Though Northern Thailand suffers from an alarming lack of islands- it’s mountainous and landlocked- the area still tops the list of favorites when it comes to where to go in Thailand. Rugged mountains, jungles, and different people, Northern Thailand has everything that an exciting and beautiful travel destination should have. Most of the places in Northern Thailand has a positive vibe throughout the year. It is different. Culture inspired by Shan, Lanna, Karen, and other native ethnic groups in the area offers a distinctly friendlier atmosphere than that generally found in the south. Check out these beautiful places to visit in Northern Thailand.
The Golden Temple, where Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet, does not harvest opium anymore. Thanks to the cool climate, you can enjoy some indulgences in Northern Thailand that are at times hard to locate elsewhere in this country: tea plantations, real coffee, strawberries, and vineyards.
Even the festivals are celebrated in a grand way in the North. Yi Peng/ Loi Krathong is celebrated with more enthusiasm than any other place in Thailand. Check out these beautiful places for your next North Thailand trip.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Northern Thailand
Many of the best places to visit in Northern Thailand share an externally positive vibe. It’s just unique in a good way. Culture inspired by Shan, Karen, Lanna, and other native ethnic groups in this region offers a strikingly friendlier atmosphere than that generally found in southern Thailand.
The Golden Triangle, where Laso, Myanmar, and Thailand meet, does not produce opium now. Thanks to the cool climate, you can enjoy certain indulgences in Northern Thailand that are sometimes hard to locate elsewhere in this country: tea plantations, coffee, strawberries, and vineyards.
Even the festivals are celebrated in a much bigger way in the north. Yi Peng/ Loi Krathong and Songkran are a few festivals that are celebrated with more enthusiasm than any other place in Thailand.
Pai
It is one of the beautiful places to visit in Northern Thailand. Less than four hours north of Chiang Mai, Pai is a small, chilled-out, riverside option to get away from the hustle, bustle of the city. Although mostly green, Pai’s popularity and its development have grown tremendously since the last decade. Till today, the charm is intact. Travelers of all nationalities and budgets visit Pai. However, you must be smart enough to not allow the guides to refer Pai as a quiet, hippie town. There are lots of juice shops, organic eateries, and other healthy options here.
Chiang Mai
Any discussion on the interesting places to visit in Northern Thailand must start with the northern capital of Chaing Mai. Most of the destinations are within an easy distance from the city. in the Lanna language Chiang Mai means “New City.” Regardless of the prevalence of elephants in the local culture, the name has nothing related to Chang, meaning elephant, properly pronounced as “ch-ah-ng” in Thai.
Many travelers believe that Chiang Mai is the second-largest city in Thailand, but this is a myth. However, it serves as a cultural heart for this country. The city has great food, friendly locals, and affordable prices. With the general amount of frugality, you get more bang for travel buck in Chaing Mai and Northern Thailand, in general- than in Bangkok or islands.
The Old City of Chaing Mai is a perfect square with all the defenses that are necessary to survive as capital in the 14th century. Giant gates, elephant-proof moat, a defensive wall with brick ramparts- they are still standing. The maze of passages and confusing streets in the interior of Old City hides lots of enjoyable finds- including large numbers of temples. But the action is not all contained within the moat. Some of the most interesting places in Chaing Mai lie outside the Old City.
Chaing Rai
The city of Chiang Rai is an irregularity among the various places to visit in Northern Thailand. With a huge population of around 75,000 people, it is certainly smaller compared to Chiang Mai. But the city is buzzing with universities, commerce, and regular life- which unluckily includes a lot of traffic. Most of the tourists visit this place to see the awesome creations of Chalermchai Kositpipat and Thawan Duchanee, two popular artists. After seeing their beautiful creations, you can visit the tranquil Khun Korn Forest Park and enjoy the beautiful waterfall.
Another popular work from Chalermchai is the golden clock tower set of Chiang Rai which is fixed prominently in the center of the town. Revealed in 2008 as a tribute to the King of Thailand, the clock tower strikes in every 1 hour. But if you watch at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. you can expect a beautiful treat. You will feel as you just entered the Walt Disney World for a moment!
Lampang
Hiding among other lesser-popular places to visit in Northern Thailand, Lampang stays low on the world of tourism. Probably it is because Lampang is in the south of Chiang Mai instead of the north like Pai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son.
But, Lampang is not a sleepy village. It is the prime town in Northern Thailand. Overnight trains and buses between Chiang Mai and Bangkok generally stop in Lampang- it is directly along the way.
Saturday or Sunday is the best time to visit Lampang as these two days the weekend market is in full swing. Ceramics from this area are a popular item to buy. Many tourists, Western and Thai visit Lampang just to visit the government-owned elephant camp.
Nan
Travelers consider it as one of the beautiful places to visit in Northern Thailand. During the 14th century, Nan was a thriving-city state in the Lanna Kingdom, and it flourished. Thanks to its unique location halfway between Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai. Nan was officially reabsorbed into Thailand in 1931 and the local people are proud of their heritage and home. Here, you must start by visiting the Nan National Museum, held in the palace where the previous two feudal lords on the city resided. Then, you must explore the 19th century King Nan’s Teak House, 16th century Wat Phumin.
Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son might be in Northern Thailand, but it feels like you are in a totally different country thanks to the unique culture of the area. Mae Hong Son borders Myanmar, and many of the local people belong to Shan descent. As a result, the city is a must-visit stop that feels different from the rest of the nation. In Mae Hong Son, trekking is a popular pastime, and several accommodation choices provide guides for a day of outdoor adventure. When you are in Mae Hong Son, you must visit the Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge, the Tham Pla Fish Cave, The Pang Tong Palace, the Pha Sua Waterfall during one of the treks in the area. This city is also a stop on the popular Mae Hong Son loop, a tour along with the beautiful scenery that begins and ends in Chiang Mai. It will take almost 4 days to complete this tour.
Mae Salong
When you visit Mae Salong, you can either stay in Mae Salong town so that everything like restaurants, the market is within a walking distance. Or else, you can stay outside the town, a 5 to 10-minutes drive, you can wake up to dawn sceneries. The hotels are affordable, comfortable, and offers a great breakfast.