Chiang Mai is a very different place from Phuket or any of the islands or Bangkok. There are a lot of expats living there and the University there brings in a lot of intellectuals and other interesting people. I have been there twice and both times had a good time. It doesn't have a very good BG scene, but lots more non-BG bars. Nothing like Patong. No beaches either. But I found it easy to meet TGs there who are not BGs, and never went with a BG when I was there.
All in all, it is very much different from the Patong scene, but I think that you might find it a refreshing change of pace, especially if you know a nice girl there who can show you the city, and the fun things to do. The people of Chiang Mai are a little different from other places. Very friendly, and have a quality which I could only say is more soulful than in Patong or other places I have been. And they do enjoy their Chaang! Also, Chiang Mai is a city of many temples and many monks, and maybe that is why the people seemed more soulful!! The food is good, but not quite as good, because the wonderful seafood is not as available. Except for hotel rooms, everything else is cheaper than Patong or BKK. It is also a center of commerce, which also brings a lot of interesting farangs to the city.
If you've never been there, I think you definitely should check it out. And one other thing I like about it there is that it is much cooler at night than Patong or BKK. That in itself is a refreshing change!
