Chiang Mai Geography

Chiang Mai is situated at 300 metres above sea level in a large mountain area. The province encompasses approximately 20,000 square kilometers. Chiang Mai is separated from Bangkok by 700 Kilometers of highway or 761 kilometers of railway. Chiang Mai province is located between the northen latitude 17-21 and eastern longitude 98-99. Chiang Mai's northen border of 277 kilometers of mountain range separates Chiang Mai's Fang and Mae Ai districts from Myanmar's Chiang Tung State. In some parts of Northern Chiang Mai, the Kok River plays the role of the border between Chiang Mai and Myanmar. In the east, Chiang Mai is bordered by Chiang Rai, Lampang an Lamphun provinces. The south of Chiang Mai is separated from Tak province by the Mae Tuen River. In the south, Chiang Mai is bordered by Lamphun province, in the west - Mae Hong Son province.
The administrative areas of Chiang Mai are divided into 22 Amphoes (districts), namely:
Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai
Amphoe Chiang Dao
Amphoe Doi Saket
Amphoe Fang
Amphoe Hot
Amphoe Mae Chaem
Amphoe Mae Taeng
Amphoe Phrao
Amphoe San Kamphaeng
Amphoe San Sai
Amphoe Wiang Haeng
Amphoe Chom Thong
Amphoe Doi Tao
Amphoe Hang Dong
Amphoe Mae Ai
Amphoe Mae Rim
Amphoe Samoeng
Amphoe San Pa Tong
Amphoe Saraphi
Amphoe Chai Prakan
Amphoe Mae Wang
King Amphoe Mae On

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Chiang Mai History

The city named Nopphaburi Si Nakhon Phing Chiang Mai (or Whiang Phing) was established by Phaya Mengrai, Prince of Chiang Saen, in 1292. Two hundred years later, the city was subdued by a Burmese invasion and became Burma's vassal state in 1588. In 1774, Chiang Mai was liberated by King Taksin and became part of Northen Thailand and a capital of Lanna Thai, an independent kingdom known as 'Kingdom of Million Rice Fields' within the fabled Golden Triangle.
Prince Phaya Mengrai build Chiang Mai on the left blank of the Ping River, surrounding it by a thick brick defensive wall and a moat. To this day, very little has been left of the wall, whereas the moat has remained. The five city gates: Chang Phuak, Tha Phae, Chiang Mai, Suan Phueng, and Suan Dok have been refurbished.

Presently, Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and the principal city of Northen Thailand. Chiang Mai is also a centre of art, antiques, and the ancient tradition of Lanna Thai.
Chiang Mai possesses unique cultural characteristics blended with truly magnificent natural beauty. The most impressive Part of Chiang Mai is its people, their hospitality and talent reflected various silk, silver and wood handicrafts.

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