Unmissable Northern Thailand Experiences
Thailand- Northern Thailand
Northern
Thailand
Oozing atmosphere and culture
Blending city heritage with beautiful surroundings, Chiang Mai is at the region’ s blissfully laidback hub. While modern Chiang Mai has long since burst beyond the old city walls, you can still wander its narrow winding lanes and temple hop to your heart’ s content. Mustsees include the imposing Wat Chedi Luang and impressive Wat Phra Singh, while further afield lies the mountain-top Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Join hands-on cooking classes or just graze on some of the country’ s best street eats. Being an epicentre of northern Thai healing principles there are also spas aplenty, plus it’ s rich in cottage industries and the legendary night bazaar that is not to be missed. Additionally, a setting between mountains, jungle, rivers and terraced rice fields make it a playground for trekking, rafting, zip lining and other soft adventures.
Still relatively undiscovered, sleepy Chiang Rai is your launchpad to the abundant natural attractions and villages of the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Cultural attractions include the revered Wat Phra Kaew temple and the blindingly-white Wat Rong Khun which sits a few miles south of the city, plus treks can be arranged in the surrounding mountains, hills and forest parks. A good selection of restaurants, particularly in the city’ s Clock Tower area, ensure you refuel before hitting the Night Bazaar or Weekend Walking Street Market where you can shop for handicrafts, souvenirs and more.
Hemmed in by high mist-shrouded mountains, remote Mae Hong Son nestles in a pretty valley near the Myanmar border. Trekking is popular and a fabulous way to absorb the superb scenery and visit isolated hill tribes, each with their own distinct style, language, traditions and cuisine. The striking Phra That Doi Kong Mu temple, which sits high on a hill, is a must-see: get there at dawn to see the town bathed in mist or later in the afternoon for far-reaching views.
MYANMAR( BURMA)
Mae Hong Son • • Pai
Chiang Rai •
• Chiang Mai
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
•
THAILAND
• Sukhothai
• Phitsanulok
LAOS
Getting there: Flights from Bangkok take around 1½ hours.
Best time to go: The popular cool season( December-February) has daytime temperatures of over 30 º C but chilly evenings. Hot season( mid-March to June) has higher humidity, and while the rainy season( June-November) brings downpours, they tend to clear up quickly.
Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
Mek ong Rive r
Unmissable Northern Thailand Experiences
Prices are per person. Unless shown excursions are on a shared basis, most are available privately at a supplement, see page 7.
Chiang Rai Sightseeing by Rickshaw from £ 79
A wonderful half day tour from Chiang Rai which takes you by classical rickshaw through the ancient
PRIVATE TOUR streets. Get a feel for local life at the main market area then continue to Wat Phra Kaew Temple and the Hill Tribe Museum. Finally, travel to Wat Rong Khun which has unique‘ Kanok’ architecture.
PRIVATE TOUR
Inherited Craftsmanship from £ 25
A half day tour from Chiang Mai which allows you to see the skill and patience of the artisans who produce quality handicrafts, such as umbrellas, lacquerware, silk and furniture.
see page 7
Wat Doi Suthep & Meo Hill Tribe from £ 75
On this half day tour from Chiang Mai visit a Meo hill tribe to observe their simple way of life. Continue to the sacred temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, for panoramic views.
PRIVATE TOUR
Doi Mae Salong & Long Neck Hill Tribes from £ 109
Explore the idyllic mountainside Santikhiri village on this full day trip from Chiang Rai. Visit the hill tribe villages of indigenous Thai people, stop by tea and coffee plantations and a store selling local products such as wine and herbs.
PRIVATE TOUR
PRIVATE TOUR
A Lot of Thai Cooking from £ 55
This half day tour from Chiang Mai begins at Nong Hoi local market to buy fresh ingredients. Continue to Baan Hong Nual and the open kitchen where your teacher introduces you to essential kitchen utensils and seasonings, before guiding you how to prepare and cook three dishes and a dessert. Feast on your self-cooked lunch before returning to your hotel.
26 Thailand
Explore Chiang Mai by tuk-tuk from £ 129
Begin this half day tuk-tuk with a visit to part of Chiang Mai’ s ancient city wall, then on to Wat Pa Pao and Wat Lok Moli. Take in the views of historic houses, ancient temples and traditional residential areas before visiting Warorot Market. Finish with a tasting session of noodle soup and local desserts.
Morning Market, City & Temples from £ 55
This half day tour from Mae Hong Son includes an early visit to the market which sells all manner of goods. Continue to Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu which dominates the city. Also visit Wat Chong Klang and Wat Chong Kam monasteries.
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