Chiang Mai is a wonderful contrast to Bangkok, and while it is the second largest city in Thailand it’s only a quarter the size of the capital and has a population of only 160,000. The modern and bustling Chiang Mai is built around the ancient crumbling city walls and moat. If you take a walk along the old cobbled lanes within the walls you’ll come across old temples and crumbling stupas, shops and houses but all in a different atmosphere to outside the old kingdom’s walls.

There’s a lot to do in Chiang Mai whether you’re a nature lover, culture buff or a dedicated shopaholic.

Chiang Mai (along with Chiang Rai) is the starting point for treks deep through deep tropical forest to hill tribes dotted amongst the surrounding mountains. There’s a choice of easy van tours to Hmong villages and the famous Long Neck hill tribe. One of two night treks take you deep into the forested valleys and over mountains into the remote north where you’ll sleep in local village houses. Temperatures are cooler than down the south of Thailand so trekking is much more manageable and enjoyable but still hard going!

It’s also the place for soft adventure with fun day tours with elephant rides through the jungle and river rafting on bamboo rafts.

If you’re looking at learning something new, then Chiang Mai is the place to take advantage of inexpensive Thai traditional massage, language and cooking courses, ranging from a day to a week or much longer.

Ancient Buddhist temples (wat) abound - within the city’s old crumbling walls are scores of temples and crumbling stupas and in Chiang Mai province over 300 temples. Highlights would include Wat Chiang Man, the oldest wat in the city, dating back to 1296, and Wat Phra Singh which was completed in the late 14th century.

June to September
The Rainy Season. Take an umbrella!

October to February
The Cool Season. A bit cooler during the day but still warm compared to NZ. Night temperatures can drop to about 13’C so take warm clothes for nighttime. Very little rain.