We stopped by Mallika City on our way back from Erawan Falls, after seeing it advertised in a travel brochure. We didn’t even know this heritage village existed before our Kanchanaburi trip, yet we enjoyed it from the second we walked through those gigantic red gates. Our experience was strange in that we had the entire place to ourselves - we weren’t sure if it was abandoned, disliked or too far off the tourist trail.

Mae Kampong is situated just over an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai - known for its wooden houses built into the hillside, jungle views, and cute cafes serving some of the tastiest coffee we’ve ever had in Thailand. A day trip, or overnight stay here, lets you experience the community-led ecotourism model which the locals have adopted, whether it be shopping at traditional craft shops or staying at family-run homestays.

Not only do we love Chiang Mai for its magical temples, bustling markets, and authentic cuisine but also for the fact that it’s the gateway to Northern Thailand. This is the type of place where you could stay for weeks on end and easily fall into a nice rhythm - soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, cafe culture, and taking adventures to Pai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son.