Chiang Mai

Thailand’s second city, gateway to soft adventure in the lush North and jumping off point for biking, rafting, hiking to hill tribe villages and more. It’s home to many elephant camps – choose an ethically accredited one and become a mahout for the day! They say Chiang Mai has a temple for every day of the year.

Tour them on a cyclo ride or get up with the sun and give alms to the saffron-clad Buddhist monks streaming from the famous hilltop Doi Suthep. The city also has one of the best night markets in Thailand. You can buy quality handicrafts here, or in outlying villages that specialise in pottery, painted parasols and more.

Fancy learning a new skill? Try cooking, massage and meditation classes.