Hotels Guide Thailand
Northern Thailand travel guide
achp, Public domain

Northern Thailand travel guide

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Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, Sukhothai and the mountains of the north. When to go, how to get around and where to stay.

Northern Thailand is mountainous, cooler than the rest of the country and rich in history. It was the heartland of the Lanna kingdom and, further south, of Sukhothai, often described as the first Thai kingdom. The pace is slower than Bangkok or the beaches, and hotels range from restored teak houses to resorts in the rice fields.

The main bases

  • Chiang Mai is the region’s hub, with an international airport, the walled old city with its many temples, Nimmanhaemin’s cafés and night markets. Doi Suthep temple overlooks the city.
  • Chiang Rai is quieter and the base for the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Golden Triangle and the tea hills of Doi Mae Salong.
  • Mae Hong Son province includes the mountain town of Pai and the long Mae Hong Son loop road popular with motorbike travellers.
  • Sukhothai has the ruins of the old capital, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also covers Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet.
  • Nan, Lampang and Phrae are less visited, with traditional temples and an unhurried feel.

When to go

The cool season from November to February is the most popular, with clear mornings and chilly nights in the hills. This is also when the region’s biggest festivals happen, including Yi Peng and Loy Krathong in November. From about February to April, agricultural burning and forest fires often cause serious air pollution across the north; check the air quality forecast if you are sensitive to smoke. The rainy season (roughly June to October) turns the countryside green but can close some mountain roads after heavy rain.

Getting around

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have airports with frequent flights to Bangkok. Overnight trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are a classic way to arrive. Between towns, buses and minivans are reliable, and many visitors rent a car or scooter for the mountain routes.

Provinces

  • Chiang Mai

    Old City, Nimman, Riverside, Santitham and the countryside around Chiang Mai. Which area to choose, when to visit and how to get around.

  • Chiang Rai

    Chiang Rai city, Chiang Saen, the Golden Triangle, Doi Mae Salong and Mae Sai compared. Where to stay in Thailand's northernmost province.

  • Mae Hong Son

    Pai, Mae Hong Son town, Soppong and Mae Sariang compared. Where to stay on the famous mountain loop in north-western Thailand.

  • Sukhothai

    Old Sukhothai near the historical park versus New Sukhothai town, plus Si Satchanalai. Where to stay and how to explore the ruins.