Chiang Mai

Thailand's northern capital is a city of 300 temples ringed by misty mountains, and it delivers on every level. Inside the old walled city, Wat Chedi Luang's partially ruined 14th-century chedi and Wat Phra Singh's gilded viharn are the highlights, but stumbling on small neighborhood temples is half the fun. Sunday Walking Street on Ratchadamnoen Road is one of Thailand's best markets — handmade crafts, street food, and live music stretching for a kilometer. The Saturday night version on Wualai Road is nearly as good.

Outside the city, Doi Suthep mountain is the essential half-day trip — Wat Phra That Doi Suthep glitters at the summit, and the road continues to the Hmong village of Doi Pui. The Mae Sa valley north of town has elephant sanctuaries (Elephant Nature Park is the gold standard), zip-lining through jungle canopy, and the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden. Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak, is a two-hour drive with cloud-forest hiking trails, twin chedis, and Karen hill tribe villages.

Chiang Mai's food scene is exceptional. Khao soi (coconut curry noodles) is the signature dish — Khao Soi Khun Yai on Charoen Rat Road is legendary. Nimman neighborhood has hip cafes and rooftop bars, and the Warorot Market (Kad Luang) is the place for northern sausages, dried chilies, and naam phrik. For longer stays, the city has become a digital nomad hub with excellent coworking spaces and reliable fast internet.