Chiang Mai

Mangrai founded Chiang Mai in 1294{{cite book |last1=Colquhoun |first1=Archibald Ross |title=Amongst the Shans |date=1885 |publisher=Scribner & Welford |page=121}} or 1296{{cite book |last=Cœdès |first=George |editor= Walter F. Vella |title= The Indianized States of south-east Asia |year= 1968 |publisher= University of Hawaii Press |isbn= 9780824803681}}{{rp|209}} on a site that the Lawa people called Wiang Nopburi.{{cite web|title=Lawa (Lua) : A Study from Palm-Leaf Manuscripts and Stone Inscriptions|url=http://coe.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/research/sea/social/hayashi/Hayashi_Unnan_9Aroonrut.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707091812/http://coe.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/research/sea/social/hayashi/Hayashi_Unnan_9Aroonrut.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2012|work=COE Center of Excellence|publisher=Rajabhat Institute of Chiangmai|access-date=15 Aug 2012|author=Aroonrut Wichienkeeo|year=2001–2012}}See also the chronicle of Chiang Mai, Zinme Yazawin, in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai Volume 4. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books, 2012. ASIN: B006J541LE

The city succeeded Chiang Rai as the capital of Lan Na. Pha Yu enlarged and fortified it and built Wat Phra Singh in honor of his father, Kham Fu.{{rp|226–227}} With the decline of Lan Na, Chiang Mai lost importance and was occupied by the Taungoo in 1556.{{cite web|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/chiang-mai-province/chiang-mai/history |title=History of Chiang Mai – Lonely Planet Travel Information |publisher=Lonelyplanet.com |date=2006-09-19 |access-date=2012-07-05}} It formally became part of the Thonburi Kingdom in 1774, by an agreement with Chao Kavila, after the Thonburi king Taksin helped drive out the Taungoo Bamar. Subsequent Taungoo counterattacks led to Chiang Mai's abandonment between 1776 and 1791;{{cite web |url=http://www.thailandsworld.com/en/thai-people/general-kavila/index.cfm |title=Thailand's World: General Kavila |publisher=Thailandsworld.com |date=2012-05-06 |access-date=2012-07-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615063939/http://www.thailandsworld.com/en/thai-people/general-kavila/index.cfm |archive-date=2012-06-15 |url-status=dead }}

The modern municipality dates to a sanitary district (sukhaphiban) that was created in 1915; it was upgraded to a city municipality (thesaban nakhon) on 29 March 1935.{{cite journal |date=29 March 1935 |title=พระราชบัญญัติ จัดตั้งเทศบาลนครเชียงใหม่ พุทธศักราช ๒๔๗๘ |trans-title=Royal Decree Establishing Chiang Mai city municipality, Buddhist Era 2478 (1935) |url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2478/A/2136.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111110164958/http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2478/A/2136.PDF |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 10, 2011 |access-date=10 March 2020 |journal=Royal Thai Government Gazette |volume=52 |pages=2136–2141 }} First covering just {{convert|17.5|km2}}, the city was enlarged to {{convert|40.2|km2}} on 5 April 1983.{{cite journal |date=5 April 1983 |title=พระราชกฤษฎีกา เปลี่ยนแปลงเขตเทศบาลนครเชียงใหม่ จังหวัดเชียงใหม่ พ.ศ. ๒๕๒๖ |trans-title=Royal Decree Enlargement of Chiang Mai city municipality, Chiang Mai province, B.E.2526 (1983) |url=http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2526/A/053/4.PDF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703064011/http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2526/A/053/4.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 3, 2021 |access-date=10 March 2020 |journal=Royal Thai Government Gazette |volume=100 |issue=53 |pages=4–10 }}

In May 2006 Chiang Mai was the site of the Chiang Mai Initiative, concluded between ASEAN and the "ASEAN+3" countries, (China, Japan, and South Korea). Chiang Mai was one of three Thai cities contending for Thailand's bid to host the World Expo 2020.{{cite news|title=TCEB keen on World Expo 2020 |url=http://www.tceb.or.th/exhibition-now/issue5/issue5_1_4.php |access-date=13 Jan 2013 |newspaper=Exhibition Now |date=October–November 2010 |author=S.T. Leng |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704000115/http://www.tceb.or.th/exhibition-now/issue5/issue5_1_4.php |archive-date=July 4, 2011 }} Ayutthaya was ultimately chosen by the Thai parliament to register for the international competition.{{cite news |title=Ayutthaya Chosen Thailand's Bid City for World Expo 2020 |url=http://my.news.yahoo.com/ayutthaya-chosen-thailands-bid-city-world-expo-2020-20110405-024002-642.html |access-date=12 Dec 2012 |author=Suchat Sritama |publisher=The Nation Asia News Network |date=2011-04-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809104029/http://my.news.yahoo.com/ayutthaya-chosen-thailands-bid-city-world-expo-2020-20110405-024002-642.html |archive-date=2011-08-09 |url-status=dead}}

Chiang Mai was one of two tourist destinations in Thailand on TripAdvisor's 2014 list of "25 Best Destinations in the World", where it stood at number 24.{{cite web |url=http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations |title=Best Destinations in the World; Travelers' Choice Awards 2014 |publisher=TripAdvisor |access-date=2014-12-12}} Chiang Mai is also the place where the new idol group CGM48 was founded.{{cite web |url=https://www.shukanbunshun.com/2019/06/fakta-cgm48-chiang-mai-sister-group.html |title=Fakta CGM48 Member Audisi |date=2019-06-02 |access-date=2019-06-03 |publisher=Shukan Bunshun}}

The city emblem shows the stupa at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in its center. Below it are clouds representing the moderate climate in the mountains of northern Thailand. There is a nāga, the mythical snake said to be the source of the Ping River, and rice stalks, which refer to the fertility of the land.{{cite web|url=http://www.cmcity.go.th/english/emblem.php|title=Chiang Mai Municipality Emblem|year=2008|website=Chiang Mai City|access-date=2008-10-04 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080630001047/http://www.cmcity.go.th/english/emblem.php |archive-date = June 30, 2008}}

{{Further|List of municipalities in Thailand}}

Following the municipal city area's enlargement to 40,2 km² in 1983, no changes or updates have been made to it, even with the population increasing substantially in the years after. In 1983, Chiang Mai's urban area, with a population of 127,000, already exceeded the municipal city limits, and has grown to over one million people in 2022.

Chiang Mai Municipality has now become a small part of the current city-scape, making up only most parts of the capital district Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai in the inner city. To reflect the city's growth beyond the municipal borders, official government documents by the [https://www.chiangmaipao.go.th/en/about_chiangmai.php Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization] and the [https://onedptgis.dpt.go.th/onedpt-complain-ppl/ Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning] - published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette - regularly update and outline the current city boundaries. The first revision of such a updated urban area ({{langx|th|เขตเมือง}}) was published in 1989, with the second one following in 1999. The third revision from 2012 expands the old municipal city border inside Muaeng Chiang Mai district to Mae Rim in the north, San Kamphaeng and Doi Saket in the east, Hang Dong and Saraphi in the south, and Suthep in the west.{{Cite web |last=Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization |first=Royal Gazette |date=May 21, 2013 |title=Ministerial Regulations that shall be incorporated into the Chiang Mai unified city plan, Page 32 (in Thai) |url=https://download.asa.or.th/03media/04law/cpa/mr56-cm.pdf}}{{Cite web |first= |title=Ministerial Regulations to enforce the City plan, Chiang Mai Province (No. 2) B.E. 2559 - Regarding the official city plans by the Chiang Mai Provincial Administration |url=https://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2560/A/001/14.PDF |website=Royal Gazette}}{{Cite web |title=Chapter 3 - Current environmental resources, Khon Kaen University, Feasibility study on Condominiums in the Chiang Mai Urban Area, Page 16+18 |url=http://eiadoc.onep.go.th/eialibrary/4housing/55/The%20scene%20condominium/CH3/CH_3_P1.pdf}} This new extent, with a size of 405 km², serves as Chiang Mai's principal city border and urban area.

