New Favourite City In Thailand

I declare Chiang Mai our new favourite city in Thailand, much better than Bangkok.
More activities, cheaper shopping and better food.

The hotel we stayed in D2 was great, excellent location at the night bazaar, good service and comfy room with a little surprise from housekeeping each day. In the 5 days there, we received some Thai snacks, a rolling massager, a notebook and some sweets.

We took a day trip on day 2 to Doi Inthanon National Park.
At 2,565m, Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand and its surrounding areas are designated as the Doi Inthanon national park. The park itself lies roughly 90 minutes' drive southwest of Chiang Mai and is popular for its magnificent waterfalls, flora and excellent views. You can drive all the way to the top, where stately chedis have been erected in honour of the present King and Queen of Thailand. The climate up at the top is almost alpine and cool at all times of the year, with sub-zero (Celsius) temperatures in winter.
Definitely worth the day trip!!

We visited these places

• Wachiratan waterfall
• Mae Yai Falls (I think)
• Karen Village
• Royal Project
• Hmong market
• Royal Chedis

We rented a bike and rode to Doi Suithep National Park on the 4th day.
Doi Suthep-Pui used to be known as Doi Oi Chang. Its new name comes from the name of a hermit, Prarusiwasuthep who lived at Doi Suthep-Pui was a protected forest. In 1973, The Royal Forest Department decided that Doi Suthep and 13 other forest areas in the country should eventually be national parks.
We went to the temple, it was quite spectacular. The temple sits upon a distinctive peak and supports a community of souvenir vendors and restaurants. Entry to the temple is via an exhausting 300-step stairway lined with two elongated nagas (protective serpents). There is also a funicular rail. The centrepiece of Wat Pratat Doi Suithep is the magnificent gilded chedi and a peaceful courtyard.
A 20-minute ride farther up the mountain will take you to the Phuping Winter Palace, which is a popular residence for the current Royal family. We went to the palace and ended up being caught in the storm. It was a warm-up to the Songkran Festival.