How to get there?
Northern Thailand has two major hubs: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Both cities are connected by regular flights to and from Bangkok.
Chiang Mai by air:
Approx. 10-12 daily flights by Thai International (TG) and by Bangkok Airways (PG) connect Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) directly with Chiang Mai and vice versa. Budget carrier Nok Air (DD), a subsidiary airline of Thai International, offers several daily flights out of Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Flying time Bangkok–Chiang Mai or v.v. is 1 hour. Domestically there is a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket and Chiang Mai to Koh Samui one time per day. In the North, local flights are operated by SGA Airline between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Pai and Mae Hong Son. Internationally Chiang Mai is connected with Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Luang Prabang (Laos).
Chiang Rai by air:
Several daily flights by Thai International (TG) and Low Cost Airline Air Asia (FD) connect Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) directly with Chiang Rai and vice versa. Flying time is 1 hour. There are no international connections from Chiang Rai Airport.
By road and train:
Chiang Mai can be reached by road (travel time approx. 9 hours) and by train (1st and 2nd class sleeper carriages are in service on overnight trains between Bangkok and Chiang Mai resp. v.v.) or bus from Bangkok. Chiang Rai has no railway connection and the nearest train station is Chiang Mai. Travel between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is easy and convenient (2 ½ hrs hours on the direct main road, approx. 190 km).
By Overland tour
By far the most interesting way to reach either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai is by taking an overland tour that makes its way up from Bangkok to the North with a variety of overnights stops en route. For more details >>> click Tours top left.
Orientation
Chiang Mai is the major gateway to the North. From here tour itineraries can be expanded to the “Far North” of the country: To Chiang Rai further to the Northeast; from where border crossings to Laos and Myanmar are possible; or towards the northwestern corner of Thailand to the small towns of Mae Hong Son and Pai, known for their laid-back atmosphere amidst largely unspoiled natural surroundings.
Travel between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is easy and convenient and can be done in less then 3 hours on the direct main road (approx. 190 km), or within one or more days by choosing a variety of attractive itineraries over picturesque mountain roads. For more details >>> click Tours top left.
Chiang Mai 700 km north of Bangkok
The province of Chiang Mai is situated approximately 700km north of Bangkok. Here you will discover a landscape of forested hills and idyllic river valleys, while the city of Chiang Mai displays a distinct culture arising from a long and separate history. At the same time, deluxe hotels and mountain resorts provide all modern comforts. The city of Chiang Mai is pleasantly situated on the banks of the Ping River and is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Thailand holding a treasure trove of ancient temples. For more details >>> click Chiang Mai top left.
Lamphun 25 km south of Chiang Mai
The small provincial capital of Lamphun clearly lives in the “shadow” of its nearby neighbor Chiang Mai. Being one of the oldest towns in the country, its glorious days as capital of the independent Mon Kingdom of Haripunchai between the 7th and the 12th century are long gone, but have left some impressive and well known temples.
Lampang 100 km southeast of Chiang Mai
Lampang is located approximately 100km southeast of Chiang Mai and a busy provincial centre. The town of Lampang possesses considerable historical interest from the time when it has been part of the Mon Kingdom of Haripunchai between the 7th and the 12th century and magnificent Burmese-style temples have made the city famous. In the early 20th century Lampang was the center of the lucrative teak trading, still evident in some of the old traditional wood houses and by the fact that Lampang is connected to the main railway line between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. A few kilometers outside Lampang is the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, which besides offering traditional elephant shows and riding opportunities, is the only elephant hospital in Thailand and offers 3-day “mahout” courses to foreigners.
Doi Inthanon 90 km southwest of Chiang Mai
At 2,565m, Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand and its surrounding areas are designated as the Doi Inthanon National Park. The park itself is roughly 2 hours drive southwest of Chiang Mai and is popular for its magnificent waterfalls, flora and excellent views. You can drive all the way to the top, where stately chedis have been built in honor of the King and Queen of Thailand. The climate up at the top is almost alpine and cool at all times of the year, with sub-zero (Celsius) temperatures in winter.
Pai 135 km northwest of Chiang Mai
Half way-point between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, and once a sleepy country town known for little more then its nearby hot springs, Pai has in recent years become one of the most popular places for overseas backpackers and Thai travellers as a base for trekking and river rafting. Pleasantly located along the small Pai River and surrounded by low hills and paddy fields, Pai is a place of tranquil natural peace with just a few streets and a few quiet alleys. Nonetheless, within the past few years it, Pai has developed into a hangout for artists and painters and small galleries, art studios, internet cafés and guesthouses are springing up around town. Still sleepy during most of the day when tourists are exploring its countryside, the town awakens to some low-key activity at night when local bands play at trendy bars and nightspots.
