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 Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Shopping Centre.

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 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 P3,237 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
P3,237
P3,842 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 6 - Mar 7
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (37 reviews)
"the hotel location is excellent. Easy access to everything."

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2025

Dusit Princess 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 P4,161 per night from 19 Feb to 20 Feb
P4,161
P4,939 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 19 - Feb 20
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! (803 reviews)
Our favorite hotel in all of Chiang Mai
"This is a fantastic hotel, excellent in every way. We have stayed there at least three times and are never disappointed. The staff are all first-class, from Alex the manager to housekeeping. The fees are very reasonable for the value. We visit Chiang Mai every year, and the Centara is our favorite ..."

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2025

Centara Riverside Hotel Chiang Mai
Singharaj Boutique Hotel
Singharaj Boutique Hotel
2.5 out of 5
6/1 Singharat Rd, Si Phum, Mueang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
The price is P1,731 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
P1,731
P1,921 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 1 - Mar 2
Stay at this hotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (19 reviews)
"Very attentive staff. Good proximity to shops and food."

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2025

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

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2025

VC@Suanpaak Hotel & Serviced Apartments
Parc Borough City Resort
Parc Borough City Resort
5 out of 5
223 Mahidol Rd., T. Changklang, Mueng, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Tha ...
Parc Borough City Resort
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 Chiang Mai Night ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (400 reviews)
Away from the hustle and bustle
"The hotel is comfortable, if you want to be in the middle of all the action then this hotel is not for you but it is peaceful. A couple of small issues was that our room had a huge tree right outside the window so was very dark and no view but we did get to see alot of bird life. There wasn't a massive ..."

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2025

The Grand Napat
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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