The city of Chiang Mai is a serene counterpart to the pulsating life of Bangkok. Perhaps it’s the surrounding scenery of waterfalls and forests that gives Chiang Mai its more laid-back vibe. The climate here is cooler, and you can easily explore on foot.Cross the moat to the old town, where you’ll encounter Buddhist monks in brightly-colored robes beneath temple spires. Chiang Mai is a city that will charm you, and feels perhaps more authentically Thai than other places you may visit.The night markets are the place to head if you’re famished, while during the day you can take massage lessons or learn to cook some of the dishes you’ve been enjoying. Art galleries offer insights into how young Thai artists are reclaiming and reinterpreting their heritage, while if you hear the call of the wild, several reputable operators offer treks in the surrounding rainforest.Chiang Mai could just be the perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of your Thailand vacation although be warned: just like the rest of this wonderful country, it will leave you wanting to return even before you leave.