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Chiang Mai is a city built on the roots of a traditional heritage that dig deep into the soil of time. It's a city with a beautiful cultural personality of its own. In addition, it's been blessed with much majestic beauty in nature.
The people themselves are an unforgettable part of Chiang Mai. Handicrafts of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for visitors from all over the globe. Along with all this, a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment all help to make Chiang Mai one of Thailand's prime tourist attractions.
Chiang Mai, 761 kms. by rail, approximately 700 kms. by road north of Bangkok, with an area of 20,107.1 sq.ms., is the capital of the northern region.
Chiang Mai is administratively divided into 22 Amphoes (districts) :
 Muang
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Chiang Dao |
Chom Thong |
Omkoi |
San Pa Tong |
Doi Saket |
Doi Tao |
Fang |
San Kamphaeng |
Wiang Haeng |
Hang Dong |
Hod |
Mae Ai |
Saraphi |
Samoeng |
Mae Chaem |
Mae Rim |
Mae Taeng |
Phrao |
San Sai |
Situated between north latitude 17-21 and east longitude 98-99, the province of Chiang Mai is found in the upper area of Thailand's northern region.
Chiang Mai valley is 310 meters (1,027 feet) above sea level. The widest point of the province measures 136 kms. (85 miles), and the longest 320 kms. (200 miles). To the north, a 277 kms. (141.82 miles) stretch of mountains divides Chiang Mai's northern districts of Fang and Mae Ai from Myanmar's (Burma's) Chiang Tung (Shan) State.
In certain areas, the Kok River also acts as a border between Chiang Mai and Myanmar. On the east, Chiang Mai is bordered by the Chiang Rai, Lampang, and Lamphun provinces.
The Mae Tuen River, Ream Mountain, and Luang Mountain separate Chiang Mai's South from the province of Tak. Some portions of Chiang Mai's South also border the Lamphun province. To the west, Chiang Mai is bordered by Mae Hong Son province.
Best time to visit Chiang Mai |
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Cool Season : (late October to end of February). average temperature 21C and much cooler at night. The coldest months are December and January.
Hot Season : (early March to end of May) Average temperature 29.9C. The hottest month is April.
Rainy Season : (early June to end of October). Average temperature 25.5C. The wettest month is September.
Post Office
The most convenient branch is at 186/1 on Chang Klan Road (tel. 05327-3657), with a 24-hour branch at the airport tel. 05327-7382). The General Post Office is on Charoen Muang (tel. 05324-1070), near the train station. The Overseas Call Office, open 24 hours, is upstairs from the GPO and offers phone, fax, and telex services.
Internet
If you're looking for Internet access, there are many cafes around, especially in or around guesthouses in the Old City.
Banks
American Express - Sea Tours Co. Ltd., 2/3 Prachasampan Rd., off Chang Klan Road (tel. 05327-1441), is the American Express representative.
ATMs and money changers - Chang Klan Road and Charoen Prathet Road, around the night market, has the most convenient major bank branches. Chiang Mai International Airport has several banks for changing money and a post and overseas call office.
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