Things to do in Chiang Mai, no research required

Chiang Mai wants a slower pace than Bangkok and gets difficult if you fight it. Wat Pha Lad sits on the way up to Doi Suthep and has pulled serious numbers from people who stopped instead of driving past, which is the right instinct. Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School is the top-rated way to spend a morning if you’d rather cook than just eat. Kaew Gallery covers the art side of the city’s creative scene, and Elephant Pride Sanctuary is one of the ethical options if that’s part of the plan. Arts and culture and brunch both run deep here, in close to equal number.