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The Emblem of Chiang Mai |
| 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 |
| Chiang Mai, 761
kms. by rail, approximately 700 kms. by road north of Bangkok, with
an area of 20,107.1 sq.lms., is Thailand's second largest city and capital
of the northern region.
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 Chaing 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. |
| 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 atea lies.
Chiang Mai is also home to Inthanon Mountain, which stands 2,575 meters (8,448 feet) above sea level and is Thailand's highest mountain. |
| Climate |
| Cool Season : (late October to end of
Februry). average temperature 21? C and much cooler
at
night. The colest months are December and January. Hot Season : (early March to end of May) Average temperature 29.9? C. The hottest month is April. Rainy Season : (early June to end of October). Average temperature 25.5? 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.
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