A large part of Chiang Mai Province is covered by mountains and forests. These generally run in a north-south pattern and form several streams and tributaries the Mae Jam, Mae Ngud, and Mae Klang which run into rivers and irrigation canals providing the water for agriculture.
Chiang Mai's largest and most important river is the Ping, which originates in the mountains of Chiang Dao and flows southward for 540 kilometers. It is along the banks of this river that Chiang Mai's flat, fertile valley area lies. Chiang Mai is also home to Inthanon Mountain, which stands 2,575 meters above sea level and is Thailand's highest mountain.
