Chiang Mai is the cultural and the adventure hub of Northern Thailand. The hills surrounding the city are occupied by local and immigrant ethnic groups, or hill tribes. There are over three hundred Buddhist temples, or wats, in the city and the surrounding area.
Sights
After visiting Wat Phra Singh, get a shared ride, or sawngtheaw to Doi Suthep here.
On a hill outside the city, Wat Doi Suthep has views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Take the funicular to the top or climb steps to receive your blessing from a Buddhist monk.
In the village of Bo Sang, see how your souvenirs are made before you buy. Artisans paint brightly colored umbrellas in this village outside Chiang Mai, and visit other near by factories.
On Sundays Ratchadamnoen becomes a huge market, with streets closed to traffic. Shop for handicrafts, clothing, and household goods, and eat at impromptu food courts.
Activities
A multi-day ’hill tribe trek’ into the jungle is the major outdoor activity in Chiang Mai. Treks include visits to hill tribe villages.
Trips to the Golden Triangle, where Myanmar (Burma), Laos, and Thailand meet, and the opium poppy is the primary crop, include floating downriver on a raft and an elephant ride.
Other adventure options include bungy jumping, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.
Courses
You can study nearly every form of massage, learn to cook like a Thai, or to talk like a Thai. Study kick-boxing, meditation, or rock climbing.
Places to Stay
Rooms in the area around Moon Muang Soi 2 are noisy because the new Mandalay Disco on Moon Muang backs onto the soi (lane). A loud pulsing techno bass often lasts until four a.m.
Getting Around
Walk, rent a motorbike, take a tuktuk, or share a sawngtheaw (15 baht in the center). Metered taxis can be cheaper than tuktuks.
Getting There
Besides bus and train options, budget airlines make the Bangkok/Chiang Mai air fare inexpensive. Air Asia Flights are cheaper the further ahead you book. 1-2-Go charges the same fee for all their flights. Also, Tiger Airways flies direct to Singapore. Watch out for the lower weight allowance, including carry-on.
Other Services
Free WiFi is available at the Pirates Cove on Ratchamankha, the Garden Restaurant on Ratchadamnoen, and at air-conditioned Chiang Mai Coffee, across the east moat next to DK Books. | 
