The mix of past and present is obvious to visitors when walking the streets of Chiang Mai, a name meaning 'new city,' although the city has over 700 years of history. Chiang Mai has an abundance of diverse dialects, cuisine, architecture, traditional values, festivals, handicrafts, classical dances, the presence of indigenous hill tribes, and incredible mountains and waterfalls that will leave you wondering how so much culture can fit into just one city.

Even its original city layout is still around with an old square surrounded by a moat, evidence of a fortified wall, and four main gates. The most famous landmarks in Chiang Mai - the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Built in the 14th century this temple on the top of a mountain has numerous holy Buddha relics and a gold-plated chedi in the middle of a marble-tiled courtyard with royal regalia.

See Thailand's modern culture walking (and shopping) through Chiang Mai's thriving Sunday Market. Walk along the busy streets, bargaining with the locals and listening to Thai and Western music from buskers.

Written by press.

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