Chiang Mai: called “the Rose of the North.” At 1,023 feet above sea level, Chiang Mai lies in a valley ringed by mountains. It’s fresh, cool air, mountains, Flowers and festivals make Chiang Mai one of the most popular places to visit in Thailand. It is the home of Thai handicrafts including silk and cotton weaving, umbrella making, silverware, and lacquerware. Many different hilltribe people live in the nearby mountains and the city is home to 1,100 temples.