The urban area has a combined population of 1,198,000 residents, making Chiang Mai the second largest city in Thailand after Bangkok (10.7 million people) and twice as big as the third largest city Nakhon Ratchasima (Estimate: 500,000 people). As neither the Department of Local Administration (DLA) nor the National Statistics Office (NSO) count expatriates, non-permanent residents, migrant workers (except ASEAN migrants for the year 2017) and citizens from other Thai provinces living and renting in Chiang Mai in their official population figures, it is estimated that the real population figure for Chiang Mai could be as high as 1.5 million.

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As of 2022, a fourth revision of Chiang Mai's urban area is under way and currently up for debate by the public. Proposals show the expansion of the current urban area into more adjacent subdistricts and large forest areas, especially around Doi Suthep.{{Cite web |title=Gathering opinions to create a 4th Revision of the Chiang Mai City Plan |url=https://www.chiangmainews.co.th/social/1905734/ |website=Chiangmai News (In Thai)|date=21 January 2022 }}{{Cite web |title=Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning - City Plan, Chiang Mai (4th Revision) |url=https://onedptgis.dpt.go.th/onedpt-complain-ppl/announce/15/10568}}

Since Thailand's outdated census methods prevent the determination of official metropolitan areas outside of Bangkok, presently there are no official sources indicating how large the extended metropolitan area is.

Chiang Mai Municipality covers an area of 40.2 square kilometres (15.52 sq mi), while the urban city covers an area of 405 square kilometres (156.371 sq mi). The city's sprawl reaches into six neighboring districts: Mae Rim, Doi Saket, San Kamphaeng, Hang Dong, Saraphi and Suthep. Chiang Mai is the only city outside Bangkok to reach into other districts.

The city is situated in a valley on a river basin in the Thai highlands and is on average at 300 m (1,000 ft) elevation. Chiang Mai's city centre sits west of the Ping River, a tributary to the Chao Phraya River, while the city's sprawl extends north-west, south-west, north-east and east of the river. To the west side of Chiang Mai lies the Thanon Thong Chai Mountain Range, with one major peak, Doi Suthep mountain, prominently rising above the city with an elevation of 1,676 metres (5,499 ft).

There are several parks and green spaces inside the city. Buak Hat Public Park, located in the south west corner of the old city is the most frequented public park in Chiang Mai. Directly opposite, to the south-west, is Kanchanaphisek Park, a park with remnants of the old extended city walls. Bigger parks include Lanna Rama 9 Park to the north in Chang Phueak district and Ang Keaw Reservoir, located near the northern entrance to Chiang Mai University. As of 2024, there are plans to reopen the Chiang Mai Railway Park opposite of the central train station.{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Ricky |title=Chiang Mai Railway Park Bulldozed - OurChiangMai.com |url=https://ourchiangmai.com/2024/06/09/railway-park-bulldozed/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |language=en-US}}

Chiang Mai has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw), tempered by the low latitude and moderate elevation, with warm to hot weather year-round, though nighttime conditions during the dry season can be cool and much lower than daytime highs. The maximum temperature ever recorded was {{convert|42.5|°C|1}} in May 2016. Cold and hot weather effects occur immediately but cold effects last longer than hot effects and contribute to higher cold related mortality risk among old people aged more than 85 years.{{cite journal|title=Effects of temperature on mortality in Chiang Mai city, Thailand: A time series study|author=Yuming Guo, Kornwipa Punnasiri and Shilu Tongly|journal=Environmental Health|volume=11|pages=36|date=9 July 2012|issue=1 |doi=10.1186/1476-069X-11-36|pmid=22613086|pmc=3391976 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2012EnvHe..11...36G }}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Weather box

| location = Chiang Mai (1991–2020, extremes 1951-present)

| metric first = Yes

| single line = Yes

| Jan record high C = 35.2

| Feb record high C = 37.7

| Mar record high C = 42.2

| Apr record high C = 42.5

| May record high C = 42.5

| Jun record high C = 39.3

| Jul record high C = 39.0

| Aug record high C = 36.5

| Sep record high C = 35.8

| Oct record high C = 37.9

| Nov record high C = 34.7

| Dec record high C = 33.4

| year record high C = 42.5

| Jan record low C = 3.7

| Feb record low C = 7.3

| Mar record low C = 13.0

| Apr record low C = 16.3

| May record low C = 18.3

| Jun record low C = 21.2

| Jul record low C = 20.5

| Aug record low C = 21.2

| Sep record low C = 19.5

| Oct record low C = 14.0

| Nov record low C = 6.0

| Dec record low C = 3.8

| year record low C = 3.7

| Jan high C = 30.0

| Feb high C = 32.9

| Mar high C = 35.4

| Apr high C = 36.7

| May high C = 34.7

| Jun high C = 33.2

| Jul high C = 32.1

| Aug high C = 31.6

| Sep high C = 32.0

| Oct high C = 31.7

| Nov high C = 30.8

| Dec high C = 29.2

| year high C =

| Jan mean C = 22.0

| Feb mean C = 24.2

| Mar mean C = 27.3

| Apr mean C = 29.5

| May mean C = 28.6

| Jun mean C = 28.0

| Jul mean C = 27.4

| Aug mean C = 26.9

| Sep mean C = 26.9

| Oct mean C = 26.4

| Nov mean C = 24.6

| Dec mean C = 22.2

| year mean C =

| Jan low C = 15.7

| Feb low C = 16.8

| Mar low C = 20.1

| Apr low C = 23.4

| May low C = 24.2

| Jun low C = 24.5

| Jul low C = 24.3

| Aug low C = 24.0

| Sep low C = 23.7

| Oct low C = 22.6

| Nov low C = 19.9

| Dec low C = 16.9

| year low C =

| precipitation colour = green

| Jan precipitation mm = 11.3

| Feb precipitation mm = 9.6

| Mar precipitation mm = 20.4

| Apr precipitation mm = 54.3

| May precipitation mm = 167.5

| Jun precipitation mm = 118.2

| Jul precipitation mm = 148.6

| Aug precipitation mm = 223.3

| Sep precipitation mm = 207.2

| Oct precipitation mm = 123.8

| Nov precipitation mm = 40.9

| Dec precipitation mm = 14.1

| year precipitation mm = 1139.2

| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm

| Jan precipitation days = 1.0

| Feb precipitation days = 0.7

| Mar precipitation days = 2.1

| Apr precipitation days = 4.7

| May precipitation days = 12.0

| Jun precipitation days = 11.6

| Jul precipitation days = 14.4

| Aug precipitation days = 17.1

| Sep precipitation days = 14.7

| Oct precipitation days = 9.1

| Nov precipitation days = 3.0

| Dec precipitation days = 1.2

| year precipitation days = 91.6

| Jan humidity = 68.9

| Feb humidity = 58.2

| Mar humidity = 53.6

| Apr humidity = 57.4

| May humidity = 70.9

| Jun humidity = 76.3

| Jul humidity = 78.9

| Aug humidity = 82.0

| Sep humidity = 81.7

| Oct humidity = 78.9

| Nov humidity = 75.0

| Dec humidity = 72.6

| year humidity = 71.2

| Jan dew point C = 15.2

| Feb dew point C = 14.4

| Mar dew point C = 16.0

| Apr dew point C = 19.2

| May dew point C = 22.2

| Jun dew point C = 23.1

| Jul dew point C = 23.2

| Aug dew point C = 23.4

| Sep dew point C = 23.3

| Oct dew point C = 22.0

| Nov dew point C = 19.4

| Dec dew point C = 16.5

| year dew point C = 19.8

| Jan sun = 258.4

| Feb sun = 252.3

| Mar sun = 267.9

| Apr sun = 253.3

| May sun = 216.5

| Jun sun = 145.7

| Jul sun = 115.3

| Aug sun = 110.8

| Sep sun = 152.7

| Oct sun = 196.4

| Nov sun = 229.0

| Dec sun = 238.0

| year sun = 2436.3

| Jand sun = 8.8

| Febd sun = 9.1

| Mard sun = 9.5

| Aprd sun = 9.3

| Mayd sun = 6.4

| Jund sun = 5.2

| Juld sun = 3.9

| Augd sun = 3.8

| Sepd sun = 4.8

| Octd sun = 6.5

| Novd sun = 7.2

| Decd sun = 8.2

| yeard sun = 6.9

| source 1 = World Meteorological Organization{{cite web

| url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-2-WMO-Normals-9120/Thailand/CSV/ChiangMai_48327.csv

