If you are tending to travel to nature, getting away from the noisy city, looking for the wilderness, then the tourist attractions in Northern Thailand will be your ideal option. You should leave the crowds of tourists and go to northern Thailand to admire temples, long-distance treks and traditional Thai culture. Northern Thailand has long become an attractive tourist destination for many international visitors because of the beauty of nature and the modern nature created by human. This following article will give you a list of popular tourist attractions in Northern Thailand.
The northern part of the Thai region is generally hilly topographic. Areas in northern Thailand are much different from other parts of the country. With the green hills of tropical forests, the northern area is home to many ethnic minorities, with their own culture and language. They are in bamboo huts on the top of a hill, surrounded by rice fields and flowers.
Northern Thailand has relatively distinct seasons. From November to May, Northern Thailand suffers from the dry weather, during which the period from March to May temperatures are higher (up to 38-40 degrees Celsius compared to 30 -35 degrees Celsius in November to February). Although in the meanwhile, the northeastern monsoon was cold but usually did not directly affect the Northern area. The remaining season from May to November is rainy season, with high water capacity.
People in northern Thailand are Khon Muang, they speak Lanna Thai. They have exotic costumes with beautiful colors and the ability to manipulate elephants by hand. This area greatly influences the life and culture of neighboring country – Myanmar. While most are Buddhist, they have a religious belief that their village is protected from danger and unhappiness.
Thailand is famous for its coconut products but coconut is not grown in northern Thailand so coconut is featured in many Thai dishes but not in northern Thailand. Instead of that, northern dishes are full of spicy vegetables and wild vegetables and spices that are spicy, sometimes bitter. The famous dishes in the north are Yum Jin Gai, a chicken soup with lemongrass, sweet onions and local spices, Larb Moo Muang, a minced pork salad, chili, fish sauce and soy sauce, boiled egg noodles served with curry sauce and chicken or beef.
With the influence of the Burmese cuisine, the dishes in northern Thailand are usually cooked to medium, spicy and almost no sweet, sour taste. “Xoi (Steamed sticky rice)” is considered to be the most popular dish here with many kinds of sauces such as namprik dang, namprik noom, namprik bee and other kinds of spicy sausage, gang hangle, gang kae. Some popular dishes such as: curry, khao so, kaeng hang le, cabbage vinegar, …. For meat, North Thai people prefer pork, then beef, chicken, duck and birds. And seafood is not favored here so little.
1) Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is 700 km (435 miles) north of Bangkok, in the middle of the highest mountains in Thailand. Surrounding the city are hills and mountains so it is a suitable destination for nature lovers or couples who want to find a quiet place. The climate of Chiang Mai is relatively cool, the temperature is much colder and more foggy. Chiang Mai is considered to be the most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand, having many famous monuments. This place is a perfect combination between the beautiful scenery and comfortable feeling, away from the noise and bustle. Coming to Chiang Mai, you can learn about the tribes in Chiang Mai; reward yourself for a luxury spa and go shopping; …
There are famoust sites you should not miss when traveling Chiang Mai, such as: Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Doi Pui, Doi Inthanon, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Prasingh, Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai Gate Market, Sunday Walking Street, Elephant Nature Park, …
2) Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a colorful space of Thailand’s ancient city with activities to explore the cultural quintessence, the trip to explore the green forest with exciting surprises. Chiang Rai is still quite pristine with mild weather and majestic historical landmarks easily attract any traveler. The Chiang Rai city is 785 km north of Bangkok. The tourist attractions are diverse, from the ruins of ancient settlements and Buddhist temples, to mountain scenery and beautiful villages. When coming to Chiang Rai, you should spend time to visit Golden Triangle; Wat Rong Khun (White Temple); Phu Chi Fah; Doi Mae Salong; Doi Tung & Mae Fah Luang Garden; Chiang Khong; Haad Chiang Rai; Elephant Camp – Ruammit Village; Golden Horse Temple; … and other temples and museums.
3) Lampang
Located in the northern part of Thailand, Lampang is quite quiet. This destination is suitable for travelers who want to escape from the daily busy life. The ancient Lampang is tranquil and antique. Some traditional villages, such as ceramic carvings, paintings, and fun activities such as horse racing, elephant circus, soccer, etc., will bring you wonderful experiences. As soon as you arrive in Lampang, you will be overwhelmed by the meditation space of the chapel located in Chae Hom inside the Chalermprakiat Temple on the top of Pu Yak Mountain. Lampang has many temples, and the popular temples here are ancient architecture of Myanmar. The most famous is Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Situated on the road from Lampang to Chiang Mai is the Thailand Elephant Conservation Center, the only and oldest funded elephant center in Thailand. At Lam Pang, you can come to visit Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao; Wat Pongsanuk Tai; Baan Sao Nak Museum; Wat Chedi Sao; Wat Si Rong Meuang; Wat Si Chum and other common tourist attractions. Coming to LamPang, visitors will not only admire the wonderful architecture but also have the opportunity to explore the culture and history in a land where having various temples and pagodas.
