Faraway 2024 | Page 26

NORTHERN THAILAND

NORTHERN THAILAND

Oozing atmosphere and culture , Northern Thailand is an absorbing region where the landscape , language , architecture , food and people are all quite distinct .
MYANMAR ( BURMA )
Mae Hong Son
Pai
Chiang Rai
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Chiang Mai
LAOS
Mek ong Rive
Mae Hong Son
Chiang Mai , the “ Rose of the North ”, is the region ’ s hub and a blissfully laidback place to hang out or use as a base . For those seeking a cultural fix , the narrow winding lanes of the old city quadrangle house over 30 Lanna-style temples including the imposing Wat Chedi Luang and impressive Wat Phra Singh , while outside the city walls lies the mountaintop Wat Phra That Doi Suthep , a must-see in Chiang Mai . The area is also rich with cottage industries and you can visit studios to watch artisans at work , then head to the bustling Night Market to haggle for handicrafts and souvenirs . Additionally , it ’ s a popular place for hands-on cooking classes or just enjoying tasty authentic food , and a playground for outdoor pursuits like trekking , rafting , zip lining and other soft adventures . The rather sleepy city of Chiang Rai is your launchpad to the abundance of natural attractions and villages of the Golden Triangle where Thailand , Laos and Myanmar ( Burma ) come together . Treks can be arranged into the surrounding mountains , hills and forest parks or , if that sounds far too energetic , opt for a leisurely stroll by the Kok River instead . There ’ s also no shortage of temples , both ancient and modern , along with a good selection of restaurants , particularly in the Clock Tower area of the city . Once the sun goes down , the Night Bazaar and the Weekend Walking Street Market give you the chance to shop for hilltribe handicrafts , souvenirs and clothing . Hemmed in by high mountain ranges , Mae Hong Son nestles remotely in a pretty valley near the Burmese border . Trekking is a major draw and a terrific way to soak up the superb scenery and visit local hilltribes , each with their own unique style , language , customs , traditions and cuisine . Be sure to visit the striking Phra That Doi Kong Mu temple which is set high on a hill overlooking Mae Hong Son . Get there at dawn to see the town bathed in mist or later in the afternoon for far-reaching views .
THAILAND
Sukhothai Phitsanulok r
Getting there : Flights from Bangkok take about 1½ hours .
Best time to go : The popular cool season ( December-February ) brings day time temperatures over 30 º C but chilly evenings . Hot season ( mid-March to June ) has higher humidity , and while the rainy season ( June-November ) brings torrential downpours , they tend to clear up quickly .
UNMISSABLE NORTHERN THAILAND EXPERIENCES
Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person
INHERITED CRAFTSMANSHIP from £ 19
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 .
WAT DOI SUTHEP & MEO HILLTRIBE from £ 49
On this half day tour from Chiang Mai visit a Meo hilltribe to observe their simple way of life . Continue to the north ’ s most sacred temple , Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for panoramic views .
CHIANG MAI LIFESTYLE from £ 49
This half day tour begins with a cruise by longtail boat along the Mae Ping River to a farmhouse for a leisurely stroll around the grounds . Continue to Waroros Market for a real insight to life in this region before travelling by tricycle along the main road to the old city . Here , visit Wat Pra Singh temple which contains supreme examples of Lanna art .
A LOT OF THAI COOKING from £ 49
This half day tour from Chiang Mai begins at Nong Hoi local market to buy fresh ingredients for the class . Continue to Baan Hong Nual and the open kitchen where your teacher will introduce you to essential kitchen utensils and seasoning needed in Thai cuisine , before showing you how to prepare and cook three dishes and a dessert . After your hard work , it ’ s time to feast on your selfcooked lunch before you are transferred to your hotel .
CHIANG RAI SIGHTSEEING BY RICKSHAW from £ 69
A wonderful half day tour from Chiang Rai which takes you by classical rickshaw through the ancient streets . Begin with the main market area to get a feel for local life and then the ride continues to Wat Phra Kaew Temple and the Hilltribe Museum . Finally , continue by road to Wat Rong Khun which has unique ‘ Kanok ’ architecture .
DOI MAE SALONG & LONG NECK HILLTRIBES from £ 99
Explore the idyllic mountainside Santikhiri village on this full day trip from Chiang Rai . Visit the hilltribe villages of indigenous Thai people , learn about their unique way of living and stop by tea and coffee plantations as well as the store selling locally grown products such as wine and herbs .
MORNING MARKET , CITY & TEMPLES from £ 49
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 .
26 THAILAND prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !