Page 7 - ThailandDestinationGuide

The stunning Wat Arun Temple, Bangkok

Chiang Mai

Most backpackers end up in this leafy laid back city at some point and with good
reason. The historical, yet surprising cosmopolitan, walled city is surrounded by
jungle and amazing hillside landscape starting just a short ride from the city centre.
The area has become well known for home stay and hill-tribe trekking in Thailand.
One downside, however, is that the treks here can sometimes feel unfortunately
commercialised. I suggest either trekking elsewhere such as a national park or
heading out on a longer trek to discover some more untouched areas.

The city itself is well worth visiting if not only for the vast array of temples, then for
the quaint coffee shops that seem to match them in numbers, often serving locally
grown coffee bean and free wifi. Prices for Thai massage are some of the cheapest I've
come across and the massive night market is one of the best places to pick up
souvenirs in the country. There are some great ​trekking opportunities from Chiang
Mai​ ​around the Myanmar border area.