Places 7

Phuket town (as opposed to the beach areas) was
laid back and full of different cultures (thus food) owing to its history.
So much great street art that it was a lot of fun
looking for them all.

Places 6

Recommend staying in a non touristic Hutong when in Beijing

 for a surprisingly quiet and peaceful experience.

The residents still use centralized communal bathrooms.

So much history there, will require many visits to see even a little.

Felt much more welcomed here versus Shanghai.

Places 5

I really liked the climate in Chiang Mai.

Never thought it could get that cool overnight in Thailand.

However I didn't like how the old city has evolved to cater to its large

expat community.  Too flowery and showy for me.

Felt that the Thai culture has been lost in the aim to grow business.

People do what they have to do to provide for their families.

Just one of many examples around the world where 

travellers have changed the places they frequent

in their search for cheaper places to exist.