The minor district (king amphoe) was created on 10 February 1967, consisting of the two tambons, Mae La Noi and Mae La Luang.[1] It was made a subordinate of Mae Sariang district, from which the tambon Mae La Noi was split off. Mae La Luang originally belonged to Khun Yuam district.[2] It was upgraded to a full district on 21 August 1975.[3]
The important rivers of Mae La Noi are the Yuam, Mae La Luang and Mae La Noi Rivers.
Administration
The district is divided into eight sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 69 villages (mubans). Mae La Noi is also a township (thesaban tambon) which covers parts of tambon Mae La Noi. There are eight tambon administrative organizations (TAO).