The Kingdom of Thailand is a notoriously beautiful country, full of sprawling national parks, lengthy golden coastlines and over fourteen hundred islands. A firm favourite with many a traveller is the ‘Capital in the North’ Chiang Mai, which, despite being 900 kilometres from the nearest beach resort, famously captures the hearts of visitors, for what it lacks in sand it makes up for in lush green scenery.

Sat between mountain ranges and jungle, the medieval city is laden with stunning architecture and is surrounded by alluring natural sights that keep both international and domestic travellers coming back time after time. Waterfalls, mountain peaks and hot springs aside, Lucie Grace lists the most beautiful places to visit in the city centre.

The origins of Chiang Mai’s most magical Wat – which is Thai for ‘temple’ – are shrouded in mystery. Some say the ancient Lanna King Kuena would stop here to feed and water his elephant on the way up the Suthep mountainside. Others claim it’s a 20th century addition to the city’s portfolio of holy sites. Either way, Wat Pha Lat, nestled in the forest half way up a mountain, is completely picturesque, with stupas and prayer halls set amidst a flourishing garden and waterfall; flowers and shrubs framing the statues of Lord Buddha that gaze down across the city below.

This teak wood treasure is Chiang Mai’s most stunning boutique hotel; its ornate gingerbread-house eaves and pastel hues stand out as the prettiest sight in the Old City walls – you’d be forgiven for believing you’d wandered into a fairytale on visiting. The ‘house’ is modelled on the grand colonial houses that were dotted around the region in the 19th century, but it is actually very modern and luxurious. All 30+ rooms have a freestanding Victorian bathtub and 13 of the suites come with a private pool, as well as the swish communal swimming pool above reception.

Incredibly popular with the city’s young professionals and students, this huge café spans across an idyllic garden, with rolling lawns around a vast pond that’s covered in water lilies. You select your own grazing area here, setting up a deck chair or blanket under a tree or on one of the grassy knolls to enjoy a great coffee, or perhaps some banana bread or cheesecake from their snack menu.

There is no shortage of magnificent temples in Chiang Mai, but the gleaming gold Wat Phra Sing manages to stand out as the largest and certainly one of the most attractive in the city. 'The Monastery of the Lion Buddha' was built in 1345 to house King Kham Fu’s ashes and its gilded hall is decorated with murals of everyday life. Here you’ll find the revered golden statue of Phra Buddha Sihing.

With an almost secret entrance, tucked away in the back of a tea shop, this colourful cafe sits on the banks of the Ping River, the city’s historical link to the south of the country. It’s not just the setting that impresses though, the interior is an explosion of chintzy textiles, pillows and patterns and the tea list is as extensive as any you’d find in China. For an Alice in Wonderland inspired outing, order the Afternoon Tea Set, a modern twist on the classic multi-layered presentation.

Undisputedly one of Chiang Mai’s top five restaurants, B Samcook is a treat for all the senses. Yes, the creative flavour pairings of Chef Boy’s tasting menu are absolutely delicious, but they’re beautifully presented too, with each plate looking like a little piece of artwork – think brush strokes of sauces and flower topped delicacies. The restaurant itself is also a pretty picture, a peaceful open space with water features and plants making the vibe light and fresh.

Fern Forest is a gem of a café; established in 2003 and sat in a renovated traditional Thai house and its Babylon-esque patio garden. If the namesake ferns and koi-carp pond don’t win you over, the extensive cakes and baked goods surely will – they’re the most beautifully presented treats in town. Our picks are the Passion Fruit Cheesecake, Chocolate Lava Cake or the Flowery Berry Pancakes that are absolutely covered in fruit and flowers, genuinely making this dish look too good to eat.

The city’s most luxurious stay is a sprawling riverside branch of Thailand’s Anantara chain of hotels. More spacious and zen than its other urban counterparts, the Chiang Mai outpost is a moment of calm in the city, full of wow factor from the moment you walk in. Expect clean, crisp architecture largely built from wood and other organic materials, around an elegant centrepiece – a 101 year old heritage property, the former British Consulate, which now hosts the hotel’s bar.

Chai is an atmospheric corner haunt where bar meets restaurant meets vintage shop. Overlooking the South Gate entrance to the Old City, it’s a bustling spot and one of the most aesthetically pleasing places to spend an evening sipping cocktails thanks to its retro interior, full of antiques and treasures of days gone by. There’s live music on weekend evenings too, so pop by, sway along and feel transported to the 1970s.

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