Geography of Chiang Mai
Thailand - Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Koh Samui Island - Krabi - Pattaya - Phuket
Chiang Mai is a city located in the Chiang Mai Province. Situated between north latitude 17-21º and east longitude 98-99º, Chiang Mai is about 700 kilometers from Bangkok, the national capital.
The province of Chiang Mai, the second largest in the country, covers an area of 20,000 square kilometers and is divided into 22 districts. The Chiang Mai valley is about 310 meters above sea level and is located on the banks of Ping River.
Chiang Mai is bordered by Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun to the east and Mae Hong Son province to the west. The city is surrounded by monumental walls, built way back in the year 1800. It is a region that comprises magnificent forested hills and verdant valleys.
The forest land in Chiang Mai is 70.8 percent of its total land. Land used for agriculture purposes amounts to a mere 10.6 percent. And the other land is yet unclassified.
Chiang Mai is primarily a mountainous terrain and thus consists of numerous streams and tributaries like Mae Jam, Mae Ngud and Mae Klang. These tributaries open up to small rivers and canals that are used for irrigation purposes.
Ping River is often considered to be the lifeline of Chiang Mai. It is the largest and most important river in the region. Originating from the Chiang Dao Mountain, this river flows 540 kilometers towards the south.
Chiang Mai is home to the Inthanon Mountain (2,575 meters), the largest in Thailand. Due to its profuse natural splendor, forests and landscaped beauty, Chiang Mai is home to myriad species of flora and fauna.
The weather in Chiang Mai witnesses seasonal variations. The best time to visit this city is between July and March when the weather is quite pleasant, the air is clear and the mountains are green.
| Hotels in Chiang Mai | |
| Banana Bonbon Resort | Bulun Buri Resort |
| Empress Hotel | Novotel Hotel |
| Phu Jaya Mini Resort | Royal Ping Garden Hotel |
