Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is widely considered the capital of northern Thailand, being the second largest city. The Chiang Mai old city is easily accessible on foot or by shooting around town on a tuk tuk or taxi. Over 100,000 people live in the old city, but more than a million occupy the Chiang Mai province, which covers a much larger area.

Surrounding the old city is a wall and a moat, and a number of gates, such as Tha Pai Gate and Chiang Mai Gate, which have special significance in Thai culture. Chiang Mai is renowned for the Thai silk and arts & crafts made locally in the surrounding villages and local communities. Leathercraft, unusual jewelry designs, paintings and colorful hill tribe fashions are all popular items in the night markets here.

Food is a big focus here with northern Thai dishes like Khao Soi - crispy noodles in a tasty curry soup - and small markets dish up aromatic Thai food to savor. Affordable restaurants are plentiful here, with well made dishes available to suit all taste buds.

The pace of life is slower here too; very different from Bangkok and other major cities in Thailand. Locals are proud to be from Chiang Mai and want to share their unique culture and offer a glimse into their way of life, with visiting foreigners.

You can find out more detailed information about Chiang Mai from Wikipedia and WikiTravel.