There are some more commercial areas of Chiang Mai, but a significant portion of the city is made up of little roads (Soi) like these. They are dotted with guesthouses, restaurants, bars, etc. It's possible to rent a room in a guesthouse here for less than 5000 baht/month (less than $200). It's a very popular area with backpackers and other alternative types of travelers, which suits me perfectly.
Vegetarian food was plentiful here. Happy Cow lists 49 veg-friendly choices in Chiang Mai, but there were so many more, and they're silly cheap! Aloo gobi with rice at the night market was less than $2. And it was good!
The most expensive thing on this menu is slightly over $2.50, and these prices are on the expensive side. If you've got the time, it's totally possible to take a long break here and live well without going broke :)
No matter where I go, I'm always on the lookout for Vespas. Somehow though, they're never as romantic outside of Italy.
Chiang Mai has around 300 Buddhist temples. I didn't see nearly as many as I would've liked, but I did visit a handful of temples, and I will post separately about them.
Elephants are very prominent in Thai culture, and especially Thai Buddhism. There is a lot of elephant imagery in art, sculpture, and decor.