Chiang Rai

The city was founded in 1262 by the first king of the Lannarijk, King Mengrai. However, the status of capital lost quickly to the city of Chiang Mai, which was built by Mengrai in 1296. It was not until 1786 that the city under King Rama I was permanently annexed to the then Siam (Thailand).

In 1432 the Emerald Buddha, Thailands most honored Buddha figure, was discovered in an earthquake in Chiang Rai.

When it is also on your bucket list:
picture source: http://www.elegantresorts.co.uk