Chiang Mai's Urban Core
Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand and the capital of Chiang Mai province. Its urban area, including surrounding districts, forms a metropolitan region with over a million residents. The city's heart is defined by a square area, approximately one mile by one mile, bordered by remnants of ancient red brick walls and surrounded by a moat. 1
The city municipality of Chiang Mai covers 40.2 square kilometers within the Mueang Chiang Mai district and is subdivided into four electoral wards: Nakhon Ping, Sriwichai, Mengrai, and Kawila. The city center, located within the city walls, is mostly within the Sriwichai ward. 1
Buddhist Temples of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is home to several Buddhist temples, known as Wats. Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan is situated on Ratchapakhinai Road in the center of the old city. 3
Another notable temple is Wat Suan Dok, also known as Wat Buppharam, which is a Royal Temple of the Third Class. It is located on Suthep Road, approximately one kilometer west of the Suan Dok gate, and houses the Chiang Mai campus of the Buddhist Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University within its compound. 2