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
Chiang Mai showing indigenous culture as well as an individual femail
Wat Phra Singh showing signage
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 Sunday Walking Street Market and Wat Chedi Luang.

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
North Thailand which includes a ruin

Hai Ya

Hai Ya is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center and Saturday Walking Street Night Market.

Hai Ya
Dusit Princess Chiang Mai
Dusit Princess Chiang Mai
4.5 out of 5
112 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
The price is P3,241 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
P3,241
P3,847 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 13 - Mar 14
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Tha Phae Gate ...
9/10 Wonderful! (73 reviews)
Couple of nights in Chiang Mai
"Great hotel and location for the night markets. Short drive from the airport as well. Staff were really friendly and helpful, hope to return at some point."

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2025

Dusit Princess Chiang Mai
Shangri-La Chiang Mai
Shangri-La Chiang Mai
5 out of 5
89/8 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,203 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
P7,203
P8,550 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 15 - Mar 16
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! (1,002 reviews)
Fantastic!
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Reviewed on Jan 21, 2025

Shangri-La Chiang Mai
Centara Riverside Hotel Chiang Mai
Centara Riverside Hotel Chiang Mai
4 out of 5
Chiang Mai-Lamphun, Tumbol Wat Kate,, 318/1, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province
The price is P3,087 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
P3,087
P3,664 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 26 - Feb 27
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (807 reviews)
"The rooms are big we had three people so it was good for us"

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2025

Centara Riverside Hotel Chiang Mai
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.
Villa ALANNA
Villa ALANNA
4 out of 5
Bunrueang Rit Rd,, 12, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Chiang Mai Night Bazaar ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Amazing property! I would not hesitate to stay here again. Very close to the old city, right next to a 7-11 and a Starbucks. Super clean villa with exceptional service. The front staff always had a smile and were happy to help with local recommendations. The only small draw back is that our Villa ..."

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2024

Villa ALANNA
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! (228 reviews)
Safe to book
"Huge room, excellent location, really friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2025

VC@Suanpaak Hotel & Serviced Apartments
Budget Stars Hotel
Budget Stars Hotel
3 out of 5
3 Loikroh Road Lane 2, Chiang Mai, Chiangmai
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Tha Phae ...
7.6/10 Good! (6 reviews)
Good location
"Very nice staff. hotel in an excellent location."

Reviewed on Apr 20, 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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