As one of Thailand’s most culturally important cities, Chiang Mai undoubtedly earns its reputation as the “Rose of the North”!
Today, the former capital sprawls far beyond the kilometer-square old town, but the heart of the city is still enclosed in these four walls. A sprawling modern city has grown up around ancient Chiang Mai (?????????), ringed by a tangle of superhighways. Despite this, the historic centre of Chiang Mai still feels overwhelmingly residential, more like a sleepy country town than a bustling capital. If you drive in a straight line in any direction, you’ll soon find yourself in the lush green countryside and pristine rainforests dotted with churning waterfalls, serene wát and peaceful country villages – as well as a host of markets and elephant sanctuaries.
