10 BEST Places to Visit in Northern Thailand

1. Chiang Mai

We begin our list with one of the most famous provinces in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai, the once prosperous capital city of the 700-year-old ancient Lanna Kingdom that ruled this area back in the day.

Chiang Mai is one of the best cities to visit in Thailand for those who are looking for a place in Thailand that is steep in history, has a laid-back vibe, and is surrounded by mountains and nature.

Surrounded by the ancient walls of Lanna, Chiang Mai's old city is home to many stunning ancient structures, some of which are more than 700 years old. You can rent a bike for a day and explore the city at your own leisure, visiting places like Wat Lok Moli, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh, or Wat Doi Suthep on top of the towering Doi Suthep Mountain.

Chiang Mai also has one of the best night markets and walking streets in the country, with the entire main road of the old city turned into a bustling walking street every Sunday where you can score great deals on goods and souvenirs.

Looking for a complete travel guide for Chiang Mai?20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals

Not to mention, Khao Soi, the delicious and unique noodle dish exclusive to this region, and Sai Au, the spicy Chiang Mai sausages, are must-try foods when you are in Northern Thailand.

All in all, Chiang Mai is a place that should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Thailand. With its balance between tradition, culture, and affordability, you won't find any other city quite like it.

Looking for a complete foodie guide to Chiang Mai?25 Absolute Best Restaurants And Cafes In Chiang Mai

2. Doi Inthanon

At 2,565 meters (8,415 ft), Doi Inthanon, located not too far from Chiang Mai, is the highest mountain in Thailand. It experiences the kind of weather you don't usually get in Thailand, from the cooler-than-usual breeze of the mountains to sometimes even frost in the early morning during wintertime. Visiting Northern Thailand and not going up this magnificent mountain would be a shame.

Within Doi Inthanon National Park, you will find some of the most stunning waterfalls in Chiang Mai province, such as the mighty Wachirathan Waterfall and the stunning cascades of Mae Ya Waterfall.

At the top, there are also several hikes you can do, and one of the best hikes there is the Kew Mae Pan trail, where you can hike along the mountain ridge. From there, you will be able to witness the sea of clouds as it hovers above the valley below, which is the highest point in Thailand.

There are countless things for you to do at Doi Inthanon, and due to how beautiful and accessible it is, recommending this place as one of the best places to visit is a no-brainer.

Looking for a complete travel guide for Doi Inthanon?7 Best Things To Do At Doi Inthanon

3. Mae Hong Son Loop

The Mae Hong Son Loop is probably one of the best road trips you can do in Thailand. With the starting and endpoints at Chiang Mai, the Mae Hong Son Loop will take you on the 600 km long road that loops around the far-flung northern province of Mae Hong Son, taking you through some of the most stunning landscapes you will ever see in Thailand.

The Mae Hong Son Loop will take you to places like Mae Sariang, the quiet remote town on the bank of the Yuam River, the Mae Hong Son Capital City of the province, home to many stunning Burmese-style temples, the Mexican Sunflower Field that spreads across several hills as far as the eyes can see, the Chinese-influenced town of Baan Rak Thai, and the famous tourist attraction, Pai, all in one go.

With so many things you can do at each stop on the loop and all the side trips you can make, it can take 3 to 10 days to traverse the Mae Hong Son Loop and truly see what this remote hinterland offers.

Just prepare to drive the 1860+ curves you will encounter around the loop. Yes, they counted the curves, and you can even buy a t-shirt that says "I have conquered the 1860 curves of Mae Hong Son" at the night market in Mae Hong Son City.

Since your journey will begin and end in Chiang Mai, you can easily complete the loop by renting a car or a motorbike from one of the many rental shops in Chiang Mai and simply traverse the loop, visiting each tourist attraction one by one. For more details on how to travel the Mae Hong Son Loop, click the link below.

Looking for a complete travel itinerary for Mae Hong Son Loop?10 Days Itinerary For The Mae Hong Son Loop

4. Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is another must-visit province in Northern Thailand that may seem like a sleepy provincial town with not much to do, but the place has so much more to offer than it seems.

For one, Chiang Rai is home to one of the prettiest, most intricately designed temples in the country: the White Temple. The entire structure is covered in highly detailed sculptures and carvings made of glass and painted white. It is a temple unlike any temple you have seen before.

