In the early 1770s, after achieving military victories over Siam and China, the Burmese became overly confident and their local governance grew arrogant and repressive. This behavior, particularly from the Burmese governor Thado Mindin in Chiang Mai, led to widespread discontent. As a result, a rebellion erupted in Lan Na, and with the assistance of the Siamese, local chief Kawila of Lampang successfully overthrew the Burmese rule on 15 January 1775. This ended Burma's 200-year dominance in the region. Following this victory, Kawila was appointed the prince of Lampang and Phaya Chaban became the prince of Chiang Mai, both serving under the Siamese rule.

In January 1777, the newly crowned Burmese king Singu Min, determined to recapture the Lanna territories, dispatched a 15,000-strong army to seize Chiang Mai. Facing this force, Phaya Chaban, with limited troops at his disposal, opted to evacuate Chiang Mai and relocate south to Tak. The Burmese then advanced to Lampang, prompting its leader Kawila to also retreat. However, as the Burmese forces withdrew, Kawila managed to reestablish control over Lampang, while Phaya Chaban faced difficulties.

Chiang Mai, in the aftermath of the conflict, lay in ruins. The city was deserted, with the Lanna chronicles painting a vivid picture of nature reclaiming its domain: "jungle trees and wild animals claimed the city". Years of relentless warfare took a heavy toll on the Lanna population, leading to its significant decline as inhabitants either perished or fled to safer terrains. Lampang, however, emerged as a primary defense against the Burmese. It wasn't until two decades later, in 1797, that Kawila of Lampang undertook the task of revitalizing Chiang Mai, restoring it as the Lanna heartland and a bulwark against potential Burmese invasions.