When planning a short break away, 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 rain water and rice paddies blanket the countryside in a sea of bright green - all perfect day trips while staying at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.
Topping the list is a scenic drive to one of Thailand's most popular national parks, Doi Inthanon. Located 70km 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 sunsets 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 where the green colours of the countryside are transformed into fields of gold.
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 kilometers 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. Several 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.
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.
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 resorts 300-year-old Bodhi tree by the picturesque Ping River or at the Michelin Plated 100-year-old former British Consulate, Service 1921. Both serving up contemporary cocktails and the city's best traditional northern Thai specialties.
Anantara Chiang Mai is offering Thai resident rates from THB 2,800++ per night with longer stay options starting from THB 2,400++ per night. For more information on Anantara Chiang Mai's Green Season tours or to make a reservation for your next escape to the country, contact Anantara Chiang Mai Resort on email chiangmai@anantara.com or telephone 053 253 333