Thailand North - Central - South - East - West

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular destinations in northern Thailand, lying on the fertile valley which is rich in natural and also cultural endowments. With its long exuberant history, the present-day Chiang Mai is the mirror reflecting its prosperity in the past, represented as culture, arts, and architecture, offering the spell-binding ambiance of ancient times.

Along with its ancient temples which are the heritage from the exuberant past, its distinctive beauty of nature enhances its charm; Chiang Mai is thus considered as the ideal place for both cultural discovery and natural exploration. Moreover, its peaceful atmosphere painted with smile of friendly people is another captivating charm of this city, allowing it one of the most adorable cities in Thailand.

Geography

Along Phaholyothin Road leading to the north for about 720 kilometers away from Bangkok, you are entering the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lan Na, Chiang Mai. Passing through the abounding golden rice fields lining along the route together with the majestic mountains enclosing the fertile valleys through which several rivers flow to nourish the land, you can witness the fascinating harmony of Chiang Mai's landscapes. On the location of the present Chiang Mai town is the banks of the Ping River, bloodline of most people here and around.

The landscape of Chiang Mai is spectacular as it consists of different kind of topographical conditions: virgin forests, waterfalls, caves, gorges, cultivation and plantation areas. Its high mountains, including Doi Inthanon, the highest in the country (2,599 meters) originate several important streams and tributaries which in turn feed important rivers and irrigational canals 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 mountain of Chiang Dao and flows southward for 540 kilometers

Climate

Since most of area is relatively high above the sea level, covered with mountains, Chiang Mai generally possesses mild climate with cool weather all year round, making it the ideal place for escaping the sweltering weather in the central Thailand. However, we can divide Chiang Mai's climate into three seasons:

• Cool season commences in late October and ends in February. The average temperature is 21ºC and becomes much cooler at night. The coolest months are December and January. This is the favorite period for most Thai people to visit Chiang Mai due to its cool and fresh air as well as the floras which are being in their beautiful blossom at this time of the year, allowing the magnificent views, especially in the mountains.
• Hot season starts in early March and terminates at the end of May. Hot season in Chiang Mai is not as harsh as anywhere else in Thailand; the average temperature is 29.9ºC. However, temperatures can reach high degrees in April which is the hottest month of the countrywide.
• Rainy season begins in early June and lasts in the end of October. The average temperature is 25.5ºC. The wettest month is September.

People

With a total population of 1,547,085, Chiang Mai is one of Thailand's largest provinces. 80% of people in Chiang Mai are local by birth and speak a dialect that is a slight variation of the central Thai language. The remaining 20% is composed of Thai national and foreigners who have moved to Chiang Mai to work, study, or retire.

The people of the valleys refer to themselves as khon muang, and are of mixed origin. The first known residents were Lawa. These people were joined by other groups moving along the trading routes of the river valleys; among those groups, Mon was a notable one. Mon people moved into the region from Myanmar, and then established the Kingdom of Haripunchai which is better known today as Lamphun Province. The other was Tai Yuan ethnic group migrating from southern China and settled down in different geographic base with different traditions and beliefs. As a result, there are subtle differences within the population of the valley nowadays, creating an interesting patchwork quilt of cultures which blanket the hills of Chiang Mai.

Thai government recognizes six major groups of hill tribes, divided into dozens of sub tribes with distinct languages, religious beliefs, customs, costumes, and historical backgrounds: Akha (Ekaw), Hmong (Meo), Karen (Yang, Kariang), Lahu (Musser), Lisu (Lisa), Mien (Yao). The hill tribe people's main professions are agricultural; planting fields, herding, and hunting for the living.

The majority of Chiang Mai people (80%) still earn a living through agriculture and agricultural related professions. With the rapid growths of tourism in the province, professions both directly and indirectly related to tourism are the alternative jobs for Chiang Mai people nowadays. Regarding general commerce and industry, they mainly involve in handicrafts and processing agricultural products.