Top Tourism Spots to Visit in Northern Thailands

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Awesome places to visit in Northern Thailand



Northern Thailandis one of the best places for nature lovers as it features beautiful hills, rice fields, hill tribes, mountains and waterfalls. Visiting is definitely recommended during the months of December and January as the natural scenery gets even more beautiful as sakura and cherry blossoms adorn the outside world. Besides Chiang Mai, however, there are many other places to visit in Thailand’s north, which promise travellers a window into local culture. Here, it is amazing to see the different ethnic groups that make up the northern area of Thailand, with Myanmar’s culture fusing with that of Thailand’s.

Pai
Pai is definitely a must-see if you are thinking of travelling north. As it is known for as being an ultra hippie backpacker haven, it is a go-to place for eclectic bohemian souvenirs. Moreover, it is a great place to relax and recharge with many health-conscious eateries, massage places, and yoga sanctuaries. What’s cool about Pai is that you can experience its natural surroundings which feature waterfalls, a canyon and hill tribe villages. And, since it is a popular place to visit, Pai offers a great nightlife scene with plenty of enticing bars to choose from. As Koh Pha Ngan is considered southern Thailand’s hippie haven, Pai is northern Thailand’s bohemian wonderland.



Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai (not Chiang Mai) is the latter’s sister city, and it is definitely well-worth a visit. Complete with waterfalls and hill tribes, the area is delightful to the eye. Moreover, its famous White Temple or Wat Rong Khun, is one of the most stunning temples in the country. And, if you are wondering if it is truly a white-coloured temple, you can be sure you will be in awe of its boldness. However, the opposing colour adorns another attraction called The Black House or Baan Dam Museum. Thus, the city’s top attractions are uniquely similar by name. Those wanting to venture just outside of the city will find the likes of Doi Mae Salong, the site of the Santi Khiri Village. This village was inhabited by the former Chinese 93rd Division, which had moved from Myanmar to Thai territory in 1961. With majestic scenery, the village is a great place for hiking. Furthermore, if you go between December and January, the sakuras are in full bloom, making the area even more picturesque.



Chiang Dao
Outdoorsmen will find Chiang Dao their favourite as it features everything from hiking to caving. Moreover, it sits upon the green slopes of the Chiang Dao Mountain, which means the city of stars. And, its name is definitely not misleading as star gazing is top notch here. Travellers can choose to camp overnight in San Phakia among the stars with epic views of the valley below. Chiang Dao is also home to natural hot springs where travellers can surely indulge in ultimate relaxation. The nightlife is that of a delightfully quaint, local Thai town. Additionally, in Janurary, visitors can see cherry blossoms in full bloom. The Japanese hippie Shambhala In Your Heart Festival is one attraction that should also be on your itinerary.



Sukhothai
Sukhothai, which means “the dawn of happiness” in Thai language, is a great place for those wanting to see ancient city ruins. Here, Sukhothai was Thailand’s first capital back in the 13th century C.E., with King Ramkhamhaeng as its founder. Moreover, the ruins have been granted a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it an exclusive attraction all the more. Ancient temples, like Wat Mahathat, and monuments are also part of the site as well as the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. Travellers can also visit The Royal Palace for a bit of cultural education. Lastly, Sukhothai features 2 national parks: The Ramkhamhaeng National Park and the Sri Satchanalai National Park. Thus, nature lovers will find each of these areas a great place to spend the day.



Mae Sai
Although it is known more as the border run town for those renewing their visas, Mae Sai is a great place to visit on your northern Thailand holiday. The border town is quite bustling as it caters to such visa-runners as well as those wanting to hike through Myanmar’s hill tribes in Eastern Shan state. Known as the hub for imports and exports, it is a shopping heaven as it is loaded with quirky souvenirs at rock bottom prices. Moreover, it is possible to venture on over the border to the town of Tachileik by paying 500 baht for a day pass. Here, you can explore Myanmar’s border town, which promises some interesting things to do. And, for bragging rights, saying you have been to Myanmar is easily obtainable with the day pass.



Excluding Chiang Mai, travellers have a diverse selection of other areas to see while venturing up north. From Lanna hill tribe villages to Sukhothai’s ancient city ruins, there is plenty to do and see. For history buffs, exploring the northern end of the country provides a way to learn by actually experiencing the remnants of ancient Thailand. And, seeing first-hand how the countries of Myanmar and Thailand have been woven together provides an in-depth look at northern Thailand’s societal fusion.

