Highlights of Northern Thailand
The north of Thailand is home to the country's second city Chiang Mai which has a charming and fascinating old walled centre, and as the capital of the Kingdom of Lanna has its own unique culture. From Chiang Mai there are great opportunities to meet indigenous hill tribes in the mountains near Mae Hong Son or across in rural Chiang Rai Province, or spend time learning about elephants in one of the ethically-run sanctuaries. Northern Thailand is also a great place to learn the art of Thai cuisine or as a starting point for overland journeys into Myanmar or Laos.
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Thailand’s second city and former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai has a great cultural heritage and is a charming place to spend a few days visiting historical temples in the old walled city, learning the art of Thai cooking, browsing through colourful markets or relaxing by the river after a trek.
Chiang Rai province shares borders with Myanmar to the north and Laos to the northeast. The area where the three countries meet is more commonly known as the Golden Triangle and is a beautiful part of Thailand, fabled for its mountainous scenery, its hill tribes, the trekking opportunities and for its opium production.
Lampang is the third largest town in Northern Thailand and situated in the valley of the Wang River. Often included as an overnight stop, on overland tours of Thailand running south to north, this charming town has a number of interesting temples and ruins either in the town or just outside.
Mae Hong Son sits in the northwest corner of the country some 580 miles from Bangkok. This pleasant town is deep in hill tribe country and there are Karen, Shan, Lisu, Lahu and Musoe villages all within easy reach of the town itself.
Pai was once a quiet market village inhabited by the Shan people, but more recently it has become popular with travellers attracted to its relaxed atmosphere and delightful surroundings of paddy fields and mountains.