ABOUT THE LOCATION
Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) is the second largest city in Thailand, and home to many interesting architectural features - including the 800 year old moat which still surrounds the old city.
Chiang Mai (meaning "new city") was founded in 1296, and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom. The city was surrounded by a moat and a defensive wall, since nearby Burma was a constant threat.
Today, much of the defensive walls are gone, though the main gates and corners still stand.