Northern Thailand Feature

Natural Wonders: You don't have to venture far from Chiang Mai to see the region's natural beauty. You can hike to spectacular waterfalls and be back in the city in time for dinner.

Shopping: The region is world famous for its silks, and the night markets of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have an astonishing range of handicrafts, many of them from hill tribe villages.

Eating: The region's cuisine is said to be the country's tastiest. Chiang Mai has excellent restaurants, but even the simplest food stall can dish up delicious surprises.

Temples: The golden spires of thousands of temples dot the region. Each can tell you volumes about Buddhist faith and culture.

Sports: The country's most beautiful golf courses are here, and nongolfers have an almost unlimited variety of sports to choose from—rock climbing, white-water rafting, and paragliding are just a few.