subject: The attraction of Northern Thailand [print this page] Thailand holidays offer a fascinating country packed with cultural charm, spectacular scenery, welcoming locals and a host of thrilling cities and offshore island destinations.
The Northern part of the country shares borders with Myanmar and Laos, and many resorts in the north are accessible by road or short flight from Bangkok International Airport.
Surrounded by tall mountains, Northern Thailand offers a cooler climate than the rest of the country, but even in December and January the temperature rarely drops below 25 degrees in the plains.
Some of Northern Thailand's key highlights include:
Chiang Mai: This distinctive city is the largest in the northern part of the country, featuring its own international airport. You'll need to fly here from Bangkok as it's around 10 hours by road. Visitors to Chiang Mai are wowed by the array of temples on offer which offer cultural respite from the bustling markets (the most famous of which is the Night Bazaar) where you can pick up some real bargains. Key attractions in Chiang Mai include the Loi Kroh Road for night life and the walled city that houses the majority of Chiang Mai's temples. Leading hotels in Chiang Mai include the Four Seasons Resort, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chedi, Dusit D2 and Shangri La.
Mae Hong Son: This picture postcard small town (in the province of the same name) features a lovely village-like atmosphere and is accessible from Chiang Mai via a 30 minute flight. Once here, you can see the whole place on foot or if you prefer, by hiring a bicycle. Mountains and hillside villages surround Mae Hong Son and these attract ramblers and walkers keen to discover areas of natural beauty like the Thampla-Phasua Waterfall National Park or the Thumpla Fish Cave. The Phu Sua waterfall is said to be the most impressive in the province and well worth the 26km journey from Mae Hong Son. If you are staying in Mae Hong Son, consider the four star Imperial Tara.
Chiang Rai: Located 4 hours north by road from Chiang Mai is this well known city famous as an access point for the Golden Triangle intersection between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. The Golden Triangle is a real tourist trap where visitors descend largely via guided tours. It's also an area well known for the growing of opium. In Chiang Mai itself, you can use tuk-tuks, cyclo-rickshaws or motorbikes to get around the main attractions, which comprise of an impressive array of temples, churches, museums and national parks. Golfers can play at the excellent Santiburi course located 10km from the town. When visiting Chiang Rai why not stay at the outstanding Anantara Golden Triangle.
