The story of Northern Thailand is inseparable from the rise and legacy of the Lan Na Kingdom, a civilization whose cultural influence continues to shape the region’s identity centuries after its political decline. Founded in 1296 by King Mangrai, Lan Na, literally meaning “a million rice fields”, emerged as a powerful kingdom rooted in fertile river valleys and sustained by sophisticated irrigation systems that supported both agriculture and trade.

The Kayan people trace their origins back to central China, with historical accounts suggesting their gradual migration into present-day Myanmar around 1000 AD. For centuries, they lived in relative isolation in the highlands, preserving customs that would later draw global attention, most notably, the practice of women wearing brass rings around their necks. In Kayan culture, these rings are a symbol of beauty, identity, and tradition. Contrary to popular belief, the neck itself does not stretch. Instead, the heavy coils, sometimes weighing up to ten pounds, gradually press down on the collarbone and upper rib cage, creating the illusion of an elongated neck.

The Mae Kachan Hot Spring is characterized by natural geothermal pools where underground heat raises water temperatures to around 90 °C, hot enough to boil eggs. Small roadside stores line the area, offering baskets of eggs specifically for this purpose, allowing visitors to lower them into the bubbling pools and watch steam rise as they cook. The steady heat, mineral scent, and constant movement of the water create a vivid introduction to the natural forces that shape northern Thailand.