The former capital of what was once the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is now the laid-back, northern capital of Thailand. A well-preserved city, complete with a moat and restored portions of the old wall, this city ushers its visitors to a nostalgic past with cobblestone streets, sprawling markets and a variety of handicrafts for which the northern region has become famous.

Wat Phratat Doi Suthep
Dating to the 14th century, Wat Doi Suthep is one of the most esteemed in all of Thailand. Overlooking the Old City from the summit of the 3,500 foot Suthep Mountain, this temple completes any visit to Chiang Mai. A flight of 300 stairs leads to the chedi and marble courtyard, with a lift also in operation. The views of the city are a must-see.

A trip to Mae Sa
Many tourists hear about the waterfall and elephant farm located at Mae Sa and hire a tuk-tuk or red car to transport them there. The drive is only 30 minutes long and there's much more to see than many people know, with a dog show, monkey show, orchid nursery and snake farm all in the area. In all probability, there's more than you can do in a single day and there's something for everybody in the family.

Doi Inthanon National Park
If you're interested in camping, you can't beat the refreshing environment of Doi Inthanon, which is part of a national park centred on this tallest peak in all of Thailand. It measures in at 8,415 feet and is the home to unique plants and wildlife that you won't find elsewhere. After spending some time in the city, it makes for a fresh and much cooler retreat.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, running the length of Chang Klan road, has gained a great reputation in the international community. Shoppers come here for the bargaining, a bite to eat and of course, to shop all night. Items for sale run the gamut, from knock-off designer goods to silverware and valuable antiques. The market is open every night until midnight.

Chiang Mai Zoo
Two of Chiang Mai's most prominent celebrities aren't even human, nor are they Thai. They're two pandas that have been loaned to the Chiang Mai Zoo by China. These two creatures headline the more than 6,000 animals on display at the zoo, where you can also camp and enjoy fantastic views of the city from its location at the base of Suthep Mountain.

Thai massage and spas
Thai massage is well-known all around the world, and legitimate massage parlours are spread across the Old City. The price and quality are quite variable, but you can usually trust your instincts. The all-inclusive spas are a great place to spend an afternoon with the possibility of indulging in a whole repertoire of beautification treatments and detox programmes as well as high-quality massage.

The Old City
The old moat is one of Chiang Mai's most outstanding physical features; having remained for 700 years, it's still in use today. The Old City walls have been restored in places and form a stunning complement to the moat. Temples are everywhere-each with their own story-and some of the more noteworthy include Wat Chiang Mai, Wat Phrasingh and Wat Chedi Luang. All of this can easily be taken in via a walking or biking tour, though there's more to see than you'll be able to fit in a single day.

Courses and training
Courses are popular in Chiang Mai, and many visitors enrol in one of the many offerings which include Thai cooking, kick boxing (Muay Thai) and Thai massage. Most classes have programmes for all skill levels and for any length of time, and one-day cooking courses are perhaps the most laid-back instruction of all. Participants leave with a full belly and a book full of new recipes.

Trekking
Trekking is a quintessential part of a holiday in Chiang Mai and these back-wood expeditions are a wonderful way to become acquainted with the less commercial aspects of the region. Guides the city will help you choose the best package based on level of difficulty and the amount of time you'd like to spend. Guided daytrips spend a majority of time shuttling you around to key attractions in the mountains with only minimal hiking, while the overnight expeditions will accommodate you in a hill tribe village and often include bamboo rafting and elephant riding.

Adventure sports
Chiang Mai is home to several adventure sport caterers, and whether you're seeking intense or laid-back thrills, you'll find an agency that can help you make the connection. White-water rafters head out to Mae Tang River, which is 90 minutes away; rock climbing and bungee jumping are both on the list too, along with mountain biking and go-karting.

Recommendation websites: http://www.1stopchiangmai.com http://www.1stopchiangmai.com/map/ and http://www.1stopbangkok.com