137 Pillars House

Surrounded by courtyards with grand wooden doors, the 19th-century teak residence sits in a garden filled with birds of paradise flowers. Inside is Jack Bain's Bar, built in the style of an old-school lounge complete with purple velvet chairs and a whisky-forward menu (with cocktails thrown in too). Enjoy Thai staples at The Dining Room plus a buffet breakfast of crab meat omelettes or buttermilk quinoa pancakes; and head to Palette for a more continental selection. Take your Afternoon Tea on the elegant, robin's egg blue sofas of The Parlor or out on the immaculate lawns. Indulge in a sandalwood wrap or an Indian head massage at the spa, or simply enjoy the 35m pool in a hidden, vine-clad corner of the garden.

There are 30 spacious suites decorated in monochrome images of Chiang Mai and elephant motifs. Dominated by a large bed (some four-poster), the air-conditioned rooms have pops of red or teal, a bronzed bar cart, sleek TV unit and espresso machine. The expansive patios have soft, grey furnishings and the en-suite bathrooms come with an elegant dressing area, a shower and freestanding Victorian bathtub. Special mentions to the bright conservatory in the David Fleming Macfie Suites and private pools in the Louis Leonowens Suites.

137 Pillars is just a tuk-tuk ride away from the Old City where you can visit some of the area's 300 temples, including the gold-topped Wat Ket Karam. Hike to the top of Doi Suthep to visit its ancient temple and bask in the mountain-top view. As a smaller edition of Bangkok, the city has its fair share of markets. The intoxicating Night Bazaar is not to be missed and Chiang Mai Gate Market is where you'll find the best street food - think mango sticky rice topped with coconut milk. Head out into the countryside where you'll find the scenic Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls and walk with elephant at the nature park.