Not too far, you will also find the all-painted-blue temple dubbed the Blue Temple, another great piece of art, the massive Wat Huay Pla Kang Chinese temple, home to the giant Guanyin Statue, and the colorful statues at Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan.

As you can see, Chiang Rai is known for its beautiful works of art, which the province is known for. It is also rich in history with the ancient city of Chiang Saen, where you will be able to witness the boiling pot between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, as the three countries share the border.

Looking for a complete travel guide for Chiang Saen?10 Best Things To Do In Chiang Saen

With such a large area to cover and so many beautiful places and exciting towns to visit, you can expect to spend around 5 days in Chiang Rai to see them all. There is also a day trip from Chiang Mai that will take you to the Blue and White Temple, but I highly recommend dedicating more time to Chiang Rai than just one day.

The place offers much more than just the White and Blue Temple. For more information about what you can do in Chiang Rai, click the link below.

Looking for a complete travel guide for Chiang Rai?16 Best Things To Do In Chiang Rai

5. Nan

Nan is the new upcoming place to visit among local tourists. It is one of the most interesting provinces to explore in Northern Thailand, with its own unique culture, tourist attractions, and nature that rival those in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Nan, for centuries, used to be an independent kingdom called Nanthaburi, and it was left isolated for most of its existence until it was incorporated into the surrounding kingdoms (Lanna and the Burmese).

After being deserted for many years during the Burmese reign, Nan gained sovereignty in the 18th century and became a semi-autonomous kingdom to Siam (Thailand). It was not until 1931 that Nan became fully incorporated into Thailand, recovering its rich culture diverse traditions, and reviving its economy.

Nan and its history are somewhat a metaphor for what is currently happening right now in Nan, as it becomes more and more popular among travelers who are looking to go beyond Chiang Mai and explore the deeper north of Thailand.

With its rich history, Nan still preserves many beautiful remnants of its ancient past, and one of the most important landmarks in Nan City is Wat Phumin. Here, you will be able to see one of the well-preserved murals from the Nan Kingdom time that depict the Buddha's life cycle and scenes of the local life of the time.

Nan also has its own White Temple (Wat Ming Muang), similar to those found in Chiang Rai, as well as the Golden Temple of Wat Sri Panthon, and many more on the outer rim of the city that display the distinct architectural style of Nan.

Nan is also home to Sinthao Salt Pond Village, which is probably one of the most unique places I have ever visited in Thailand. The village is known for its natural rock salt ponds and old local community that has made a living as salt makers out of these ponds for many centuries.

You can walk around the village, inside one of the many wooden huts, and witness how they extract salts from these salt ponds using old traditional mechanisms passed down in the community for generations. There is nothing quite like this anywhere else in Thailand.

For nature lovers, and I know there are many of you out there, Nan is also one of the best places to stargazing at night. Doi Samer Dao is a bald mountain top and a popular campsite with an astounding 360° panoramic view that will allow you to see the Milky Way stretch across the sky in a way that you can't see elsewhere in Thailand.

There are so many things to do in Nan that you will likely have to spend around 3-4 days just to see them all. If you are planning to spend more time in Nan, be sure to check out our travel guide to Nan below.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Nan?16 Best Things to Do in Nan

6. Phayao

What is there to do in Phayao, a province in Northern Thailand that rarely gets any travelers? Surprisingly, quite a lot! I spent 3 days exploring Phayao, and I was totally blown away by the sheer amount of beautiful and undiscovered places I never knew existed.

For one, I didn't realize that Phayao is a lakeside city reminiscent of those beautiful lakeside cities in Europe. Its vast lake, known locally as Kwan Phayao, is an artificial lake that was formed only a few decades ago due to dam construction nearby, and it has turned the city into one of the most photogenic places in Thailand.

With the city located on the eastern bank of the lake, the sunset over Phayao Lake is one of the most beautiful sunset spots you can experience in northern Thailand.

Many locals would often come out every evening, sit by the lake, and bathe in the last sunlight of the day before the street turns into a pedestrian street with shops and street food waiting for you to explore.

Phayao City sure is a charming city, but if you are not convinced by the photos above, then the dreamy landscape of Phu Langka at sunrise will surely do the job.

Phu Langka is hands down, one of my favorite places in Phayao. I was completely blown away by just how dreamy and beautiful the landscape around Phu Langka is, especially during the sunrise.

