Introduction
Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) is the gateway to Northern Thailand, some 700 km from Bangkok. With a population of over 200,000 and growing, Chiang Mai is Thailand's largest city after Bangkok. With a cosmopolitan air and a significant expat population, it's much greener and quieter than Bangkok, factors which have led many Thai visitors from Bangkok to settle permanently in this "Rose of the North". Located on a plain surrounded by mountains, the peak of Doi Suthep looms just 13 kilometers away and looks over the city and surrounding lush countryside.

Overview
Chiang Mai's historical center is the walled city (chiang in Thai, hence Chiang Mai "New Walled City"). Sections of the wall remain at the gates and corners, but of the rest only the moat remains. Modern-day Chiang Mai has expanded in all directions, but particularly to the east towards the Ping River (Mae Nam Ping), where you'll find Thanon Chang Khlan, the famous Night Bazaar and the bulk of Chiang Mai's hotels and guesthouses. The locals have a saying that you have not experienced Chiang Mai unless you have seen the view from Doi Suthep, eaten a bowl of Kao Soi and purchased an umbrella from Bo Song

Activity
Chiang Mai is a popular place for arranging hill trekking. As usual in Thai cities massage places abound, both for treatments and learning the art yourself, and cooking schools are also popular.

• Let's Relax. 2F Chiang Mai Pavilion and B1F Chiang Inn Plaza, Th Chang Khlan. Does professional massage in very clean if not downright sterile surroundings complete with air-con, the sound of running water and gentle scents. A 45-minute foot reflexology session costs 350B, nearly twice the price of the competition, but is worth every satang after a long trek.

• The energetic and adventurous can also learn Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing, the national sport of Thailand at Lanna Muay Thai, which is situated along Soi Chiang Khian, off Huay Kaew Road.