Chiang Mai Province of approximately . The mountains of the Daen Lao Range () at the north 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. The Mae Ping, one of the major tributaries of the Chao Phraya River, originates in the Daen Lao mountains. The highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon at , is in Chiang Mai Province. Several other national parks are also in the province: Doi Suthep-Pui, Ob Luang, Sri Lanna, Huai Nam Dang, Mae Wang, and Pha
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