Northern region

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The lower North consists of wide plains while the upper north is mountainous. The great mountains along the borders of Laos and Myanmar produce breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, fast rivers perfect for rafting and are home to many ethnic peoples. The region enjoys three seasons: hot from March to May, wet from June to November, and cool from December to February. However, up in the mountains “cool” can be extremely cold. The nomadic hilltribes have been a law unto themselves, wandering back and forth across borders. Today, they are more settled in villages across the northern mountains. There are six main tribal groups, all with their own unique customs and costumes.

Most travellers head for Chiang Mai, the northern capital, as a base for visiting ethnic tribes, for soft adventure and for shopping. The lure of rafting, trekking and tribal villages is strong in Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son, particularly the adventure village of Pai. Remote areas like Nan and Tak are becoming more accessible, attracting visitors with the promise of great activity and exploration. To the south, the wonderful Historical Park at Sukhothai is a must-see for travellers who want to discover more about the history and culture of Thailand.