Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand's beautiful, rugged geography is the region's great temptation. Hidden among the forested mountains are Thailand's most iconic waterfalls and caves, as well as whitewater rapids and jungle trails. The area is a playground for outdoor pursuits – hiking, rafting, kayaking and caving opportunities abound.

As much of a draw are the diverse communities who populate the villages tucked away in the hills. Northern Thailand's proximity to Laos and Myanmar gives the region a unique multicultural feel, too, and the Burmese, Chinese and Shan influences in towns such as Doi Mae Salong and Mae Hong Son might make you wonder which country you are in.

Conversely, the south of the region is regarded as the birthplace of much of Thai culture. History buffs can go back in time at Sukhothai Historical Park and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park. And when you're not trekking or temple-hopping, Pai's party scene will keep you busy.

Explore Northern Thailand

Sukhothai Historical Park
The Sukhothai Historical Park ruins are one of Thailand’s most impressive World Heritage sites. The park includes the remains of 21 historical sites and…
Wat Phumin
Nan’s most famous Buddhist temple is celebrated for its exquisite murals, executed during the late 19th century by a Thai Lü artist named Thit Buaphan…
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
This ancient Buddhist temple compound has several interesting religious structures, including what is arguably the most beautiful wooden Lanna temple in…
Nam Tok Thilawsu
Located in the Um Phang Wildlife Sanctuary, this waterfall is Thailand’s largest, measuring an estimated 200m high and up to 400m wide during the rainy…
T
Tham Lot
About 9km northeast of Soppong is Tham Lot (pronounced tâm lôrt and also known as tâm nám lôrt), a large limestone cave with impressive stalagmites,…
K
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
A Unesco World Heritage Site, the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park features the ruins of structures dating back to the 14th century, roughly the same time…
M
Mae Fah Luang Art & Culture Park
In addition to a museum that houses one of Thailand’s biggest collections of Lanna artefacts, this vast, meticulously landscaped compound includes antique…
W
Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun’s construction began in 1997 by noted Thai painter turned architect Chalermchai Kositpipat. It's a striking structure that, from a distance,…
B
Baandam
The bizarre brainchild of Thai National Artist Thawan Duchanee, and a rather sinister counterpoint to Wat Rong Khun, Baandam unites several structures,…

Sukhothai Historical Park
The Sukhothai Historical Park ruins are one of Thailand’s most impressive World Heritage sites. The park includes the remains of 21 historical sites and…
Wat Phumin
Nan’s most famous Buddhist temple is celebrated for its exquisite murals, executed during the late 19th century by a Thai Lü artist named Thit Buaphan…
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
This ancient Buddhist temple compound has several interesting religious structures, including what is arguably the most beautiful wooden Lanna temple in…
Nam Tok Thilawsu
Located in the Um Phang Wildlife Sanctuary, this waterfall is Thailand’s largest, measuring an estimated 200m high and up to 400m wide during the rainy…
T
Tham Lot
About 9km northeast of Soppong is Tham Lot (pronounced tâm lôrt and also known as tâm nám lôrt), a large limestone cave with impressive stalagmites,…
K
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
A Unesco World Heritage Site, the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park features the ruins of structures dating back to the 14th century, roughly the same time…
M
Mae Fah Luang Art & Culture Park
In addition to a museum that houses one of Thailand’s biggest collections of Lanna artefacts, this vast, meticulously landscaped compound includes antique…
W
Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun’s construction began in 1997 by noted Thai painter turned architect Chalermchai Kositpipat. It's a striking structure that, from a distance,…
B
Baandam
The bizarre brainchild of Thai National Artist Thawan Duchanee, and a rather sinister counterpoint to Wat Rong Khun, Baandam unites several structures,…

Latest Stories from Northern Thailand

Public Transport Thailand's 3 best scenic journeys we know you're going to love
Nov 22, 2021 • 5 min read
Take the scenic route on these vivid journeys through the lush Thai countryside. Here are 3 you're going to love.
Family Travel What to do with kids in Chiang Mai
Oct 29, 2019 • 4 min read
Children and Chiang Mai: a match made in heaven. From playgrounds to yoga classes, here are some of the best activities for kids to enjoy in the city.
Food Shopping in Chiang Mai: your essential guide to the city's night markets
Jul 31, 2018 • 5 min read
If you're planning to shop in Thailand, Chiang Mai is the place to bring an empty suitcase. The Rose of the North's reputation for shopping extends back…
Food What to do in Chiang Mai’s riverside Wat Ket district
Jul 18, 2018 • 4 min read
On the east side of Mae Ping in Chiang Mai is the Wat Ket neighbourhood. Home to enterprising locals, foreign missionaries and Chinese traders who brought…
Road Trips Northern Thailand on two wheels
Jul 21, 2015 • 4 min read
Thailand’s ubiquitous and scrawny scooters may not exactly inspire Easy Rider-style notions of freedom on the open road. But they’re actually one of the…
Story Thailand’s unexplored north
Jun 29, 2015 • 4 min read
Combining mountainous landscapes, cultural treasures and many untouristed corners, Thailand’s north is arguably the part of the country most apt for…
Food Where to sample Chiang Mai's best kôw soy (famous noodle soup)
Dec 12, 2014 • 3 min read
Take squiggly wheat-and-egg noodles, a rich, fragrant curry-based broth, sides of crunchy pickled greens, sliced shallots and lime, and you have kôw soy …
Food A perfect day in Chiang Mai: exploring the 'rose of the north'
Dec 10, 2014 • 3 min read
The laid-back city of Chiang Mai is an endearing mix of old and new: the moated, walled old quarter shelters ancient temples, while a traveller-friendly…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Northern Thailand.

See
Sukhothai Historical Park
The Sukhothai Historical Park ruins are one of Thailand’s most impressive World Heritage sites. The park includes the remains of 21 historical sites and…
See
Wat Phumin
Nan’s most famous Buddhist temple is celebrated for its exquisite murals, executed during the late 19th century by a Thai Lü artist named Thit Buaphan…
See
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang
This ancient Buddhist temple compound has several interesting religious structures, including what is arguably the most beautiful wooden Lanna temple in…
See
Nam Tok Thilawsu
Located in the Um Phang Wildlife Sanctuary, this waterfall is Thailand’s largest, measuring an estimated 200m high and up to 400m wide during the rainy…
See
Tham Lot
About 9km northeast of Soppong is Tham Lot (pronounced tâm lôrt and also known as tâm nám lôrt), a large limestone cave with impressive stalagmites,…
See
Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park
A Unesco World Heritage Site, the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park features the ruins of structures dating back to the 14th century, roughly the same time…
See
Mae Fah Luang Art & Culture Park
In addition to a museum that houses one of Thailand’s biggest collections of Lanna artefacts, this vast, meticulously landscaped compound includes antique…
See
Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun’s construction began in 1997 by noted Thai painter turned architect Chalermchai Kositpipat. It's a striking structure that, from a distance,…
See
Baandam
The bizarre brainchild of Thai National Artist Thawan Duchanee, and a rather sinister counterpoint to Wat Rong Khun, Baandam unites several structures,…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Northern Thailand with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.