Chiang Mai is not only the cultural capital of the North of Thailand, but it also displays a whole different side of Thailand – very different to the capital Bangkok.

The rolling green foothills of the Himalayas are the setting for this

Reasonably isolated form the rest of Thailand for abut 500 years, the old city was once surrounded and protected by a wall. Today very little of the walls remain. However this historic part of the town, still defined by a moat, is home to a fantastic mix of Sri Lankan, Burmese and Thai styles of architecture as well as many great museums and temples.

Although the town is home to over 300 temples, the best known and famous is the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple on the hillside overlooking the city.

Chiang Mai is also very much a festival city being host to a number of flower festivals as well as the Loi Krathong lantern festival among many others.

Like the rest of Thailand, Chang Mai is home to some great markets, the most well know being the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – 3 levels of Thai shopping fun.