| title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991–2020

| publisher = World Meteorological Organization

| access-date = 12 October 2023}}{{cite web|title=สถิติอุณหภูมิสูงที่สุดในช่วงฤดูร้อนของประเทศไทยระหว่าง พ.ศ. 2494 - 2565|trans-title=Extreme maximum temperature during summer season in Thailand (1951 - 2022)|url=https://www4.tmd.go.th/programs/uploads/tempstat/max_stat_latest.pdf|website=TMD website|author=Thai Meteorological Department|access-date=19 March 2023|archive-date=19 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319074901/https://www4.tmd.go.th/programs/uploads/tempstat/max_stat_latest.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |author=Thai Meteorological Department |title=Extreme minimum temperature during winter season in Thailand 71 year period (1951 - 2021); |url=https://www4.tmd.go.th/programs/uploads/tempstat/min_stat_latest_en.pdf |access-date=19 March 2023 |website=TMD website |archive-date=19 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319074858/https://www4.tmd.go.th/programs/uploads/tempstat/min_stat_latest_en.pdf |url-status=dead }}

| source 2 = Office of Water Management and Hydrology, Royal Irrigation Department (daily suns 1981–2010){{cite web

| url = http://water.rid.go.th/hwm/cropwater/CWRdata/ETo/ETo_PenMon_2554.pdf

| title = ปริมาณการใช้น้ำของพืชอ้างอิงโดยวิธีของ Penman Monteith (Reference Crop Evapotranspiration by Penman Monteith)

| publisher = Office of Water Management and Hydrology, Royal Irrigation Department

| page = 11

| language = th

| access-date = 31 July 2016}} (extremes){{cite web

| url = http://climate.tmd.go.th/content/file/75

| title = Climatological Data for the Period 1981–2010

| publisher = Thai Meteorological Department

| accessdate = 4 August 2016}}

| source =

| width = auto

}}

The Administration of Chiang Mai Municipality is responsible for an area that covers approximately 40.216 square kilometers and consists of 4 Municipal Districts, 14 sub-districts, 94 municipal communities, and 89,656 households.

According to Municipal Act B.E. 2496 (1953, reviewed in 2003), the duties of the Municipality cover a lot of areas which include clean water supply, waste and sewage disposal, communicable disease control, public training and education, public hospitals and electricity, etc.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cmcity.go.th/|title=Chiang Mai Municipality}}

The mayor, or the highest executive, is directly elected by the eligible voters in the municipal area. The mayor serves a four-year term and is assisted by no more than four deputy mayors appointed directly by the mayor. The mayor will thus be permitted to appoint deputies, secretaries and advisors including the mayor himself or herself totally no more than 10. The current mayor is Tussanai Burabupakorn, as of June 2018.

The Municipal Council is the legislative body of the municipality. It has the power to issue ordinances by laws that do not contradict with the laws of the country. The municipal council applies to all people living in the municipal area. The Chiang Mai City Municipal Council is composed of 24 elected members from 4 municipal districts who each serves a 4-year term.

In February 2017, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) (under Thailand's Digital Economy and Society Ministry) announced that 36.5 million baht would be invested into developing Chiang Mai into an innovation-driven "smart city". Chiang Mai was the second city in Thailand, after Phuket and along with Khon Kaen,{{Cite news|url=https://www.nationthailand.com/news/business/EconomyAndTourism/30305038|title=DE Ministry pushing for nationwide|work=The Nation|first=Jirapan|last=Boonnoon|date=2017-01-27|access-date=2018-03-01}} to be developed using the "smart city" model. The model aims to capture and populate multiple levels of information (including building, social, environmental, governmental, and economic data) from sources like sensors, real-time traffic information, and social forums for access by managers, governments, and citizens using mobile apps, tablets, and dashboards.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nationthailand.com/detail/Startup_and_IT/30327378|title=Prayut gets long-distance look at 'smart' 3D Chiang Mai|work=The Nation|date=22 September 2017|access-date=2018-03-01}} The "Smart City" outlook (integrating Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with the Internet of Things (IOT)), is viewed to be critical both for secondary cities with burgeoning urban population like Chiang Mai,{{Cite news|last1=Da Hsuan|first1=Feng|last2=Hai Ming|first2=Liang|url=https://www.nationthailand.com/detail/opinion/30327874|title=Thailand can be smart-city flagship for Belt and Road|work=The Nation|date=28 September 2017|access-date=2018-03-01|department=Editorial}} as well as part of Thailand's move to be digital hub of ASEAN.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Plan-to-make-Phuket-and-Chiang-Mai-smart-cities-30268781.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914231121/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Plan-to-make-Phuket-and-Chiang-Mai-smart-cities-30268781.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 14, 2015|author=Asina Pornwasin|title=Plan to make Phuket and Chiang Mai 'smart cities'|work=The Nation|date=15 September 2015|access-date=2018-03-01}} The role of private sector investment, together with public sector partnership, is key to promote digital entrepreneurship. Prosoft Comtech, a Thai software company, has spent 300 million baht to build its own "Oon IT Valley"{{Cite web|url=https://www.oonitvalley.com/|title=Oon IT Valley ออนไอทีวัลเลย์ เมืองไอที วิถีล้านนา|website=Oon IT Valley ออนไอทีวัลเลย์ เมืองไอที วิถีล้านนา|language=th|access-date=2018-03-01|archive-date=2018-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301231609/https://www.oonitvalley.com/|url-status=dead}} on a 90 rai plot of land as a community for tech start-ups, Internet of Things technology, software programmers and business process outsourcing services. It is aimed to both increase the size of Chiang Mai's digital workforce, as well as attract foreign digital talent to Chiang Mai.

In January 2018, it was announced that Chiang Mai would be launching "Mobike In", a bike-sharing app that would see the introduction of some 500 smart bikes on the streets. The smart bikes would be available for use for both locals and tourists. It is reported that as a start, the bikes would be placed at convenient locations including the Three Kings monument, Tha Pae Gate and Suan Buak Haad Park, as well as in the old town. The "Mobike In" project is sponsored by Advanced Info Service (Thailand's largest mobile phone operator), in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Chiang Mai Office), together with local universities, public and private sectors. The project aims to promote non-motorised transportation and support eco-tourism. Speaking at the launch at the Lanna Folklife Museum, Deputy Governor Puttipong Sirimart stated that the introduction of such "smart transportation" was a positive move in Chiang Mai's transformation into a "Smart City" (part of the "Thailand 4.0" vision).{{Cite web|url=http://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/news/chiang-mai-get-500-smart-bikes-known-mobike/|title=Chiang Mai To Get 500 Smart Bikes, Known as MOBIKE IN|website=Citylife Chiang Mai|date=2018-01-19|access-date=2018-03-01}}

DEPA has also provided funding to Chiang Mai's Maejo University, to develop wireless sensor systems for better farmland irrigation techniques, to reduce use of water sprinklers and increase productivity. The university is also developing agricultural drones that can spray fertilizers and pesticides on crops which, if successful, will result in lower costs. The drones may also detect and monitor fires and smoke pollution.

