Asia

North of Thailand

22 May 2020 /

The charm of the North of Thaïlande. Which cities should I visit in the north of Thailand?

Bangkok :

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. Like every big city, it used to be noisy and there is lot of traffic jam. Obviously, it depends also about the quarters. Some of them are really quiet, fun and typical. Usually we don’t like the huge cities, but for the second time we keep nice memories of Bangkok. There are many things to visit, like temples, markets, street art and gallery... It’s a controversial town, we met other people on the road who hate Bangkok.

What are the best things to do in Bangkok?
Wat Saket Wat Phra Chetuphon Temple
Chatuchak Weekend Market Boat trip in the Klongs
Khaosan Road Pak Klong Flowers Market
The Grand Palace Wat Mahathat
Wat Arun Wat Suthat Thepwararam
Old Town Baiyoke Tower II
National Museum National Museum of Royal Barges
China Town Phahurat Market
Wat Benchamabophit Vimanmek Mansion
Jim Thompson House Art and Culture Centre
Suan Pakkad Palace Lumphini Park
M.R. Kukrit's House Floating Market
Where should I sleep in Bangkok?
Rambuttri Village Inn and Plaza New My House Guest House
Tips about Bangkok

Each quarter has a different atmosphere. We liked the “Chana Songkhram” quarter to sleep and hangout.

(by Show Me The Road)

Ayutthaya :

Ayutthaya is a peaceful and enjoyable city to discover. It was great to explore the historical temples and impressive ruins all around the town by bicycle. We really enjoyed discovering this cultural place of the North of Thailand.

What are the best things to do in Ayutthaya?
Ayutthaya famous temples Boat trip around the city
Chantharakasem National Museum Wat Yai Chaimongkol
Wat Phanan Choeng St. Joseph’s Church
Where should I sleep in Ayutthaya?
Baan Choeng Tha
What are the best places to eat or drink in Ayutthaya?
Hua Ro Night Market Bang Ian Night Market
Tips about Ayutthaya

We recommend you to buy the combined pass (220 Baths) for the 6 famous monuments instead of buy one by one the ticket for each entrance (50 Baths). You’ll find this pass at every ticket counter area.

If you come by train, you should take the ferry (5 Baths – at the end of the street, in front of the station) to cross the river and reach the city centre. It’s faster and cheaper than to go by road.

(by Show Me The Road)

Sukhothai :

Sukhothai is the ancient capital of Siam kingdom. It is a cultural city of the North of Thailand, famous for its historical old city and its stunning ruins of temple. The park is composed of 5 areas. You can walk around or rent a bicycle to reach each site. The new city of Sukhothai is nice, but there is not much to do except the night market to try a various street food.

What are the best things to do in Sukhothai?
Sukhothai Historical Park Si Satchanalai Historical Park
Sangkhalok Museum
Where should I sleep in Sukhothai?
Ruengsrisiri Guesthouse
What are the best places to eat or drink in Sukhothai?
Night Market
Tips about Sukhothai

There is a shuttle from the Sukhothai Bus terminal (30 Baths) to go to the ancient city and come back to the new city. You can also rent a bicycle or motorbike at Ruengsrisiri Guesthouse, or directly in front of the Sukhothai Historical Park (30 Baths).

(by Show Me The Road)

Chiang Mai :

Chiang Mai is a lovely city. The town is very touristic, but the streets are peaceful. There is a lot of activities to do and many things to see around. This is one of our favourite cities in the world we have been so far.

What are the best things to do in Chiang Mai?
Temples in the city Mae Sa Waterfall
Muang On Cave Huay Tueng Thao Reservoir
Doi Suthep Wat Pha Lat Hike
Tha Pae Sunday Walking Street Warorot Market
Rompho Thai Massage Buak Hard Public Park
Mae Hong Son Loop Doi Saket Hot Spring
National Museum Bhubing Palace
Tribal Museum Museum of World Insects
Thai Boxing Show Cooking Lesson
Bai Orchid-Butterfly Farm Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
Where should I sleep in Chiang Mai?
Baan Klang Vieng Iris hostel
What are the best places to eat or drink in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Chinatown Night Bazaar
Aroy Dee Grazie Thai Local Food
Tips about Chiang Mai

Rent a motorbike to discover the surroundings of Chiang Mai or make a road trip in the mountain for example the “Mae Hong son Loop”.

