Tailor made holidays: Visit the' laid-back' city of Chiang Mai

Travellers planning tailor made holidays in Thailand will be able to relax in the city of Chiang Mai, according to a travel writer.

Nigel Richardson, writing for the Telegraph, expressed his belief that the city, which is located in the north of the country, is an ideal place to recharge your batteries.

He said: "Chiang Mai, where I started my trip, is a laid-back city of ancient temples and orderly traffic that has developed a distinct tourist identity as a place for improving body and/or soul: take a cookery course, learn to meditate, educate your fingers in the art of massage."

Mr Richardson added that the guests at the city's Four Seasons resort will be staying in an "idealisation of a northern Thai village".

The hotel features hanging lanterns, roaming water buffalo and even a number of waterfalls. Visitors can also pamper themselves at the hotel spa with a massage or beauty treatment, he added.