Perhaps who visits Thailand for the first time has only in mind the lights of Bangkok and the legendary beaches of the south of the country, but who returns is unlikely to lose the north, the borders with Burma and Laos, the famous gold triangle, nature, traditional cuisine of the provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

To get to Chiang Mai is necessary a flight of 90 minutes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, a city with 700 years of history, located along the Ping River,which cuts in half from north to south.

To visit,there is the Phu Ping Palace, one of the royal family's winter home, which you can see (when the king is not at home) thanks to the architecture and magnificent gardens. The Palace Phu Ping is located near the Doi Suthep National Park, where there is also the highest top in Thailand, Doi Inthanon and the beautiful Buddhist temple.

So, in Chiang Mai there are natural and architectural attractions as well as entertainment: the Mae Rim Valley is ideal for a walk on the back of elephants or hiking. Here you will find a wild nature and after the walk with elephants, you can stroke them, feed them or watch their entertainment show,a bit sad to say the truth ...

Do not miss the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road, the village of giraffe women, the walks in the rice fields and especially the cuisine!

If you seek an afternoon snack opt for the Chiang Mai naem, a spicy pork sausage typical of the area, sold everywhere, in street stalls and street carts. For lunch or dinner instead, try the khao soi, a spicy soup with the excellent broth, spaghetti noodles, eggs, coconut milk, meat and vegetables.