A moated old city ringed by mountains
Chiang Mai was the seat of the old Lanna kingdom, and its square old city, still moated and partly walled, holds dozens of temples, from the ruined chedi of Wat Chedi Luang to the teak halls of Wat Phra Singh. Up on the mountain above town, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep looks over the valley. The Sunday Walking Street and the Night Bazaar fill the evenings, khao soi curry noodles are the local dish, and the hills beyond hold ethical elephant sanctuaries and trekking routes.