Under the 2011 IBM "Smarter Cities Challenge", IBM experts recommended smarter food initiatives focused on creating agricultural data for farmers, including price modelling, farmer-focused weather forecasting tools, an e-portal to help farmers align crop production with demand, as well as branding of Chiang Mai produce. Longer-term recommendations included implementing traceability, enabling the tracking of produce from farm to consumer, smarter irrigation as well as flood control and early warning systems.{{Cite web|url=https://prd-ibm-smarter-cities-challenge.s3.amazonaws.com/applications/chiang-mai-thailand-summary-2011.pdf|title=Chiang Mai Summary Report|publisher=IBM Smarter Cities Challenge|date=2011|access-date=2018-03-01}}

As part of the smart city project supported by IBM, Chiang Mai is also looking to use technology to boost its presence as a medical tourism hub. In 2011, IBM launched its Smarter Cities Challenge, a three-year, 100 city, 1.6 billion baht (US$50 million) program where teams of experts study and make detailed recommendations to address local important urban issues. Chiang Mai won a grant of about US$400,000 in 2011. The IBM team focused on smarter healthcare initiatives, aimed at making Chiang Mai and the University Medical Clinic a medical hub,{{Cite news|last1=Sambandaraksa|first1=Don|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/tech/world-updates/197580/ibm-focuses-on-chiang-mai|title=IBM focuses on Chiang Mai|work=Bangkok Post|date=22 September 2010|access-date=2018-03-01}} as well as improving efficiency of hospitals for improved service delivery. For example, healthcare providers could use real-time location tracking of patients and hospital assets to increase efficiency and build an internationally recognised service identity. Electronic medical record technology can also be adopted to standardise information exchanges to link all medical service providers, even including traditional medicine and spas. Similar ideas include linking patient databases and healthcare asset information.{{Cite news|last1=Leesa-Nguansuk|first1=Suchit|url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/tech/local-news/1049621/a-tale-of-smart-cities|title=A tale of smart cities|work=Bangkok Post|date=1 August 2016|access-date=2018-03-01}} In partnership with the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University, the team of experts aim to enhance the quality of medical care available to the community, both urban and rural, as well as develop Chiang Mai into a centre for medical tourism with the infrastructure for supporting international visitors seeking long-term medical care.{{Cite news|last1=Boonnoon|first1=Jirapan|url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Thai-arm-of-IBM-spreads-wings-in-Laos-30186495.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720035845/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Thai-arm-of-IBM-spreads-wings-in-Laos-30186495.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 20, 2012|title=Thai arm of IBM spreads wings in Laos|work=The Nation|date=19 July 2012|access-date=2018-03-01}}

As the largest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai already receives some long stay healthcare visitors, largely Japanese. Its main advantage over Bangkok is lower costs of living. Quality services at low prices are a major selling point in mainstream healthcare, dental and ophthalmologic care as well as Thai traditional medicine. Its local university is also developing specializations in robotic surgery and geriatric medicine to accommodate a future aging population.{{Cite web|url=https://www.imtj.com/news/smarter-technology-medical-tourism-thailand/|title=Smarter technology: medical tourism in Thailand|website=International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ)|date=2 June 2011|access-date=2018-03-01}}

DEPA also reported that it has developed a mobile app that uses augmented reality technology to showcase various historical attractions in Chiang Mai, in line with the government's policy to promote Chiang Mai as a world heritage city.{{Cite news| url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/tech/local-news/1196657/chiang-mai-to-become-smart-city|title=Chiang Mai to become smart city|last=Leesa-Nguansuk|first=Suchit|work=Bangkok Post|date=11 February 2017|access-date=2018-03-01}}

As Thailand moves to legalize gambling, Chiang Mai is expected to be one of the locations of an integrated resort.[https://www.casino.org/news/bangkok-phuket-among-cities-for-initial-thailand-casinos/ Bangkok, Phuket Among Cities for Initial Thailand Casinos]

According to Thailand's Tourist Authority, in 2013 Chiang Mai had 14.1 million visitors: 4.6 million foreigners and 9.5 million Thais.{{cite web|title=Internal Tourism in Chiang Mai|url=http://newdot2.samartmultimedia.com/farms/uploaded/Traveller%20Stat/2556/North/_2.pdf|website=Thailand Department of Tourism|publisher=Department of Tourism|date=2014-08-20|access-date=2014-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029183047/http://newdot2.samartmultimedia.com/farms/uploaded/Traveller%20Stat/2556/North/_2.pdf|archive-date=2014-10-29|url-status=dead}} In 2016, tourist arrivals were expected to grow by approximately 10 percent to 9.1 million, with Chinese tourists increasing by seven percent to 750,000 and international arrivals by 10 percent to 2.6 million. Tourism in Chiang Mai has been growing annually by 15 percent per year since 2011, mostly due to Chinese tourists who account for 30 percent of international arrivals.{{cite news|last1=Chinmaneevong|first1=Chadamas|title=Chiang Mai hoteliers face price war woe|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/tourism-and-transport/982121/chiang-mai-hoteliers-face-price-war-woe|access-date=22 May 2016|work=Bangkok Post|date=2016-05-21}} In 2015, 7.4 million tourists visited Chiang Mai. Out of these, 35 percent were foreign tourists. The number of tourists has increased with an average rate of 13.6 percent annually between 2009 and 2015. The major reasons that have made Chiang Mai a tourist attraction are its topography, climate, and cultural history.{{cite journal|title=Haze Pollution in Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Road to Resilience|author=Pardthaisong, Liwa|journal=Procedia Engineering |publisher=Procedia Engineering Volume 212, 2018, Pages 85-92|date=29 December 2017|volume=212 |pages=85–92 |doi=10.1016/j.proeng.2018.01.012 |doi-access=free}} Chiang Mai is estimated to have 32,000–40,000 hotel rooms and Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is Thailand's fourth largest airport, after Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), and Phuket (HKT).{{cite web|title=2013 (Statistic Report 2013)|url=http://airportthai.co.th/main/en/1115-air-transport-statistic|website=About AOT: Air Transport Statistic|publisher=Airports of Thailand PLC|access-date=2014-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207204925/http://airportthai.co.th/main/en/1115-air-transport-statistic|archive-date=2014-12-07|url-status=dead}}

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) aims to market Chiang Mai as a global MICE city as part of a five-year plan. The TCEB forecasts revenue from MICE to rise by 10 percent to 4.24 billion baht in 2013 and the number of MICE travellers to rise by five percent to 72,424.{{cite news|last1=Amnatcharoenrit|first1=Bamrung|title=Chiang Mai sees boost in MICE sector|url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Chiang-Mai-sees-boost-in-MICE-sector-30215752.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927224154/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Chiang-Mai-sees-boost-in-MICE-sector-30215752.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 27, 2013|access-date=2014-12-09|issue=2013–09–27|publisher=The Nation}}

Chiang Mai has 117 Buddhist temples ("wat" in Thai) in the Mueang (capital) district."Lan Na Rebirth: Recently Re-established Temples", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 3. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books 2012 ASIN: B006IN1RNW These include:

