Catch your breath among Thailand’s leafy ‘skyscrapers’. Unclench your shoulders under the skilful hands of a masseuse. Take in the rich aromas and colours of the city’s ubiquitous markets. And sleep soundly under its starlit skies. Deborah Erwin tours this eco-holiday spot.

Unlike Bangkok and Phuket, Chiang Mai is a culture and nature centric city that offers much more than bargain-friendly shopping. Like other South East Asian hubs, it flaunts an array of fabric, pottery and silverware shops that display intricate and skilful handiwork. However, this Northern city is also steeped in a rich and well-respected spiritual tradition with as many wats (temples) as there are 7-Elevens in Hong Kong. Apart from religion, but just as devoutly venerated, is Thailand’s 82 year old king (King Bhumibol Adulyadej). Various posters of him decorate the roads, appearing about every 50 metres. Note that speaking ill of him is not only considered bad manners but sacrilegious and treason (punishable by law). Monks of all ages are also deeply revered.