North Thailand

Travel Guide

Doi Inthanon National Park featuring a waterfall and forest scenes
Chiang Mai which includes a river or creek and forest scenes
Chiang Mai which includes a lake or waterhole and night scenes
Wat Phra Singh showing signage
Chiang Mai which includes outdoor art, flowers and a park

Visit an ancient walled city and learn about the history of opium and the myriad cultures in this varied region.

The North Thailand region comprises rolling green hills, tropical forests and fascinating cultural treats. Numerous traditions have evolved from the varied tribes and societies that share this picturesque terrain. Visit the many historical gems dotted around this vast region for a glimpse of the area’s identity.

Among the highlights are the temples of Chiang MaiOpens in a new window, one of the region’s largest provinces, near the Myanmar border. Visit the walled city center for a trip back in time and wander along the quaint alleys.

Marvel at the restored Tha Phae Gate and see the Wat Chiang Man, thought to be the oldest temple in the city. The most iconic temple is the 14th-century Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a gold-plated structure offering excellent views of the nearby city and countryside.

Go a little farther north to the Golden Triangle that marks the meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. It is known for its history with opium and contains the Golden Triangle Park Hall of Opium, which explains the dangers of drugs while relating local history.

Drive south about 4 hours from Chiang Mai to reach Sukhothai, another town with numerous historical treasures. In Sukhothai Historical Park, see walls, structures and other vestiges dating back to the 13th century. Make sure to see the intriguing temples of Wat Chetuphon and Wat Chedi Sung.

Go trekking through the dense jungle during cooler periods November through February in this otherwise hot and humid region. As you travel between towns, note how the food in this province is milder and less sweet than in South Thailand. Try the spiced pork sausage known as sai ua.

The region occupies the northern portion of Thailand, just south of Laos and Myanmar. Fly to Chiang Mai Airport from other parts of the country, rent a car or take the railway. Travel around on a bicycle on the area’s excellent cycle lanes.

North Thailand has a lush, tropical topography with charming old city centers and scenic country trails.

Where to stay in North Thailand

Wat Phra Singh

Old City

A noteworthy feature of Old City is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Tha Phae Gate and Sunday Walking Street Market.

Old City
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Nimman

Unique features of Nimman include the cafes and shopping. Make a stop by Nimman Road or One Nimman while you're exploring the area.

Nimman
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Chang Moi

Unique features of Chang Moi include the historic sites and shopping. Make a stop by Mae Ping River or Warorot Market while you're exploring the area.

Chang Moi
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar showing street scenes, signage and night scenes

Chang Khlan

5/5(3 area reviews)

Chang Khlan is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Mae Kha Canal Village.

Chang Khlan
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Chang Phueak

Unique features of Chang Phueak include the shopping and cafes. Make a stop by Wat Jed Yot or MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center while you're exploring the area.

Chang Phueak
Chiangmai, Thailand

Thapae

Historic sites, shopping, and coffeehouses are just a few things travelers enjoy about Thapae. Check out Riverside or Wat Mahawan while you're exploring the area.

Thapae
POR Singharat
POR Singharat
3 out of 5
6 Soi Singharat 4, Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai
The price is P3,703 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
P3,703
P4,395 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Tha Phae Gate and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

POR Singharat
Shangri-La Chiang Mai
Shangri-La Chiang Mai
5 out of 5
89/8 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
The price is P7,325 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P7,325
P8,695 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Excellent ,comfortable,relaxing
"Amazing . Travelled with my 5 year old son. This was our second stay at the same hotel In less than six months . And the staff was amazing. They made sure the big teddy bear was kept in our room even before we checked in. A speacial mention for Mr Rak ( at the reception) and Rudy who made sure they ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Shangri-La Chiang Mai
Lanna Oriental Hotel
Lanna Oriental Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Singharat Rd. 7, T. Sriphum A.Muang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
The price is P1,673 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
P1,673
P1,986 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (86 reviews)
"The hotel was close to a convenience store within a few minutes walk and there were some places for food and drinks nearby. The room was quite clean despite there were some visible bits of snacks hiding in the sofa. Beds were comfortable and air-conditioning was nice to keep us cool in summer. Water ..."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Lanna Oriental Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
VC@Suanpaak Hotel & Serviced Apartments
VC@Suanpaak Hotel & Serviced Apartments
4 out of 5
61 Moo.3, Airport Road, T.Suthep, Chiang Mai, Chiang mai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (234 reviews)
"The staff was prefect."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

VC@Suanpaak Hotel & Serviced Apartments
The Grand Napat
The Grand Napat
4 out of 5
70/1 MuenDamPraKot Rd., Changphuak, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Tha Phae Gate and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (413 reviews)
Beautiful Chiang Mai
"Had a lovely stay in The Grand Napat. Not far outside the old city. Everywhere seemed to be around 80baht in a Grab. If it had been cooler lots of places were in walking distance. Only a 10min walk from Jing Jai market which had a really nice atmosphere and lots of nice restaurants and cafes"

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2025

The Grand Napat
Budget Stars Hotel
Budget Stars Hotel
3 out of 5
3 Loikroh Road Lane 2, Chiang Mai, Chiangmai
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Chiang Mai Night ...
7.6/10 Good! (6 reviews)
"The keyword here is Budget. You don’t pay much for this hotel. Lobby and breakfast areas are fine. But the room is in poor condition. It wouldn’t take much just to patch the holes in the ceiling or remove the dust here and there or add a shower curtain. Beware, the bed mattress is very hard. Almost ..."

Reviewed on Dec 11, 2024

Budget Stars Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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