Northern Thailand

Region

Mountains, hill-tribe villages and the old Lanna kingdom, with its own temples, script and cooking. Chiang Mai is the hub for treks, cooking classes and elephant sanctuaries; Chiang Rai, Pai and the Mae Hong Son Loop reach higher ground, and the ruined capitals of Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai sit on the plains to the south. November to February is cool and clear; March and April bring smoke from crop burning.

Northern Thailand Doi Suthep-Pui National ParkHistoric Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic TownsWat Rong KhunWat Phra That Doi SuthepDoi InthanonGolden TriangleSukhothai Historical ParkDoi Nang NonChiang Mai UniversitySi Satchanalai Historical ParkKamphaeng Phet Historical ParkSi Thep historical parkWat Chedi LuangPang MaphaWat Phra SinghBueng BoraphetBhumibol DamChiang Mai ZooDoi Khun Tan National ParkOp Luang National ParkKwan PhayaoTham Luang Nang NonWat Chiang ManWat Phra Si Rattana MahathatPhetchabun MountainsPhu Hin Rong Kla National ParkSantikhiriSpirit Cave (Thailand)Darunaman MosqueDoi Luang National ParkDoi Pha Hom Pok National ParkKhlong Lan National ParkChiang MaiChiang RaiPaiMae Hong SonLampangLamphunNanPhitsanulokNakhon SawanSukhothaiPhetchabunMae SotKamphaeng PhetPhayaoPhichitTakPhraeUttaraditUthai Thani

Northern Thailand essentials

Country: Thailand
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Baht (฿)
Language: Thai
Emergency: 191

Where to Go in Northern Thailand

City Chiang Mai Chiang MaiNorthern hub of old-city temples and night markets City Chiang Rai Chiang RaiNorthern city of the White and Blue temples City Phitsanulok Phitsanulok City Nakhon Sawan Nakhon SawanCity in Thailand with historical significance History Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic TownsAncient capital complex with Khmer-influenced temple ruins History Golden Triangle Golden TriangleRiver confluence region bordering Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar History Sukhothai Historical Park Sukhothai Historical ParkRuined capital complex with early Thai temples and statues History Si Thep historical park Si Thep historical parkAncient Khmer archaeological park with Khmer and Dvaravati ruins Nature Doi Suthep-Pui National Park Doi Suthep-Pui National ParkMountain national park with sacred temple and viewpoints Nature Doi Inthanon Doi InthanonThailand's highest peak with cloud forest ecosystems Nature Doi Nang Non Doi Nang NonKarst ridge shaped like a sleeping woman peak Nature Bueng Boraphet Bueng BoraphetLargest freshwater lake in central Thailand, birdlife haven
Regions & Cities
Chiang Mai Explore Chiang Mai Early-morning alms and saffron-robed monks set Chiang Mai’s rhythm; temples, the old city moat and night markets selling khao soi and sticky rice draw food lovers. Chiang Rai Explore Chiang Rai Northern Thailand’s hill towns pull visitors for Wat Rong Khun’s white spires, the Golden Triangle’s river views, night markets, and tribal villages. Pai Explore Pai Narrow mountain roads deposit you in Pai’s relaxed chaos: night market squabbling over khao soi, scooter smoke, local cafés and bamboo bridges spanning rice paddies. Mae Hong Son Explore Mae Hong Son Fog and teak hills define this Shan‑influenced town; people arrive for Doi Kong Mu temple, hot springs, hill‑tribe treks and the winding Mae Hong Son Loop - nights spent at night markets over grilled skewers and sticky rice. Lampang Explore Lampang A northern Thai town known for Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, horse-drawn carts and teak architecture; visitors linger for Lanna temples, nearby elephant sanctuaries and mountain roads that unspool into quiet farming valleys. Lamphun Explore Lamphun Ancient Lanna town south of Chiang Mai, Lamphun draws visitors for Wat Phra That Hariphunchai’s gilded chedi, quiet teak monasteries and weekday markets selling northern sausages and woven textiles. Nan Explore Nan Nan’s narrow lanes and teak temples keep a low profile; Wat Phumin’s intimate murals and the Nan National Museum attract visitors. Phitsanulok Explore Phitsanulok Phitsanulok’s big draw is Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat and the famed Phra Buddha Chinnarat, but travelers also linger at riverfront night markets, noodle stalls, and use the city as a jumping-off point for Sukhothai’s ruins.

Northern Thailand at a Glance

Local Time
7:01 AM
GMT+7
Population
12,082,532

Best Things to Do in Northern Thailand