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 In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city; and although it lacks the cosmopolitan nature of Bangkok, it has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its strategic location on an ancient trade route. |
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Introducing Chiang Mai
 Located approximately 700km north-west of Bangkok, and set at an elevation of around 300 metres, Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city. With over 300 temples and the backdrop of Doi Suthep Mountain rising to 1876 metres to the west, this is a visually striking city.
 The old part of the city is a neat square surrounded by a moat. Several of Chiang Mai's most important temples are located within this area. To the east is the Ping river which cuts through the city from north to south. In recent years several luxury condominiums have been built alongside the river.
Chiang Mai has developed into a first class tourist destination, and is an excellent base from which to explore Northern Thailand.
During most of the year, thanks to its altitude, Chiang Mai is less humid and much cooler, especially at night, than elsewhere in Thailand. The present Royal Family spend a considerable portion of their time staying at Phuping Palace, set in beautiful grounds on the Buag Ha mountain, about 22 kilometres from Chiang Mai. It is possible to visit the grounds of the palace, when the Royal Family is not in residence.
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Geographical Of Chiang Mai
 Chiang Mai province is the hub of the North. It is Thailand's principal northern province situated between north latitude 17-21° and east longitude 98-99° in the upper area of Thailand's northern region. It is located 761 km by rail (about 700 km by road) north of the nation's capital Bangkok. It covers an area of approximately 20,000 sq km making it the nations second largest province.
Chiang Mai city itself is now Thailand's second largest city and is considered to be the capital of the whole northern region. Similar to other Thai provinces, Chiang Mai is administratively divided into Amphoes or districts, 22 in total as follows; Muang, Chiang Dao, Chom Thong, Doi Saket, Doi Tao, Fang, Hang Dong, Hod, Mae Ai, Mae Chaem, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Omkoi, Phrao, Samoeng, San Kamphaeng, San Pa Tong, San Sai, Saraphi, Wiang Haeng, Chai Prakan and Mae Wang.
The Chiang Mai valley is 310 m above sea level. The widest point of the province measures 136 km and the longest point 320 km. To the north, a 277 km stretch of mountains divides Chiang Mai's northern districts of Fang and Mae Ai from Myanmar's (Burma's) Chiang Tung (Shan) State.
 The Mae Kok River, in certain areas, also acts as a natural border between Chiang Mai and Myanmar. To the east, Chiang Mai is bordered by Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun provinces. The Mae Tuen river, Ream Mountain, and Luang Mountain separate Chiang Mai's South from the province of Tak. Some portions of Chiang Mai's south also borders Lamphun province. Chiang Mai is bordered by Mae Hong Son province to the west.
Chiang Mai is a region of forested hills and lush fertile valleys. It is an enchanting contrast to Bangkok and the central plains, as mountains and forests cover much of the land area in Chiang Mai. These generally run in a north-south pattern through the province and give birth to several streams and tributaries such as the Mae Jam, Mae Ngud and Mae Klang. These tributaries in turn feed important rivers and irrigation canals, such as the Muang and Faay, which provide the water necessary for Chiang Mai's agriculture.
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Weather All Year Round
 Climate
Cool Season : (late October to end of February). average temperature 21C and much cooler at night. The coldest months are December and January.
Hot Season : (early March to end of May) Average temperature 29.9C. The hottest month is April.
Rainy Season : (early June to end of October). Average temperature 25.5C. The wettest month is September.
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Culture
 Chiang Mai province is completely different compared to most other Thai provinces, especially regarding culture. In fact it would be fair to say that the people of Chiang Mai enjoy one of the most distinctive cultural identities to be found in the whole of Thailand.
Although clearly flavored and influenced by contact with Myanmar (Burma) and to some extent Laos, much of Chiang Mai's uniqueness and individuality must be attributed to the past kingdom of Lanna Tai - a unique culture in itself often referred to simply as Lanna. The real individuality of Chiang Mai province, however, is without a doubt due in part to its physical location.
 Centered within a highly mountainous geographical area, once covered in thick dense forests, overland communication was always previously very difficult. As a result, the Chiang Mai people have developed over the years their own customs and beliefs. They also have their own lilting dialect, their own architectural traditions, their own cuisine and a wide range of indigenous handicrafts, including silverware, lacquer ware, textiles and pottery. So much so that it is thought that Chiang Mai province has the largest concentrations of so-called cottage industries in world.
Today Chiang Mai province plays host to numerous sub-cultures and a variety of lifestyles. In the capital Chiang Mai, now a modern vibrant city, hilltribe hawkers and stallholders rub shoulders with lowland Thai traders and vegetable sellers. Such a kaleidoscope of rich culture is evident in the colorful festivals, foods and beliefs of these varied folk. The various hilltribes also lend a great deal of character and color to the diversified cultural landscape. In addition, it is generally acknowledged throughout Thailand that Chiang Mai women are the most beautiful and the people the friendliest and politest in the country.
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