“Chiang Mai, with its lovely Lanna temples, charming traditions, unique food, family-friendly attractions and stunning setting is a gem in Thailand’s northern hills. There’s so much for tourists to do here, from cultural exploration to adventurous treks and food tours. I’d like to thank the readers of Travel + Leisure for rating the city so highly and naming the capital of Lanna one of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Top 15 Cities 2017,” said Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. 

Chiang Mai took the third place on the list of Travel + Leisure World’s Top 15 Cities 2017 with a score of 91.40 out of 100. Bangkok came in eighth. 

The score is based on a survey of over 300,000 international T+L readers who were asked to rate the “best of the best” in international travel experiences and destinations and contribute to the globally respected, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.

T+L readers rated cities on their sites and local landmarks, culture, food, the friendliness of the people, shopping opportunities and overall value for tourism. The winning cities also all shared the common characteristics of being pedestrian friendly, having large areas of green space nearby such as Chiang Mai’s Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens and boasting a rich history that is being preserved as the city grows and develops.

The T+L website recommends Chiang Mai, as it is home to “some of Thailand’s greatest cultural treasures” and boasts “a more laid-back atmosphere than Bangkok’s”. The magazine also recommends that visitors admire the “traditional crafts at the Bo Sang Umbrella Factory” and get “lost in the magic of the Night Bazaar.” These are just some of the attractions that have led to the city winning many Thailand Tourism Awards.