Northern Thailand

Best for

Culture & Elephant

Chiang Mai

The cultural heart of northern Thailand, rich in temples, markets and local traditions.

Canyons & Cafés

Pai

A laid-back mountain town filled with beautiful canyons, waterfalls, boutique cafés and creative spaces.

Temples

Chiang Rai

Home to Thailand's most extraordinary and unique temples.

Scenic Escapers

Mae Hong Son

One of Thailand's most scenic drives through mountain villages and winding roads.

Browse the destinations

Choose your escape

Chiang Mai

Filmed byMika Journey

Music byBrad Oberhofer

Nestled among the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its relaxed atmosphere, centuries-old temples, thriving café culture and incredible natural surroundings. It's one of the country's best destinations for slow travel, adventure and authentic local experiences.

Must visit

Old City

Explore Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and centuries-old temples

Elephant Nature Park

Ethical elephant sanctuary

Land Of Angels

Heart-shaped cave window onto a hidden waterfall

Twin Royal Pagodas

Hilltop pagodas and gardens on Doi Inthanon

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Mountaintop temple with sweeping city views

Sunday Walking Street

Weekly night market of crafts and street food

Doi Inthanon National Park

Thailand's highest peak and misty cloud forest

Perfect for

Café Culture

Some of Thailand's best coffee shops and co-working spaces

Nature

Doi Inthanon National Park and mountain scenery

Digital Nomads

Fast wifi, low cost of living, thriving community

Culture

Hundreds of temples across the Old City

Before you go

Rent a scooter if comfortable⌄

It's the best way to reach temples and viewpoints outside the city.

Visit during Yi Peng or Loy Krathong⌄

The lantern festivals make for a truly unique experience.

Pack a light jacket⌄

Evenings can get cool during the cool season (Nov–Feb).

Check air quality during Feb–Apr⌄

Burning season can bring hazy skies and poor air quality.

The drive to Pai has over 700 curves⌄

Ride carefully or organise a driver for the mountain road.

Pai

Filmed byJimmy Travels

Music byOuska

Hidden in the mountains of northern Thailand, Pai is a laid-back town famous for its scenic landscapes, bohemian cafés and relaxed atmosphere. It's the perfect escape for travellers looking to slow down and immerse themselves in nature.

Must visit

Pai Canyon

Narrow ridgeline trails and sunset views

Mo Paeng Waterfall

Tiered waterfall with a natural water slide

Yun Lai Viewpoint

Sweeping views over the valley

Tha Pai Hot Springs

Natural hot springs just outside town

Memorial Bridge

Historic WWII-era bridge over the Pai River

White Buddha

Giant hillside Buddha overlooking the town

Pai Walking Market

Pai's lively night market for food and crafts

Perfect for

Nature

Canyons, waterfalls and mountain scenery

Cafés

Bohemian coffee shops throughout the walking street

Road Trips

The famous drive from Chiang Mai is an adventure in itself

Photography

Sunrise and sunset over the valley

Before you go

Rent a scooter⌄

It's the easiest way to explore the surrounding waterfalls and viewpoints.

Time it for sunrise or sunset⌄

The views around Pai are best in the golden hours.

Chiang Rai

Filmed byManu T

Music bySafari Surfers

Home to some of Thailand's most extraordinary temples, Chiang Rai blends contemporary art, rich history and beautiful mountain scenery. Quieter than Chiang Mai, it's the perfect destination for travellers seeking culture, creativity and a slower pace.

Must visit

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

A dazzling, otherworldly contemporary temple

Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)

Striking cobalt-blue architecture

Black House Museum (Baan Dam)

An unsettling, artistic museum of dark wooden halls

Khun Korn Waterfall

One of Chiang Rai's tallest jungle waterfalls

Singha Park

Rolling tea fields and vineyard views

Golden Triangle

Where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet

Doi Tung

Royal villa, gardens and mountain views near the border

Choui Fong Tea Plantation

Terraced tea hills with a scenic café

Perfect for

Culture

Some of Thailand's most unique temple architecture

Photography

The White and Blue Temples are unmissable photo stops

Road Trips

Easy to combine with the Golden Triangle

Nature

Khun Korn Waterfall and mountain scenery nearby

Before you go

The White Temple is busiest late morning⌄

Arrive early to beat the tour bus crowds.

Stay overnight if you can⌄

There's enough to see around Chiang Rai to justify more than a rushed day trip.

Visit the Golden Triangle⌄

See Thailand, Myanmar and Laos all from one viewpoint.

Mae Hong Son

Filmed byKevin Loupe

Music byKlur

Surrounded by misty mountains and peaceful valleys, Mae Hong Son offers one of Thailand's most authentic and rewarding road trips. Traditional villages, mountain viewpoints and quiet countryside make it the perfect destination for travellers looking to escape the crowds.

Must visit