It is not cheap talk that Chiang Mai is popularly referred to as ‘Rose of the North.' Away from the busy, crowded streets of Bangkok lies a haven in Northern Thailand, close to the border of Myanmar. This city that was once the capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom has a roaring life of its own.

Chiang Mai is an old town with a touch of chic, a cultural hub that also boasts modern attraction. Being the largest culturally significant city in this part of Thailand, it can be understood why the influx of visitors in the city has been on the rise in recent years. The reasons are plenty: rich culture, hospitable locals, amazing food delicacies and beautiful landscapes. Here are some of the things in detail that make this place a gem of world destinations that you should see:

ADVENTURE GALORE

Do you need a relaxed holiday vacation? Are you mainly looking to having the time of your life while at it?

Chiang Mai has got you covered.

The ‘wow’ factor about this old city is that it blends traditional with modern so well. Away from the bustle of the city are a range of features that will make your whole stay as exciting as it can get. Pack some hiking boots because the secluded mountainsides will need that. Apart from the trekking tours (which you can get a guide for), there are the Bua Thong sticky waterfalls a few hours from the city. Maybe you’re not one for heights. In this case, try a hand at whitewater rafting on the waters of River Mae Ping or a quiet afternoon at the Chiang Mai zoo and aquarium. There’s also the elephant nature park nearby where you’re free to volunteer or learn about elephants and why it’s akin to criminal to ride one in Thailand!

If you're the more laid-back artsy visitor, you don't need to worry about being left out of the picture. The Documentary Arts Asia is available for you. It is an art gallery store that stores material that highlights the historical and cultural evolvements of the people of Thailand. There’s also the tribal museum which holds even more of these. The handicrafts on display are also quite something, and you might want to get yourself a souvenir to take back home.

WINE AND DINE

Thailand is a country of diverse cultures, and the food experience is no different. Dining in Chiang Mai is heaven on earth. The moment you alight at Chiang Mai, the beautiful aroma of the various types of food will greet you to confirm just that.

The list of Northern Thai food in Chiang Mai, famously known as Lanna cuisines, is almost endless. Some of the simple yet sophisticated specials that anyone visiting should sample include Khao Soi (noodles and coconut curry). Others are Pad Thai and Som Tam (papaya salad) whose original neat taste will blow your mind, or should I say taste buds? For a snack or a light breakfast, grab a Thai sausage known as Sai Ua and throw in a bit of Kaeb Moo, pork rinds, that will leave you yearning for more. Apart from Northern Thai food, there are also Southern and Central Thai delicacies that you must sample.

There are numerous food and drink joints where you can settle for a bite or a sip. From high-end international hotels that offer a wider course of meals to food stalls by the roadside, the pick is yours. Check out the variety of restaurants and cafes in town for variety; some being ambiance restaurants or entertainment places where traditional dancers accompany your favorite meal. If you're staying for a while, you may enroll for cooking classes that teach mainly on preparing Thai foods. Your family back home will surely appreciate it!

EXPLORE THAI CULTURE

The ‘C’ in Chiang Mai must be for culture.

If you were to set out on a mission of visiting all the temples in Chiang Mai in a day, you’d probably forget your starting point. There are simply too many. The most famous is Wat Prathat Doi Suthep temple of 304 steps. Other eye-catching ones are the Wat Umong which is located inside a forest outside the city. There is the Wat Phra Singh too, an old temple in the center of town constructed with Chedis and a big Buddha statue.

Another aspect of culture in Chiang Mai is the annual traditional festivals held during particular times of the year. The most notable one is the Yi Peng festival. This ceremony of Lanna Kathina and releasing lanterns while making a wish attracts a large number of tourists each year. Before that there’s the Loy Krathong, also named the Festival of Lights.

It would be an injustice not to mention the Khantoke dinner evening while talking about culture. This practice is quite the rage in Chiang Mai, and its popularity keeps growing with days. It mainly entails spectacular Thai teak pavilions, majestic Thai dancers, and sweet traditional music while enjoying your best Northern treat on the floor.

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

It’s not a vacation until you buy something and the residents of this city got the memo. To put it simply, shopping in Chiang Mai is an experience of a lifetime. The dynamics are not the regular ones around here.

Your most exciting shopping expedition will most likely be the two widely-loved walking street markets. The Saturday night one happens along Wualai Road near the main Chiang Mai Gate while the second one occurs on Sunday nights along the Ratchdamnoen Road. The famous night bazaars held between sunset and midnight in open squares also put out a lot of local artistic materials and handicrafts like knitted caps and embroidered bags for sale. When you visit these bazaars, please bring along your bargaining skills.

For a more urban feel, there is a list of malls to visit within the town. They stock all manner of products from furniture to designer clothing stores, so treat yourself!

In conclusion

What this old Thailand city offers, no other place in the world does; at least not with the same magnitude. The dining and shopping in Chiang Mai among other factors qualify this spot as a must-visit world tourist destination. Make a date.