Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [276]
Instead of backtracking to Chiang Mai, you can go to Hot, where you can get buses west to Mae Sariang or Mae Hong Son, a time-saving measure if you’re leaving the park after an overnight stay.
Return to beginning of chapter
Northern Thailand
* * *
LAMPHUN PROVINCE
LAMPHUN
AROUND LAMPHUN
LAMPANG PROVINCE
LAMPANG
AROUND LAMPANG
CHIANG RAI PROVINCE
CHIANG RAI
AROUND CHIANG RAI
MAE SALONG (SANTIKHIRI)
BAN THOET THAI & AROUND
MAE SAI
AROUND MAE SAI
CHIANG SAEN
AROUND CHIANG SAEN
CHIANG KHONG
PHAYAO PROVINCE
PHAYAO
PHRAE PROVINCE
PHRAE
AROUND PHRAE
NAN PROVINCE
NAN
AROUND NAN
PHITSANULOK PROVINCE
PHITSANULOK
PHU HIN RONG KLA NATIONAL PARK
PHITSANULOK TO LOM SAK
SUKHOTHAI PROVINCE
SUKHOTHAI
AROUND SUKHOTHAI
KAMPHAENG PHET PROVINCE
KAMPHAENG PHET
TAK PROVINCE
MAE SOT
AROUND MAE SOT
UM PHANG & AROUND
MAE SOT TO MAE SARIANG
MAE HONG SON PROVINCE
MAE HONG SON
AROUND MAE HONG SON
PAI
SOPPONG & AROUND
MAE SARIANG
AROUND MAE SARIANG
* * *
Northern Thailand’s ‘mountainous’ reputation may cause residents of Montana or Nepal to chuckle, but it’s the fertile river valleys between these glorified hills that served as the original homeland of the Thai people, and thus the birthplace of much of what is associated with Thai culture. The mountains may not be large, but their impact and significance are immense.
Despite the centuries that have passed since early Tai tribes from southern China are thought to have settled here, northern Thailand continues to cling to its roots, and for many Thais the area still maintains an aura of the ‘real’ Thailand. The dialect and food of the northern Thais are among the more conservative and unchanged, and traditions here continue to run deep.
In addition to the Thai majority, the north is the most ethnically diverse part of the country, with well-known hill tribes such as Hmong and Akha, to lesser known groups such as the unique Chinese community of Mae Salong and Mae Hong Son’s small Muslim communities.
Put all this together and it’s clear that these old hills are the perfect destination for seeking out a special cultural experience. Exploring a Buddhist temple in Phrae, volunteering at a refugee clinic in Tak, or sampling a dish at Lampang’s evening market; northern Thailand’s attractions are generally low-key but eminently rewarding. And for those seeking something more vigorous, the region’s geography and climate ensure that there is also ample opportunity for more active pursuits such as rafting in Nan, visiting a Phitsanulok national park or a road trip to Phayao.
* * *
HIGHLIGHTS
Exploring one of the region’s numerous and diverse national parks, such as Phitsanulok’s historical Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park (Click here) or Mae Hong Song’s rugged Salawin National Park (Click here)
Hiking and rafting in Um Phang, where the end of the road leads to Nam Tok Thilawsu (Click here), Thailand’s biggest, most beautiful waterfall
Learning to be a mahout (elephant caretaker) at Lampang’s Elephant Conservation Center (Click here)
Getting off the beaten path to the little-visited but atmospheric northern cities such as Phayao (Click here)
Cycling around the awesome ruins of Thailand’s ‘golden age’ at Sukhothai (Click here) and Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Parks (Click here)
Renting a vehicle and driving the legendary Mae Hong Son Loop (Click here) or the extraordinary drive from Chiang Khong to Phayao (Click here)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: NOVEMBER–MARCH
POPULATION: 7.8 MILLION
* * *
History
Northern Thailand’s history has been characterised by the shifting powers of various independent principalities. One of the most significant early cultural influences in the north was the Mon kingdom of Hariphunchai (modern Lamphun), which held sway from the late 8th century until the 13th century. Hariphunchai art and Buddha images are particularly distinctive, and many good