Tamarind Village

In a casual pavilion decorated with colourful prints, Ruen Tamarind restaurant is entirely Thai-focused (except for the French house wine) with menu items like deep-fried bamboo shoots stuffed with minced pork, chilli and lemongrass. Just across the garden, you'll find a large pool and small spa where every treatment begins with a foot soak of Himalayan salt, lime and lemongrass. The side entrance is part open-air art gallery, which leads to courtyards dotted with orchids and patios studded with vintage couches and hot pink cushions. The boutique has a lovely selection of scarves, jewellery and decor.

Set around well-kept garden courtyards, the rooms are simply tasteful with a king-size bed, air-con, TV and small fridge. Paying homage to Lanna history, the rooms feature bold fabrics, woven rugs and hand-made lacquer boxes. Understated black-and-white photos decorate the walls, terracotta tiles line the floors, and the bathrooms have a deep tub, wide mirrors and black marble basins. Some rooms come with a balcony and the larger suites have a separate sitting area with antique furnishings. The Spa Suites have a private entrance, large terrace with a sunbed and outdoor shower.

In a city that was only accessible by elephant or river until the 30s, there is an endless supply of ornate, hilltop temples and markets crammed with every textile, trinket and Thai street food you could buy. For an action-packed evening, catch a live Muay Thai boxing fight! Outside the city limits, natural beauty abounds. Journey to Huay Tung Tao for a swim in the lake, zip through rainforest canopies or visit the Elephant Nature Park to feed, bathe and walk with the pachyderms.