Best places to visit in NORTHERN THAILAND
Planning a trip to Thailand, and wondering what are the best places to visit in Northern Thailand?
Thailand often called the Land of Smiles, is one of the most visited countries in the world. Unlike Southern Thailand, which is known for its islands and beaches, Northern Thailand is famous for its stunning lush forests, mountains, waterfalls, ancient temples and historical parks. Also, Northern Thailand is rich in culture and has excellent cuisine.
Northern Thailand has lots to offer to every type of traveller. If you are travelling on a budget, your money will go a long way here. But if you are coming for a relaxing luxury holiday, you won’t be disappointed, too.
Sounds nice?
So, check out our article to find out what are the best things to do in Northern Thailand!
6 best places to visit in Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Thailand.
Even if you are not a city person and don’t like urban tourism, we would still recommend visiting Chiang Mai. Despite being one of the most populous cities in Thailand, it doesn’t feel like it, in fact, Chiang Mai has a small-town vibe. It is because the city has a population of only 122 000.
Chiang Mai is known for its Old Town. This historic neighbourhood is rich in culture and history. And it is where most of the tourists choose to stay. The Old Town boasts ancient remains of the city walls and centuries-old temples.
When visiting Chiang Mai, explore its ornate temples. The most impressive temple in Chiang Mai Old Town is Wat Chedi Luang. The main structure of the temple complex is a large brick, stucco temple. With a height of 80 metres, this brick structure was one of the tallest buildings in the ancient Lanna Kingdom.
Do not miss Doi Suthep — a very popular hilltop temple located some 16 km from Chiang Mai Old Town. To reach the main, 640-year-old temple, you have to climb 309 steps.
The area around Chiang Mai is characterised by natural wonders and picturesque landscapes. There are plenty of things you can do around Chiang Mai.
You don’t have to go too far to find natural beauty in Chiang Mai. Visit:
- Namtok Bua Tong (Sticky Waterfalls) — this limestone rock waterfall is not slippery, and you can climb it with your bare feet.
- Mae Sa Waterfall — pretty waterfalls some 20 km from Chiang Mai.
- Doi Inthanon National Park — includes a number of waterfalls, indigenous villages and Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain.
- Mae Ping River — perfect for a scenic ride in a traditional riverboat.
- San Kamphaeng Hot Springs — a well-maintained park with hot pools.
With a lot of wonderful places to explore, Chiang Mai is among the best places to visit in Northern Thailand.
FAE’s Elephant Hospital
FAE’s Elephant Hospital is an NGO that rescues and cares for sick and abused elephants.
It is the world’s first elephant hospital. Founded in 1993, it offers free treatment for sick and injured elephants. The hospital is also home to 14 elephants with various injuries, including the landmine victims, Mosha and Motala.
Make sure you get the location and the name of the hospital right as there are other elephant centres nearby that offer elephant riding and other not elephant-friendly activities. There are no elephant shows or rides in FAE’s Elephant Hospital.
There is no entrance fee to visit FAE’s Elephant Hospital. Donations are welcome, however.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai, a city in Northern Thailand, is famous for its grand temple — Wat Rong Khun.
Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a privately owned contemporary temple. At the end of the 20th century, the original Wat Rong Khun was in need of repair and funds were not available for its renovation. So, a local artist decided to completely rebuild the temple and pay for the project with his own money.
You might feel that when you have seen one or two temples, you have seen them all, but it’s not true. This one is so different from the other temples we’ve seen in Thailand in neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. We really recommend you to visit it if you are heading to the north of the country.
Exploring the White Temple is not the only thing you can do in Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple) is another impressive temple. It stands out from the other temples of Northern Thailand because of its vivid blue colour.
Different kinds of nature activities can be arranged from Chiang Rai.
In the evening head to Phu Chi Dao mountain to enjoy the sunset above the clouds.
Pai
Pai is a small town near the Myanmar border.
This charming little town of Northern Thailand is not among the most popular tourist hotspots in Thailand (yet) but it doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. Surrounded by hills and beautiful nature, Pai boasts beautiful waterfalls and numerous hiking trails. Pai is a perfect place to visit if you love the outdoors or just want to relax and enjoy the scenery. Don’t miss Pai Canyon and Yun Lai Viewpoint!
Do not visit Pai shortly before the monsoon hits! Then it is dry and hot, everything’s brown and the scenery is not pretty. In March, farmers burn their fields, and the air becomes polluted and hazy. For lush green landscapes, come to Pai in winter, after the monsoon ends.
Sukhothai Historical Park
Sukhothai Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It contains the ruins of Sukhothai, the ancient capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The area of the historical park is about 70 km2, and it contains about 190 ruins, including the remains of the royal palace and a number of temples, the largest being Wat Mahathat.
As a place of such historical importance, Sukhothai Historical Park is among the best places to visit in Northern Thailand.
Wat Chalermprakiat
Wat Chalermprakiat is a unique temple with a number of mountaintop pagodas.
Despite being one of the most spectacular mountain temples, Wat Chalermprakiat is not that easy to find. It is located in Lampang Province, near the town of Chae Hom. Steep iron steps lead to the temple which is a series of white pagodas perched on high, jagged cliffs.
Wat Chalermprakiat is not on the tourist radar, and that’s why it’s so wonderful. It’s truly a piece of undiscovered, unseen Thailand.
Thailand travel tips
- You don’t need a visa to travel to Thailand. Citizens of most European Union countries are entitled to visa-free entry — for up to 30 days.
- It’s easy to get around in Thailand. The roads are good, and the transport system is well organised. There are a number of intercity train lines in Thailand, and a well-developed government bus system. Buses are a very popular mode of transport in Thailand. They’re in good condition, and the bus rides are inexpensive. Minibuses are the best option for short (2-3 hour) distances. The prices of domestic flights are very affordable, too.
- Bring mosquito repellent as mosquito illnesses, such as dengue and malaria, exist there. It’s rare but there are occasional reports of travellers getting dengue. Malaria is very rare, and it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get it.
- Be a responsible tourist. Do not ride elephants and bypass other animal attractions!
- Don’t pet, feed and play with the monkeys! They might look cute and friendly but they are not. They are wild animals that can bite and act aggressively. Also, hide all your shiny stuff in your bag. Everything that glistens and shimmers, and rustles. The sneaky monkeys can steal these things from you.
- Know when the festivals take place. Loi Krathong (Floating Lantern festival) and Songkran (Thai New Year) festivals are two of the most popular festivals in Thailand.