Thailand Travel - Regions of Thailand - The North

Chiang Mai 
Chiang Mai is named the "Rose of the North" for the abundance of flowers that thrive in the cooler mountain climate. The surrounding of the city is blessed with an outstanding beauty in nature. If you want to get away from busy Bangkok, but still want to stay in a big city with lots of traffic Chiang Mai is a very good choice. Handicrafts of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for visitors from all over the globe. Along with all this, a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants and entertainment all help to make Chiang Mai one of Thailand's prime tourist attractions.
Perhaps the best thing about Chiang Mai for visitors is that with a small amount of research and effort it is easy to find great places outside of the city offering trekking, tours, and locations which are what Northern Thailand is really about. Chiang Dao, Pai, Soppong, Mae Salong, Mae Hong Song, Chiang Saen and Mae Chaem are just a few of the gems awaiting the discerning traveler.
Hotels Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai 
Much smaller and quieter than Chiang Mai, this provincial town close to the Golden Triangle (where the borders of Myanmar (Burma) Thailand and Laos meet) makes a good base for some of the more remote trekking areas. In the town, there's a smaller "night bazaar" similar to Chiang Mai and a few low key entertainment areas.
The northernmost province, Chiang Rai is 785 km north of Bangkok and is 580 m above sea level. It is one of the more rural parts of Thailand, where natural jungle and farm lands cover much of the landscape. The more mountainous areas, where many crops won't survive have over the past, given their lands to the cultivation of poppies, which were used in the making of opium and until recently this was Chiang Rai's main source of income other than tourism. This trade, due to the clamping down of law enforcement in the area, is now all but gone and Mayanma (Burma) and Laos are now the prime producers this narcotic, though the area is still considered part of the famed 'Golden Triangle'.
Hotels Chiang Rai

Mae Hong Son 
Thailand's second northern most province, is sheltered by several high mountains and enjoys a cool climate almost all year round. Mae Hong Son is approximately 924 kilometers from Bangkok and can be reached from Chiang Mai. Mae Hong Son is bordered by the Union of Myanmar (Burma) to the north and the west, and a strong Burmese influence can be seen in the province's temples and buildings. The population of Mae Hong Son include Thai Yai and various hill tribes such as Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Lua and Lisu, scattering in the districts.
Hotels Mae Hong Son

Pai 
Surrounded by scenic mountainous area covered by refreshingly cool mist and the warmth of sunlight at dawn shading the lofty pine forest and acres of fertile rice fields which truly reflects the peaceful atmosphere, Pai, the land where Thai and Thai Yai cultures are harmoniously synchronized together, perfectly illustrates the simple way of life the local people still have with a strong connection to the nature. Thus the unique charm of this lovely city creates the unforgettable experience in all visitors' remembrance.
Hotels Pai

Lampang 
The charming, old world culture of Lampang has epitomized the peacefulness of Northern Thailand for over 1,300 years. In no other city in Thailand do horsedrawn carriages continue to beautify the scenery of everyday life. Lampang offers many attractions including the Young Elephant Training Centre, which is the largest elephant preservation center in Thailand and the only training school for baby elephants in the world, as well as the magnificent Jae Sorn waterfall and hot springs. Also included are the elegant ceramics which are made locally and praised throughout Thailand. Lampang has one of Thailand oldest temples, Phratat Lampang Luang Temple , cherished for its antiquity and unique artwork. The temple compound is now all that remains of this landmark once a fortress city that flourished over a millennium ago. Come and share in the ambivalence of Lampang warm, smiling people.
Hotels Lampang

Sukhothai 
Sukhothai, meaning the ''Dawn of Happiness'' was the first free Thai city founded in 1238, by two Thai chieftains, Khun Bang Klang Tao and Khun Pa Muang , this ending Khmer rule from Angkor Wat. In the early 1300s, Sukhothai enjoyed suzeranity over the Chao Phya River basin, westward to the bay of Bengal and the entire Peninsula.
The state that is still regarded by Thai historical tradition as the "first Thai Kingdom" was Sukhothai, There were, in fact, contemporaneous Thai states such as Lanna and Phayao, both in present-day northern Thailand, but the Thai historical imagination has been most stirred by Sukhothai. Even today, the evocative ruins of Sukhothai and its twin city Si Satchanalai conjure up images of material prosperity, artistic greatness, and serene Buddhist piety. Indeed, Sukhothai is remembered as much for its art and architecture as for its political achievements.
Hotels Sukhothai

Tak - Tak is the central province for development of Northern Thailand, also being the communication center of the North, having an Asian Highway passing through Myanmar - Thai border into Thailand at Amphoe Mae Sot, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok towards Northeastern Thailand entering Laos at Chong Mek pass of Ubon Ratchathani.
Hotels Tak

Umphang is located in the Eastern Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. The Thungyai Naresuan jungle is composed of piled-up mountains, which are part of the Thanon Thongchai Range. It is one of the richest forests of the country. The forest is a home for many wild animals like wild elephants, leopards, languor's, bison's, bears, tigers, apes and many others. It also habitats many species of butterflies and birds including the rare and colorful hornbill. The area has many different and gorgeous waterfalls, from which the Ti-Lo-Su waterfall, Thailand's most beautiful one, is the highlight. The original Karen people, that still live here, gave it this name that means big waterfall or black waterfall.