Visit Northern Thailand

Heading north from Thailand's dusty central plains, the heat gives way to cool, clean air and a terrain of forested limestone hills and rivers. The pace and people seem gentler in this colourful corner of Thailand, bordering Burma and Laos.

Northern Thailand's most significant city remains Chiang Mai - it's walled and moated old city, ancient temples, bustling markets and exceptional hotels a magnet for visitors.

Trekking and visiting the diverse array of tribal hill peoples in the northern villages are popular, especially at Mae Hong Son, a beautiful village encircled by hills and often cloaked in mist.

Chiang Rai is another highlight, and an important trekking centre and base for exploring the natural and historical wonders of the Golden Triangle.

Thailand discovery: Chiang Mai, Bangkok & Krabi

14-day tailor-made holiday from £4,530 pp incl. flights

If ever there was proof that far-flung holidays don't have to cost the earth, Thailand is it. Its classic combination of history, culture, city and beach, alongside high-quality, affordable accommodation, is all showcased perfectly throughout this tailor-made tour.

Laos & The Mekong

12-day tailor-made holiday from £3,120 pp incl. flights

See the best of Laos, before taking a Mekong River cruise into Thailand and the northern town of Chiang Rai, a centre for the country's unique hill tribes.

Thailand Top to Toe

15-day tailor-made holiday from £3,010 pp

When people think of Thailand, the first picture that springs to mind for many is one of gorgeous white-sand beaches, swaying palms and a sparkling turquoise sea in the resort islands of the south. Scratch a little deeper however and you'll find a rich tapestry of culture, cuisine, temples and trib…

Cultural Highlights of Thailand & Krabi Beach Break

17-day tailor-made journey from £3,405 pp

From cultural highlights and historic sites to the sheer indulgence of one of Krabi's finest resorts, this is an incredible introduction to the best of Thailand.

Top places to stay in Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai

Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand

Accommodation

Experience the wild side of Thailand at the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa in Chiang Rai where the sights and sounds of the jungle reach every room.

Tamarind Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Accommodation

Within the heart of historic Chiang Mai lies a boutique resort aptly designed and decorated with the tribal heritage of northern Thailand in mind, called the Tamarind Village. Enter the gateway through the bamboo arch and corridor, past the two hundred year old tamarind tree after which this hotel …

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

Four Seasons Tented Camp Thailand

Accommodation

The four seasons luxury tented camp is located in the Golden Triangle where the three countries of Thailand, Laos and Burma converge.

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Devi, Chiang Mai

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Devi,Thailand

Accommodation

Spread over 60 acres of natural landscape with peaceful views of the paddy fields, the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Devi is Chiang Mai’s only luxury resort.

Where to go in Northern Thailand and Chiang Mai

Lamphun

Wat Haripunchai temple in Lamphun, an ancient city that predates Chiang Mai by several hundred years, houses what is believed to be the largest bronze gong in the world.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Several thousand Hmong and Karen people live within the protected area of Doi Inthanon National Park, which is named after Thailand's highest mountain, the 2,595-metre-high Doi Inthanon.

Mae Hong Son

The rugged landscape bordering Burma to the west of Chiang Mai is among the most spectacular in Thailand. Mae Hong Son itself is a centre for trekking and home to numerous fine Burmese-style wats.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is the capital of Thailand's most northerly province and gateway to the infamous Golden Triangle, the meeting point of Laos, Thailand and Burma. What was once a lawless smuggling frontier is now a hub for trekking and rafting trips down the mighty Mekong River.

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