Travel icon: Chiang Mai

This year's Flower Festival coincides with a key religious celebration and a full moon – a fine time to visit the glittering temples and local cultures of northern Thailand

Head to the hills and find a sweeter (smelling) side to Thai culture in the fresh blooms of this city of temples

Get orientated

The ‘Rose of the North’ is aptly named. Hundreds of sweetscented Thai blooms adorn the streets of Chiang Mai every February as the northern city comes together to celebrate its annual colourful Flower Festival (7-9 Feb 2020).

But fresh flowers won’t be the only thing to catch your nose this month. Magha Puja, the important religious festival that honours Buddha, coincides and falls on the full moon (9-10 Feb). In the evening, Buddhists take part in candle-lit processions, then head to Thai temples to pray and meditate.

Temples aren’t hard to come by in this lush corner of the north – the city streets are lined with almost as many as bustling Bangkok, despite being a fraction of the size. Indeed, wats are so plentiful that they break out of the city walls and spread out into the mountains; Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, for example, is framed by hills and waterfalls – and often fog.

Away from the chanting monks, there’s still plenty to do this season: explore markets with handicrafts made by the local Lanna people, cycle around the lush green countryside or trek to visit the hill tribes – including the Hmong and the Karen.

Getting there & around

Qatar Airways flies from London Gatwick to Chiang Mai via Doha (shortest journey time is around 14 hours; from £511 return).

The visit

A stroll around Chiang Mai is impossible without hopping around its cluster of temples. These golden wats are hard to resist, offering centuries of history and a sanctuary from the city’s heat. Find peace inside Wat Pan Waen’s tree-lined compound, admire the colourful lanterns of Wat Phan Tao or step back in time to the 19th century with the intricate murals of Chiang Mai’s largest temple, Wat Phra Sing.

Then take a step forward into the real world by visiting Warorot market – also known as little Chinatown – where you can taste local delicacies and admire traditional crafts that are often cheaper than what you’d find at the Night Bazaar. You should still swing by that too, though, even if it’s just for the tantalising atmosphere, people and live music. Or dine at Talat Pratu market instead, relishing some of the best northern Thai street food around.

Finish up with a trip to the Lanna Folklife Museum to see how their culture has evolved over the 700 years they've called Chiang Mai home. Inspect tribal costumes and traditional arts, before heading out of the city to observe the hill tribes’ way of life; one, blessedly switched off from modern life. You might find you enjoy the change of pace.

A SHORT WALK

Chiang Mai

Often called the 'Rose of the North', Chiang Mai boasts an exquisite location, circled by mountains. The city may be brimming with stylish boutique hotels and trendy restaurants, but the rich green countryside and relatively relaxed, slow pace of life here brings a more peaceful atmosphere than Thailand’s capital city. Chiang Mai thrives on its crafts trade, as seen in the wide range sold at Warorot Market and the Night Bazaar. This walk takes in its wats and historic sites, though be sure to also check out its bustling markets and lively nightlife as part of your visit.

Flower power Visit the Ratchaphruek flower gardens during the flower festival to admire its floral exhibitions