There is, of course, modern development and today Chiangmai offers the visitor an excellent range of facilities with standards comparable to those of Bangkok to inexpensive but comfortable guesthouses, provide accommodation to suite all tastes and budgets.

Restaurants, specializing in various national cuisines as well as the typical spicy northern delicacies, are plentiful. The best way to sample the local fare is to try a Khantoke dinner, a Chiang Mai tradition, which features variety of local dishes served sticky rice, the favorite staple in northern cuisine. Typically thee meal is accompanied by performances of traditional northern music and folk dances.

Chiangmai further offers various places of evening entertainment and while these are not as numerous as in Bangkok, they are sufficient to ensure variety. For shopping there is the famous Night Bazaar as well as a host of other shops affording the bargain –hunter enormous scope.