4. Chiang Mai
A sprawling modern city
and ring of
superhighways have
grown-up around Chiang
Mai, Thailand`s northern
capital and second
largest city. Yet set in
a verdant river valley
surrounded by forested
mountains and with a
historic central area,
ever-popular Chiang
Mai – or ‘Rose of the
North’ – emanates a
laid-back, provincial
town feel. The rich
legacies of the former
seat of the ancient
Lanna Kingdom are still
evident
today, especially in the
walled Old City, a
wonderful place to
explore on foot, with
its dozens of stunning
Buddhist temples,
alongside modern-day
quaint shops
and cafés. Don’t miss
Chiang Mai’s night
markets and bazaars,
allegedly the best in
Thailand and offering a
unique retail
experience, focused on
locally-made
ethnic handicrafts.
Chiang Mai also boasts a
vibrant food scene, with
acclaimed northern Thai
delicacies. The lush
countryside and national
parks beyond entice
with more distractions:
Wat Phra That Suthep,
one of Thailand’s
holiest Buddhist sites,
atop Doi Suthep
Mountain, besides
waterfalls and elephant
sanctuaries.