See also : Chiang Mai Hotels | Attractions

History

Chiang Mai, known as Nophaburi Sri Nakhon Ping or Viang Ping Chiang Mai (Rose of the North) in ancient chronicles, was founded as the capital of the Lan Na Thai (Kingdom of a Million Ricefields) by King Mengrai in 1296 A.D. The city you see today, which celebrated its 700th anniversary in 1996, has evolved over many centuries. It is now the second most important city in the country after Bangkok and the main city in the northern region. It is a city of ancient arts and crafts continuing the proud tradition of Lan Na Thai.

Location

Chiang Mai is located in the north of Thailand, about 720 kilometers from Bangkok at an elevation of 1,027 feet (310 meters) above sea level. To the North it borders Myanmar’s Shan State while to the South it connects with Sam Ngao district of Tak province. Chiang Rai, Lamphun and Lampang lie to the East, and the West touches Pai, Khun Yuam and Mae Sareang districts of Mae Hong Sorn province.
Chiang Mai’s geography comprises mainly groves and mountains with a broad plain in the middle of the region on both sides of Ping River. The province covers an area of 20,107.057 square kilometers (12,566,910 rai), made up of
8,787,656 rai (69.92%) of forest, 1,611,283 rai (12.82%) of agricultural land and 2,167,971 rai (17.25%) of residential and other land.

Climate

The weather in Chiang Mai is relatively cool all year round, with an average temperature of 25 °C. Temperatures typically range between 20 °C and 31 °C. The relative humidity averages 72%, and annual rainfall is no rmally 1,000-1,200 mm

Tourism and Service Sector

Chiang Mai possesses a large number of tourist sites including ancient buildings, natural areas and man-made attractions. Its interesting culture, traditions and festivals also attract many tourists. The total number of tourists to the province in 2004 was 3,898,543 people (2,101,099 Thai and 1,794,444 foreigners), worth 45,067 million Baht in tourism income. The average tourist stays in Chiang Mai for 3.91 days and spends 3,119 Baht per day. The majority of foreign tourists are from
Europe, Asia and the USA.