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the city's most famous temple, stands on Doi Suthep, a mountain to the north-west of the city, at an elevation of 1,073 meters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Chiang-Mai|title=Chiang Mai Thailand|publisher=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=2019-08-17}}
• Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating from the 13th century.{{rp|209}} King Mengrai lived here during the construction of the city. This temple houses two important and venerated Buddha figures, the marble Phra Sila and the crystal Phra Satang Man.
• Wat Phra Singh is within the city walls, dates from 1345, and offers an example of classic Northern Thai-style architecture. It houses the Phra Singh Buddha, a highly venerated figure brought here many years ago from Chiang Rai."Wat Phra Singh Woramahaviharn", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 4. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books, 2012. ASIN: B006J541LE
• Wat Chedi Luang was founded in 1401 and is dominated by a large Lanna style chedi, which took many years to finish. An earthquake damaged the chedi in the 16th century and only two-thirds of it remains."Wat Chedi Luang: Temple of the Great Stupa", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 4. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books, 2012. ASIN: B006J541LE
• Wat Ku Tao in the city's Chang Phuak District dates from (at least) the 13th century and is distinguished by an unusual alms-bowl-shaped stupa thought to contain the ashes of King Nawrahta Minsaw, Chiang Mai's first Bamar ruler."Wat Ku Tao: Chang Phuak's Watermelon Temple", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 1. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books 2012
• Wat Chet Yot is on the outskirts of the city. Built in 1455, the temple hosted the Eighth World Buddhist Council in 1477.
• Wat Sri Suphan is known as the "Silver Temple" because its ordination hall was constructed using silver, aluminium and nickel.
• Wat Umong is a forest and cave wat in the foothills west of the city, near Chiang Mai University. Wat U-Mong is known for its "fasting Buddha", representing the Buddha at the end of his long and fruitless fast prior to gaining enlightenment.
• Wat Rampoeng (Wat Tapotaram), near Wat U-Mong, is known for its meditation center (Northern Insight Meditation Center). The temple teaches the traditional vipassanā technique and students stay from 10 days to more than a month as they try to meditate at least 10 hours a day. Wat RamPoeng houses the largest collection of Tipitaka, the complete Theravada canon, in several Northern dialects."Wat Rampoeng Tapotharam" in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 3. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books 2012
• Wat Suan Dok is a 14th-century temple just west of the old city wall. It was built by the king for a revered monk visiting from Sukhothai for a rainy season retreat. The temple is also the site of Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya Buddhist University, where monks pursue their studies."Wat Suan Dok, the Flower Garden temple", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 3. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books, 2012. ASIN: B006IN1RNW
• Wat Pan Sao is a temple under the Mahanikaya sect of Buddhism an features a Chiang Mai-style stupa influenced by Sukhothai architecture.

In addition to the currently active temples there are several temple ruins scattered around the present-day city area. Typically only the main stupa remains as it is a brick and cement structure, with other temple buildings no longer there. There are 44 of such structures in the city area, ranging from very prominent landmarks to small remnants that have almost completely disappeared or are overgrown with vegetation."Archaeological Site Database of the Sirindhorn Anthropology Center", https://www.sac.or.th/databases/archaeology/archaeology?field_a_province_tid=14&title=&page=1

File:2010 1128 Wat Phantao.JPG|Fireworks at Wat Phantao during Loi Krathong

File:20171105 Wat Chedi Luang Chiang Mai 9897 DxO.jpg|Wat Chedi Luang

File:1000steps 04thailand0021.jpg|Wat Prathat Doi Suthep (1973)

File:Wat Pa Tan temple ruin in Chiang Mai, Thailand.jpg|Temple ruin just off Chang Phuak Road

• "First Church" was founded in 1868 by the Laos Mission of the Rev. Daniel and Mrs. Sophia McGilvary. Chiang Mai has about 20 Christian churches.{{cite web |url=http://www.chiangmaiinfo.com/directory/categories/churches |title=Churches |publisher=Chiang Mai Info |access-date=2010-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511113124/http://www.chiangmaiinfo.com/directory/categories/churches |archive-date=2011-05-11 |url-status=dead }} Chiang Mai is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chiang Mai at Sacred Heart Cathedral.
• The office of the Christian Conference of Asia is located in Chiang Mai.
• Muslim traders have traveled to north Thailand for many centuries, and a small settled presence has existed in Chiang Mai from at least the middle of the 19th century."The Muslim Community Past and Present", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 3. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books, 2012. ASIN: B006IN1RNW The city has mosques identified with Chinese or Chin Haw Muslims as well as Muslims of Bengali, Pathan, and Malay descent. In 2011, there were 16 mosques in the city.{{cite web

|url= http://muslimchiangmai.net/index.php?topic=142.0 |title= Muslim Chiangmai |access-date=September 21, 2011 |date= September 21, 2011 |format= bi-lingual Thai-English |publisher=Muslim Chiangmai |language= th }}

• Two gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship), Siri Guru Singh Sabha and Namdhari,{{cite web |url=http://www.chiangmai-thai.com/introduction.htm |title=Chiang Mai — A Complete Guide To Chiangmai |publisher=Chiangmai-thai.com |date=2008-07-06 |access-date=2010-04-15 |archive-date=2010-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225021949/http://www.chiangmai-thai.com/introduction.htm |url-status=dead }} serve the city's Sikh community.
• The Hindu temple Dev Mandir serves the Hindu community.

File:Chiang Mai Sacred Heart.jpg|Sacred Heart Cathedral

File:Baan Haw Mosque 4-6-09.jpg|Ban Ho Mosque

File:Namdhari Gurudwara Hindu Tempel IMG 20230308 114705.jpg|Namdhari Sikh Temple

File:Dev Mandir Hindu Tempel aan Rattanakosin Road IMG 20230309 114709.jpg|The Hindu temple Dev Mandir

• Chang Phueak Monument
• Khuang Singh Monument
• Three Kings Monument
• Chedi Kiew

File:Chiang Mai City Art and Cultural Center (I).jpg

File:Lanna Folklife Museum (I).jpg

Chiang Mai has several museums regarding Art and Lanna culture within its city limits:

• Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center
• Chiang Mai National Museum, which highlights the history of the region and the Kingdom of Lan Na.
• Chiang Mai Philatelic Museum, showing the history of postage stamps and postal development of Thailand, especially of Chiang Mai.Museums of Thailand website https://www.museumthailand.com/en/museum/Chiangmai-Philatelic-Museum-2
• Highland People Discovery Museum, a showcase on the history of the local mountain tribes.
• Mint Bureau of Chiang Mai or Sala Thanarak, Treasury Department, Ministry of Finance, Rajdamnern Road (one block from AUA Language Center). Has an old coin museum open to the public during business hours. The Lan Na Kingdom used leaf (or line) money made of brass and silver bubbles, also called "pig-mouth" money. The exact original technique of making pig-mouth money is still disputed, and because the silver is very thin and breakable, good pieces are now very rare.{{cite web |url=http://www.royalthaimint.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=160%3Athai-coins-history&catid=44%3A2010-03-27-17-09-13&Itemid=117&lang=en |title=Thai Coins History |access-date=19 Sep 2011 |date=28 Mar 2010 |publisher=Royal Thai Mint |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402155914/http://www.royalthaimint.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=160%3Athai-coins-history&catid=44%3A2010-03-27-17-09-13&Itemid=117&lang=en |archive-date=April 2, 2012 }}
• Bank of Thailand Museum
• Northern Telecoms of Thailand Museum, housed in a former telephone exchange building, displaying the history and evolution of telecommunications in Northern Thailand.Museums of Thailand website https://www.museumthailand.com/en/museum/Northern-Telecoms-of-Thailand-Museum
• MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, a museum of contemporary art which opened in 2016.[http://www.maiiam.com/ MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum][https://artreview.com/features/ara_winter_16_feature_chiang_mai/ Chiang Mai: Adeline Chia checks out the city's grassroots art scene] It is one of only two museums of contemporary art in Thailand, with the other museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Bangkok, considered somewhat more conservative in tastes than MAIIAM.

