| 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. |
| 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 Inthanon Mountain, which stands 2,575 meters (8,448 feet) above sea level and is
Thailand's highest mountain. |