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Geography of Chiang Mai Situated between north latitude 17-21 and east longitude 98-99, the province of Chiang Mai is found in the upper area of Thailand's northern region. The distance from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is 750 kilometers (468.75 miles). Chiang Mai valley is 310 meters (1,027 feet) above sea level, and its land covers 20,107 square kilometers. The widest point of the province of Chiang Mai measures 136 kilometers (85 miles), and the longest 320 kilometers (200 miles). To the north, a 227 kilometers (141.82 miles) stretch of mountains divides Chiang Mai northern districts of Fang and Mae Ai from Burma Chiang Tung (Shan) state. In certain areas, the Kok River also acts as a border between Chiang Mai and Burma. On the east, Chiang Mai is bordered by the Thai provinces of Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun. The Mae Tuen River, Ream Mountain and Luang Mountain separate Chiang Mai South from the province of Tak. Some portions of Chiang Mai South also border the Lamphun province. To the west, Chiang Mai is bordered by Mae Hong Son Province. Climate in Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Mai popularity stems in part from its pleasant climate. Temperatures from mid-November to January average between 13C and 28C (56F and 83F) in Chiang Mai; the hills are even colder. Temperatures in Chiang Mai begin rising in February and in the hot season (March-May) range between 17C and 36C (63F and 97F). In the rainy season (June-mid November), the highs can drop but the lows not at all. There can be considerable variation between day and night-times temperatures in Chiang Mai. The monsoon in Chiang Mai begins in May and ends in October, earlier than in Central Thailand. The rain generally falls sporadically - except during August and September when the streets of Chiang Mai can sometimes flood. Topography A large part (69.31%) of Chiang Mai's land is covered by mountains and forests. 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) which in turn feed important rivers and irrigation canals (such as the Muang and Faay) which provide the water necessary to Chiang Mai's agriculture.Chiang Mai's largest and most important river is the Ping, which originates in the mountains of Chiang Dao and flows southward for 540 kilometers (337.5 miles). It is along the banks of this river that Chiang Mai's flat, fertile valley area lies. Chiang Mai is also home to Doi Inthanon Mountain, which stands 2,575 meters (8,448 feet) above sea level and is Thailand's highest mountain. North Thailand
The North is characterized by densely forested mountainous regions, inhabited by Thailand's many colorful hill tribe people. Adventurous exploration of this beautiful area is possible by trekking, river rafting, mountain biking, and even elephant safaris. Chiang Mai is the principal northern city and is a good base from which to explore the surrounding countryside. Excavated remains and ancient manuscripts indicate the Northern region was the heart of two main kingdoms that flourished prosperously in those days. The first of these was the Yonok Kingdom, founded by King Singhanawat at an unknown date. He established Chiang Saen as his administrative centre and the kingdom prospered under the rule of many successive monarchs until its fall in the 17th century Buddhist Era (mid-11th century AD). In 1262, King Mengrai founded Chiang Rai as the first town under his rule at the mere age of 23. He gathered up all neighboring towns, including the once mighty Haripunachai Kingdom in Lamphun, and established Chiang Mai town as the centre of the renowned Lanna Kingdom. The Northern people have a distinctive melodic and sweet-sounding northern dialect, testimony to the peace-loving, gentle, kind, and hospitable characteristic of these people. From these hands come many fine, superior handicraft products. So popular are these handicrafts that they almost are synonymous with Thailand.
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