Thailand Guides - North

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city and former capital of the Lanna kingdom, is the gateway to the mountainous north. In recent years the city has expanded rapidly and lost much of its charm but still remains a major tourist destination with many opportunities for adventure.

Chiang Rai

The northern city of Chiang Rai sits at the heart of one of the country’s most rural provinces. Mountainous and bordered by the mighty Mekong River, Chiang Rai province is a playground for those seeking adventure and stunning scenery.

Kamphaeng Phet

This small northern province and its ancient capital receive few visitors but make a fascinating addition to any tour of the lower-north of Thailand.

Lampang

The neighbouring province of Chiangmai, Lampang is located in the mountain terrain within the river valley of the Wang River. It is famed for producing fine ceramic products. For tourists, this is the only place in Thailand where you can tour the city on a horse-drawn carriage.

Mae Hong Son

The far northern town of Mae Hong Son, once an isolated hamlet is now a vibrant town connected by an excellent road and regular flights. This beautiful and mountainous region now attracts visitors eager to see its natural beauty and experience adventure amongst the rugged terrain.

Nan

The tranquil northern city of Nan is 668 kilometres from Bangkok. It has border with Laos on the east side. Nan natives are believed to descend from an ancient kingdom of Lanchang (the present day Laos) more than 700 years ago.

Phetchabun

Phetchabun is a borderline between northern and northeastern Thailand. The province nestles in the valley of Pa Sak River and protected by mountain ranges that make the weather here pleasantly cool throughout the year. With the topography of rolling forested mountains, it is inevitably a haven for nature trips.

Phichit

The lower northern province of Phichit and its namesake provincial capital are known for crocodile farms and annual boat races. Although somewhat overshadowed by its larger neighbour, Phitsanolok, the town of Phichit is a pleasant place to visit.

Phitsanulok

Phitsanulok or locally known as the city of two rivers is set on a flat land where the Nan and Kwai Noi River meet. It was a capital city of the Thai Kingdom of Ayutthaya for a brief period of time during the 15th century. It is a birth place of two of Thailand’s most important Thai kings; King Boromtrailokanat and King Naresuan.

Phrae

Until recently Phrae had attracted little attention but today its small town charms are beginning to be noticed. With its close proximity to Chiang Mai and the main railway line north this old city of traditional wooden houses makes an ideal diversion on the way up north.

Sukhothai

Located in the lower part of northern Thailand, Sukhothai, which literally means the “Dawn of Happiness”, is really a peaceful town. Historically, this is the site of the first capital of Thailand.

Tak

Tak nestles in the river basin in the northwestern end of Thailand and has mountainous borders with Myanmar. The city has mountainous terrains with lush jungles boasting several adventure activities such as whitewater rafting, trekking and camping.

Uthai Thani

Situated in the lower north, Uthai Thani retains large areas of natural beauty and parts have been designated a World Natural Heritage site. This unspoiled province makes an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

Uttaradit

Once an important trading centre on the banks of the Nan River today Uttaradit is a sleepy provincial backwater attracting few visitors.