File:Chiang mai.jpg

The influx of tourists has put a strain on the city's natural resources. Faced with rampant unplanned development, air and water pollution, waste management problems, and traffic congestion, the city has launched a non-motorised transport (NMT) system. The initiative, developed by a partnership of experts and with support from the Climate & Development Knowledge Network, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create employment opportunities for the urban poor. The climate compatible development strategy has gained support from policy-makers and citizens alike.{{cite web |title=Catalysing sustainable tourism: The case of Chiang Mai, Thailand |url=https://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/CDKN_InsideStory-ChiangMai_final_web-res-revised.pdf| last1=Kusakabe| first1=Kyoko| last2=Shrestha| first2=Pujan| last3=Kumar| first3=S| last4=Suwanprik| first4=Trinnawat| publisher=Climate & Development Climate Network (CDKN)| access-date=21 June 2018| date=May 2014}}

Tourism has also brought benefits for the local community of Chiang Mai. It has played a role in promoting the arts and crafts market in Chiang Mai. Tourists have increased demand for traditional crafts and art forms that has resulted in the incentives for local artists to enhance their work thus adding to the sector.{{cite book |title=Managing Intermediate Size Cities: Sustainable Development in a Growth Region of Thailand |author=Michael Romanos & Christopher Auffrey |publisher=Springer Science|pages= 127–151|date= 2002}} There are also opportunities for agritourism in Chiang Mai. The factor analysis illustrates three types of agri needs, activities and shopping, facilities, services and location and the last one attractions and environment. Agritoursim is a type of business that a farmer conducts for additional farm income. Farmers, through the promotions of agricultural products, provide enjoyment and educate the public about farming and agriculture.{{cite news|title= Agritourist Needs and Motivations: The Chiang Mai Case|author= Natthawut Srikatanyoo &Kom Campiranon |publisher= Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 27:2, 166-178, DOI: 10.1080/10548400903579795|date= 11 March 2010}}

Since 2022, due to the increasingly harsh political environment in China, Chiang Mai attracts many Chinese to settle and live in the city due to its liberal climate and low cost of living.[https://archive.today/20240209110139/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/02/09/china-thailand-chiang-mai-political-freedom/ Thai haven draws Chinese tech bros, moms and stoners seeking freedom]

File:Loi Krathong 2010 John Shedrick.jpg

File:Songkran 012.jpg

File:Flower Festival Chiang Mai - P1150918.JPG

File:Inthakhin traditional Wat Chedi Luang Temple 2013.jpg

• Loi Krathong (along with Yi Peng), held on the full moon of the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar, being the full moon of the second month of the old Lanna calendar. In the Western calendar this usually falls in November. Every year thousands of people assemble floating banana-leaf containers (krathong) decorated with flowers and candles and deposit them on the waterways of the city in worship of the Goddess of Water. Lanna-style sky lanterns (khom fai or kom loi), which are hot-air balloons made of paper, are launched into the air. These sky lanterns are believed to help rid the locals of troubles and are also used to decorate houses and streets.
• Songkran is held in mid-April to celebrate the traditional Thai New Year. Chiang Mai has become one of the most popular locations to visit during this festival. A variety of religious and fun-related activities (notably the indiscriminate citywide water fight) take place each year, along with parades and Miss Songkran beauty competition.
• Chiang Mai Flower Festival is a three-day festival held during the first weekend in February each year; this event occurs when Chiang Mai's temperate and tropical flowers are in full bloom.
• Tam Bun Khan Dok, the Inthakhin (City Pillar) Festival, starts on the day of the waning moon of the sixth lunar month and lasts 6–8 days.
• The Nine Emperor Gods Festival, also called the Vegetarian Festival or Jay Festival, is a nine-day Taoist celebration beginning on the eve of the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar that is celebrated in Chiang Mai and across Thailand. During the Vegetarian Festival, shops display red and yellow jay flags (เจ) to indicate they are serving appropriate vegan food for observant participants. Vegan food is prepared because it is considered the most pure.

Buddhist celebrations include the Vesak at Doi Suthep mountain where thousands of Buddhists make the journey on foot after sunset, from the bottom of the mountain to the temple at the top Wat Doi Suthep.{{Cite web|last=CityNews|title=Visakha Bucha Day this Friday - Chiang Mai CityNews|url=http://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/news/visakha-bucha-day-friday/|access-date=2021-05-03|website=Chiang Mai Citylife|date=19 May 2016 }} Makha Bucha Day is celebrated at large temples (Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and Wat Sri Soda) with thousands of attendees.{{Cite web|last=CityNews|title=Thousands Celebrate Makha Bhucha Day in Chiang Mai - Chiang Mai CityNews|url=http://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/news/thousands-celebrate-makha-bhucha-day-chiang-mai/|access-date=2021-05-03|website=Chiang Mai Citylife|date=23 February 2016 }}

While most inhabitants speak Thai, there are many older inhabitants that also speak the former Lan Na Kingdom's unique language known as Northern Thai, Lanna or Kham Mueang. The script used to write this language, called the Tai Tham alphabet, is studied only by scholars, and the language is commonly written with the standard Thai alphabet.See: Forbes, Andrew, "The Peoples of Chiang Mai", in Hans Penth and Andrew Forbes A Brief History of Lan Na Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre 2004 pp 221-256

Khan tok is a century-old Lan Na Thai tradition.{{cite web|title=Khan Tok Dinner|url=http://library.cmu.ac.th/ntic/en_lannafood/culture_lanna3.php|publisher=Chiang Mai University Library|access-date=2014-10-29|archive-date=2020-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720083055/http://library.cmu.ac.th/ntic/en_lannafood/culture_lanna3.php|url-status=dead}} Chiang Mai is renowned for its vegan cuisine based on Buddhist food traditions. In 2022, British newspaper The Independent wrote an article with the headline "How Chiang Mai became the vegan capital of Asia."{{Cite web |last=Grace |first=Lucie |date=2022-01-13 |title=How Chiang Mai became the vegan capital of Asia |url=https://www.the-independent.com/climate-change/sustainable-living/chiang-mai-vegan-restaurants-travel-thailand-b1987300.html |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=The Independent |language=en}}

{{Further|List of international schools in Thailand|List of universities and colleges in Thailand}}

Chiang Mai has several universities, including Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Payap University, Far Eastern University, and Maejo University, as well as numerous technical and teacher colleges.

The city is also home to 16 international schools, the second highest amount in the country after Bangkok.{{Cite web |title=List of International Schools in Thailand - 164 schools |url=https://www.international-schools-database.com/country/thailand |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=www.international-schools-database.com |language=en}}

Chiang Mai University, the city's main and most important institution, was the first government university established outside of Bangkok in the year 1964. As of 2024, Chiang Mai University holds the rank of the third best university in Thailand behind Chulalongkorn and Mahidol University.{{Cite web |date=2017-02-16 |title=Study in Thailand {{!}} THE World University Rankings |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/where-to-study/study-in-thailand |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}

The largest hospital in Chiang Mai City is Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, run by the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. The Ministry of Public Health does not operate any hospitals in Chiang Mai Municipality, with the closest one being Nakornping Hospital, a regional hospital in Mae Rim District and the MOPH's largest hospital in the province.

