Survived Songkran? Here’s where to recover in Chiang Mai

'Disconnect to reconnect' at the Buri Dhara Spa, hidden quite quietly inside the minimal Lanna boutique hotel, Burirattana. The focus is all on the aroma –  scents native to this beautiful city like long khaw for its rice fragrance and the subtle coconut notes that many Thai desserts are known for.

But we’re here for recovery.  A variety of rejuvenative programmes spread the menu, each setting different intentions for your body. 'Rebalance' programmes submerge you in floral and herbal baths, 'reactivate' facial scrubs will leave your skin looking anew. Or go the full mile with a 'rebuild' programme that will fix you from inside out – or something like that.. Either way, let the team take care of your needs and knead out those knots from gripping heavy water buckets and leave a new, more refreshed version of yourself. 

115 Prasingh Muang Chiang Mai. Book here or call 063 004 7089. Open 10am-10pm

If you like the idea of a spa, here are ten more that might suit your fancy.

What better way to reset from the chaos than escaping into the pages of a good book? The perfect place to do this is at the Alphabet BookCafe, where time slows down and you enter a peaceful world of like-minded individuals. The walls are lined with books in both English and Thai and they also have good coffee and a solid drinks menu to pair with your read of the day. If you're looking for a particular book and can't find it, the friendly staff may even order it in for you if you’re lucky, but plan ahead in this case as recovery waits for no author.

Feeling-wise, the setting of the cafe lends itself to calm by design – soft lighting, plenty of lounge space to lean back and read and an atmosphere that feels like a friend's house. Here, lounging is not an option, it’s required. 

928 Tambon Tha Sala, Muang Chiang Mai. Open 10am-8pm

A list of recovery spots in Chiang Mai can't be complete without mentioning The Cocoon.  A popular hangout for popular people, it has everything you need for a full-body reset from rejuvenating ice baths to herbal steams, plus a pool and dry sauna that will keep you occupied for the entire day. The atmosphere is what sets this spot apart – thatched rounded huts, sprawling greenery and overhanging palm trees, outdoor sun beds and a pool in the middle that truly makes you feel like you're not in the city at all, but on some kind of beach getaway. They also host a schedule of community-focused events like drum circles and yoga classes for those looking to challenge their bodies in a warm, friendly environment.

167, 3, Nam Phrae, Hang Dong. For more information contact 097 257 2325. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 12pm-7pm

Flush away the remnants of those bucket cocktails by picking up a cup of warm matcha at the Japanese cafe Magokoro Teahouse. This spot goes all in on the green stuff, sourcing directly from Kyoto and a team of experts on hand to craft your lattes and guide you through Japanese tea ceremonies with ease. The indoor section has a matted floor-seating area that makes you feel like you've been transported to Japan – and with an amazing matcha in hand, you might as well be. Although it sits in the middle of the city just off a busy road, the surrounding nature and trees make it feel like a quiet seclusion. Don't skip the desserts: delicate cheesecakes and matcha Swiss rolls really hit the spot.

191/1 Sridonchai Road, Chang Khlan. Open 10am-9pm

This one’s a little further out of the city, but makes for a perfect contrast to everything you've been doing this Songkran. Simply sit in the peaceful garden setting and sip on locally grown tea or, better yet, go all in on a workshop and tour – and you'll want to. The tea tour takes you into the garden itself, woven basket on your back, to learn how the leaves are grown and pick them yourself. You can even extend into a session on transforming those leaves into tea. A full day in nature that will give you a new sense of calm and may even convince you that your true calling is not in front of a desk, but tea farming in Mae Taeng.

87 moo1, Ban Chang, Mae Taeng. For more information or to book click here or call 097 286 1230. Open 8am-5pm

Sometimes pizza is the answer to all your troubles – it's international comfort food for a reason, and Adirak Pizza takes it seriously. Around for over 10 years, it's been a local favourite for years, and for good reason. This is where you go for reliable, Neapolitan-style pizza with toppings that keep things interesting. Our recovery favourites include the 20-month aged prosciutto di Parma with fresh basil, and a creamy house-made stracciatella paired with a kale, apple and pecan salad for a burst of freshness and some much-needed vitamins. Don't skimp on dessert either – a decadent lemon curd with torched meringue on top is the perfect finish.

Multiple locations, more information here. Open 11am-10pm

An unassuming contemporary art gallery hidden inside a colonial house, La Luna makes excellent use of its city-centre location as a hub for creatives working in textiles, handicrafts and Lanna arts. Heal your soul by escaping into this gallery, which will leave you feeling inspired and connected to Lanna culture. It hosts over 15 artists from six countries across Asia and invites you to explore the continuous evolution of contemporary Asian art. With a mix of paintings and sculptures, there's a whole array of work to discover and linger over. Depending on when you visit, you may also be lucky enough to catch a special exhibition exploring immersive themes.

193 Thanon Charoenrajd, Wat Ket. Free entry. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm

Like art? Check out our Chiang Mai’s gallery openings here.

An unlikely addition to a recovery list but sometimes the cure is one last calm, thoughtful drink in very good company. Surr Bar on the 8th floor of Art Mai Gallery Hotel is a world away from what you've been drinking over the last few days – glittering mirror walls, a rippled gold ceiling and bartenders who become your best friends within minutes. The cocktails lean into surrealism and are well thought out enough to make you feel like you're doing something intentional rather than just having another drink. Which you are. Sort of.

8th floor of Art Mai Gallery Hotel, Soi 3 Nimmanahaeminda Road. Open 12pm-midnight