Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the second largest Province (changwat) of Thailand. It lies in upper northern Thailand and has a population of 1.78 million people. It is bordered by Chiang Rai to the northeast, Lampang and Lamphun to the south, Tak to the southwest, Mae Hong Son to the west, and Shan State of Burma to the north. The capital, Chiang Mai, is north of Bangkok. Geography Chiang Mai province is about from Bangkok in the Mae Ping River basin and is on average at elevation. Surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Thai highlands, it covers an area of approximately . The mountains of the Daen Lao Range at the north end of the province, the Thanon Thong Chai Range with the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon at , stretching in a north–south direction, and the Khun Tan Range in the east of the province are covered by rain forest. The Mae Ping, one of the major tributaries of the Chao Phraya River, originates in the Daen Lao mountains. Several national parks are in the province: Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep-Pui, Ob Luang, Sri Lanna, Huai Nam Dang, Mae Wang, and Pha Daeng. The total forest area is or 69.6 percent of provincial area. National parks There are fifteen national parks, making up region 16 of Thailand's protected areas. Si Lanna National Park, Huai Nam Dang National Park, Pha Daeng National Park, Mae Ping National Park, Op Luang National Park, Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae Tho National Park, Mae Takrai National Park, Doi Wiang Pha National Park, Doi Suthep–Pui National Park, Op Khan National Park, Khun Khan National Park, Mae Wang National Park, Namtok Bua Tong–Namphu Chet Si National Park, Wildlife sanctuaries There are four wildlife sanctuaries, make up region 16 of Thailand's protected areas. Omkoi Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mae Lao–Mae Sae Wildlife Sanctuary, Samoeng Wildlife Sanctuary,