For lots of travellers, Thailand begins and ends with Full Moon events, a bucket of vodka (seasoned with remorse) and seashores straight out of postcards (if, you already know, the postcards had one way or the other talked about 1000’s of vacationers).
And whereas it’s a disgrace that the southern archipelago attracts the overwhelming majority of the Bintang tank top-sporting crowd, it means there are alternatives up north.
That is the jungly little bit of Thailand. The bit that’s most likely extra consultant of what the nation was 30 years in the past earlier than ping pong reveals grew to become a factor. Up in Chiang Mai, and even higher Chiang Rai, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover quiet Buddhist stupas, waterfalls all to your self and hill tribes just like the Akha and Lahu that reside just about like they all the time have. A hearth-twirling Full Moon get together this ain’t. However should you care about tradition, level your Thai compass due north.
Listed here are 5 of our favorite spots in northern Thailand.
Sukhothai
Picture by Kim Hay
Sukhothai might not technically be ‘northern Thailand’, nevertheless it’s extra north than a number of vacationers get, and it’s cool, so we’ll overlook the geography. Consider the ‘previous metropolis’ in Sukhothai as a mini Angkor Wat. Not fairly as large, however simply as spectacular in its personal approach. It’s principally the preserved stays of the Sukhothai Kingdom, a short-lived dynasty that survived till the 14th century. The previous metropolis is called meuang gòw and stretches via the jungle for about 45 sq. kilometres (or 17 sq. miles). The close by city of ‘new Sukhothai’ isn’t all that fascinating, nevertheless it’s bought good transport hyperlinks to Bangkok and makes a ok pit-stop on your route additional north.
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Chiang Mai
Picture by S-F
Regardless of a growth in reputation over the past decade (principally attributable to peace-seeking travellers escaping the frenzied buzz of Bangkok and Phuket), Chiang Mai nonetheless has that basic Northern Thailand laid-back vibe. It’s the glowing capital of the north, the previous seat of the previous Lanna Kingdom. That’s the Previous Metropolis, central Chiang Mai, however across the crumbling monasteries and their historical brick chedi (stupas), there’s a bustling trendy city with a cracking evening market, nice road meals and fish pedicurists (Google it, it’s a factor). The opposite benefit of Chiang Mai is its location: a fast day journey and also you’re immediately swimming in swimming pools beneath Monthathan waterfall, or trekking via mist-covered jungles.
Chiang Rai
Picture by MEDIASECTION
We hate phrases like this, however Chiang Rai might be the ‘subsequent Chiang Mai’. Barely additional north than Chiang Mai, and with fewer flight choices, it’s an excellent extra serene and laid again model of its close by neighbour. Meals can be cheaper right here (and spicy too – be careful for the ‘jungle curries’) and there’re a lot of small backpacker-style lodging at a really cheap value. The primary cause to go to Chiang Mai (other than its appeal and bone-white Wat Rong Khun temple) is its proximity to the Golden Triangle area: the border between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. An important jumping-off level for additional adventures.
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Lampang
Picture by mpbboom
Loads of locations are labelled as ‘stepping again in time’, however Lampang (together with the northern railway’s line between Bangkok and Chiang Mai) is the actual deal. There aren’t even any tuk tuks right here, guys. Individuals get round on horse and carriage. Legit. There’s a tiny airport, however that’s as excessive tech as this place will get.
Why make the journey? Aside from the quaint rural appeal, Lampang is the place you go to see elephant sanctuaries just like the Buddies of the Asian Elephant Hospital. We go to it on our excursions. There are a variety of elephant-based vacationer actions within the north of Thailand, however attempt to decide locations like this, the place it’s much less about tourism and extra about what tourism can do: assist rehabilitate and take care of endangered elephants. If you happen to’re in Lampang on a Saturday or Sunday evening, be sure that to hit up the Gad Gong Tha Evening Market too: it’s road meals Nirvana.
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Mae Salong
Picture by pixy_nook
Mae Salong is a kind of cute little pockets of the world that makes completely no sense till you already know the historical past. Strolling down the road, you’d suppose you have been in Yunnan province, China. The outlets are enjoying Chinese language TV. There’s Chinese language meals in all of the eating places, and an enormous tea-drinking tradition, because of the plantations close by. The explanation for all that is that Mae Salong was initially settled as a regiment of the Kuomintang (the Chinese language nationwide get together) after communism took over China in 1949. They crossed into Myanmar, after which later into Thailand, and arrange a cool little neighborhood that continues to thrive and keep on with its roots.
Mae Salong is a good place to relax, sip some tea and perhaps go to a hilltop village or two. It’s near Chiang Rai as properly, up within the hills past the city, so it’s value a few nights should you’re within the space.
Wish to take a look at Northern Thailand now? After all, you do. All you want is our One Week in Northern Thailand small group journey, solely for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.