Northern Thailand

While southern Thailand is renowned for its beautiful beaches, northern Thailand is distinguished by its authentic and quiet small towns. It's an ideal area for those who yearn for "authentic Thai." Here you'll find vibrant cities such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, and many others, ready to welcome those who wish to escape the conventional ways. If you have enough time, I still suggest a combined trip from the north and south.

If you'd like to plan your trip to northern Thailand, whether in one of these places or a road trip to several of these destinations, don't hesitate to contact me.

Bangkok

Bangkok ranks among the most visited cities in the world. It serves as a starting point for many trips to Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Vibrant traditional markets and imposing golden temples sit alongside towering skyscrapers, rooftops, and enormous contemporary shopping malls. Stroll along Bangkok's most famous street, Khao San Road, and visit the Royal Palace and its floating markets.

Ayutthaya

If you enjoy historical travel and exploring the remains of ancient temples, this is the destination for you. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is known for its rich culture and history. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city was the largest city in the world about 300 years ago. Furthermore, we found during our trip that this destination was not overly touristy, like the temples of Angkor, for example.

Sukhothai

Any Asian history buff will be thrilled to discover this splendid place, which was the capital of the first Thai kingdom. You'll have the opportunity to explore the extent of the Sukhothai Kingdom through World Heritage-listed archaeological sites, such as Sukhothai Historical Park, which houses palaces and ancient religious sites framed by moats and ancient city walls. This was my favorite destination in northern Thailand. We were almost alone on the tours, which we did by renting a bicycle. In good weather, it's a very pleasant visit that I highly recommend.

Chiang Mai

Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a city full of history and vitality, renowned for its abundant cultural heritage. More than 300 temples are located in the city. Furthermore, Chiang Mai represents the cultural heart of northern Thailand. Festivals such as Loi Krathong (Lantern Festival) and Songkran (Thai New Year) are celebrated with great passion.

Chiang Rai

In northern Thailand, Chiang Rai is arguably one of the most popular destinations, although it is frequently overshadowed by its more renowned neighbor, Chiang Mai. Obviously, a visit to the city would not be complete without discovering its two iconic temples, the White Temple and the Blue Temple. Also known as "the land of mountains," I also recommend traveling to the Laotian border to discover the charming villages and learn about these cultures so different from our own.

Pai

Pai is a beautiful mountain village in northern Thailand, renowned for its heavenly natural vistas and laid-back bohemian atmosphere, despite being a popular backpacker destination. You can venture out of town and explore caves, soak in natural hot springs, or swim in waterfalls.