CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai, a more relaxed counterpart to the bustling chaos of Bangkok, has a population of 200,000 and is centered around the old city. This area, bordered by a moat and the remnants of a 13th-century wall, was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The city is a haven for food lovers, packed with temples, and serves as a great starting point for day trips to waterfalls, trekking spots, and elephant sanctuaries.
Beyond the old city walls, the eastern area near Tha Phae Gate along the Ping River is the commercial heart, bustling with markets. To the west, Nimmanhaemin Road (or Nimman) is the trendy, vibrant area popular with digital nomads and Chinese tourists, known for its shopping, chic cafes, and coworking spaces.