What other cities are like Chiang Mai?

[puukao]

I want to take a trip to China and curious if ChengDu (bigger city) is anything like CM, or perhaps Lijiang? I've only briefly been to both Beijing and Shanghai. I am also curious about cities in Korea that might resemble CM. Before I ruffle any feathers, let's say CM is #1 and I simply want to do some traveling outside of Thailand. I like the mountain ranges, the fact that it doesn't get too cold, and roads are pretty good for a road bike. I am open to any part of the world, but my next trip will likely be within Asia. I plan on leaving in a few months, so I have time.

google is my friend, and can help with some things; however, i thought i would ask the world-traveling experts!!!!

[2020]

Chiang Rai is like Chiang Mai, but with an 'R' instead of an 'M'.

Oh wait, there is a city in China that looks like an English town, even with red phone boxes and a large church! Thames Town it is, near Shanghai. Apart from that I don't really know of any cities that resemble other cities, especially bigger cities resembling smaller cities. I mean, they all sort of look the same, but different.

Do people really travel to see places that look like where they are? Call me silly, but when I lived on a tropical island, met my wife and got married did we go to a tropical island for a honeymoon? No, Hong Kong shopping and eat and drinking and more shopping bla bla bla.

Part of me is actually envious here, but what I am saying is you have said what you want to do, what you like about the area, you're open to any part of the world but will probably choose Asia.....so have no fear and just ride into the unknown and you'll have will have a blast. And if it is like here then I'd be dissapointed!

Check the weather before you go. Buy a decent map not a gps. If it gets cold buy a jacket but apart from that on a motorbike when its hot you're hot, when its cold you're cold, when its wet you're wet etc etc.

[LawrenceChee]

Try hangzhou and also Lijiang ...chengdu is also a great choice ...all are relaxing cities and lots of opportunities there to meet some fantastic locals

If you like tea ...Lijiang and hangzhou are tea lovers paradise

[puukao]

I have been to CR. Also spent time in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Europe, about all of USA, etc.... I liked CR.

Let me be a little more clear.....i would like to take my road bike and ride around the city and up some mountains near by where the roads are good and not crazy traffic or weather. I just like the Asian culture. I'm sure some will say Japan, and I agree I must go (besides Tokyo airport).....and I will someday.

[WorkingTourist]

How long a trip are you planning? Do you want to see multiple places?

If you like a good climate, temples, mountains, and well preserved old cities, then the Yunnan province is definitely a good option. Though I would recommend Dali City over Lijiang, but they are not too far from each other, so you can visit both. If you leave from Chiang Mai, take a plane to Kunming, stay for a few days, as this is also a nice city, but not much ancient feel to it, see the local attractions (like the stone forest), and then go to Dali City, from where you can go to Lijiang.

Be aware that Dali City is split into a new and old city, which are quite far apart. You want to be near/in the old one. The new one is west of the old and the one with the train station.

For Lijiang, here there is both the Shuhe Ancient Town and the Old Town, the former is north of the latter, and I recommend staying in the former and then go visit the latter, as the latter, while very picturesque, to me at least, had a bit of a hollow touristy feel to it.

Though for your original question about what cities are like CM, Penang is probably where I felt most as I feel in CM. Lots of food, very friendly people, you can go to the botanical gardens or mountain to escape the city, there are well preserved historic buildings, etc. I highly recommend visiting the Spice Garden there (if you are into food and/or history). But I think Penang is probably less interesting as “going on a vacation” (when you live in CM), as implied, it’s a bit like CM, but with more ethnic groups and a bit of a colonial feel to it.

[puukao]

Try hangzhou and also Lijiang ...chengdu is also a great choice ...all are relaxing cities and lots of opportunities there to meet some fantastic locals

If you like tea ...Lijiang and hangzhou are tea lovers paradise

I really enjoy tea, but hard to find good tea in CM. It's interesting you call Chengdu "relaxing", as I thought there was tons of traffic; however, this is exactly why i posed the question.

[puukao]

How long a trip are you planning? Do you want to see multiple places?

If you like a good climate, temples, mountains, and well preserved old cities, then the Yunnan province is definitely a good option. Though I would recommend Dali City over Lijiang, but they are not too far from each other, so you can visit both. If you leave from Chiang Mai, take a plane to Kunming, stay for a few days, as this is also a nice city, but not much ancient feel to it, see the local attractions (like the stone forest), and then go to Dali City, from where you can go to Lijiang.

Be aware that Dali City is split into a new and old city, which are quite far apart. You want to be near/in the old one. The new one is west of the old and the one with the train station.

For Lijiang, here there is both the Shuhe Ancient Town and the Old Town, the former is north of the latter, and I recommend staying in the former and then go visit the latter, as the latter, while very picturesque, to me at least, had a bit of a hollow touristy feel to it.

Though for your original question about what cities are like CM, Penang is probably where I felt most as I feel in CM. Lots of food, very friendly people, you can go to the botanical gardens or mountain to escape the city, there are well preserved historic buildings, etc. I highly recommend visiting the Spice Garden there (if you are into food and/or history). But I think Penang is probably less interesting as “going on a vacation” (when you live in CM), as implied, it’s a bit like CM, but with more ethnic groups and a bit of a colonial feel to it.

Not sure how long I plan to go, which does sound strange. Let's say 3 months. If I decide taking my road bike isn't the best idea (as Buddha sort of says I think, "get rid of attachments for happiness") then I would like to travel. I have heard great things about both Dali City and Lijang. I'm serious when I say I can handle 3000 meters in elevation all year (I've done it before), so even if Lijang takes you to higher elevations that isn't a problem (save Tibet or extended periods above 3800 meters). Penang will be researched, tks.

[LawrenceChee]

The beauty of all towns there is once you step off the tourist streets the locals are very hospitable and very very much ini sharing their local places

I like chengdu for the pandas and the forests there ...lots there out of the tourist strip and busy cities ....

[vagabond48]

Not sure how long I plan to go, which does sound strange. Let's say 3 months. If I decide taking my road bike isn't the best idea (as Buddha sort of says I think, "get rid of attachments for happiness") then I would like to travel. I have heard great things about both Dali City and Lijang. I'm serious when I say I can handle 3000 meters in elevation all year (I've done it before), so even if Lijang takes you to higher elevations that isn't a problem (save Tibet or extended periods above 3800 meters). Penang will be researched, tks.

I went to China over 4 years ago. When I got to Kunming, I bought a 16" Dahon 3 speed. I was pretty strong back then and rode with the bicycle club everywhere on it. I took it to Dali and Lijiang. It folds up in nice bag which you can take on the train and bus for free. It is your own personal tuk tuk.

That's me in Chengdu leave the hostel.

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

People seem to say Taiwan is best in Asia for cycling.

Have to go more in the middle of the island.

Everyone's photos I see look amazing.

Not that expensive and lots of bike lanes and cycling culture.

Some epic climbs also.