Mae Rim

Where is it? The closest of our favourite spots, Mae Rim is a short drive north of the old city and packed with things to do – from lazing by a man made lake to nursing a locally-sourced coffee in the rice fields.

Why we love it: There’s nothing like a bracing dip in Huai Tueng Thao Reservoir, but we’re also fond of the zany herd of huge straw animals built by local artisans and villagers from bamboo and rice straw – a handy byproduct of Mae Rim’s rice farming. In visiting the slightly bonkers, giant sculptures that include buffalo, gorillas, elephants and dinosaurs (yes the lesser spotted Thai dinosaurs) and posing for those insta pics, we are supporting farmers and small businesses – particularly if you get your luncheon snacks from the little hut diners around the lake. If you don’t fancy a dip in the reservoir, perhaps Mae Sa Waterfall is more for you. It’s pretty magnificent and potentially quiet if you catch it on a weekday, the falls flowing strongest during rainy season or soon after. Nature loving to a tee, Akha Ama Living Factory is a cafe and roasting space, ideal for a locally grown coffee that you can chug in their peaceful rice fields and garden.

Time Out tip: If reconnecting with nature looks like a smidge of zoology for you, swing by Siam Insect Zoo; it’s honestly the best way to learn to be at one with the local arthropods before you meet them unexpectedly in your homes or hotels.