Mae Hong Son 250 km northwest of Chiang Mai
(northern loop, via Pai)
360 km northwest of Chiang Mai
(southern loop, via Mae Sariang)
Located 250 km northwest of Chiang Mai and surrounded by mountains, Mae Hong Son is one of the remotest provinces of Thailand. Mae Hong Son is called “the city of the three mists” and is tucked away close to the Myanmar border. The region is home to many Burmese immigrants and hill tribes such as the Karen, Shan, Lisu, Hmong and Lahu. Therefore Mae Hong Son has become a popular off-beat destination popular for hill tribe trekking, quaint caves, rafting or just a laid back visit to a little known corner of the country. Mae Hong Son can be reached either by a short flight from Chiang Mai, or by taking a scenic, but truly long and winding road from Chiang Mai. The distance from Chiang Mai may not seem far, but there are virtually hundreds of curves. Hence, a stopover for the night in Pai is a recommendable option. Combining the northern and southern loop between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son is a pleasant and easy enough self-drive option.
Doi Angkhang 160 km north of Chiang Mai
Sitting on a mountain ridge that marks the border between Thailand and Myanmar, Doi Angkhang hill station is located approx. 3 hours driving from Chiang Mai. Due to its cooler climate, particularly between November and February, Thais like to call it the “Switzerland of Thailand”. With an average elevation of 1800 meters above sea level it is an ideal place for nature lovers, bird watchers and ideal for walks and hikes to hill tribe settlements that dot the surrounding hills. Its main center is the Royal Angkhang Research Station that produces cool-climate fruits such as apples, kiwi, peaches and strawberries and focusing on crop substitution to develop alternative income for hill tribes.
Thaton / Kok River 170 km north of Chiang Mai
The small town of Thaton, 170 km north of Chiang Mai is a sleepy settlement and little more then the embarkation point of a pleasant 3-hour river journey down the Kok River. The small Kok River meanders through a picturesque valley flanked by low hills and is a favourite way to travel the 70 km stretch between Thaton and Chiang Rai, or vice-versa. En route, visits can be made to small hill tribe settlements along the river.
Chiang Rai 190 km north of Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai is Thailand’s northernmost province and borders three countries - Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos - earning its nickname “Golden Triangle”. Chiang Rai is an ideal base to explore Thailand’s “Far North”, a mountainous region with fertile river valleys. Two high forested hills, Doi Tung and Doi Mae Salong are located a few kilometres north of Chiang Rai and both offer easy access to quite spectacular mountain views. While Doi Mae Salong is a Chinese enclave, Doi Tung has been extensively developed as part of the royal project conducted by the late mother of H.M. King Bhumipol to eradicate drug production and cultivation.
Two border points, Mae Sai to Myanmar and Chiang Khong to Laos are within easy reach of Chiang Rai (see below).
Chiang Rai is not as big or bustling as Chiang Mai, but nonetheless offers excellent accommodation in town as well as at some picturesque hillside locations nearby. For details >>> click Hotels Chiang Rai top left.
Chiang Rai is included in most of our overland tour itineraries as overnight stop and gateway to explore the “Far North” and the area around the “Golden Triangle”. For details >>> click Tours above left.
Mae Sai > Myanmar 60 km north of Chiang Rai
Thailand’s northern-most town lies 60 km north of Chiang Rai. Mae Sai is a bustling market place teeming with locals, traders and tourists alike. Its single south-north street leads to the Thai-Burmese immigration post from where travelers can enter Myanmar for a few hours against a small fee and take a short glimpse of its Burmese sister town Tachilek. Offering little more then a few temples and a market, Tachilek can be used as gateway point to travel further into Myanmar (pre-arranged tourist visa is needed) as the city is connected by a daily flight to Heho in the Shan region of Myanmar.
Chiang Sean /”Golden Triangle” 65 km northeast of Chiang Rai
65 km northeast of Chiang Rai is Chiang Saen, located on the banks of the Mekong River. The site, one of the oldest settlements of the country, is today a busy river trading hub between Thailand and China. Just a few kilometres north is the so called “Golden Triangle” where the confluence of the small Ruak River with the mighty Mekong forms the borders between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) and the so called “Golden Triangle”. The somewhat overrated tourist spot derives much of its mystique from the once notorious drug cultivation that covered parts of Northern Thailand, Burma (Myanmar) and Laos.
Chiang Khong > Laos 120 km northeast of Chiang Rai
Chiang Khong, located on the Thai side of the Mekong River and about 1- ½ hour drive from Chiang Rai has become one of the most popular entry points into Laos as word got around about the pleasures of taking a journey from here down the Mekong River to the old Lao capital of Luang Prabang (Laos tourist visa is available on spot). For details >>> see River Cruises on main page.
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