(by Show Me The Road)

Mae Sariang :

Mae Sariang is a small city on the riverside of Salawin river. There is not a lot of things to do, but there is the Salawin National Parc for those interested. In the city, you can visit the small covert market and few temples. By motorbike, the roads to come and go are gorgeous and wild.

What are the best things to do in Mae Sariang?
Wat Si Bunruang Wat Jong Soong
Park and lake Boat Trip on the Salawin
Salawin National Park Mae Sawan Noi Waterfall Forest Park
Doi Inthanon
Where should I sleep in Mae Sariang?
PS.River View Guesthouse
What are the best places to eat or drink in Mae Sariang?
Local Thai restaurant Rad Na 18 Rhan
Daily Market Sunday market
Tips about Mae Sariang

The first check point for the Doi Inthanon National Parc is free if you don’t go to Doi Inthanon (the highest mountain of Thailand) but just to cross the park. At the second check point you just have to tell them you go to Mae Sariang through Mae Jam.

(by Show Me The Road)

Mae Hong Son :

Mae Hong Son is a small family town surrounded by mountains. The city has a certain charm with its nice temples, its small lake and its convivial night market. It is the perfect place to make a stop for few days and visit the wonderful countryside. One of our favorite place in the North of Thailand.

What are the best things to do in Mae Hong Son?
Wat Hua Wiang Wat Chong Klang
Wat Phrathat Doi Kongmu Wat Phra Non
Thampla activities Pha Bong Hot Spring
Viewpoint Pha Bong Mai Sang Nam Waterfall
Ban Rak Thai
Where should I sleep in Mae Hong Son?
Johnnie Guest House
What are the best places to eat or drink in Mae Hong Son?
Chong Kam Night market Daily Market
Tips about Mae Hong Son

Stay at least 2 days to enjoy the mountain atmosphere and the countryside.

(by Show Me The Road)

Mae Lana :

Mae Lana is a charming small village, perched in the mountains. The road is up hill to reach Mae Lana. Once on site, we discover the cute village with its wooden houses. The Shan ethnicity lives in the village, this ethnicity is from Myanmar and immigrated in the North of Thailand. You can try a great noodle soup in one of the restaurants, enjoyed the outstanding view and rest.

What are the best things to do in Mae Lana?
Mae La Na Cave and Trekking Coffin Cave
Lod Cave Pha Mon Cave
What are the best places to eat or drink in Mae Lana?
Ban Cha Bo Hill Noodle
Tips about Mae Lana

You should stop in Mae Lana for few days to enjoyed the atmosphere and discover the surroundings, or at least for a lunch. No doubt, you won’t regret it!

(by Show Me The Road)

Pai :

Pai is a very attractive and interesting city in North of Thailand. That’s why it’s a famous touristic area. For those who like the night life, there is many restaurant, bars and clubs to party. But what brings most of the tourists are the surroundings of the town. There are many fascinating things to discover.

What are the best things to do in Pai?
Mo Paeng Waterfall Yun Lai Viewpoint
Santichon Village Pai Canyon
Chedi Phra That Mae Yen Pai Historical Bridge
Bamboo Bridge Pai Pam Bok Waterfall
Pai Land Split Mork Fa Waterfall
Tha Pai Hot Spring Sai Ngam hot spring
Where should I sleep in Pai?
TTK Restaurant and Guesthouse
What are the best places to eat or drink in Pai?
Pai Night Market
Tips about Pai

Don’t miss the sunset at the canyon. Don’t stay at the entrance where most of the tourists are. Venture further into the canyon to find the perfect spot to enjoy the last colours of the day.

(by Show Me The Road)

Chiang Dao :

Chiang Dao has been for us a transit town in our motorbike road trip in North of Thailand. At least, we managed to explore some intriguing places.

