Visit undiscovered Northern Thailand

That sounds like an exciting adventure! Northern Thailand offers a lot of hidden gems beyond the well-trodden paths of cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Places like Pai, Mae Hong Son, and the Golden Triangle region are known for their beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences. If you’re into exploring less touristy spots, you might also enjoy the hill tribes, remote waterfalls, and serene temples scattered throughout the region.

Best Places to visit in Northern Thailand

If you’re keen on discovering the lesser-known parts of Northern Thailand, here are a few suggestions:

1. Pai: While it’s becoming more popular, Pai still has many hidden corners. Explore the countryside, hot springs, and waterfalls. The nearby town of Soppong offers incredible caves and river rafting.
2. Mae Hong Son: Known for its stunning mountain views and diverse ethnic groups. Explore the local markets, and temples, and visit the remote villages like those around the Pang Mapha district.
3. Chiang Rai: Besides the famous White Temple, the area has off-the-beaten-path attractions such as the Golden Triangle and the hill tribes in the surrounding mountains.
4. Nan Province: This area is less touristy and known for its historical temples, beautiful landscapes, and traditional Thai culture. The city of Nan and its surrounding areas are rich in local culture and history.
5. Lampang: Known for its well-preserved Lanna architecture and less crowded temples. It’s a great place to experience traditional Thai culture.
6. Tak Province: Visit the historic city of Tak or explore the nearby areas with beautiful natural scenery, including waterfalls and rivers.

Each of these regions offers a unique glimpse into Northern Thailand’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Experiences to do in Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand is rich with diverse experiences. Here are some unique activities you might enjoy:

1. Hill Tribe Visits: Spend time with the various hill tribes like the Karen, Hmong, and Lahu. Learn about their traditional lifestyles, crafts, and customs.
2. Trekking and Hiking: Explore the lush mountains and jungles. Trails around Pai, Mae Hong Son, and Chiang Rai offer stunning scenery and encounters with local wildlife.
3. Hot Springs: Relax in natural hot springs such as those near Pai or Chiang Mai. They’re great for a soothing dip after a day of exploring.
4. Temple Tours: Discover lesser-known temples like Wat Phra That Doi Kham in Chiang Mai or Wat Chedi Luang. These sites offer a quieter experience compared to the more famous temples.
5. Waterfalls: Visit beautiful waterfalls like Mae Ya Waterfall in Chiang Mai or the Tham Pha Thai Waterfall in Mae Hong Son.
6. Night Markets: Explore local night markets in cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for unique crafts, street food, and souvenirs.
7. River Cruises: Take a boat ride on the Mekong River or the Kok River for a different perspective on the region’s beauty.
8. Local Cooking Classes: Learn how to cook traditional Thai dishes with local chefs in places like Chiang Mai.
9. Elephant Sanctuaries: Visit ethical elephant sanctuaries where you can learn about and interact with elephants in a responsible way.
10. Traditional Festivals: If your timing is right, attend local festivals like Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai or the annual Horse Festival in Lampang.
11. Caving Adventures: Explore caves like Tham Lot in Pai, which features impressive stalactites and stalagmites as well as ancient cave paintings.
12. Biking Tours: Rent a bike and explore the countryside, small villages, and rural landscapes. It’s a great way to see the region up close.

Each of these activities offers a different way to connect with the culture and natural beauty of Northern Thailand.

Food Experience in Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand boasts a rich and diverse culinary scene with unique dishes that differ from the more widely known Thai cuisine. Here are some local food recommendations to try:

1. Khao Soi: A must-try dish in Northern Thailand. It’s a spicy, creamy curry noodle soup with crispy noodles on top, typically served with pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime.
2. Nam Prik Ong: A flavorful tomato-based chili dip, often served with fresh vegetables and sticky rice. It has a mild heat and a sweet, tangy flavor.
3. Sai Oua: A Northern Thai sausage made with minced pork, herbs, and spices. It’s aromatic and slightly spicy, often grilled and served with sticky rice.
4. Gaeng Hang Lay: A rich, hearty curry with tender pork belly, ginger, and tamarind. It’s less spicy and has a sweet, tangy flavor.
5. Larb Moo: A Northern Thai version of the Thai salad, made with minced pork, lime juice, fish sauce, herbs, and toasted rice powder. It’s refreshing and zesty.
6. Khao Niew Moo Yang: Sticky rice with grilled pork, often served with a side of spicy dipping sauce.
7. Nam Prik Noom: A green chili dip made with roasted green chilies, garlic, and spices. It’s typically served with vegetables and sticky rice.
8. Miang Kham: A traditional snack where you wrap a mix of toasted coconut, peanuts, lime, ginger, and shallots in a betel leaf, topped with a sweet and tangy sauce.
9. Kanom Jeen: Fresh rice noodles served with a variety of curries, typically including spicy ones made with fish or meat.
10. Moo Pad Krapow: A stir-fry dish with minced pork (or chicken), Thai basil, and chili, often served with a fried egg on top and a side of jasmine rice.
11. Jok: Thai rice porridge often served for breakfast, sometimes with pork or chicken and garnished with ginger, green onions, and a dash of soy sauce.
12. Som Tam (Papaya Salad): Though more common in the northeast, you’ll find regional variations in the north with different ingredients and spice levels.
13. Sticky Rice with Mango (Khao Niew Mamuang): A sweet treat made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and ripe mango, typically enjoyed as a dessert.

Each dish highlights the unique flavors and ingredients of Northern Thai cuisine, offering a delicious way to experience the local culture.

Best time to visit Northern Thailand?

The best time to visit Northern Thailand generally falls during the cooler, dry season, which runs from November to February. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons to help you decide:

Cool Season (November to February)

• Weather: Pleasantly cool and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) and cooler nights.
• Advantages: Ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and exploring. This is the peak tourist season, so popular spots can be busier, but it’s also when the weather is at its best.

Hot Season (March to May)

• Weather: Hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). The heat can be intense, especially in April and May.
• Advantages: Fewer tourists, so you may find less crowded attractions and better deals on accommodation. It’s also a great time to experience local festivals like Songkran (Thai New Year) in April.

Rainy Season (June to October)

• Weather: Hot and humid with frequent rain showers and occasional heavy downpours. Rainfall is usually in the form of short, intense showers rather than all-day rain.
• Advantages: Lush green landscapes and fewer tourists. It’s a good time to visit if you don’t mind the rain and prefer quieter, more serene travel experiences.

Overall, the cool season is the most popular time to visit Northern Thailand due to its comfortable weather. However, if you’re looking for fewer crowds and don’t mind the occasional rain, the rainy season can also be a rewarding time to explore.