From Swayambhu to the Amitabha Monastery (in Nepali 'Seto Gumba' you will master an approximately 15 kilometre (9.3 miles) long, 4-5-hour hike, with beautiful panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley and the chance to admire a breathtaking sunset or sunrise, if you time your journey right. For inexperienced hikers, it is recommendable to join a group or to hire a guide for the trek.

Embark on a spellbinding journey through Chiang Rai's artistic wonders, where architectural marvels abound in vibrant hues. Begin your exploration at the ethereal White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a contemporary masterpiece that gleams like a vision from another realm, its intricate details and symbolic motifs inviting contemplation and awe. Next, delve into the mystical aura of the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), where shades of cerulean dance across ornate surfaces, evoking a sense of serenity and wonder. Finish your day at the enigmatic (and a tad bizarre) Black House (Baan Dam Museum), a surreal assemblage of darkened structures and curious artefacts, where shadows and light intertwine to provoke introspection and intrigue.

Igidae Coastal Walk makes for a wonderful hike along the shore of the Sea of Japan. The path itself is of moderate difficulty, with some parts featuring pedestrian bridges and others running directly through natural terrain. The entire path is about 4km long and should take about 2 hours to complete in its entirety, but there are access points along the way which you can use to cut through to a nearby bus stop. The trail can be done both north to south and vice versa, although heading north is reportedly easier and comes with an added bonus of finishing the hike at the scenic Oryukdo Skywalk, standing on a see-through platform and looking down onto the rocky shore.

Each year the Yi Peng tradition turns the city of Chiang Mai into a sea of floating lights. Hundreds of paper lanterns are sent to the sky in order to celebrate Buddha and to bring luck and happiness to the people. You shouldn't miss out on this spectacular event which usually takes place on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar (usually in November).