Chiang Mai

Being labelled as Thailand's second largest city does not fully describe Chiang Mai.  Even on a much smaller scale than Bangkok, (about 150,000 vs 6,000,000 in city areas), it is undoubtedly the cultural centre of Thailand following the establishment of Lanna kingdom in 13th century.  I will leave all the (interesting for some, boring for others) details to you to read up more, a lot of it have been written in books and on the internet already.

The old crumbling city fort walls and the moat around it lends a charming 

historical edge to the city.  

There are temples dotted everywhere, some as young as this 158years old teak temple....

.... some as old as this very important 14th century temple, Wat Doi Suthep.  

Unfortunately, there were scaffolding all over the golden chedi (doesn't it reminds you of the ever-present scaffolding at Notre Dame in Paris?)

You will notice that the temple architecture differs from that of Bangkok which is adapted from the Ayuthaya period, its height in the 18th century.  The slopes are more gently sloping, with more pronounced nagas (protective snake-dragon mythical beasts often with, 5 or 7 heads), generally wider and more spacious than its southern brother.  

The top of most houses form an X motif on the roofs, called ka-lae, much like this one (sorry, this isn't the prettiest e.g.).  Personally, I think they look like the heads of moths. 

It is really a pleasant city, everyone goes on a much slower pace, taking time to smile and greet one another.  People are also incredibly honest:  I paid an extra 100baht, because the notes were stuck together and the storekeeper returned it to me.  Of course I did a 'wai' and thanked her!  Many end up staying longer than they expected.  A short 10mins drive out of the city centre, and you'll discover wide acres of lush green countryside, huge trees, balmy breezes, perfect for lazing in your sala  after a light Thai meal, like this one here.  

Cost of living is much lower than in Bangkok, air quality is much better, of course you will not have the excitement and energy of Bangkok, but when you are much older, you need less, all in all,  this might be a good place to retire.  

Bye for now.