Saraphi is a district (amphoe) of Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand.

Etymology

Saraphi is the Thai name for a tree, Mammea siamensis.

Geography

Saraphi borders the districts (from west clockwise) Hang Dong, Mueang Chiang Mai, San Kamphaeng of Chiang Mai Province, Mueang Lamphun of Lamphun province.

History

The district was established in 1891, then named Yang Noeng (ยางเนิ้ง). In 1927 it was renamed Saraphi.

Tourism

Wiang Kum Kam is at the site of an old city in the Tha Wang Tan sub-district. King Mangrai lived there for ten years before the founding of Chiang Mai. The site includes many ruined temples which are often visited by visitors of Chiang Mai.

Administration

The district is divided into 12 sub-districts (tambons), which are further subdivided into 105 villages (mubans). Yang Noeng is a township (thesaban tambon) which covers parts of tambons Yang Noeng, Saraphi, and Nong Phueng. The township Saraphi covers parts of tambon Saraphi. There are a further 10 tambon administrative organizations (TAO).