Beyond the Old City

Outside the borders of the Old City, Chiang Mai expands into urban sprawl; although there are several worthy sights and a handful of identifiable areas, which have preserved or developed some individual style. Shopaholics have to venture outside the enclosing moat and make for the famous Night Market or Nimmanhemin Road, the preserve of Chiang Mai’s "Hi-So" (High Society) both a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away from the city center. Chiang Mai’s best and liveliest nighttime scene is to be found on the other side of the city in the Riverside quarter bordering the Ping River.