If you visit Phu Langka during the day, you might think that the view is nice and assume that's all there is to it. However, wait until you witness it at sunrise when the low clouds descend from the mountain into the rice paddies. It is truly a sight to behold.

There are many things you can do in Phayao, and to see all these places, you will have to stay at least 3 days in Phayao with a night stay in Phu Langka and another in Phayao City. It is not too far from Chiang Mai, so if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path place to visit, this is it.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Phayao?12 Best Things to Do in Phayao

7. Phrae

Phrae used to be one of the largest teak trade centers in the country; however, nowadays, not much is known about this small province right at the edge of the ancient Lanna Kingdom.

More often than not, Phrae is simply a stopover for travelers to pass through to Nan, another popular destination in Northern Thailand. However, what these travelers do not know is the immense amount of untouched nature and hidden gems surrounding Phrae.

From the unique rock formations at Pae Muang Pee Forest Park, where you can hike around, to all the hidden nature spots at Mae Yom National Park, and the old teak wood residences of the last ruler of the ancient Phrae Kingdom in the city, Phrae strikes the perfect balance between tradition and nature.

With so many things you can do here, expect to spend at least 2 nights visiting all the beautiful teak wood temples and museums in the city and spending some time driving around and camping in nature among the untouched mountains of Phrae.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Phrae?14 Best Things to Do in Phrae

8. Lampang

When you think of the best places to visit in Thailand, most people will go directly to Bangkok or Chiang Mai. But what I have discovered through many years of traveling around the world is that it is the quiet places that are often not on many people's radar, like Lampang, that will leave you with the most long-lasting memories.

Lampang is the gateway province to the Lanna Kingdom, and the further north you go from Bangkok, the more you will notice a shift in the architectural style of the temples and buildings. They transition from the modern look of Central Thailand to a more traditional, teakwood-made, Burmese-inspired architectural style that is specific to Northern Thailand.

Lampang's tourist attractions, such as the all-teak-wood temple of Wat Si Rongmuang, built by a Shan immigrant from Myanmar, and the old residence turned museum of Baan Louise, where Louise T. Leonowens operated his teak logging company, reflect its forestry past and Lanna roots very well.

Not just that, Lampang is also home to one of the prettiest, most photogenic pagodas in the country called Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, or the temple in the sky. Here, you will find several white pagodas built on top of a limestone mountain's jagged peak in the remote Lampang region.

Lampang is an awesome place to spend some quiet time away from all the tourists in Chiang Mai and explore all the beautiful sights at your own leisure with a bike or a horse cart. I highly recommend you spend at least 2-3 nights in Lampang to truly do justice to the place.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Lampang?11 Best Things to Do in Lampang

9. Sukhothai

Sukhothai, a seemingly small town in the lower northern part of Thailand, was once home to the first capital city of Siam in the 13th Century. It was founded by the great King Ramkhamhaeng and is considered to be the cradle of Thai civilization.

This is the birthplace of all things traditional, from art to architectural style that you would see across the country, and there is no better place to learn about the history of the Thais than in Sukhothai.

In Sukhothai, you will find the massive Sukhothai Historical Park, where you will be able to bike around the many well-preserved ancient structures from the 13th century that allow you to get a glimpse of what the Sukhothai Kingdom was like back in the day.

From Wat Maha That, the main and largest temple complex in Sukhothai Historical Park, to the 15-meter-high ancient Buddha Image of Wat Si Chum, Sukhothai, and its well-preserved ancient sites are quite a sight to behold.

Looking for a complete travel guide for Sukhothai?14 Best Things To Do In Sukhothai

10. Phitsanulok

Phitsanulok, a 600-year-old capital city with a population of 800,000, is located in the lower northern part of Thailand right by the Nan River. It may not be a city that people commonly put on their list of places to visit when traveling in Thailand. However, for those of you looking to explore unique places rather than visiting where everybody goes, the city offers an authentic look into the Thai lifestyle outside of tourist cities.

Phitsanulok is probably one of the most authentic cities you can visit in Thailand. The unfiltered life of the locals here reflects most of what life is like in Thailand, not those fancy people living in big cities like Bangkok or tourist places like Chiang Mai or Phuket.

