Thailand can be divided into four culturally and geographically diverse regions. The mountainous north, centered around the old walled city of Chiang Mai, offers trekking, whitewater rafting, elephant riding and the opportunity to meet fascinating hill tribes. The northeastern plateau boasts spectacular Khmer temple architecture and is home to the hospitable Isaan people. The central plains are dominated by Bangkok, the famed “City of Angels", which offers an astonishingly diverse range of shopping opportunities, restaurants and nightlife, as well as magnificent palaces and other fine buildings. Finally the peninsular south of the country has pristine beaches aplenty along the shores of both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.