. Traveling with kids, this an area to see elephants up close in a natural setting, an incredible experience.