Geography Chiang Mai is situated on the Mae Ping river basin and is on average above sea level. Surrounded by the high mountain ranges of the Thai highlands, it covers an area of approximately. The mountainous terrain of the Daen Lao Range in the northern end of the province, the Thanon Thong Chai Range stretching in a north-south direction, and the Khun Tan Range in the east of the province are covered by rain forest. River Ping, one of the major tributaries of the Chao Phraya River, originates in the Daen Lao mountains. The highest mountain of Thailand, the 2,565 meter high Doi Inthanon, is located in the province. Several national parks are in the district: Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep-Pui, Mae Ping, Sri Lanna, Huai Nam Dang, Mae Phang, Chiang Dao.