Morning with the Monks, Chiang Mai Thailand, North and East

Dawn is a magical time of day in Northern Thailand, as monks clad in saffron robes emerge from their monasteries to collect alms. And nowhere is this sense of spirituality stronger than at the sacred Doi Suthep Mountain, near Chiang Mai. Leave your hotel at 6am in order to witness the serene procession of monks, before ascending the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach the golden pagodas at the top. From here, continue to the tranquil Wat Umong, which dates back to the 14th Century and contains a network of tunnels and caves. Receive your own private blessing here before ending the morning with a delicious bowl of Khao Soy, Chiang Mai's most famous dish.