Known as the "Jewel of the North," the ancient city of Chiang Mai lies about 700 km north of the capital and is easily accessible thanks to affordable flights from budget airlines. Steeped in history and culture, this cooler, quieter, and more relaxed city has been a popular tourist destination for decades. The old city is surrounded by a square moat, and remnants of the ancient city wall (built to defend against Burmese and Mongol attacks) are still visible, particularly at the Tha Phae Gate. A haven for culture and nature lovers, Chiang Mai offers better value for money than more popular destinations like Phuket. There is still plenty to see and do, and the nightlife, especially around Loi Kroh Road, is quite lively. Numerous nature reserves and national parks are located in the immediate vicinity of the city, including Thailand's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. Shopping enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy in the city's many shopping malls and markets. Here are the 5 top sights and activities for your visit.

Wat Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai is home to one of the country's most impressive temples, Wat Doi Suthep. Perched atop a steep hill (Doi Suthep), it's visible from the city on clear days, despite being about 17 km away. Built in 1383 during the Lanna Dynasty, the temple offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding area. To reach the temple, take a taxi, a songthaew (shared taxi), or the cable car for 10 baht (US$0.33). Entrance to the temple itself costs 30 baht (US$1) for foreigners and is free for locals. The sprawling and ornately decorated temple complex is considered one of Thailand's holiest pilgrimage sites, attracting up to 120,000 visitors each month. A little further along the main road from the temple complex are the Bhuping Royal Palace Gardens and a hilltop village, where you can buy handicrafts and souvenirs and take fantastic photos.

Visit Doi Inthanon National Park

The area surrounding the city boasts numerous national parks and nature reserves with many beautiful, pristine regions that await adventurous travelers. Doi Inthanon National Park is home to Thailand's highest mountain (2,565 m) and offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities for those who dare to make the climb. At the summit, two intricately designed chedis stand amidst manicured gardens. The rest of the park is dotted with rivers, waterfalls, and attractions (including a wide variety of flora and fauna for nature lovers), as well as several hill tribe villages. Located about 70 km southwest of the city center, it is one of the country's most spectacular national parks. However, be aware that the distances between the sights can be considerable, so a car, motorbike, or private guide is recommended. Campsites, bungalows, and restaurants are available near the park if you wish to stay overnight – which we highly recommend.

Click here to get your copy of the complete Thailand travel guide!

Take part in a course

Chiang Mai offers a huge selection of classes and workshops – from the ubiquitous Thai cooking classes and yoga workshops to Muay Thai training. The list is practically endless. For a fantastic Thai cooking class, we recommend Smile Organic Farm, located a 45-minute drive from the city near the San Kamphaeng hot springs. There, you can harvest your own vegetables and herbs and learn to prepare incredible Thai dishes to impress your friends back home. If you want to learn Thai, you'll find three language schools offering private lessons by the hour in the Pantip shopping mall on Changklan Road. Muay Thai training is available at Chiang Mai Muay Thai Gym on Wiang Kaew Road in the Old City (within the city moat). In addition, the city boasts dozens of yoga studios, massage schools, and art classes. And if you're looking for something special, you can even take a course in traditional mountain weaving.

Visit the museums

Chiang Mai boasts a wealth of fascinating museums where you can delve into the city's history and the Lanna culture. You could easily spend a whole day, or even longer, exploring them and still not seeing everything. If you're interested in the region's hill tribes (including the Hmong, Akha, and Yao), a visit to the Chiang Mai Tribal Museum is a must. There, you can admire traditional costumes, artwork, tools, and handicrafts. The Arts and Culture Center is dedicated to preserving the city's history. Here, you'll learn about the city's captivating history and culture, as well as the daily lives of its inhabitants, agriculture, and Buddhist practices. Other attractions include the Chiang Mai National Museum, with its interesting collection of regional artifacts; various art museums (including the 3D Art Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art); the Insect and Natural Wonders Museum; and an Air Force Museum (featuring a rare collection of World War II aircraft), to name just a few. If you love museums, Chiang Mai is sure to delight you.

Try the cuisine of northern England

Northern Thai cuisine is delicious, and every visitor to Chiang Mai should definitely try it. The most famous dish is "Khao Soi": crispy, deep-fried noodles in a wonderfully fragrant broth with meat, similar to Massaman curry. It's usually served with chicken and is available throughout the city for around 40 baht (US$1.30) per bowl. You shouldn't leave Chiang Mai without trying this dish—it's rich, irresistible, and simply delicious. Also highly recommended is "Sai Ua," a grilled pork sausage with fresh herbs, spices, and a touch of red curry paste. It's often served sliced ​​with sticky rice and dipping sauce and is incredibly fragrant and flavorful. Another delicious northern Thai dish is "Gaeng Hung Lay," which is heavily influenced by Burmese cuisine. It's a slow-cooked pork belly curry with many delicious spices and sometimes even pineapple. The pork is so tender it melts in your mouth. There are dozens more curries to try, but leaving Chiang Mai without eating these three would be a mistake.