"Lanna" refers to the Lanna Kingdom

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Was once a powerful and independent kingdom that existed in what is now Northern Thailand from the 13th to 18th centuries.

Literal meaning: "Lanna" (ล้านนา) translates in Thai to "a million rice fields", symbolising the fertile agricultural land of the region—“ล้าน” (lan) = million, and “นา” (na) = rice field.

Historical significance: Established in the 13th century by King Mangrai, Lanna grew into a powerful, Indianised state influenced by Burmese, Khmer, Sukhothai, and Sri Lankan Buddhist art. Chiang Mai was founded as its major capital in 1296.

Legacy: Though the kingdom was ultimately absorbed into Siam (modern Thailand) in the late 19th century, Lanna culture flourishes in today's Northern Thai customs, language (Kham Mueang), festivals, cuisine, and architecture