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 which includes heritage elements

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
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar featuring markets, night scenes and street 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 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
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Chang Phueak

Unique features of Chang Phueak include the shopping and cafes. Make a stop by Chiang Mai National Museum or Wat Jed Yot while you're exploring the area.

Chang Phueak
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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
Shangri-La Chiang Mai

Shangri-La Chiang Mai

5 out of 5
89/8 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
The price is P7,393 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
P7,393
P8,776 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
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! (1,002 reviews)
Again~! In Shangri-La Chiang Mai
"Dear friends The joy of my first trip to Chiang Mai is still there, but it's already been almost a month. I'm a team leader in a service industry. I was already looking forward to Shangri-La's strict service because I had experience using Cebu Shangri-La, but the Shangri-La I felt this time was the ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Shangri-La Chiang Mai
POR Singharat

POR Singharat

3 out of 5
6 Soi Singharat 4, Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,737 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
P3,737
P4,436 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
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! (64 reviews)
"I can’t say enough about the service at POR! The staff went above and beyond to make my first visit to Thailand easy and so enjoyable. They helped to arrange for my daily activities and were quick to answer all my questions. The daily breakfasts were amazing and the beverages and snacks available ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

POR Singharat
U Nimman Chiang Mai

U Nimman Chiang Mai

4 out of 5
1 Nimmanhaemin Road, Tumbon Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Arguably the best hotel in Chiang Mai. Very comfortable and well-furnished rooms, excellent facilities, and friendly and attentive staff. Buffet breakfast is a highlight.."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

U Nimman 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.
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
"This is a great place and cheap price"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

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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