17 Reasons to Skip Bangkok and Visit This Northern Thailand City Instead

Though it is the largest city in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has less than an eighth of Bangkok's population. Travelers seeking a quieter location that still has the offerings of a metropolitan area will love the gem that is Chiang Mai. The city is surrounded by mountains, and in addition to its historic sites, it has a great coffee culture, local day and night markets, art scene, and countless different restaurants with an array of ambiances and types of food that will satisfy whatever craving you may have.