Northern Thailand: Travel Guide

Northern Thailand: Travel Guide

Northern Thailand

It is no secret that Thailand is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. With that said, the first association that usually comes to mind when thinking about Thailand travel is the southern part of the country with its beautiful white sandy beaches and islands that appear to be the popular attributes of a tropical vacation. However, if you are looking for a more adventurous type of a holiday, Northern Thailand provides just the right type of activities.

Northern Thailand is mainly mountainous with lush forests and valleys, containing many historical artifacts like the remains of ancient kingdoms that once governed the territory. Also, the mountains of northern Thailand are the home of the famous hill tribe villages. The pace of life in these regions is typically slower and provides a nice change form the hustle and bustle of major cities like Bangkok.


Places to visit in Northern Thailand

trekking in northern thailandThe major city of the Northern region is Chiang Mai. It is nicknamed the “Rose of the North” and represents the top place to visit for those who want to get the real feel of the life and culture of Thailand. The array of major attractions and activities offered in Chiang Mai is very appealing to tourists: they have a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Buddhist temples, discover the elephant training camps, go trekking in the jungles or even try river-rafting.

Some of the popular things to do in Chiang Mai include the complete tour of the area, consisting of the visit to the Sai Namphung Orchid Nursery and butterfly gardens, riding an elephant in one of the local elephant training camps, a trip to one of the famous long-necked hill tribe villages, and of course, getting a sample of the natural attractions and activities, like going jungle trekking, taking a swim in one of the magnificent mountain waterfalls as well as river-rafting in one the national parks.

what to do in northern thailand

If you are looking for a more relaxing type of holiday, you can head even further north to the province of Chiang Rai, which borders Myanmar and Laos in the area known as the Golden Triangle. Here, just like in Chiang Mai, tourists can explore the beautiful nature: mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, mixed with the historic legacy of the region in the form of the ancient settlements and the tribal culture.

If you love outdoor activities, like trekking and mountain biking, Chiang Rai is an ideal place to visit. The area boasts many national parks that provide the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Another northern province that is very popular with the tourists is Mae Hong Son – it is located in the most mountainous and isolated part of Thailand, along with the border with Myanmar. Its unique location is a great selling point of the region and the main factor of the area’s popularity.

thailand festivalsAnother interesting point that Northern Thailand has many festivals and events during all the year. When planning your trip, be sure to include at least one of them in your holiday program as they are a great way to get to know the cultural life and legacy of the country. Such festivals, like for example Loy Krathong in November, also showcase the local beauty pageants and boat racing competitions.

Al in all, North Thailand provides the tourists with a quite diversified array of interesting activities. The natural beauty of the region is closely intertwined with the cultural legacy and heritage, which makes for a truly authentic travel experience.

 

Elvina Mirsaitova
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