- Thailand Destination Guide - CBS Travel Asia

NORTHERN THAILAND
GETTING THERE
52
You can fly direct to Lampang or
Chiang Mai from international
airports around the world, or
take an internal flight from
Bangkok or elsewhere in the
country. You can also travel
around by bus, train or private
car in the region.
PLACES TO VISIT
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
This Wat for Theravadan Buddhists
is atop a mountain and is a sacred
site for many Thai people.
Wat Chedi Luang
This Buddhist temple is one of
the many fascinating sites in the
historic centre of Chiang Mai.
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
This is one of the places where you
can experience and explore the
intense natural beauty of the north
of the country.
Golden Triangle
See two majestic rivers and three
countries, Thailand, Laos and
Myanmar, from the same point.
Visit opium museums.
Other places to visit: Phu Chi Fa,
Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man,
Wat Umong, Wat Rong Khun and
Wat Suan Dorg
GOOD TO KNOW
Larger towns in this region
will be better equipped with
tourist facilities and will have
a better infrastructure. Out
in more remote regions you
should be prepared and ensure
that you know before you go.
In some areas it is better to go
with a tour group or guide as
the natural environment can
pose some difficulties. Do not
underestimate the natural world.
Respect it and the people you
come across and you are sure
to be wowed by this wonderful
place.
Copyright: teddybearpicnic / 123RF Stock Photo
A land of ancient cultures, historic cities, rugged mountains, vast,
dense jungles and tranquil valleys
Northern Thailand, composed of Mae Hong
Son Province, Chiang Mai Province, Chiang
Rai Province and the Northern River Valleys is
a broad area with many places that are far off
the tourist track. Here you will not often find
the crowds that you will find in Bangkok and
to the southern islands of the country. This
is a land of ancient cultures, historic cities,
rugged mountains, vast, dense jungles and
tranquil valleys that have changed little over
the last century. If you are looking for natural
beauty, cultural attractions, spiritual peace
and authenticity then you should be sure to
travel to these less visited northern reaches
of the country.
Mae Hong Son Province is where you can
travel the great Mae Hong Son Loop and stay
in the lovely settlement of Pai. You can meet
hill tribes amid the spectacular mountains
and lush valleys and experience a profound
sense of peace and tranquillity.
In Chiang Mai Province you can immerse
yourself in Lanna culture, see many historic
temples and other historic sites. This is a
useful transport hub and gateway to the
northern region.
In Chiang Rai Province you will find the
Golden Triangle, where you can enjoy the
confluence of two rivers and three countries.
You can trek in the mountains and discover
more about the regions opium trade.
The Northern River Valleys offer the chance to
explore a huge area of mountains and valleys
and visit a range of fascinating towns that are
for the most part neglected by foreign tourists.
Northern Thailand is cooler than the rest
of the country, surrounded as it is by high
mountains. Of course the temperatures
depend on whether you are high in the
hills, where night time temperatures can
occasionally dip below zero, or on the plains,
where the daily average rarely dips below 25
degrees Celsius.
This large portion of the country offers many
different sorts of holidays for those with a
range of different interests and preferences.
You can experience luxury retreats in the
larger hubs of the region, take cultural or
adventure tours and be as active as you wish.
You can be intrepid or play it safe here and
still have the most wonderful time.
So if you are tired of the crowds of mass
tourism and want to try something a little
different, forget the south of Thailand and
travel instead to these delightful Northern
provinces.
THAILAND DESTINATION GUIDE - CBS TRAVEL ASIA