Looking for some relief from the heat and tropical weather common in most of Thailand? Looking to move away from the beaches of Southern Thailand and the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and into a serene mountainous environment? Then, Northern Thailand is exactly the place you need to be! The experience will certainly be memorable.

A trip to Northern Thailand is one filled with ancient temples and ruins, tea and coffee plantations, authentic trading posts, excellent shopping opportunities and fascinating indigenous people, some of which will open their homes up to you.

First stop to any Northern Thailand trip is Chiang Mai. It is the region’s largest city and is steadily growing into a metropolis in itself. The city is much greener and quieter when compared to the capital. Chiang Mai is also renowned for its many beautiful Lanna temples, mountain scenery and textile shopping. Here’s a fact, Chiang Mai has just as many temples as Bangkok (300+ in total), but in an area much smaller than the capital, making the city striking and visually appealing.

Speaking of contrasts. Head to Mae Kampong, a traditional village perched some 1300 meters above sea level. Here, the way of life is much simpler than in the big city. Be warmly greeted by the villagers and tour around the area’s agriculture fields before enjoying a picnic lunch by a waterfall. A Thai massage is also waiting, as well as a hands-on cooking and dinner experience with a host family.

Next stop, Chiang Rai, another very important stop in Northern Thailand. Why? Well, if you connected the Golden Triangle with this city, then yes, you are correct. But there are also other reasons to visit Chiang Rai. Acres and acres of undisturbed mountain and natural scenery dominates the area. Beautiful temples are also a staple of Chiang Rai, as well as museums educating visitors more on hilltribes and the opium trade.

Another important visit is Doi Tung. It may not be the highest peak, but it stands out majestically, at over 2,000 meters. Doi Tung is home to the Royal Villa (the late Princess Mother’s former residence), Mae Fah Luang Gardens (a stunning botanical gardens) and Wat Phrathad Doi Tung (a sacred hilltop shrine and a highly revered site for the region’s residents. There will also be opportunities for you to visit actual hilltribe villages and to bask in the border towns of Mae Sai and Chiang Saen and actually come into contact with nearby Myanmar and Laos. Yes, this is the Golden Triangle. This is Northern Thailand.

For more options in to this holidaying paradise, check out our Thailand tours page. All aspects of the country are covered, including its famed islands and beaches, the cool environment of the northern mountains, temples, the culture and of course, the food. If you want to create and customize your own tour, just fill in the necessary info in our tailor made form. Imagine it. Find it and Book it.

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