A continuing environmental issue in Chiang Mai is the incidence of air pollution that primarily occurs every year between December and April. In 1996, speaking at the Fourth International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement conference—held in Chiang Mai that year—the Governor Virachai Naewboonien invited guest speaker Dr. Jakapan Wongburanawatt, Dean of the Social Science Faculty of Chiang Mai University, to discuss air pollution efforts in the region. Dr. Wongburanawatt stated that, in 1994, an increasing number of city residents attended hospitals suffering from respiratory problems associated with the city's air pollution."Chiang Mai's Environmental Challenges", Fourth International Conference of Environmental Compliance and Enforcement

During the December–April period, air quality in Chiang Mai often remains below recommended standards, with fine-particle dust levels reaching twice the standard limits.{{cite web|url=http://www.earthoria.com/air-pollution-levels-in-chiang-mai-rising.html |title=Air Pollution in Chiang Mai: Current Air Quality & PM-10 Levels |publisher=Earthoria |date=2008-02-27 |access-date=2010-04-15}} It has been said that smoke pollution has made March "the worst month to visit Chiang Mai".{{Cite web |url=http://www.siamandbeyond.com/smoke-pollution-makes-march-the-worst-month-to-visit-chiang-mai-northern-thailand/ |title=Smoke Pollution Makes March the Worst Month to Visit Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand - Siam and Beyond |access-date=2015-03-20 |archive-date=2015-03-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314005202/http://siamandbeyond.com/smoke-pollution-makes-march-the-worst-month-to-visit-chiang-mai-northern-thailand/ |url-status=dead }}

The northern centre of the Meteorological Department has reported that low-pressure areas from China trap forest fire smoke in the mountains along the Thai-Myanmar border.{{cite web |url=http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/11/national/national_30029004.php |title=Chiang Mai's air pollution still high |publisher=Nationmultimedia.com |date=2007-03-11 |access-date=2010-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501060645/http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/11/national/national_30029004.php |archive-date=2011-05-01 |url-status=dead }} Research conducted between 2005 and 2009 showed that average PM10 rates in Chiang Mai during February and March were considerably above the country's safety level of 120 μg/m³, peaking at 383 μg/m³ on 14 March 2007.{{Citation needed|date=December 2019|reason=removed citation to content from predatory publisher}} PM2.5 rates (fine particles 75% smaller than PM10) reached 183 μg/m³ in Chiang Mai in 2018.{{Cite web|url=http://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/news/chiang-mai-records-highest-pm2-5-readings-world-march-6-2018/|title=Chiang Mai CityNews - Chiang Mai Records Highest PM2.5 Readings in the World, March 6, 2018|website=www.chiangmaicitylife.com|date=7 March 2018 |access-date=2018-04-16}} According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the acceptable level of PM10 is 50 μg/m³ and PM2.5 is 25 μg/m³.{{cite web|url=http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2006/WHO_SDE_PHE_OEH_06.02_eng.pdf |title=WHO Air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, Global Update 2005 |publisher=WHO |year=2006 |access-date=2012-03-21}}

To address the increasing amount of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector in Chiang Mai, the city government has advocated the use of non-motorised transport (NMT). In addition to its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the NMT initiative addresses other issues such as traffic congestion, air quality, income generation for the poor, and the long-term viability of the tourism industry.

File:Nam tok huai kaeo 04 lower reaches rainy season.JPG

National Parks include Doi Inthanon National Park, which includes Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, and one of the most popular national parks in the country. It is famous for its waterfalls, few trails, remote villages, viewpoints, sunrise/sunset watching, bird watching, and the all year round cold weather on higher elevations.

Doi Suthep–Pui National Park begins on the western edge of the city. Wat Doi Suthep Buddhist temple, located near the summit of Doi Suthep, can be seen from much of the city and its environs. In 2015, a development plan around the temple for a new housing project threatened to destroy some of the forest, but was halted, resulting in reforestation of the park.{{Cite web |title=Housing project in Doi Suthep mountains, Thailand |url=https://ejatlas.org/conflict/doi-suthep |access-date=2022-04-24 |publisher=Environmental Justice Atlas}}

Pha Daeng National Park, also known as Chiang Dao National Park, includes Doi Chiang Dao and Pha Deang mountain near the border with Myanmar. Many tour companies offer organized treks among the local hills and forests on foot and on elephant back. Most also involve visits to various local hill tribes, including the Akha, Hmong, Karen, and Lisu."Chiang Mai's Hill Peoples", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 3. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books 2012

File:CF-sunset.jpg Shopping Mall]]

File:Chiang Mai sunday evening walking street.jpg

There are three shopping malls operating in Chiang Mai, offering most big brands: Central Chiang Mai Airport, Central Chiang Mai and Maya Shopping Mall.{{Cite web |title=Central Chiang Mai {{!}} Central Pattana |url=https://www.centralpattana.co.th/en/our-business/shopping-center/357/central-chiangmai}}{{Cite web |title=Central Chiang Mai Airport {{!}} Central Pattana |url=https://www.centralpattana.co.th/en/our-business/shopping-center/309/central-chiangmai-airport}}{{Cite web |title=MAYA Shopping Mall |url=https://mayashoppingcenter.com}}

Shopping destinations geared towards tourists in Chiang Mai include the large and famous Night Bazaar for local arts and handicrafts. The night markets extend across several city blocks along footpaths, inside buildings and temple grounds, and in open squares.

The most famous handicraft and food market, called Tha Phae Walking Street or Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market, opens every Sunday at 5 PM until 10:30 PM for 1 kilometer on Rachadamnoen Road, the main street in the historical centre of the old city, which is then closed to motorised traffic.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-06 |title=Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market: BEST Tips & Guide (2023) |url=https://www.backpackerswanderlust.com/chiang-mai-sunday-night-market-thailand/ |access-date=2023-12-07 |publisher=backpackerswanderlust.com }} Every Saturday evening a handicraft market is held along Wua Lai Road, Chiang Mai's silver street on the south side of the city beyond Chiang Mai Gate, which is then also closed to motorised traffic."Shan Silversmiths of Wua Lai", in Forbes, Andrew, and Henley, David, Ancient Chiang Mai, Volume 4. Chiang Mai, Cognoscenti Books, 2012. ASIN: B006J541LE{{cite web|title=Shopping in Chiang Mai|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/chiang-mai-province/chiang-mai/shopping|access-date=15 August 2012|publisher=Lonely Planet|year=2012}}

• Chiang Mai Zoo, the oldest zoo in northern Thailand.
• Horse racing: Every Saturday starting at 12:30 there are races at Chiang Mai Racecourse. Betting is legal.
• Khlong Mae Kha: Both sides of the canal has been decorated with beautiful and neatly arranged concrete blocks, resembling the Otaru canal in Japan and Cheonggyecheon in South Korea.

File:Intravarorot road sign.jpg|220x220px]]As population density continues to grow, greater pressure is placed upon the city's transportation system. During peak hours, the road traffic is often badly congested. The city officials as well as researchers and experts have been trying to find feasible solutions to tackle the city's traffic problems. Most of them agree that factors such as lack of public transport, increasing number of motor vehicles, inefficient land use plan and urban sprawl, have led to these problems.{{Cite journal|last1=Peraphan|first1=Jittrapirom|last2=Hermann|first2=Knoflacher|last3=Markus|first3=Mailer|date=2017-01-01|title=Understanding decision makers' perceptions of Chiang Mai city's transport problems an application of Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) methodology|journal=Transportation Research Procedia|series=World Conference on Transport Research - WCTR 2016 Shanghai. 10–15 July 2016|volume=25|issue=Supplement C|pages=4438–4453|doi=10.1016/j.trpro.2017.05.350|doi-access=free|hdl=2066/230529|hdl-access=free}} The locally preferred form of transport is personal motorbike and, increasingly, private car. Local public transport is via tuk-tuk, songthaew, bus, or rickshaw.{{Cite news|url=http://www.manager.co.th/local/viewnews.aspx?NewsID=9580000141524|title=เชียงใหม่เปิดตัวและแสดงข้อมูลระบบขนส่งสาธารณะ จับทุกภาคส่วนลงนามร่วมพัฒนาต่อเนื่อง|work=Manager Online|access-date=2018-03-03|language=th}} New electric tuk-tuks were introduced into the city in June 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/news/450-electric-tuk-tuks-for-chiang-mai-approved-by-dlt/|title=Chiang Mai CityNews - 450 Electric Tuk Tuks for Chiang mai Approved by DLT|website=www.chiangmaicitylife.com|date=6 June 2017 |access-date=2018-07-04}}

File:Red Car Chiang Mai at Wat Phra That Doi Kham.jpg|Red Songthaew, provides transport within the city

File:Songthaew in Chiang Mai (5).jpg|Blue Songthaew, provides transport to Lamphun

File:Songthaew in Chiang Mai (4).jpg|Yellow Songthaew, provides transport to the outer city districts

File:GREEN BUS Chiang Mai Bus (1).jpg

A number of bus stations link the city to central, southeast, and northern Thailand. The central Chang Puak Terminal (north of Chiang Puak Gate) provides local services within Chiang Mai Province. The Chiang Mai Arcade bus terminal northeast of the city centre (which can be reached with a songthaew or tuk-tuk ride) provides services to over 20 other destinations in Thailand including Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Phuket. There are several services a day from Chiang Mai Arcade terminal to Mo Chit Station in Bangkok (a 10- to 12-hour journey).

