Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s best-known northern city; and its name literally translates into ‘new city’ because it replaced Chiang Rai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom in 1296. A gateway for tourists making their way to treks, elephant sanctuaries or motorbike routes through the northern mountains, Chiang Mai is a must-see destination for any visitor to Thailand looking for a change of scenery from the island and beach culture of the south.