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Northern Thailand

About the Photo Photo: pambrick, Fodors.com member

Northern Thailand Travel Guide

A journey through Northern Thailand feels like venturing into a different country from the one ruled by far-off Bangkok: the landscape, the language, the architecture, the food, and even the people of this region are quite distinct. Chiang Mai is the natural capital of the north. The city is not a smaller version of Bangkok, but a bustling metropolis in its own right. Just beyond the city rises the mountain range that forms the eastern buttress of the Himalayas, and the region overall has some of the country's most dramatic scenery. The northernmost part of the region borders both Myanmar (Burma) and Laos, and improved land crossings into Laos from here have made forays into that country popular side trips.

Top Reasons to Go
Visitor & Tourist Info
Getting Around
When to Go
Temple Know-How
Health & Safety

Places to Explore

Ban Sop Ruak
Chiang Dao
Chiang Khong
Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai
Chiang Saen
Doi Ang Khang
Lampang
Lamphun
Mae Hong Son
Mae Sai
Mae Sariang
Nan
Pa Sang
Pai
Phayao
Phrae
Tha Ton

About the Photo

About the Photo Chiang Mai, Thailand
"Our visit to the elephant camp near Chiang Mai included an elephant ride through the jungle. The tricky part came when the elephants tramped down a river bank and into the water. We felt as if we would slide down and off the swaying animals right into the river!"

—pambrick

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