Lan Na is the name of a conglomerate of Thai city-states that covered roughly the area of modern north Thailand between the 13th and 16th centuries. Mostly under the leadership of the city-state of Chiang Mai, Lan Nas influence reached far into the neighboring regions.

Beginning with popular legends, this wide-ranging narrative takes us from prehistoric and protohistoric periods up to the present day. This brief and highly readable volume is a welcome step towards developing a fuller history of northern Thailand.