Since December 2023, Chiang Mai offers a city wide bus system under the name RTC Chiang Mai City Bus, with three established lines starting and terminating at Chiang Mai Airport.{{Cite web |title=RTC – Chiang Mai City Bus |url=https://rtc-citybus.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320125137/https://rtc-citybus.com/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=March 20, 2024 |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=rtc-citybus.com}}

File:Chiang Mai Station 20230215-1.jpg

The state railway operates 10 trains a day to Chiang Mai railway station from Bangkok. Most journeys run overnight and take approximately 12–15 hours. Most trains offer first-class (private cabins) and second-class (seats fold out to make sleeping berths) service. Chiang Mai is the northern terminus of the Thai railway system.

The latest development is that Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has approved a draft decree on the light railway transit system project in Chiang Mai. The construction was set to begin in 2020 and be completed by 2027.{{cite web|url=https://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/news/chiang-mai-light-rail-transit-2027/|title=Chiang Mai to Have Light Rail Transit by 2027|website=Chiang Mai Citylife|date=27 November 2018}} It is believed that such a system would mitigate Chiang Mai's traffic problems to a large degree.{{Cite web|url=http://movingnomads.com/web/city/Chiang%20Mai.html|title=Chiang Mai for Digital Nomads|website=Moving Nomads|access-date=2018-02-06|archive-date=2018-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131700/http://movingnomads.com/web/city/Chiang%20Mai.html|url-status=dead}}

Chiang Mai International Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Thailand and receives an average of 50 flights a day from Bangkok (25 from Suvarnabhumi and also 25 from Don Mueang, flight time about 1 hour 10 minutes) and also serves as a local hub for services to other northern cities such as Chiang Rai, Phrae, and Mae Hong Son.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chiangmaiairportonline.com/flight-status-arrivals-departures/|title=CHIANG MAI AIRPORT GUIDE|website=www.chiangmaiairportonline.com|access-date=2023-03-07}} International services also connect Chiang Mai with other regional centers, including cities in other Asian countries. Planning is underway to renovate and expand the existing airport form 8 milion million annual passengers to 20 milion million annual passengers, and for a second airport with a capacity to serve 24 million annual passengers and 32,000 tonnes of cargo.{{Cite web|url=http://thaiembdc.org/2018/06/04/second-airports-slated-for-phuket-and-chiang-mai/|title=» Second airports slated for Phuket and Chiang Mai|website=thaiembdc.org|access-date=2018-12-12}}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-24 |title=AOT launches Chiang Mai airport expansion to serve 20m passengers in a decade |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40030473 |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=nationthailand |language=en-US}}

File:Panoramic view of Chiang Mai International Airport (I).jpg]]

• Marc Faber — investment analyst and entrepreneur
• Jongkolphan Kititharakul — Thai badminton player, women's doubles gold medalist at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games
• Anucha Saengchart — social media personality and cosplayer{{cite news |last1=Chaisa-at |first1=Wanchok |title=เพจพลิกชีวิต! "Lowcost cosplay" เมื่อความบ้าพารวย "อนุชา แสงชาติ" |url=https://www.posttoday.com/politic/446302 |access-date=4 March 2023 |work=Post Today |date=2 August 2016 |language=th}}
• Thaksin Shinawatra — former Thai Prime Minister
• Yingluck Shinawatra — former Thai Prime Minister
• Rodjaraeg Wattanapanit — the first Thai winner of the International Women of Courage Award{{cite news |last1=Ashayagachat |first1=Achara |title=Chiang Mai activist wins US 'courage award' |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/914997/chiang-mai-activist-wins-us-courage-award |access-date=21 June 2018 |work=Bangkok Post |date=30 March 2016}}

Chiang Mai has agreements with the following sister cities:{{cite web|title=Chiang Mai Municipality Information Slideshow|url=http://www.cmcity.go.th/english/eng-slide.php|work=Chiang Mai Municipality|publisher=Section of Foreign Affairs Chiang Mai Municipality|access-date=2013-12-31|archive-date=2012-05-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508044019/http://www.cmcity.go.th/english/eng-slide.php}} (page 21){{Dead link|date=December 2014}}

{{div col}}

• {{flagicon|JPN}} Uozu, Japan (8 August 1989)
• {{flagicon|JPN}} Saitama Prefecture, Japan (9 November 1992)
• {{flagicon|PRC}} Kunming, Yunnan, China (7 June 1999)
• {{flagicon|PRC}} Harbin, China (29 April 2008)
• {{flagicon|PRK}} Pyongyang, North Korea{{cite book|last=Corfield|first=Justin|title=Historical Dictionary of Pyongyang|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a46gFDWr3aMC&pg=PA196|year=2013|publisher=Anthem Press|location=London|isbn=978-0-85728-234-7|page=196|chapter=Sister Cities}}
• {{flagicon|VIE}} Da Lat, Lam Dong, Vietnam
• {{flagicon|United States}} Austin, Texas, United States (21 February 2025){{cite web | url=https://www.austinsistercities.com/chiangmai-thailand | title=Chiang Mai (Thailand) }}
• {{div col end}}

Chiang Mai has agreements with the following friendship cities:{{Cite web |title=Austin-Chiang Mai Launch Sister Cities Initiative |url=https://www.austinchamber.com/blog/austin-chiang-mai-launch-sister-cities-initiative |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=Austin Chamber of Commerce |language=en-us}}

{{div col}}

• {{flagicon|United States}} Austin, Texas, United States (12 November 2023, before becoming sister city)
• {{div col end}}

Wat Chedi Luang, Buddhist monks 2, Chiang Mai, Thailand.jpg|Monks in Wat Chedi Luang

Ping River banks north of Chiang Mai, Thailand.jpg|Ping River banks in Chiang Mai

Chiangmai inthakhin2 04.jpg|Inthakhin city pillar building, Wat Chedi Luang

Chiangmai-market.jpg|Selling umbrellas, Sunday Evening Market

Soi in Chiang Mai.JPG|A soi NE of city center

Thailand chiangmai tuk tuk police.jpg|Police tuk-tuk, Tha Phae Gate

Ancient city wall and Chang Phueak Gate in Chiang Mai.jpg|Chang Phueak Gate and part of the old city wall

Chiang Mai - Chiang Mai Moat - 0006.jpg|View south along the eastern moat of city center

Chmwphrasingh0506b.jpg|Ho Trai (library), Wat Phra Singh

• Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai
• Chiang Mai Creative City
• Chiang Mai Initiative
• Royal Flora Ratchaphruek

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{{Metropolitan cities of Thailand}}

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Category:1296 establishments in Asia

Category:Cities and towns in Chiang Mai province

Category:Cities and towns in Thailand

Category:Populated places in Chiang Mai province

Category:Populated places established in the 1290s