North Thailand

Travel Guide

Doi Inthanon National Park which includes a waterfall and forests
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Wat Phra Singh
Chiang Mai
Visit an ancient walled city and learn about the history of opium and the myriad cultures in this varied region.

The North Thailand region comprises rolling green hills, tropical forests and fascinating cultural treats. Numerous traditions have evolved from the varied tribes and societies that share this picturesque terrain. Visit the many historical gems dotted around this vast region for a glimpse of the area’s identity.

Among the highlights are the temples of Chiang MaiOpens in a new window, one of the region’s largest provinces, near the Myanmar border. Visit the walled city center for a trip back in time and wander along the quaint alleys.

Marvel at the restored Tha Phae Gate and see the Wat Chiang Man, thought to be the oldest temple in the city. The most iconic temple is the 14th-century Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a gold-plated structure offering excellent views of the nearby city and countryside.

Go a little farther north to the Golden Triangle that marks the meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. It is known for its history with opium and contains the Golden Triangle Park Hall of Opium, which explains the dangers of drugs while relating local history.

Drive south about 4 hours from Chiang Mai to reach Sukhothai, another town with numerous historical treasures. In Sukhothai Historical Park, see walls, structures and other vestiges dating back to the 13th century. Make sure to see the intriguing temples of Wat Chetuphon and Wat Chedi Sung.

Go trekking through the dense jungle during cooler periods November through February in this otherwise hot and humid region. As you travel between towns, note how the food in this province is milder and less sweet than in South Thailand. Try the spiced pork sausage known as sai ua.

The region occupies the northern portion of Thailand, just south of Laos and Myanmar. Fly to Chiang Mai Airport from other parts of the country, rent a car or take the railway. Travel around on a bicycle on the area’s excellent cycle lanes.

North Thailand has a lush, tropical topography with charming old city centers and scenic country trails.

Where to stay in North Thailand

Wat Phra Singh

Old City

4.5/5(687 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Old City is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Sunday Walking Street Market and Wat Chedi Luang.

Old City
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Nimman

4.5/5(88 area reviews)

Unique features of Nimman include the cafes and shopping. Make a stop by Nimman Road or One Nimman while you're exploring the area.

Nimman
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar showing street scenes, signage and night scenes

Chang Khlan

4.5/5(315 area reviews)

Chang Khlan is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Mae Kha Canal Village.

Chang Khlan
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Chang Moi

4.5/5(139 area reviews)

Unique features of Chang Moi include the historic sites and shopping. Make a stop by Mae Ping River or Warorot Market while you're exploring the area.

Chang Moi
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Chang Phueak

4/5(89 area reviews)

Unique features of Chang Phueak include the shopping and cafes. Make a stop by Chiang Mai National Museum or Wat Jed Yot while you're exploring the area.

Chang Phueak
Chiangmai, Thailand

Thapae

Historic sites, shopping, and coffeehouses are just a few things travelers enjoy about Thapae. Check out Riverside or Wat Mahawan while you're exploring the area.

Thapae
Shangri-La Chiang Mai

Shangri-La Chiang Mai

5 out of 5
89/8 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
The price is NT$4,086 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
NT$4,086
NT$4,850 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Lovely stay at tbe Shangri La. They made a swan towel and provided cake for our anniversary. Shower Pressure is amazing"

Reviewed on 2025/7/28

Shangri-La Chiang Mai
POR Singharat

POR Singharat

3 out of 5
6 Soi Singharat 4, Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai
The price is NT$1,928 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
NT$1,928
NT$2,288 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Tha Phae Gate and Chiang Mai Night Bazaar ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"I can’t say enough about the service at POR! The staff went above and beyond to make my first visit to Thailand easy and so enjoyable. They helped to arrange for my daily activities and were quick to answer all my questions. The daily breakfasts were amazing and the beverages and snacks available ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/10

POR Singharat
U Nimman Chiang Mai

U Nimman Chiang Mai

4 out of 5
1 Nimmanhaemin Road, Tumbon Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai
The price is NT$5,901 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
NT$5,901
NT$7,005 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Arguably the best hotel in Chiang Mai. Very comfortable and well-furnished rooms, excellent facilities, and friendly and attentive staff. Buffet breakfast is a highlight.."

Reviewed on 2025/7/23

U Nimman Chiang Mai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
VC@Suanpaak Hotel & Serviced Apartments

VC@Suanpaak Hotel & Serviced Apartments

4 out of 5
61 Moo.3, Airport Road, T.Suthep, Chiang Mai, Chiang mai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (234 reviews)
"The staff was prefect."

Reviewed on 2025/6/25

VC@Suanpaak Hotel & Serviced Apartments
The Grand Napat

The Grand Napat

4 out of 5
70/1 MuenDamPraKot Rd., Changphuak, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Tha Phae Gate and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (413 reviews)
Beautiful Chiang Mai
"Had a lovely stay in The Grand Napat. Not far outside the old city. Everywhere seemed to be around 80baht in a Grab. If it had been cooler lots of places were in walking distance. Only a 10min walk from Jing Jai market which had a really nice atmosphere and lots of nice restaurants and cafes"

Reviewed on 2025/4/26

The Grand Napat
Budget Stars Hotel

Budget Stars Hotel

3 out of 5
3 Loikroh Road Lane 2, Chiang Mai, Chiangmai
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Chiang Mai Night ...
8/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
"This is a great place and cheap price"

Reviewed on 2025/7/24

Budget Stars Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near North Thailand