The setting of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, with an altitude of approximately
310 meters above sea level, is situated approximately 700
kilometers from Bangkok on the Mae Ping River basin. Surrounded
by high mountain ranges, the city covers an area of approximately
20,107 square kilometers and is the country's second largest
province. Chiang Mai borders Myanmar on the north, Lamphun
and Tak Provinces on the south, Chiang Rai, Lampang and
Lamphun Provinces on the east and Mae Hong Son Province
on the west. The terrain is mainly comprised of jungles
and mountains, which are home to the hill tribes. In addition,
wildlife and exotic flora may be found in the national parks.
Most of Chiang Mai's mountains are oriented from north
to south. Together they create a multitude of streams and
tributaries including Mae Chaem, Mae Ngat and Mae Klang.
One of Chiang Mai's distinctive features is Doi Inthanon,
Thailands highest peak, which is 2,575 meters above sea
level. In addition, the province boasts flat, fertile valleys,
which spread along the banks of the largest and most important
river in Chiang Mai Mae Nam Ping (Ping River) which originates
from the Chiang Dao mountain range.