Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations among travelers from around the world and is for many the perfect place for a pampering vacation, and rightfully so. in accordance, Families with little ones, Loving couples, Backpackers and young groups The exotic kingdom is washed in droves throughout the whole year and everyone who has already visited it returns and promises that they will return to it again.
Many of the visitors who come to Thailand do so in order to enjoy a "belly-back" style vacation on the famous islands located in the south of the country, but if you want to enjoy Thailand a little differently - there Quite a few recommended places for a trip which are actually in the north and are waiting for you to come and experience the real Thailand.
Get a brief overview of what awaits you in the north of the kingdom. Caution - addictive!
First of all - travel insurance
Let's make it short: you don't fly to Thailand without insurance. point. The insurance costs in relation to the price of the trip are negligible and the knowledge that you, your friends and family members are covered in case something goes wrong is worth the peace of mind you really long for - after all, this is why you went on vacation. If you don't have time or desire to read the whole article, you can Just click here and purchase travel insurance online. In any case, it is important that you know that the insurance must be purchased from the country only (insurance purchased from abroad will not be valid) so if you are already set on dates, there is no reason to delay. This is not the place to save on your trip.
How to get there?
In order to enjoy all the goodness and abundance that Northern Thailand has to offer you, you can do it in one of two convenient ways (this is, of course, in addition to the usual options of renting a car, etc.):
bus
The public transport system in Thailand offers several lines that depart from the main cities in the country and reach central points in northern Thailand, mainly in the city center Chiang Mai - So if there is no bus that passes exactly at the station you wanted to reach, you can reach this destination and from there get on another bus or a local taxi.
domestic flight
spoken in the most convenient way Although not necessarily the shortest (depending on your starting point) and certainly not the cheapest. In any case, there is an airport in Chiang Mai that you can reach from major cities such as Bangkok and Phuket And if you register (for free) as a club member of the local airlines, you can enjoy attractive prices that will make the deal more worthwhile.
major cities
Chiang Mai
The large and central city in the north of Thailand that attracts many visitors who want to enjoy Thailand a little differently compared to the one described by the "belly-back" vacationers who flock to the various islands.
Indeed, although it does not offer beaches to bathe in, it is one of the most prominent cities in the Kingdom of Siam that also serves as a starting point for many day trips, especially among families with little ones, backpackers and anyone else that you love nature, landscapes and animals flows in his blood.
In Chiang Mai there are Many attractions which will be enjoyed by young and old, A wide variety of hotels and guesthouses In a wide price range and many culinary options that will make it easier for you to travel in the area even if you are kosher observant, vegetarian or just picky about what is on your plate.
Among the most famous attractions in this area you can find Doi Suthep Temple (Wat Doi Suthep), The night market of Chiang Mai (Chaing Mai Night Bazaar), Wat Phra Singh Temple, Night Safari (Chiang Mai Night Safari), Doi Inthanon National Park and many other places.
In addition to these, there are several popular treks that depart from the city and include close instruction, meals, and pick-up and drop-off at the hotel. Among these you can find Jeep trips, river cruise, visit to local tribes, A visit to a rehabilitation elephant farm more and more.
Recommended hotels in Chiang Mai
- Mueang Chiang Mai District
- Mueang Chiang Mai District
- Mueang Chiang Mai District
- Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai
Pai
Unlike the big and lively Chiang Mai, Pai is a much smaller town with a light atmosphere and so friendly that you can get confused and think that you have arrived in a small village where everyone knows everyone.
This picturesque and wonderful place is a three-hour drive from Chiang Mai and if you are looking for a place to relax, meet young people from all over the world, settle down for a while and enjoy a daily reality of peace and zero worries, or even live In a nice hotel or guest house And work "from home" - Pai is the place for you.
In addition to the attractions and activities you can find there, Pai is near Thailand's border with Myanmar So it is also a starting point for visiting great places outside of Thailand, or for those of you who want to extend your stay in the country and for that need to leave it for a short time, these are excellent reservations.
Among the recommended activities for those staying in the area - a visit to the hot springs, challenging rafting in the river, trekking and hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty (most of them are part of day trips departing from the area), participation in a local cooking course and also just like that, sitting in a bar or cafe with a view of the colorful streets where you walk People are smiling and just having fun.
