Chiangmai Information

Chiang Mai The Land of Culture and history
In the far north is Thailand's second-largest city and a center for excursions to the region's ancient and beautiful temples, the teak forests and their working elephants, caves and waterfalls, and journeys to visit the northern hill tribes. The Doi Suthep temple here is one of the most famous temples in northern Thailand. Perched high on a hilltop, it offers fine views over the city on clear days. The trip up can either be made via a funicular (price per person Bt5) or via a grand staircase with 400 steps. The banisters alone are worth a visit: a giant green-and-red glazed serpent winds its way down to end in a magnificent dragon's head. There are many small villages in the area surrounding the city where local handicrafts are produced. In the Mae Sa Valley there is an elephant training school and, nearby, an orchid farm; longer trips can be made to the Doi Inthanon National Park and to Chiang Rai, from which the Mekong River and the Golden Triangle can be reached. Another interesting route to take is the road to Mae-Hong-Son near the border with Myanmar. It is a good base from which to go trekking or motorcycle touring. On the way round the Mae-Hong-Son loop, it is possible to stop at the small town of Pai, a relaxed and friendly place.
Geography 
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. The distance from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is 750 kilometers (468.75 miles). Chiang Mai valley is 310 meters (1,027 feet) above sea level, and its land covers 20,107 square kilometers. The widest point of the province of Chiang Mai measures 136 kilometers (85 miles), and the longest 320 kilometers (200 miles). To the north, a 227 kilometers (141.82 miles) stretch of mountains divides Chiang Mai northern districts of Fang and Mae Ai from Burma Chiang Tung (Shan) state. In certain areas, the Kok River also acts as a border between Chiang Mai and Burma. On the east, Chiang Mai is bordered by the Chiang Ray, Lampang and Lamphun provinces. The Mae Tuen River, ream Mountain and Luang Mountain separate Chiang Mai South from the province of Tak. Some portions of Chiang Mai South also border the Lamphun province. To the west, Chiangmai is bordered by Mae Hong Son Province.

Climate
Chiang Mai popularity stems in part from its pleasant climate. Temperatures from mid-November to January average between 13C and 28C (56F and 83F) in Chiang Mai, the hills are even colder. Temperatures in Chiang Mai begin rising in February and in the hot season (March-May) range between 17C and 36C (63F and 97F). In the rainy season (June-mid November), the highs can drop but the lows not at all. There is no considerable variation between day and night-times temperatures in Chiang Mai. The monsoon in Chiang Mai begins in May and ends in October, earlier than in Central Thailand. The rain generally falls sporadically - except during August and September when the streets of Chiang Mai can sometimes flood.