Why North of Thailand

Northern Thailand, a place of "picture postcard" beauty and wonder…. Granted with some of the best décor in the kingdom, the north is a region of forests and mountains, and rivers and waterfalls, generally set against a backdrop of swirling mists and fog. Living amongst this scenic majesty are Thailand's hill tribes like Lahu of Tak and the Yao, Akha, Karen, Hmong, and Lisu tribes of Chiang Mai and Chiand Rai mountains regions. Peoples whose conventions and customs, vary from mainstream. Thai culture and whose ways of life have changed little in generations. A mountainous area where winter temperatures are cool to grant the cultivation of temperate fruits like apples, peaches and strawberries, the north grants the tourists a pleasing option to the bright lights of Bangkok and the beaches of the south and the Gulf of Thailand. Numerous of Thailand's superior handicrafts are produced by northern hill tribes, making this a great place to pick up authentic gifts, keepsakes and souvenirs of your excursion. The north is additionally a region of adventure. Rafting on rapids, mountain treks, mountain biking and even elephant safaris make exploring the region as exhilarating as it is enchanting. The north of Thailand is a place steeped in history and culture. Home, base to Yonok and Lanna Kingdoms, the north is full with temples, museums, historical sites like the Phra Buddha Chinarat image in Phitsanulok or the Doi Suthep Shrine in Chiang Mai, and artifacts that prove the region's historical importance. But the north is evenly placed in the modern world, Chiang Mai-the region's central point for tourism is a modern city with clubs and pubs and entertainment fitting any major city. Stop at Pai, a little and agreeable overnight stop between Mae Song Son and Chiang Mai, with a laid back backpacker travelers ambience-scene and a good point for trekking trips.
Chiang Mai, Thailand second biggest city, as over 300 temples and is surrounded by admirable countryside. This is a great base if you intend to explore the north. You can have a pleasant overnight stop between Bangkok and Chiang Mai at the modest village of Phitsanulok. Just south of Chiang Mai is Lamphun which has a plenty of atmosphere history. Thailand's most north-western province of Mae Hong Son is a mountainous region with thick forests and stunning scenery, that’s the reason why it's known as Thailand's "Switzerland". In the far north is Chiang Rai which is a pleasant place if you want to do a hill-tribe trek. Much faraway south is the province of Tak where you can visit the old kingdom of Sukhotai, Thailand's first capital and historical park, or take a [journey to Mae Sot on the Burmese border while taking in one of Thailand's National Parks along the way. The little town of Mae Sai is at the northern most point of Thailand and is located on the border with Myanmar-formerly Burma. In the markets there are products and produce from beyond the border and can be entertaining place to spend a few hours. For the more adventuresome a day tour across the border is possible, with a minimum of formality. Visit Nan the previous capital of a small kingdom, packed with history and temples and surrounded by mountains.

North Thailand has three specific seasons:
The Hot Summer Season carry on from March through May. Daytime temperatures can be very hot during this period. The Rainy Season from May into October. The Cool-Winter Season from November through February. With attention to weather the most agreeable time to visit the north is the cool season between November and February when rain is minor, humidity is nearly low, and temperatures are mild-warm days and cool nights. Chiang Mai's typical annual temperatures are a friendly 25C. Over the hot summer season, daytimes highs can reach 42C. Over the cool winter season, night time lows can drop under 10C in the city and 4C in the mountains. The easiest and generally cheapest option from everywhere in the north is to travel from Bangkok to Hat Yai to Pak Barra, from where you can take the ferry to Koh Lipe. This itinerary can be done all year, there are everyday ferries from Pak Barra in low and high season. There are few flights per day between Bangkok and Hat Yai. Flights take around 1 hour. Trains leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Train Station between 17.00H and 20.00H every day. We advise second and first class sleepers for this 15 hours trip. There are also many buses every day.
Northern Thailand - a world within a world and one you will not forget!