Mae Chaem District split off to form the new district, Galyani Vadhana. Neighboring districts are (from the north clockwise) Galyani Vadhana, Samoeng, Mae Wang, Chom Thong and Hot of Chiang Mai Province, and Mae Sariang, Mae La Noi, Khun Yuam, Mueang Mae Hong Son and Pai of Mae Hong Son Province. Thailand's highest mountain, high Doi Inthanon, in the Thanon Thong Chai Range, is in Mae Chaem District. The district is divided into seven sub-districts ("tambon"), which are further subdivided into 85 villages ("muban"). Mae Chaem also has sub-district municipality ("thesaban tambon") status and covers parts of "tambon" Chang Khoeng. There are a
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep placed by the king on the back of a white elephant which was released into the jungle. The elephant is said to have climbed up Doi Suthep, at that time called Doi Aoy Chang ("Sugar Elephant Mountain"), stopped, trumpeted three times, then dropped dead. This was interpreted as an omen. King Nu Naone immediately ordered the construction of a temple at the site. The name of the Temple (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep) actually explains what the temple has. "Phra" entails of an honorific Buddha image, and "That" means a relic. Combining the two tells that there is a relic