Northern Thailand travel guide
The mountainous Northern region of Thailand draws plenty of visitors who invariable leave with enchanted memories of its wonderful natural environment, impressive legacy of history and culture, and undeniable value for money. Much of the area remains unspoilt wilderness with a lazy pace and humble, friendly people.
The kingdom of Lanna, which encompassed much of Northern Thailand, was one of the first established states in this region and predates the rise of the powerful Siamese kingdoms of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai by several hundred years. The manifold mountains helped defend the area, while a flourishing society occupied the Ping, Wang and other broad fertile valleys which today are widely populated.
From Chiang Mai, the chief city in Northern Thailand and former Lanna capital, visitors launch trips into the mountains; trekking to remote mountain villages, riding elephants, relaxing in plush, isolated resorts and seeking out the wonderful waterfalls and breathtaking views of the many national parks nearby. One particularly distinctive character of Northern Thailand is the presence of the colourful and unique minority hill tribes whose simple subsistence way of life adds fascination to the tourist appeal of Northern Thailand.
This section is a travel guide that covers each of the main attractions beyond Chiang Mai, all of which are popular day trip or excursion destinations among tourists to the North. Read further down the page for a summary description of the highlights.
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The Golden TriangleNamed for its opium smuggling history, the areas includes ancient Chaing Saen on the banks of the mighty Mekhong where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet; get there and get the postcard...more |
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Chiang RaiThe North’s ‘other’ city, an altogether less touristy or busy centre from which to embark on the Golden Triangle, hilltribe visits, border runs or trekking...more |
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Mae Hong SonAn ultimate frontier adventure reached via a spectacular three day mountain drive through stunning vistas and remote towns to discover the remotest parts of Thailand...more |
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PaiThailand’s own bohemian town, a quaint hideaway, hidden among the mountains, full of hippies, backpackers and new age pursuits. Unwind en-route to Mae Hong Son...more |
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LamphunOlder than Chiang Ma,i with its own moat, famous temples and an unhurried pace that has escaped the tourist brass-rubbing of Chiang Mai. Just an 30 minute drive south...more |
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Doi InthanonThe highest point in Thailand, and a stunning national park with some of the kingdom’s most impressive waterfalls. A cool retreat in the hot season, just an hour from Chiang Mai...more |
A guide to Northern Thailand travel highlights
Chiang Mai itself is an historic city with a 700-year-old town surrounded by a pretty moat, preserved gates and ramparts, and dotted with beautiful and ancient temples and chedis (pagodas). The atmosphere is decidedly laid-back, the shopping at the famous Night Bazaar and handicraft villages nearby presents excellent value, and the enormous spread of entertainment and great-value hospitality options make this city one of Asia’s most appealing tourist destinations.
A popular multi-day trip from Chiang Mai is to the isolated frontier town of Mae Hong Son - nestled among mountains on the Myanmar border. The five-hour journey follows a spectacular rollercoaster ride over rugged mountains and through the delightful bohemian town of Pai - a popular backpacker hang-out astride a pretty river. The return journey via the southern route passes through the lovely Doi Inthanon National Park, which boasts Thailand’s highest peak and some fantastic waterfalls.
Heading north from Chiang Mai is a rewarding drive as you come upon the unmistakeable peak of Chiang Dao - another lofty mountain with a remarkable complex of caves buried beneath it. Continuing north, you can turn off the main route and meander through mountain passes to seek out Doi Angkhang - one of the last wildernesses in Thailand before the Shan State hills of Myanmar roll out before you. However, a popular option is to continue on to Tha Ton and catch an overnight raft trip to the older and quieter Northern Thailand city of Chiang Rai. Others prefer to seek out the intriguing tea-growing Chinese immigrant communities clustered on the hilltops around Mae Salong. From here, it’s not far to the touristy Golden Triangle, where the mighty Mekong demarcates the border of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Nearby is the ancient port city of Chiang Saen.
South of Chiang Mai is sleepy Lamphun, also boasting a moat and historic temples, and once the centre of the ancient Haripunchai kingdom which predates Chiang Mai. Farther south is Lampang, another town that attracts some tourists to its important temples. To truly escape the tourist path of Northern Thailand, you may wish to venture farther to the unspoilt provinces of Nan in the east. Hiring an Enduro bike is one popular way of doing this.
Other popular Northern destinations:
Chiang Mai hotels
Chiang Mai tours
