Introduction
Chiang
Mai is a city built on the roots of a traditional heritage
that dig deep into the soil of time. It's a city with
a beautiful cultural personality of its own. In addition,
it's been blessed with much majestic beauty in nature.
The
people themselves are an unforgettable part of Chiang
Mai.
Handicrafts
of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for
visitors from all over the globe.
Along
with all this, a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants,
and entertainment all help to make Chiang Mai one of
Thailand's prime tourist attractions.
Location
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. Chiang Mai valley is 310 meters (1,027
feet) above sea level.
The
widest point of the province measures 136 kms. (85 miles),
and the longest 320 kms. (200 miles).
To
the north, a 277 kms. (141.82 miles) stretch of mountains
divides Chiang Mai's northern districts of Fang and
Mae Ai from Myanmar's (Burma's) Chiang Tung (Shan) State.
In certain areas, the Kok River also acts as a border
between Chiang Mai and Myanmar.
On the east, Chiang Mai is bodered by the 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 border the Lamphun
province. Tothe west, Chiang Mai is bordered by Mae
Hong Son province.
Climate
Cool
Season : (late October to end of Februry). average temperature
21º C and much cooler at night.
The
colest months are December and January.
Hot
Season : (early March to end of May) Average temperature
29.9º C.
The
hottest month is April.
Rainy
Season : (early June to end of October). Average temperature
25.5º C.
The
wettest month is September.
Population
With
a population of 1,547,085 Chiang Mai is one of Thailand's
largest provinces.
Of
the above number, 170,348 are currently living in Chiang
Mai's city area with the rest distributed throughout
Chiang Mai's 21 districts, 2 sub-districts. 80% of the
people in Chiang Mai are locals by birth, and speak
a sialext that is a slight variation of the central
Thai language.
The
remaining 20% is made up of Thai nationals and foreigners
who have moved to Chiang Mai to work, study, or retire.
Attractions
Chiang
Mai is often spoken of by tourists and visitors as being
a city with a distinct beauty and cultural heritage
of its own.
Along
with its numerous ancient temples and buildings, Nature
added her own handiwork in the majestic mountains and
combine to compose a captivating symphony which draws
both domestic and international tourists back to see
this city of old time, tine, and time again.
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