Due to its historical significance, you will find plenty of beautiful ancient sights here for you to visit, such as the famous Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, home to the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat Buddha statue, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and magnificent Buddha images in Thailand. This temple is over 700 years old. 700 years old! Let that sink in for a bit.

There are several ancient temples and pagodas that you can discover in Phitsanulok. Still, one of the most beautiful sites to see here is the ancient ruins of Wat Wihan Thong, where you will be able to see several old ruins built in the 15th century that are still standing.

You can also visit the Chan Royal Historical Center and learn more about Phitsanulok and its great role in Thailand's history. Phitsanulok is a great city to start your journey in Northern Thailand, and if you plan to visit the province, expect to spend around 2-3 nights here to see all that the place has to offer.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Phitsanulok?8 Best Things to Do in Phitsanulok

Further Reading for Northern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Northern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find helpful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
• Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
• Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok. Here is a One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend you spend at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3-Day Itinerary for Bangkok.
• For more things to do in Bangkok, check out the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Want to get off the beaten track and really explore Northern Thailand? Check out: 2 Weeks Northern Thailand Itinerary.
• Looking for another great road trip to get you off the beaten path in Northern Thailand? Check out: 9 Days Nan Loop Road Trip Itinerary.
• Not sure where to begin your journey in Northern Thailand? How about an old capital with a Complete Backpacking Guide to Phitsanulok?
• Did you know that the cradle of Thailand began in the ancient city of Sukhothai, north of Bangkok, in the 13th Century? If you are interested in the history of Thailand, here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Sukhothai.
• Sukhothai has a twin city that has prospered together since the first founding of the Siam Kingdom. The ancient city is called Si Satchanalai, 60 km north of Sukhothai, and there are many lesser-traveled ancient ruins there waiting for you to explore. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Si Satchanalai.
• Kamphaeng Phet, which translates to "The Wall of Diamond," was an outpost town that played a role in protecting the Siam Kingdom from invasion for several decades, and you can still see the remnants today. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Kamphaeng Phet.
• Lampang is low-key, one of the most laid-back places in the north with a northern vibe similar to Chiang Mai but much quieter and more authentic. If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand, check out The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Lampang.
• Spending a few days relaxing in Lampang? Here are 9 Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Lampang.
• There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here are the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai, according to the locals.
• Chiang Mai is a big city. How does one find the best restaurants and cafes, you asked? Check out 25 Absolute Best Restaurants and Cafes in Chiang Mai.
• Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, and in order to travel there, you will need a complete travel guide. Here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Doi Inthanon.
• Have only 3 days in Chiang Mai? Check out the 3 Days Backpacking Itinerary for Chiang Mai.
• Have a day to spare in Chiang Mai? How about going on a day trip to Lamphun? Here are 7 Best Things to Do in Lamphun.
• Looking to go off-the-beaten-path in Chiang Mai? How about visiting the untouched nature of Doi Ang Khang and the Chinese-influenced towns of Arunothai and Chai Prakan? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Doi Ang Khang.
• One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here's a complete backpacking guide and a 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
• Looking to start the Mae Hong Son Loop but not sure where to start? How about the city of Mae Sariang? Here are 8 Best Things to Do in Mae Sariang.
• Mae Hong Son City is one of my favorite cities on the entire Mae Hong Son Loop road trip. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Mae Hong Son City.
• Pai has become a tourist hotspot ever since it was discovered and featured in many travel blogs, but what is there to do in Pai? We have the answer. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Pai, Thailand.
• Chiang Rai is home to not just stunning temples like the White and Blue Temples, but also the beautiful mountains of Pho Chi Fan and Doi Pha Tang. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai.
• One of the most iconic peaks in Thailand is Phu Chi Fai, and you can hike to the top of it among other hiking trails around Chiang Rai's highlands. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Phu Chi Fah.
• Chiang Saen is an ancient walled city, full of history and beautiful scenery waiting for you to explore. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Saen.
• Phrae is so much more than a stopover destination. Here are the 14 Best Things to Do in Phrae.
• Nan is the upcoming trendy tourist attraction in Thailand that is still pretty much unexplored by foreigners. If you want to travel to Nan, here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Nan.
• Phayao is a beautiful hidden gem of Thailand's north that is waiting for you to explore. It rarely gets any tourists, all the more reason to visit Phayao before it is discovered! Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Phayao.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Central Thailand or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all of my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.