Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the cultural heart of northern Thailand and the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, founded in 1296. Its Old City, a rough square surrounded by a moat and the remains of brick walls, holds dozens of temples in the distinctive northern style, with carved wooden eaves, multi-tiered roofs and gleaming gold chedis. Outside the walls, a hillside temple, forested national parks, waterfalls and rural villages are all within an hour's drive, which makes the city both a place to slow down and a base for adventure.

It is also one of the best-value destinations in Southeast Asia. Meals at night markets and street stalls cost a few dollars, guesthouses are inexpensive, and the pace is noticeably gentler than Bangkok's. Northern Thai cooking is a major draw in its own right, from the coconut-curry noodles of khao soi to herb-packed grilled sausage, and the city's cafés, craft shops and cooking schools give it a creative, easygoing character that has made it popular with long-stay travelers and remote workers.

Chiang Mai has no metro, and getting around is informal but easy. The red songthaew, a shared pickup truck with benches in the back, is the classic way to cover short distances: flag one down, state your destination and agree the price before you climb in, which is usually a modest flat fare per person. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab work well and give a fixed price upfront, and tuk-tuks are available for short hops. Many visitors rent a scooter to explore the countryside, though accidents are common, so only ride if you are experienced and hold the proper license.

The airport is only a few kilometers from the center, a 10 to 20 minute ride, and flights from Bangkok take about an hour and 15 minutes. An overnight sleeper train from Bangkok takes around 12 hours and is a scenic and memorable alternative, while buses take roughly 10 hours.