CHIANG MAI

AN OVERNIGHT TRAIN FROM the noise of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is low-key, laid-back and relaxed. Capital of the Lanna Kingdom from 1294, a moat and remains of four walls surround an old city of ancient tree-shaded Buddhist temples.
At the north and south gates, vast street markets spring up in the cool evening, the smell of spices and frying fill the air. Markets spill onto streets or swelter under tin roofs. A national park, mountain, temple and royal residence fills the city’s backyard at Doi Suthep.
And if that is not enough, Chiang Mai is the launching place for ventures further afield, such as Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Doi Inthanon and Mae Sai.