2 Best Sights in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai's version of Bangkok's hip Sukhumvit area is simply called Nimman (the full Nimmanhaemin is a bit of a mouthful), a mile-long strip west of the Old City. Cafés, pubs, bars, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques line the street here. People particularly love the trendy One Nimman shopping plaza, a community mall where you can find local designer shops. After twilight, visitors drop their shopping bags to dance tango, salsa, and swing on the open stage---for free. It's also worth exploring the jumble of side streets off the main drag, where Nimman's hipper restaurants, shops, and nightlife venues jostle for space.

Chinese traders originally settled in this area 1½ km (1 mile) east of the Old City, and some of their well-preserved homes and commercial premises now house upscale and midrange restaurants, guesthouses and hotels, galleries, boutiques, and antiques shops. Unlike in Bangkok, where many of the riverfront spots tend to be full of foreigners, the restaurants, hotels, and bars along the river are enjoyed by Thai couples and families on evenings out.