The northern province of Chiang Mai, celebrated for its cultural depth, historic continuity and slower pace of life, was ranked among the top ten destinations in Thailand that tourists should visit, according to U.S. News & World Report which also gave the island resort of Phuket high marks in its top ten list for the Kingdom.

“Chiang Mai’s appeal rests on balance. Cultural density, environmental access and manageable scale combine to create a destination that supports both structured itineraries and unplanned exploration,” the magazine’s website said.

The province has long been among the top three destinations favored by visitors to the Kingdom, along with Bangkok and Phuket. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain chain, people are drawn to Chiang Mai’s lush landscapes, cooler temperatures, kaleidoscope of hill tribe peoples, fiery cuisine and established art scene.

And, of course, there is the shopping.

“Markets define the city’s commercial and social rhythm. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar operates as a major node of activity, combining tourism infrastructure with local commerce. Vendors offer food, textiles and crafts in a dense, walkable environment that encourages extended engagement rather than quick transactions. This format reflects broader patterns in Thai market culture while retaining regional specificity,” U.S. News & World Report wrote.

The magazine also raved about other places to visit in the Kingdom, with suggestions covering all of its geographic corners and hailing the diversity of destinations as a strength.

“Thailand rewards curiosity with a range of scenery and attractions. The country moves from misty northern mountains to island chains scattered across warm seas, with dense cities in between that rarely slow down,” the magazine wrote.