Many travelers in search of historic architecture and culture head for Europe. The wonders of Venice, Florence and Rome are well-known, but broader minded travelers are heading to the Far East to enjoy some of the oldest and most incredible architecture in the world. Chiang Mai is just such a destination. It is in northern Thailand, closer to Myanmar and Laos than to Bangkok, which is some 700km (440 miles) further south. Thailand is not just about beaches, shopping and a sordid sex trade, it has some cultural relics which are quite amazing to experience. Although Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second city, it is far different from the bustling, cosmopolitan Bangkok. Chiang Mai is famous for its teak forests, working elephants, arts and crafts and its well preserved temples called ‘wats’. Golden pagoda-style roofs and white-washed chedi make up the skyline of this historic city.

Chiang Mai’s rich cultural heritage stems from the days when it was the capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, over 800 years ago. This well-preserved town is in a fertile valley surrounded by jungle-covered hills. As well as being a Mecca for hikers and backpackers, it has excellent facilities for older tourists too. Many ex-Pats are choosing to retire and settle in this tranquil yet civilized city.

The Old Town is enclosed in a square moat and can be entered by one of the five restored gates. Chiang Mai’s temples are far older and much more superior than those found in Bangkok. There are more than 80 Wats in and around Chiang Mai, each with their own particular identity and claim to fame. Probably the oldest temple within the old city is Wat Chiang Man. Built in the 14th century, carved elephants can be seen supporting the structure. It is situated on the site of King Mengrai’s camp and is famous for its revered Buddha statues and the tiny crystal figure of Phra Satang Khamani, which is believed to have rain-making powers.

The largest wat in Chiang Mai is Wat Phra Singh, built in 1345 to hold the ashes of King Kam Fu. It has a fine collection of Lanna art and a library of sacred Buddhist scriptures. These impressive buildings are outshone by the famous Phra Viharn Lai Kam, one of Chiang Mai’s finest buildings which contains the image of Phra Singh Buddha. The walls are decorated with wonderfully preserved 19th century murals showing the dress, customs and daily life of Chiang Mai more than a century ago. The well-traveled will also be interested to visit the Wat Chet Yot with its seven spires. A sense of deja-vue can be explained as it is a replica of a temple in Myanmar, which is itself a copy of the Mahabodhi temple in India!

Around Chiang Mai there are many places to visit. The imposing mountain of Doi Suthep is just 15 km (10 miles) west of Chiang Mai, with Wat Phrathat perched close to the summit. It can be reached by climbing 290 steps, but most visitors use the funicular in the steamy heat! Erected in the 14th century, the gilded chedi, two lavishly decorated sanctuaries and the cloisters still remain and the panoramic mountain views are equally impressive. Just beyond Doi Suthep is the Phuping Palace, a royal residence with beautiful gardens which are open to the public at the weekends. A couple of miles further on is the Hmaong hill tribe village, an authentic if somewhat commercialized community which is a great place to pick up handmade local crafts of woodcarving, silk, lacquer ware and paper parasols.

For those curious about a different side to Thailand, Chiang Mai is a wonderful experience, particularly popular with those who appreciate history and cultural architecture.