Chiang Mai is Thailand's second-largest city. noted for it fine cllection of handicraft, the prettiest in the country, and a cool climate forthe cultivation of both tropical and temperate fruits and flowers. Within the city and nearby surroundings are opoprtunities to visitold and beautiful temples, ride an elephant in a teak forest, explore cave and waterfalls, see tribal villages and catch glimpses of the northem styles ofncelebration and entertainment.
The most notable is on the slopes of Doi Suthep beautiful maintained for centuries through the donations of pilgrims who come to worship a relic of the Buddha, and offering excellent views of the hills and valleys beyond. Nearby is the Phuoing Palace winter residence of the royal family, with gardens that make magnificent use of the temperate climate. On the way, one can visit the Botancal gardens, the zoo, Chiang Mai University with its tribal museum, and the Huay kaeo waterfall andpark. An actual hilltribe viallage of Meo can be visited at Doi Pui, or one can look around the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center where a gathering of families from several tribes live in reconstructed viallage settings. Here, also, every evening is the Khan Toke dinner party, offering a meal of northern-stlie foods and elaborate cultural show tribal costumes, music and dance. There are hill tribe settements in Thailandtable tour agency.'s including the Shan, Akha, Meo and Yao, but all arrangements for visits should be made through a reputable tour agency.