Chiang Mai is the Rose of the North, an ancient moated city as clean and easy as Bangkok is gritty and rushed. On the nearby mountain are a spectacular temple and a royal palace surrounded by peaceful gardens. My favorite spot for meditation is not the lavish red and gold temple but a stand of tall bamboo in the royal garden. One Thai freind suggested I go there to "think about nothing and walk very, very, very slowly."
For more about the mountain, go to http://www.thaiguidetothailand.com/thailand-attractions/phuping-palace-royal-residence-chiang-mai/