Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, nestled in a broad valley in northern Thailand surrounded by forested mountains, is one of Southeast Asia's most captivating cities. Founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, the city has preserved its heritage in ways few Thai cities have managed. The historic Old City sits within a square moat, its interior still dotted with more than 30 active Buddhist temples, many featuring the distinctive tiered rooflines and gilded spires of Lanna architecture.

Modern Chiang Mai wraps gracefully around this ancient core. The Nimman neighbourhood, just west of the Old City, has become the city's creative hub — packed with independent cafés, art galleries, boutique shops, and contemporary restaurants. The Night Bazaar district along Changklan Road draws visitors every evening with its sprawling stalls of handicrafts, silk, silverwork, and street food. Sunday Walking Street on Wualai Road and Saturday Walking Street on Wua Lai are among the best night markets in Thailand.

Beyond the city, Chiang Mai province offers an extraordinary range of experiences. Doi Suthep mountain rises directly behind the city, its peak crowned by Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, arguably the most iconic temple in northern Thailand. Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand's highest peak at 2,565 metres, lies about 90 kilometres to the south and rewards visitors with twin royal chedis, cloud forests, and some of the best birdwatching in the country. The misty hill town of Pai, roughly 130 kilometres northwest through mountain passes, has become a favourite retreat for travellers seeking a slower pace.

Chiang Mai is also one of Thailand's leading destinations for ethical elephant experiences. Several sanctuaries outside the city allow visitors to spend time with rescued elephants in a responsible, hands-on setting. Beyond elephants, the region offers jungle trekking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, and zipline adventures.

The city's food scene is defined by northern Thai cuisine — khao soi (a rich coconut curry noodle soup), sai ua (herbed northern sausage), nam prik noom (green chilli dip), and gaeng hang lay (Burmese-influenced pork curry). Cooking classes are widely available and rank among the most popular activities for visitors. With excellent international flight connections through Chiang Mai International Airport, a wide range of accommodation from budget hostels to world-class resorts, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, Chiang Mai remains one of the most rewarding stops on any Southeast Asia itinerary.