Exalted in its mystical and historic setting among mountains and temples, Chiang Mai is nonetheless modern and friendly, an internationally flavoured city with much to entice visitors - high quality, low cost food, accommodation and shopping with cooler nights providing mercifully peaceful sleeping. It is also free of the traffic snarls and pollution which plague Bangkok and is small and safe enough to get around on a bike.

In fact, not only do many foreigners stay longer than planned in Chiang Mai but many also live here. Innovations such as recycling schemes, restrictions on development and cleaning/dredging of its famous moat have seen Chiang Mai preserve much of its character and highlight its progressive attitude.