4) Mae Hong Son
Situated as Thailand’s far-westernmost land, Mae Hong Son is bordered by Thailand-Myanmar border with many small, charming, quiet and peaceful towns. Nestled in a deep valley, surrounded by high mountains, Mae Hong Son town has long been isolated from the outside world. Mae Hong Son is attracting various tourists because of the fascinating culture of indigenous ethnic communities and the majestic natural beauty of the countryside. However, Mae Hong Son is the harsh passageway of Southeast Asia with 1,864 dangerous turnovers, and not easy to conquer. Mae Hong Son is also fascinating with Burmese and Lanna temples, hot springs, tribal villages, mountaineering activities, rafting, national parks, and ceremonies as well as annual dance festival. If you have enough time, then you should take a walk to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu to see the panoramic view of Mae Hong Son city. The rhythm of life here is not boring, nor as busy as the crowed city. When traveling to Mae Hong Son, you will discover some of the famous sites here, such as: Wat Chong Kham, Wat Chong Klang, Royal Park in Pang Tong Highlands, Pang Ung Reservoir, Tam Pla-Pha Sua National Park,…
5) Phayao
Phayao is a known as a tourist town of Thailand, which is a clean town surrounded by lush natural scenery and mild climate. This is a small town with a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. In particular, it is impossible not to mention the hidden beauty of Phu Lang Ka – a small and remote community located in mountainous district Pong, Phayao province.
6) Phrae
Phrae is a province in northern Thailand. If you have the opportunity to come here, you will better understand the daily life of the old Thai people. Since 1443, this area belongs to the kingdom of Lannathai. The city is surrounded by woods, you will easily find many wooden houses. Khum Chao Luang is an interesting hint for you to explore.
7) Nan
Situated between Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang of Laos, Nan is a rapidly growing city in the years of the 14th century. Nan has only been merged in Thailand since 1931. Nam has an area of 11,472 km2, which is 668 km north of Bangkok. You should visit Nan National Museum and Wat Phunim.
8) Mae Sai
Situated at the northern pole of Thailand, Mae Sai, a small town usually visited by tourists to Myanmar. Mae Sai is bordered by Myanmar. You should not forget to visit Wat Phra That Wai Dao and giant scorpions. Mae Sai is also an ideal place for souvenirs such as jewelry or wood clogs.
9) Doi Inthanon
If you are having a trip to Chiang Mai, do not miss the Doi Inthanon National Park. National Park Doi Inthanon covers the districts of Sanpatong, Chomthong District, Mae Chaem, Mae Wang and Toi Lor Sub of Chiang Mai Province. Doi Inthanon has a very rich and green vegetation. You will be impressed by the rainforests with so many high and luxuriant green trees and intertwined with majestic rivers and waterfalls. Doi Inthanon is home to many colorful flowers. Diversity of Doi Inthanon is not only diverse for plants and animals but has long been home to many migratory birds from the north.
10) Sukhothai
Sukhothai is approximately 427 km north of Bangkok, Thailand and has been the capital of Thailand, the Sukhothai capital has an area of more than 6000 km2 with many historical sites such as the temple of Buddha, royal palace and historical park. Sukhothai is less affected by the urbanization process and is called “the dawn of happiness”. The ancient Sukhothai capital has many historical buildings, which is evidence of the beginning of Thai architecture. The buildings here are the crystallization of ancient cultural traditions that create a very distinctive Sukhothai style. Sukhothai was ruled by many kings, but most remembered was Ramkhamhaeng, for having created the Thai alphabet and laid the solid foundation for the monarchy, the Buddhist religion of the state … Sukhothai was also recognized as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1991. The old imperial capital used to have royal palaces, numerous Buddhist temples and ancient architectural buildings, but now they are all ruins. It is also a place of unique Thai dishes, made with a mix of different spices to create a unique flavor.
11) Pai
Pai is a very small and beautiful town, which is 130km north of Chiangmai. If you want to look for a spot to see Pai from on high and see the dawn, then Pai Canyon is a great choice. Tha Pai is a famous hot spring in Pai, in addition, in Pai, there is also another nice hot spring. “Coffee in love” is a very popular café in Pai, with romantic and poetic scenery. You should come and feel the fresh air in Pai, you will definitely have a very different experience. Additionally, there are several destinations that you should come, such as: Pang Ung Lake, Chinese Village’s Viewpoint, Pai River, Memorial Bridge…
12) Tak
Tak is a beautiful province, with friendly and warm-hearted people. If you want to discover and feel the everyday life of the Thai people, as well as experience the beauty of a pristine land of tranquility, then surely you can not ignore Tak. Traveling to Tak, tourists will be immersed in the majestic scenery of nature, such as forests, streams, waterfalls, … or the lovely villages. Besides, there are many exciting activities awaiting visitors to explore. What is more interesting to discover a wilderness, not affected by urbanization or industrial tourism!
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