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Where to go and what to see in Chiang Mai

When you think about a province in Thailand that is rich in culture and tradition, Chiang Mai will surely be the first thing to come to mind. And rightly so! Chiang Mai used to be part of the “Lanna” Kingdom (during 1292-1775). Some Thai people called Chiang Mai “the town of art”. It has its own style, worthy history, and beautiful nature. The city is home to a number of fantastic attractions that you should visit at least once in your life. Here are the best ones.



Pha Chor Grand Canyon at the Mae Wang National Park
Mae Wang National Park is home to the magnificent Pha Chor Grand Canyon. It’s a result of a natural phenomenon that occurred hundreds of years ago when the water eroded the earth and created cliffs, walls, and clay pillars in the area. Many people believe that this area used to be the passage of the Ping River in the past. Around noon, it can get quite warm there. In order to enjoy milder weather and to take advantage of the afternoon’s gorgeous golden sunlight, it’s best to visit after 15:00. The route to Pha Chor is rather drawn-out and challenging, much like hiking through the grove. Therefore, it’s best that you wear proper shoes. But the good news is that there are numerous stunning natural sights along the route. There are also additional attractions in the area, including a waterfall, elephant parks, and rafting locations.

Mae Kampong
Mae Kampong is a tiny village located in Chiang Mai province’s Mae-On district, 50 kilometres from Chiang Mai. Perched at the height of around 1,300 metres, some people call it a hidden village in the valley. Many also refer to the area as a village from a fairy tale because of its tranquil ambience. The village was founded around a century ago. The name “Mae Kampong” is a combination of the words “Mae Nam,” which means river in Thai, and “Kampong flowers,” which are little red-yellow flowers that are abundant along the village’s creek. Over time, the name became “Ban Mae Kampong”. The majority of the villagers came from the Doi Saket district. They came to establish coffee estates and Miang gardens. On the peak, you’ll find the Mae Kampong Waterfall and a viewpoint. If you have the time, be sure to spend the night at the homestay so you can immerse yourself in all of its beauty.

Rai Lom Nao, Mon Cham
One of the best tourist destinations in Chiangmai for capturing lovely pictures is Rai Lom Nao, Mon Cham. It’s located about 50 kilometres from Chiang Mai, at Doi Mon Cham or Mon Cham Village, which is a famous tourist destination for accommodation, food, and a scenic spot to enjoy the mountain vista. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the air here is fresh, and the atmosphere serene. One of the most interesting things about this place is that the native flowers here take turns growing during different seasons throughout the year. Depending on the time you visit, you might see verbena, statis, or sunflowers. Therefore, we recommend visiting their Facebook page before you go to check the type and colour of flowers that are currently blooming. The winter flowers are a big draw for visitors, but the flowers during the rainy season also look lovely against the gloomy backdrop. But any time of year you decide to visit, you’ll be sure to return with plenty of stylish pictures to share on social media.




San Kamphaeng Hot Springs
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is located in Mae-On District, around 23 kilometres from Mae Kampong. It’s a famous hot spring in Chiang Mai, which has a temperature of 105ºC. You can soak your whole body or just your feet in the warm water while admiring the serene natural surroundings. The ponds at the hot springs are known to have minerals in them. Tourists can support the locals there by buying raw eggs to boil and eating them around the ponds. Boiling an egg typically takes 3 to 15 minutes. Moreover, there’s a charming cafe with lovely coloured Mon grasses and a lovely flower garden with more than a hundred different kinds of flowers. You should definitely visit this one-of-a-kind site at least once in your lifetime.

The Pae Gate
Tha Pae Gate, or Pra Too Ta Pae, is a landmark of Chiang Mai. You shouldn’t skip this site if it’s your first time visiting Chiang Mai. The Phae gate is one of the old five gates, which was built during the King Mangrai of Lanna’s rule in 1296. The Fine Arts Department rebuilt the Phae gate in 1985 based on historical and archaeological evidence. Situated on the east side of a narrow canal that once served as a boat route from there to the Ping River, it was a significant pier that was utilised for international trade. Thai for the pier is “tha”. Today, the Pae Gate is a very popular tourist destination. Every Sunday, from 6-10 p.m., it hosts the biggest walking street in Chiang Mai, where many shops sell local Thai street food, clothes, handcrafted goods, and more traditional things that could be souvenirs. You should also visit the other four Chiang Mai gates. These include the Chang Puak Gate in the north, Chiangmai Gate and Suan Prung Gate in the south, and Suan Dok Gate in the west.