Chiang Mai has a population of over 1 million people who live in a land area spanning more than 20,000 square kilometers. The province is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, hosting around 10.8 million visitors in 2019.
But Chiang Mai remains lesser known than the country's top holiday spots like Bangkok and Phuket, despite its cooler weather, gorgeous views of mountains, and close proximity to Cambodia and Myanmar.
Chiang Mai also has a distinct culture from the rest of Thailand — in fact, it was the capital of "Lanna," the ancient kingdom in the north of the country, which means it has its own cuisine and language.
I traveled to the province for a reporting trip in late July to explore the local culture and its budding tourism industry. Chiang Mai has since become one of my favorite destinations in Southeast Asia, and I'm already planning a trip back.
Here are five things I'd do differently on my next trip to Chiang Mai.