Location

Chiang Mai is located between latitude 17° N and 21° N with Myanmar as its northern neighbour. It is bordered by Lamphun and Tak on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and Lamphun on the east and Mae Hong Son on the west. Situated at about 300 m. above sea level, it is 696 km. away from Bangkok by road and about one hour by air.

Area

With a total area of 20,107 sq. km., Chiang Mai is the second largest province of Thailand.

Climate

There are three seasons in a year -- the rainy season from June to October, the hot season from March to May, and the cool season from November to February. Generally, Chiang Mai is cool and pleasant for the most parts of the year. The coolest months are December and January. The temperature throughout the year varies between 14° - 30° C, while the yearly average temperature is 26° C.

Topography

About 69% of the area of Chiang Mai consists of mountains covered with forests. Mostly located in the north, these mountains form the sources of several rivers and streams which provide the water necessary to Chiang Mai's agriculture. The largest and most important river is the Ping, flowing along for 540 km. from north to south. The highest mountain peak is Doi Inthanon, at 2,575 m. above sea level.

Administration

The provincial administration of Chiang Mai has jurisdiction over 22 counties (amphoes) as follows: Muang, Chiang Dao, Doi Saket, Fang, Hot, Mae Chaem, Mae Taeng, Phrao, San Kamphaeng, San Sai, Wiang Haeng, Chom Thong, Doi Tao, Hang Dong, Mae Ai, Mae Rim, Omkoi, Samoeng, San Pa Tong, Saraphi, Chai Prakan and Mae Wang.

Languages

Standard Thai is used as the official language, but the northern dialect is more widely spoken among the local people. English is understood in business circles and tourist areas.

Products 

The most important products are silk, silverware, woodcarvings, lacquerware, ceramics, tobacco and fruits.

Internet AccessInternet

Internet cafes are ubiquitous and hotels often have wi-fi for guests.

By Air (1 hr. from Bangkok)

Domestic airlines (Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, Orient Thai Airlines and Nok Air ) operate several daily flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. A one-way flight takes about one hour. There are also regular domestic flights between Chiang Mai and other major cities in Thailand and international flights to and from some major Asian destinations, e.g. Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, run by Thai Airways International and other foreign airlines.For taxi : สนามบินเชียงใหม่

By Bus (10-11 hrs from Bangkok)

Several ordinary and air-conditioned buses leaving daily from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (also known as Mo Chit) on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road. Most air-con buses leave between 20.00 and 22.00 hrs. and it takes about 10-11 hours to reach Chiang Mai. There are also private buses which can be conveniently booked in other tourist-oriented places in Bangkok. But the public buses from the Northern Bus Terminal are generally more reliable. For further details, call the Northern Bus Terminal, 0 2936 2852 to 66, 0 2936 3666For taxi : Northern Bus Terminal สถานีขนส่งหมอชิต

By Car (8 hrs from Bangkok)

There are two routes to go to Chiang Mai. First, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) and turn to Highway No. 32 (Asia Highway) passing Ayutthaya, Angthong, Nakhon Sawan, then by Highway No. 117 to Phitsanulok and by Highway No. 11, from Lampang, Lamphun to Chiang Mai. Second, from Nakhon Sawan, take Highway No. 1, passing Kamphaeng Phet, Tak and Lampang to Chiang Mai. The two routes cover nearly the same distance, about 696 kilometres.

By Rail (11-12 hrs from Bangkok)

Express and rapid trains leave for Chiang Mai from Hualamphong Station several times daily and the trip takes about 11-12 hours for express trains. It is highly recommended to reserve seats well in advance, especially for sleepers. During long holidays like Songkran and New Year, it is not uncommon to find that all the sleepers of all trains are already filled up two months beforehand. For details, call the State Railway of Thailand 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2220 4444 (RSVN), 0 2220 4334, 0 2621 8701or Chiang Mai Railway Station : 0 5324 2094, 0 5324 5363 to 4  For taxi : Hualamphong Station สถานีรถไฟหัวลำโพง