Recommended hotels in Pai
Chiang Rai
The northernmost city in the Kingdom of Siam and, like its neighbors, it also serves as a great hub for day trips or Long treks in northern Thailand, or as a place to cross the border into Myanmar or Laos.
Befitting the northernmost city, the atmosphere in Chiang Rai is one of a kind and if you have already fallen in love with Thailand for its scenery, people and long-standing traditions - then this is the place for you to settle down for a while, get to know it in depth and experience traditional and authentic Thailand in a less commercialized way.
A great way to do this is to visit In Lam Nam Kok National Park Where you can "get lost" (preferably accompanied by an English-speaking local guide) in the depths of the exotic forest, enjoy breathtaking views, magical hiking trails, observe wild animals and visit waterfalls.
If you still want to visit the popular attractions, there are quite a few in the Chiang Rai area - travelers in the area enjoy various activities such as exciting rafting in the river, jeep tours in the wild, visiting the Black House, the Mountain Tribes Museum ( Hill Tribe Museum) and more.
Recommended hotels in Chiang Rai
- and Yang
- and Yang
- and Yang
Places not to be missed in northern Thailand
Since this is a large and spectacularly beautiful area that offers a multitude of activities and attractions, of course you won't be able to do them all, so you have to choose - there are a few main attractions that are recommended to you to visit.
Doi I nathanon National Park
About an hour's drive from Chiang Mai is one of the main attractions for travelers in the region, including the peak of Mount Doi Inthanon, which serves as an unparalleled observation point throughout the entire kingdom. In the wildlife reserve, an unimaginable variety of magnificent plants, caves, waterfalls and a wide variety of hiking trails of every difficulty level.
Long Neck Hilltribe Village
Visitors to northern Thailand consider visiting the tribe of these impressive women as one of the activities not to be missed if traveling in the region. During the visit to the Karen tribe, you can learn about the history and long-standing heritage of the tribe as well as the custom that made it a household name - placing many hoops on the neck in order to make it longer (hence the name of the tribe). The visit involves a fee and so does taking photos in the area, but without a doubt it is a different and special experience that should not be missed.
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park (Doi Suthep-Pui National Park)
Another national park that warrants a visit, with over 250 square kilometers of exotic nature with a wide variety of habitats including beautiful plants, rare wildlife and breathtaking views.
Whether you are backpackers who want to climb to the top of the mountain, bird lovers who want to observe the hundreds of species passing through the area, amateur photographers or families with children - this is a great place with many walking trails and not a few points of interest such as the Royal Winter Palace (Phu Phing Palace), the traditional village Doi Pui and more.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep)
Temple lovers will find this ancient temple to be one of the most impressive and special places that is also an excellent vantage point from which a beautiful panoramic view can be seen. The climb is admittedly not easy and includes over two hundred steps (you can also use the cable car) but the spectacle that will unfold before you is definitely worth it.
Chiang Mai Night Market (Chiang Mai Night Safari)
There is nothing like the night markets of Thailand where you can find real bargains and on the way enjoy excellent food, especially hot and spicy.
The night market in Chiang Mai, which is considered one of the largest and most lively, attracts many visitors and if you are looking for handmade souvenirs, fake brands or traditional Thai dishes alongside decadent desserts - this is the place.
The golden triangle
This is the meeting place between the three countries of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, which is one of the main tourist centers attracting crowds of visitors who come especially to this region of the country.
In the past, the place was considered the center of the local drug empire, and as such it was dangerous to visit, but today it is one of the most beautiful and pleasant places where you can sail on the Mekong River (and even cross the border towards Laos), visit the opium museum and be impressed by the cultural mosaic received in the area due to the surprise of the countries The neighbors are on top of each other.
A trip to northern Thailand can suit anyone, especially if you have already been to the touristic islands in the south and are looking for additional experiences and other landscapes. See on the website details about the beautiful places in northern Thailand that will diversify your trip.
Travelers in the northern region of Thailand usually stay at a hotel or guesthouse in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai or Pai. All three offer accommodations at all levels. You can find recommended places to stay in these cities on the Simple Thailand website.
