Wat Buppharam was originally constructed in 1497. In 1797 Chao (Prince) Kawila; a scion of the Tipchak dynasty; began his ritual circumambulation of Chiang Mai from this point. This ritual was required to formally re-occupy the city after two centuries of Burmese domination.

Chiang Mai is often called Thailand's 鈥楻ose of the North'; and is the country's second city and a popular tourist destination due primarily to its mountainous scenery; colourful ethnic hilltribes and their handicrafts.

Founded in 1296 by King Mengrai as the capital of his Lanna kingdom; Chiang Mai was later overrun by Burmese invaders in 1767. The city was then left abandoned between 1776 and 1791. Chiang Mai formally became part of Siam in 1774 by an agreement with local prince Chao Kavila; after the Siamese King Taksin helped drive out the Burmese. Chiang Mai then slowly grew in cultural; trading and economic importance.