ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS

BEST TIME TO GO Chiang Mai’s tropical savanna climate means it has warm to hot weather all year. Temperatures are lower between November and February (around 25˚C during the day). The Loi Krathong festival, which sees Thai people make wishes as they launch small portions of food on rivers and ponds, usually falls in November. Chiang Mai flower festival takes place in early February, with glorious displays of yellow and white chrysanthemums and damask roses.

GETTING THERE Chiang Mai international airport is 3km south-west of the old city. Direct flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai take around 60-70 mins – travelling by train is cheaper but significantly longer (between 12 and 15 hours).

WHAT TO PACK The countryside around Chiang Mai is mountainous, so bring hiking boots and plenty of mosquito repellent.

WHAT TO BRING BACK Don’t buy Buddhist statues to take home and gather dust: these are religious artefacts and many Thai people consider such irreverence disrespectful. Instead, take one of the many local cooking courses, some out at local farms, and bring back a skill for making tom yum soup or sai ua (a type of sausage).