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Northern Thailand


Northern Thailand offers visitors a change of pace and a more culturally authentic version of Thai life. This rural region is home to stunning natural scenery featuring dense jungle and stunning mountainous beauty. The climate is cooler here and it’s an ideal place to relax, unwind and soak up the local Thai atmosphere.

Northern Thailand is renowned for its rich history and varied culture, ancient temples and pagodas, religious artefacts, ethnic handicrafts and artwork. But if you are looking for adventure there are plenty opportunities to trek through virgin jungle, raft down white-water rapids or explore the mountainous beauty on elephant back. Chiang Mai, also known as ‘The Rose of the North`, is the gateway to the north and is Thailand’s second largest city. It is an ideal base from which to explore this region. As well as being rich in culture and tradition, Chiang Mai is a bustling, modern city with delicious cuisine, world-class accommodation and excellent opportunities for shopping. Chiang Rai is more traditional and peaceful than Chiang Mai and enjoys a location in the heart of The Golden Triangle - the area where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet at the convergence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers.

Northern Thailand is renowned for its large number of Cookery Schools and is considered ‘the place’ to do your Thai Cooking Course; choose from half day to week-long courses covering all the aspects of Thai Cuisine. Many courses include a visit to local produce markets and instruction on selecting ingredients as well as teaching you how to prepare popular Thai specialities.

Top tips/recommended tours


Elephant Safari and Bamboo Rafting: This highly recommended tour is a superb day out from Chiang Mai. Enjoy a trip to an authentic elephant camp and see the traditional techniques still used in the elephant training process. Encounter the elephants during their morning river bathing, feed them and view a logging display. Embark on a
90-minute safari to the Lisu hilltribe village, trekking up through the jungle. Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant with spectacular views before embarking on a 1 hour bamboo rafting trip. 

Burma Border Crossing and Mekong River: While in Chiang Rai why not take a day trip into Burma (Myanmar). Enjoy a rickshaw tour of Tachilek - a border town, visit a local Shan style temple and discover the famous Golden Triangle.

Chiang Mai Night Market: If you are prepared to haggle you could bag yourself some great bargains in this famous bazaar - from local art and crafts to imitation designer handbags and sunglasses!

Top tips/recommended tours
Elephant Safari and Bamboo Rafting: This highly recommended tour is a superb day out from Chiang Mai. Enjoy a trip to an authentic elephant camp and see the traditional techniques still used in the elephant training process. Encounter the elephants during their morning river bathing, feed them and view a logging display. Embark on a
90-minute safari to the Lisu hilltribe village, trekking up through the jungle. Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant with spectacular views before embarking on a 1 hour bamboo rafting trip.
Burma Border Crossing and Mekong River: While in Chiang Rai why not take a day trip into Burma (Myanmar). Enjoy a rickshaw tour of Tachilek - a border town, visit a local Shan style temple and discover the famous Golden Triangle.
Chiang Mai Night Market: If you are prepared to haggle you could bag yourself some great bargains in this famous bazaar - from local art and crafts to imitation designer handbags and sunglasses!