Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai

Mountain temples, café culture and a slower pace of life

Nestled among the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its relaxed atmosphere, centuries-old temples, thriving café culture and incredible natural surroundings. It's one of the country's best destinations for slow travel, adventure and authentic local experiences.

Must visit

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Mountaintop temple with sweeping city views

Elephant Nature Park

Ethical elephant sanctuary

Sunday Walking Street

Old City's famous night market

Perfect for

Café Culture

Some of Thailand's best coffee shops and co-working spaces

Nature

Doi Inthanon National Park and mountain scenery

Digital Nomads

Fast wifi, low cost of living, thriving community

Culture

Hundreds of temples across the Old City

Before you go

Rent a scooter if comfortable⌄

It's the best way to reach temples and viewpoints outside the city.

Visit during Yi Peng or Loy Krathong⌄

The lantern festivals make for a truly unique experience.

Pack a light jacket⌄

Evenings can get cool during the cool season (Nov–Feb).

Pai

A laid-back mountain town with bohemian cafés

Hidden in the mountains of northern Thailand, Pai is a laid-back town famous for its scenic landscapes, bohemian cafés and relaxed atmosphere. It's the perfect escape for travellers looking to slow down and immerse themselves in nature.

Must visit

Pai Canyon

Narrow ridgeline trails and sunset views

Tha Pai Hot Springs

Natural hot springs just outside town

Yun Lai Viewpoint

Sweeping views over the valley

Perfect for

Nature

Canyons, waterfalls and mountain scenery

Cafés

Bohemian coffee shops throughout the walking street

Road Trips

The famous drive from Chiang Mai is an adventure in itself

Photography

Sunrise and sunset over the valley

Before you go

The drive from Chiang Mai has 700+ curves⌄

Take it slow, especially if you're not used to mountain roads.

Rent a scooter⌄

It's the easiest way to explore the surrounding waterfalls and viewpoints.

Time it for sunrise or sunset⌄

The views around Pai are best in the golden hours.

Chiang Rai

Extraordinary temples and contemporary art

Home to some of Thailand's most extraordinary temples, Chiang Rai blends contemporary art, rich history and beautiful mountain scenery. Quieter than Chiang Mai, it's the perfect destination for travellers seeking culture, creativity and a slower pace.

Must visit

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

A dazzling, otherworldly contemporary temple

Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)

Striking cobalt-blue architecture

Golden Triangle

Where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet

Perfect for

Culture

Some of Thailand's most unique temple architecture

Photography

The White and Blue Temples are unmissable photo stops

Road Trips

Easy to combine with the Golden Triangle

Nature

Khun Korn Waterfall and mountain scenery nearby

Before you go

Plan a full day if visiting from Chiang Mai⌄

There's more to see here than most day trips allow for.

The White Temple gets busy late morning⌄

Arrive early to beat the tour bus crowds.

Combine with the Golden Triangle⌄

It makes for a memorable full day out.

Mae Hong Son

Misty mountains, road trips and traditional villages

Surrounded by misty mountains and peaceful valleys, Mae Hong Son offers one of Thailand's most authentic and rewarding road trips. Traditional villages, mountain viewpoints and quiet countryside make it the perfect destination for travellers looking to escape the crowds.

Must visit

Ban Rak Thai

Tea-farming village with a Yunnanese Chinese heritage

Pang Ung Lake

Pine-fringed reservoir known as "Switzerland of Thailand"

Tham Pla Fish Cave

Sacred spring cave filled with carp

Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge

Rustic bamboo walkway through the rice fields

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

Mountaintop temple with sweeping city views

Perfect for

Mountain Escapes

Cool misty peaks and quiet valley villages

Road Trips

One of Thailand's most scenic mountain drives

Nature

Pine forests, lakes and countryside scenery

Photography

Morning mist over the mountains and rice fields

Before you go

The drive includes hundreds of winding mountain roads⌄

Take your time and factor in extra hours for the journey.

Visit between November and February⌄

Cool weather and morning mist make this the best time to go.

Stay overnight⌄

The peaceful atmosphere after sunset is part of the experience.

Rent a scooter only if you're comfortable riding mountain roads⌄

The roads are winding and steep, so it's not for beginners.

Choose your escape

Chiang Mai

Pai

Chiang Rai

Mae Hong Son

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