If Bangkok is the chaos, Chiang Mai is the calm. Tucked into the mountains of northern Thailand, this ancient walled city moves at a gentler pace, all golden temples, leafy lanes, jungle on the doorstep, and some of the best food in a country famous for it. It's been the beating heart of the backpacker and digital-nomad scene for over a decade, and the moment you arrive you understand why: it's relaxed, endlessly welcoming, surrounded by adventure, and astonishingly cheap. Many travellers come for a few days and end up staying weeks.
For the budget traveller, Chiang Mai is about as good as it gets. It's one of the most affordable cities in the world for the quality of life, running noticeably cheaper than Bangkok and a fraction of Western prices. A bowl of the city's signature khao soi noodle soup costs around a pound, dorm beds are a few pounds a night, a scooter to explore the mountains is pocket change, and most of the city's 300-plus temples are free. Beyond the old city walls lie waterfalls, jungle treks, ethical elephant sanctuaries and hill-tribe villages. It's a place that gives you incredible experiences for very little, which is exactly why people fall for it. We'll show you how.
