The Asian elephant is as much a symbol of Chiang Mai as it is Thailand. For an opportunity to bathe, feed or walk with elephants, look for an ethical sanctuary that prioritises the animals’ wellbeing. For example, The Elephant Nature Park, established in the 1990s, offers visitors meaningful interactions with these gentle giants and a deeper understanding of their plight.

Northern Thai food is in a league of its own. You’ll find the city’s signature dish, khao soi – a hearty curry typically made with beef or chicken and egg noodles – everywhere, but don’t overlook other specialities like gaeng hang lay (pork belly curry), tam khanun (spicy jackfruit salad), sai ua (northern sausage) or kai jeow mod dang (omelettes dotted with ant eggs). After all, eating is one of the top things to do in Chiang Mai.

Whether it’s Songkran, the water-soaked Thai New Year, or the colourful winter flower festival, this is the place to be for major celebrations. Topping the list? Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Usually taking place in November, locals release thousands of glowing lanterns into the night sky to welcome the end of the monsoon season.

Surrounded by lush mountains, the city is a playground for trekkers. If you have to choose just one, take the 1.6-kilometre-long Monk’s Trail, starting near Chiang Mai University, through the jungle to reach serene Wat Pha Lat and its neighbouring waterfall. Continue up the mountain to explore the gleaming Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – an exquisite example of Lanna architecture that’s among Chiang Mai’s top points of interest.

This northern Thai city is one of the world’s best destinations for café culture – you can’t walk a block without finding a fantastic local roaster or quaint coffee shop. Start in the Old City at the flagship Akha Ama, which flies the flag for fair-trade beans grown by indigenous farmers. Then explore the many cafes selling specialty Thai beans, creative coffee mocktails and delicious lattes with impressive barista art.

If you’re comfortable on two wheels, rent a Royal Enfield from a reputable operator and trace the Samoeng Loop. This 100-kilometre daytrip passes a few of the best attractions in the Chiang Mai province, like the Mon Jam viewpoint and Mae Sa waterfall. Alternatively, rent a car to visit stunning Doi Ang Khang mountain on the Myanmar border or Doi Chiang Dao peak, which is speckled with hot springs and waterfalls.

Be sure to pack an extra suitcase for your Chiang Mai holiday. The city’s famed weekend ‘walking streets’ see whole roads taken over by vendors selling everything from handicrafts to custom art, clothes, textiles and ceramics. You’ll also want to check out the vibrant night bazaar, farmer’s markets and hip craft villages to snap up high-quality souvenirs and gifts.

Dating back to the 13th century, the Lanna Kingdom ruled northern Thailand for several centuries. Still today, you can see its deep influence in many landmarks, such as the ruins of 14th-century Wat Chedi Luang and the old city’s famous Thapae Gate. Lanna culture permeates many other traditions, too: try tok sen, a northern Thai massage incorporating a small wooden hammer, and khantoke, a traditional dinner accompanied by music and dance.

Head over heels for khao soi? Learn how to make it at home with a cooking class. Many cooking schools start with a morning visit to a local market, then dive into classic dishes like papaya salad, khao soi and tom yum. Others hold immersive lessons on local farms or teach you how to make dishes native to the Akha hilltribe, who live in northern Thailand, as well as China, Vietnam and other parts of the region.

Music lovers will be spoiled for choice, thanks to the city’s robust performance scene. From venues with live jam sessions to slick jazz bars, vinyl playlists and DJ sets, you’ll find nothing but rhythm on a Chiang Mai holiday. You’ll also be spoiled for choice when it comes to cocktail bars and local craft beer, with several convivial options peppered across town.