Founded by the ancient Lanna Kingdom in 1296, Chiang Mai was originally a heavily fortified citadel that stood as a bulwark against Burmese kingdoms and the Mongol Yuan Empire, which had conquered much of China and parts of Southeast Asia. While the Lanna kingdom would rule parts of Thailand for 500 years until the late 1700s, Chiang Mai was later abandoned and fell into a slow decline - which was reversed only in the twentieth century. Today, Chiang Mai is the cultural center of northern Thailand, and a thriving city that hosts a number of outstanding temples, which are complemented by some of the best outdoors activities in all of Thailand - due to its proximity to nearby lush rainforests and the mighty Mae Taeng River. Notable attractions include Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a picturesque, beautiful mountain temple, and the MAIIAM, the city's contemporary art museum.