Muang alphabet is now only studied by scholars and Northern Thai is commonly written using the standard Thai alphabet. The modern municipal entity dates back to a sanitary district (sukhaphiban) created in 1915. It was upgraded to a municipality (thesaban) on March 29 1935, as published in the Royal Gazette, Book No.52 section 80. At first covering an area of 17.5 km2 (7 sq mi), it was enlarged to cover 40.216 km2 (16 sq mi) on April 5, 1983

Weather and seasons in Chiang Mai

The weather of Northern Thailand, including Chiang Mai, differs from the traditional divisions of spring, summer, autumn and winter. Instead, the region has three distinct seasons: the cool season, hot season and rainy season. Chiang Mai is known as the 'cool capital', and in comparison to the sweaty heat of Bangkok, the climate is far more agreeable.

Cool season : The most popular time for visiting Chiang Mai ( weather wise) is the cool season, which runs from December to the end of February. It is in fact pleasantly chilly in the evenings, and if you are planning on visiting Chiang Mai at this time of year, it would be wise to bring some all weather gear along. Particularly if you intend hiring a motorcycle to get around, or going on a mountain trek, pack some warm kit. However, don't leave out your summer clothes, as midday temperatures can climb well into the 30s (Celsius).

from January until the rains arrive. Not only does this affect the vegetation, but a trademark 'hot season haze' hangs over the entire city and its surrounds, obscuring the otherwise beautiful vistas.

Rainy season : The southwest monsoon usually arrives from India at the end of May, and from then until November the weather in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand get very, very wet. The rainy season is characterized by torrential downpours, but they tend to be sudden bursts that only last for an hour or so, rather than a steady stream of water. Although mosquitoes are rife during this time, the rainy season is otherwise a pleasant time to visit the north. The rains bring respite from the heat, and the landscape returns to its strikingly gorgeous shade of green. Rainfall is usually heaviest in September, with an average precipitation of 250mm for that month.

Generally speaking, the weather of Northern Thailand is far more temperate than central or Southern Thailand. The area is more than 2000kms from the equator and much closer to the Tropic of Cancer. This coupled with its mountainous terrain and location in the Asian interior brings cooler temperatures and less humidity. However there is still quite a bit of precipitation during the rainy season and the weather gets very chilly once you leave Chiang Mai and head up into the mountains.

From : http://www.1stopchiangmai.com

Transport around Chiang Mai

Getting around Chiang Mai is a fairly straight-forward if sometimes nerve-wracking experience. Despite Chiang Mai's reputation as a tranquil city full of temples and surrounded by scenic nature, you can forget about images of quiet tree-lined streets frequented by pedestrians and smiling pensioners on bicycles. No, Chiang Mai's streets have become busy and sometimes congested.

The first option is to travel in the famous Thailand tuk tuk (pron. took took). Many visitors to Thailand are familiar with these from their trips to Bangkok. Riding a tuk tuk is the quintessential Thai experience, and although you are at the mercy of breathing car fumes, these small vehicles are very effective at beating the traffic. You may grow tiresome of the "hello, tuk tuk" shouts, but having haggled a price beforehand, you should end up at your requested destination and not unexpectedly pull up outside a jewellery shop or dodgy tailor.

Then there's the over-abundant songtaews (means 2 rows), which are Chiang Mai's bus and taxi service rolled into one. These are red pickup trucks with a canopy and twin rows of bench seating. The mafia-like songtaew association has seen to it there are almost as many songtaews in Chiang Mai as there are people (well, not quite, but they are certainly way too many of them - a congestion menace).

These ply the popular routes and are so frequent you needn't wait long to flag one down. If they are heading in your direction, the standard fee is 20 baht, but they'll go anywhere for a reasonable price unless they already have passengers. They don't mind cruising the streets half-empty, thus proving to be efficient and convenient; besides, they'll pull over at will, do u-turns and travel the wrong way up one-way streets, much to the chagrin of other motorists.

Songtaews cruise the city centre or congregate outside the flower market, Suan Dok hospital, Central shopping mall and other spots, including the entrance to Chiang Mai University (for trips up Doi Suthep). They also double as removal vans and some even cruise suburbs at 10kph with noisy advertising commentary blaring from rigged speakers.

A very limited bus service now exists, and the distinctive yellow metered taxis are now trickling into Chiang Mai, offering comfort and air-conditioning. In Chiang Mai city, a journey never takes more than 20 minutes, unlike Bangkok.

The most practical way to get around Chiang Mai is definitely by hired motorbike. Some simply don't have the nerve to tackle the traffic and bizarre driving habit here, but everyone travels at an easy pace, there's room for everyone, and this certainly isn't big, bad Bangkok. Cars can be hired too, but driving them in the city is likely to be a frustrating experience and four wheels are only useful if it's raining or you intend on exploring the province.

Rickshaws: You can rent rickshaws (tricycles) for a tour to the sights of Chiang Mai, 100 Baht for a half day. Short journeys are quite inexpensive, too (10 to 20 Baht). Many rickshaws are waiting in front of the hotels or at Thapae Gate for customers.

Hiring bicycles is also popular among tourists, but the Thais will look at you as if you are deranged! For sure it's the best way to explore the narrow, quiet lanes of the old city, but the heat and humidity make it uncomfortable and, outside of the moat, traffic isn't very respectful of cyclists.

With all these hire options, you are spoilt for choice as there are numerous places clustered around tourist streets near Thapae Gate and the Loi Kroh area. Prices are competitive and don't vary much, so the quality of the bike is the most important criteria for choosing. Be aware that many don't come with insurance, but its worth paying the extra fee as motorbike theft is on the rise in Chiang Mai.

The last option is your own two feet. There is no substitute for discovering a city by walking at your own pace. Thai cities aren't very good for walking - the traffic ignores zebra crossings, the pavements are often crowded with hawkers or full of holes and street dogs can be a nuisance. You can use the "Online Guide to Chiang Mai" to explore the city on your own.

From : http://www.1stopchiangmai.com