Chiang Mai General Information - Overview
Experience the merging of the past into the present in Chiang
Mai where locals are proud of the city’s 700-year history. Its rich
traditional heritage and unique culture is a perfect foundation
for the development of the city. Chiang Mai is one of the few places
in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city
centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores
and boutique hotels. The original city layout still exists as a
neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified
wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town.
For years, tourists have mistaken Chiang Mai as the northern junction
and the base from which they can explore other provinces. The phrase
“a day in Chiang Mai is enough to see things around” was common.
Today, tourists are surprised by the fact that there is always something
new to discover Chiang Mai. Intriguing diversity among ethnic tribes
coupled with breathtaking scenery makes Chiang Mai one of Asia's
most attractive tourist destinations. Two weeks in Chiang Mai may
not be long enough for serious travelers.
The old city of Chiang Mai with its fascinating indigenous cultural
identity such as diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional
values, festivals, handicrafts and classical dances is a prime location
in its own right. In addition, the presence of hill tribes and their
wealth of unique cultures enhance Chiang Mai’s distinctive diversity.
Chiang Mai is also blessed with pristine natural resources of
mountains (dois), waterfalls, and other nature-based tourist attractions.
At the same time, Chiang Mai residents are warm, gracious and congenial
providing authentic hospitality making visits memorable and meaningful.
Moreover, visitors from all walks of life can collect handicrafts
of silk, silver and wood produced locally as timeless souvenirs.
Chiang Mai is a place where both backpackers and luxury tourists
can enjoy themselves to the fullest.
The climate of Chiang Mai and all of Northern Thailand, is slightly
different from the climate of central and southern Thailand. The
cool season lasts from late October to the end of February. Average
daytime temperature is 21 degrees and the nights cooler still.
The coolest months are December and January.
The hot season is from early March to end of May. With average
daytime temperatures around 30 degrees. The hottest month is April.
The rainy season usually begins early June and reaches to the
end of October. Average temperature is 25 degrees and the wettest
month is September.
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.
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