Spoil your mum in CNX this Mother's Day

Yes it’s a classic move but you can’t go wrong with treating her to a day of pampering and recuperation and we certainly aren’t short of incredible spas in Chiang Mai. One of the newest openings in town and undoubtedly the most regal is Sense Dhara Dhevi Wellness Club. Built in the former royal suite of the Dhara Dhevi hotel, it’s ornate to the point of palatiality. The treatments and packages are next level but it’s the onsen pools we particularly love; dotted around the sprawling pond, their lavish setting steals the show. You can also drink wine from the pool itself, perfect for those mums who love a bit of heady wellness too. 

If you’re looking for something more central, Fah Lanna Spa’s Old City branch offers special occasion finesse. Their packages and add ons like the milk bath or steam room are unbeatable.

Sense Dhara Dhevi Wellness Club starts at B600 for a thermal day-pass, spa treatments priced separately. 11am-8pm

Fah Lanna Spa is priced per package, starting at B2,000 for something mother-worthy. 12pm-9pm

As strong advocates of a hearty brunch, we reckon heading to one of the best brunch spots in town is the best way to start any Mother’s day. 

An Old City haunt that’s our current fave is Kati Breakfast and Brunch, whose waffles or chunky sourdough offerings are a cut above the rest. Sun Ray’s Cafe is super mum friendly (or is that super-mum friendly?), the quaint decor and signature french toast that’s piled up with fruit is worth the wait but the queues are minimal this month as we’re off peak. 

And of course classy affair Fern Forest Cafe is always the move, particularly if your matriarch is of the sweet toothed variety – the city’s cakes don’t get any better.

Kati Breakfast and Brunch, Ratchadamnoen Road. 7.30am-3pm

Sun Ray’s Cafe, Samlan Road, Soi 1. 8am-5pm

Fern Forest Cafe, Singharat Road. 8am-8pm

Your mum probably took you to museums as a kid so it’s time to return the favour and Chiang Mai has the goods on this front. If your Mother’s day happens to happen before or after Wednesday, take her to the Old City’s Fahlanna Art Museum – a relatively new space that’s a love letter to local culture, packed with artisanary, art and design. 

If you prefer to stick to Wednesday, then head Nimman way and pop into Suvannabhumi Art Gallery, with its exciting collection of traditional and contemporary art pieces by Thai, Burmese and international artists. Then pop down to Soi 17 and imbibe in more arty work at Gallery Seescape before ordering some well deserved cake and coffee at their neighbouring cafe, Day by Day. 

For mums who are a little more selective, there are a plethora of great art exhibitions in Chiang Mai this month but it’s the new show at MAIIAM that takes the biscuit. ‘BLACK: Vibrant Multiple Light’ is well worth the pilgrimage drive to as the institution has put together a deep dive of their own collection, bringing together more than 39 Thai and international artists across painting, sculpture, photography, moving image and installation, all reflecting co-founder Jean-Michel Beurdeley's personal collecting eye and the philosophy that shaped MAIIAM's permanent holdings. 

Fahlanna Art Museum, Wiang Kaew Road, Old City. 10am-7pm (closed Wednesday) 

Suvannabhumi Art Gallery, 3 Huay Kaew Road. 10am-7pm (closed Monday)

Gallery Seescape, Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 17. 10am-5pm (closed Monday)

MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, Moo 7, Tanpao, Sankampang Road. 10am-6pm (closed Tues-Wed)

If your mother lives or vacays in Chiang Mai she’s probably into walking, hiking or marvelling at the natural wonder that surrounds the city, let’s be real. 

There are some brilliant day trips around Chiang Mai’s rural suburbs and outskirts. From scenic mountain top cafes, valleys of waterfalls to rolling rice paddies – we’ve got some of Thailand’s favourite destinations on our doorstep – all great places to reconnect with nature in ways that aren’t ostentatiously over done. Our favourite is Mon Jam – sure, it’s a popular choice, but the sweeping views of the terraced hillsides make our jaws drop every time. Make it more meaningful with a detour to Rao Dok Lom Nhao community garden, where tall blooms of purple and pinks surround a viewing platform with a simply sublime view of the rolling mountains beyond. Mon Jam’s mountain community is also awash with little cafes and strawberry farms to dive into for refreshments any time you feel the urge.

Mon Jam, Mae Rim. 7am-8pm

Rao Dok Lom Nhao, next to Mon Jam. 7am-6pm

This year our favourite hotels in the city are going all out to celebrate your mother.

Meliá Chiang Mai Hotel are taking bookings for their specially crafted à la carte menu inspired by Mediterranean flavours, available from August 11-16. 

Oxygen Dining Room is putting on the works on Mother’s day itself (12 August), with a particular focus on seafood – grilled river prawns, stuffed squid and pan-seared Hokkaido scallop. 

Shangri-La Chiang Mai Hotel has a posh brunch in the works, with seafood on ice, an extensive BBQ selection, chef's carving station, and loads of sushi also on 12 August. While, InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping is the spot for lunch, with a daytime buffet of delectable Thai and international cuisines.

And you’ve got two options at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort on August 12: dine at the Bodhi Terrace or The Service at 1921 House and receive a complimentary signature dessert, thoughtfully crafted by our favourite Executive Chef, Chef Sai.