15 Places That Don't Mean What You Think: Explained
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
Chiang Maian
/tʃɪæŋ ˈmaɪ/

Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand and the cultural heart of the region. It is famous for its historic walled old town, which contains more than 300 temples, including the golden chedi of Wat Chedi Luang. Surrounded by misty mountains, the city is known for hill tribe villages, forest trekking, and elephant sanctuaries that focus on ethical care. Chiang Mai has also become a popular destination for digital nomads, thanks to its affordable cafes, co-working spaces, and relaxed pace of life. Each November, the Yi Peng lantern festival fills the night sky with floating lanterns, while the evening night bazaar offers handicrafts, silk, and local street food. These attractions make Chiang Mai one of Thailand's most memorable destinations.
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From Thai, meaning 'new city'. Founded in 1296 as capital of Lanna Kingdom.
Other places in the region and their demonyms
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
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Want to explore where Chiang Maians live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
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Challenge yourself with our demonym quizzes and see how many you can get right!
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Take a Quiz →Discover demonyms from other places in this region