Escape back to nature during Chiang Mai's green season

Travellers tend to overlook some destinations during monsoon season, however this is when Chiang Mai and its surrounding mountains are at their most stunning. The period from late May to October is known in the north as "Green Season" when Chiang Mai’s air is pristine, forests rejuvenate after the hot summer heat, waterfalls refill with fresh rainwater and rice paddies blanket the countryside in a sea of bright green — all perfect day trips while staying at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.

Doi Inthanon

Topping the list is a scenic drive to one of Thailand’s most popular national parks, Doi Inthanon. Located 70 kilometres southwest from the city centre, Doi Inthanon, known as "The Roof of Thailand", is famous for its walking trails, beautiful waterfalls, remote villages, and spectacular viewpoints. The park is part of the Himalayan mountain range and Doi Inthanon Mountain is the highest mountain in Thailand, picture perfect for stunning sunrise and sunset photos.

The foot of Doi Inthanon is home to a number of small Karen villages, many with stunning terraced rice paddy fields — the most photogenic being Ban Pa Pong Piang. Harvesting of the terraces begins in October when the green colours of the countryside are transformed into fields of gold.

Doi Suthep 

For time-strapped visitors looking to get back to nature closer to the city centre, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is located only a few kilometres northwest of Chiang Mai City. The most popular activities include visiting Doi Suthep Temple founded in the 14th century with its uninterrupted views of the city centre and surrounding areas. A number of stunning waterfalls are also located around the national park with the two most popular being the nine-tiered Montha Than Waterfall and the 10-tiered Mae Sa Waterfall.

Spa and Café Culture 

When afternoon rain arrives, Green Season presents the perfect opportunity to embrace Chiang Mai's renowned wellness culture and thriving café scene. The city's distinctive spa retreats each offer unique experiences: Makkha Health & Spa enchants visitors with its authentic 60-year-old teak wooden houses surrounded by shady gardens and the gentle sounds of waterfalls, whilst Sense Gardenrecreates Northern Thailand's countryside atmosphere complete with a miniature rice field setting. Calm Massage and Spa blends contemporary Lanna design with indigo tones and local fabrics for a naturally calming experience, and Oasis Spa provides an exotic sanctuary featuring teak wood walkways, private outdoor showers, and individual treatment villas nestled among lush plants. 

Anantara Spa offers an elevated wellness experience for resort guests, drawing on indigenous Lanna healing traditions that combine ancient massage techniques with local herbs to deliver deep therapeutic benefits that truly immerse guests in the destination's cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, Chiang Mai's celebrated café culture blooms with exceptional establishments like GRAPH Café and The Baristro, which boasts multiple branches each with distinct character — including The Baristo’s scenic Ping River location to their Asian-style venue with Japanese zen influences.

Hot Air Balloon and River Cruises 

For a bird’s eye view of the lush green city Anantara Chiang Mai Resort is also offering tranquil early morning hot air balloon rides and for the more adventurous, helicopter tours above the glittering temples and serpentine bends of the Mae Ping River. For those seeking a different perspective during gentle rainfall, Jao Ping River Cruise offers dinner cruises and afternoon tea along the historic waterway.

After working up an appetite from hiking, fresh air, and green Instagrammable moments, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort rewards guests with the city’s most unique outdoor dining experiences under the resort's 300-year-old Bodhi tree by the picturesque Ping River or at the Michelin-plated 100-year-old former British Consulate, The Service at 1921 House. Both serve up contemporary cocktails and the city’s best traditional northern Thai specialities.