Nature lovers can enjoy some quality time amongst the gentle giants at the Elephant Nature Park, where the inhabitants have been rescued from logging camps and tourist shows. Here you can help bathe the incredible creatures, as well as watch delighted calves playing in the mud. Observe in amazement the care and compassion that these mammals show for each other within the herd and tick this memorable experience off your bucket list.

You can also connect with nature at the Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls and witness the amazing phenomenon that allows you to grip the rocks and climb smoothly up the face of the falls. This is a result of a high level of calcium in the water and provides a perfect paradise in which to cool off, essential in the balmy climate of Thailand.

If you’re feeling active, scale the 306-step journey up to the Buddhist temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Arguably the most famous temple in the area, two bejewelled serpents flank the length of the staircase and the temple itself looks out from a hilltop throne across stunning views of the city.

For an authentic experience that will allow you to explore like a local, Talat Warorot is a must-see. Chiang Mai’s oldest public market teems with everything from essential everyday items, to the quirkiest souvenirs. This also leads on to an impressive flower market where you can try your luck haggling with sellers or simply take in the splendid sights before you.

If you’re seeking a cultural experience, the impressive Lanna Folklife Museum, documenting the ‘Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields’ that dominated northern Thailand centuries ago, is an ideal place to visit. Here you can enrich your historical knowledge and survey life-size recreations of ancient villages, as well as learn about local pastimes and pottery.

When you’ve worked up a thirst with all of your exploring, why not head to the Riverside Bar and Restaurant? This curious watering hole started out as a shack on the side of the Ping River over 30 years ago and now plays host to live music, craft beers and a huge selection of cocktails.

Chiang Mai enjoys a tropical climate like the rest of Thailand, where temperatures range from the low 20s to mid-30s. Chiang Mai sees most of its rainfall between the months of June to September, and the hottest month of the year tends to be April. The ideal time to visit the city is in December, when the daily hours of sunshine are at their highest, and temperatures average around 20°C.