Much more than just a popular trekking and cultural hotpot, Chiang Mai has developed its tourist infrastructure to provide visitors with a first-rate travel experience that blends heritage, activity and fun together seamlessly.

Chiang Mai is the place to discover the ancient Lanna culture and temple-hop between the Old City's centuries-old Buddhist shrines. The moated northern capital is also a playground for adventurists, with everything from bungee jumping and go-karting available in the nearby Mae Sa Valley. Modern additions such as the Night Safari keep kids entertained.

To match the city's attractions is a great network of hotels and restaurants, from the sophisticated to the cheap and cheerful. Shopping is also of note here, with the famous Night Bazaar being the ideal spot to pick up Thai handicrafts and trinkets.

Eating in Chiang Mai:
don't miss a traditional khantoke dinner during your stay in this cultured city. These dinners are complemented by Thai dancing and music and allow diners to sample a range of authentic northern Thai cuisine. If you tire of the local fare, do not despair. Chiang Mai has a great selection of international restaurants including some splurge options.

The city's markets are ideal for cheap bites and late night snacks, but for a romantic meal for two you should consider checking out any one of the restaurants housed in the city's five-star hotels. The bustling riverside comes alive with live music each evening and this strip has something for all ages and persuasions. Restaurants in Chiang Mai.

Family attractions in Chiang Mai:
if you visit the city with your kids in tow you will be pleased to discover Chiang Mai has a whole host of exciting activities that are suitable for all ages. The animal attractions are top of most sightseeing lists, with Tiger Kingdom, the Night Safari and Chiang Mai Zoo all popular favourites. There are also monkey, snake and elephant shows just out of town.

If you need a break from the heat, the city's shopping malls offer welcome relief and cinemas screening English language movies. There are also a handful of bowling alleys in the city that offer games at reasonable rates as well as public and hotel swimming pools in which to cool off. Chiang Mai for kids.

Shopping in Chiang Mai:
the Night Bazaar is the highlight of Chiang Mai's shopping scene and where you can pick up quaint Thai handicrafts, clothing and counterfeit CDs. Most tourists also make a trip to one of the city's two major shopping malls. In these malls you will find brand name goods at lower prices than in your home country. For crafts, the weekend walking street market is the place to head. Shopping in Chiang Mai.

Nightlife in Chiang Mai:
you won't find the naughty nightlife that you see in Pattaya in Chiang Mai but instead a tame, friendly scene that includes live music venues, discos, bars and expat hangouts. The riverside area of the city is a popular alternative to the city centre's Loi Kroh Road, which is lined with girlie bars fitted with pool tables, while the hip Nimmanhaemin Road near the university is a hotspot for bars that are popular with Thai students. Head for the Porn Ping Tower for the underground disco, Bubbles.

Around Chiang Mai:
popular daytrips from Chiang Mai include trips to the adventure district on the outskirts of the city known as the Mae Sa Valley. Here you will find opportunities to pursue all kinds of activities including go-karting, bungee jumping, AVT driving and even shooting, while calmer pursuits like riding elephants or admiring Thai orchids are also to hand.

Most visitors to the city also make a trip to Chiang Rai, a three-hour drive away through beautiful countryside, and visit some of the hill tribe communities northern Thailand is known for. The Golden Triangle is another popular stop for those interested in the area's past as a centre for opium production.

Chiang Mai transportation:
Chiang Mai International Airport serves regular flights to Bangkok, with the journey taking just over an hour. There are also connections with neighbouring countries. A cheaper option is to take a bus or train here from Bangkok, with air-conditioned sleepers available for the eight-plus hour journey.

Many visitors hire a motorbike or car for the duration of their stay in the city but it is easy enough to get about using taxis, songthaew (shared taxis) and tuk-tuk (motorised rickshaws). Just be sure to negotiate the fare before setting off. The Old City and its charming temples are best explored on foot.

Chiang Mai weather:
things really heat up in Chiang Mai in the months of April and May and visitors are better visiting in the cooler months of November to February. The rains set in around June, when maximum temperatures drop from 40°C to about 30°C but conditions remain humid. As it rarely rains all day during the wet season, sightseeing is still possible during this season.

Chiang Mai safety:
keep an eye on bags and purses when shopping at Chiang Mai's busy Night Bazaar and beware of motorbike bag snatchers in the Old City at night. Crime is rarely a problem in Chiang Mai, however, and most people feel perfectly safe here at all hours. If driving a motorbike, be sure to wear a helmet and don't drive after drinking alcohol.

Chiang Mai budget:
you can go as cheap or upscale as you like in Chiang Mai, which has options for all budgets. Most city centre hotels have rooms that range from 1,000 to 2,000 baht a night while dining out is very affordable. You should find the city a cheaper option than the likes of Thailand's beach resorts and Bangkok.

See a complete guide to Chiang Mai
Thailand travellers' guide online