What are the best things to do in Chiang Dao?
Chiang Dao Cave Private Hot Spring
Wat Tham Pakpiang Wat Tham Pha Plong
Wat Mae Ead
Where should I sleep in Chiang Dao?
Saming Chiang Dao Guest House
What are the best places to eat or drink in Chiang Dao?
Kwauiteauw Godeng Night Market
Tips about Chiang Dao

We found cooler to stop for a night in Chiang Dao than Fang or That Ton.

(by Show Me The Road)

Mae Salong :

Mae Salong is a village perched at the top of Thai mountains. The Chinese community is really important there. That’s why you’ll find lots of signs write in Chinese and Chinese food also. It is a pleasant place to stay for a time. In the surroundings there are tea plantations, waterfalls and some treks to do.

What are the best things to do in Mae Salong?
Wat Santikhiri Tea Plantation
Mae Salong Flower Hills Pon Nam Rong Hot Spring
Huai Kang Pla Doi Tung Royal Villa
Where should I sleep in Mae Salong?
Sabaidee Maesalong
What are the best places to eat or drink in Mae Salong?
Son Son Restaurant Chinese Market
Morning Market

Chiang Saen :

Chiang Saen is a small town on the banks of the Mekong near the Laos border. There are some temples’ ruins scattered around the city. Its night market along the Mekong is really peaceful and familial. The town is at 15 minutes by motorbike from Sop Ruak and its famous “Golden triangle”.

What are the best things to do in Chiang Saen?
Golden Triangle Park Wat Phrathat Doi Pu Khao
House of Opium Wat Sob Ruak
Chiang Saen's Lake Chiang Saen's Ruins
Where should I sleep in Chiang Saen?
Nam Pueng Place 1
What are the best places to eat or drink in Chiang Saen?
Night Market Sin Sombun Market
Tips about Chiang Saen

We found Chiang Saen more charming and more interesting than Sop Ruak to stay for a night.

(by Show Me The Road)

Chiang Rai :

Chiang Rai is an important city of the North of Thailand. There are several impressive temples to visit, the most famous is without a doubt the “White Temple”. The town has also many nice markets. When we were there, Chiang Rai wasn’t assaulted by young tourists, but it seemed to attract a lot of retired people who come for holidays or to live there.

What are the best things to do in Chiang Rai?
White Temple Singha Park
Flowers Park Black House
Wat Phra Kaew Wat Doi Ngam Muang
Huay Pla Kang Temple Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall
Hot Springs Pongprabaht Blue Temple
Art Bridge Long Neck Karen Village
Hilltribe Museum Oub Kham Museum
Mae Sai waterfall Garden Of Reeds
Where should I sleep in Chiang Rai?
Ti Amo Guesthouse Easy Study Thai
What are the best places to eat or drink in Chiang Rai?
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar Kad Luang Market
Saturday Night Market Sunday market
Thai Local Restaurant
Tips about Chiang Rai

Let’s try to eat on different night markets to taste every kind of Thai meal and street food!

(by Show Me The Road)

Chiang Khong :

Chiang Khong is mainly a transit town for those who come from or go to Laos. We didn’t do anything other than to sleep one night before to cross the Laos border.

What are the best things to do in Chiang Khong?
Buddha Park Phusawan Viewpoint
Wat Phra Kaew Wat Luang Chai Sathan
Wat Si Don Chai Wat Sob Som
Where should I sleep in Chiang Khong?
Baan Fai Guest House
What are the best places to eat or drink in Chiang Khong?
Padthai Baan Yim
Tips about Chiang Khong

Be aware that to cross the border on weekend or after 4 pm will cost you 1$ more.

The rate to buy or to sell dollars are better in Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai than in Chiang Khong.

You have to use nearly new dollars to pay your visa at the border counter. If the dollars are a bit trashed, smudged or with pen marks they will be refused. They don’t joking about that!

Don’t worry! You won’t need to baksheesh the border men at this border, every price is displayed.

(by Show Me The Road)

Other cities :

There are many other places we didn't have time to explore, but we would love to do it next time :
Phu Chi Fah View and Village Mae Sai
Ban Rak Thai

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