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The main city and base for most visitors, is Chiang Mai, the capital of Northern Thailand. A smaller number of visitors use Chiang Rai to the northeast as their base. Both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai were once capitals of ancient kingdoms and are not incorporated into Thailand. They have many temples, old buildings and fortress ruins waiting to be explored. This website offers you a glimpse of what is there to see in Northern Thailand, while at the same time providing you a bit of knowledge about its history.
The map below shows the geography of Northern Thailand. The main city, Chiang Mai, is represented by a red pin. Main tourist destinations are shown with green pins while minor attractions with yellow pins.
To properly explore Northern Thailand, you would require a minimum of two weeks. In that way, you can spend a few days getting to know Chiang Mai, before venturing out farther afield. Each of the pins represent a day trip from Chiang Mai, or preferably an overnight stay. What we have described above is an ideal situation.
Most visitors to Northern Thailand spent less than a week here. If that is the case for you, we suggest that you start by exploring Chiang Mai. Then select to explore one or two areas denoted by the green pins.
These places are the main tourist destinations, and you will easily find tours provided for by local travel agencies in Chiang Mai to take you there. However, if you want to get everything planned and in place well before you step into Northern Thailand, we have found tours that you can book online:
- Tailored Thailand Tours by Exotissimo Travel - In Asia since 1993
- A Day Ben Tre Mekong Excursion - Ho Chi Minh City
- Thailand Adventure Old Elephant Trail Trek - 6 Days by Exotissimo Thailand – Join Dates at Special Prices.
- Bored of seeing the same package holidays everywhere? Contact Exotissimo Travel for a tailored made experience in Southeast Asia
- Angkor Wat Cambodia - Tour Cambodia's ancient temples with your very own tailor-made tour
You best option is to hire a car (with driver preferably, or self drive), or a motorcycle. Getting a car with driver does not cost significantly more than driving it yourself - your driver will be more familiar with the roads and local customs than you, saving you time. He takes care of his own meals and sleeping arrangements - usually in the car itself.
Place names in Northern Thailand
As you travel through Northern Thailand, you will notice many place names with the words "Chiang", "Wiang", "Muang". A "chiang" is usually an old capital, a place where a king or prince lived. If it is a fortified town, but the king/prince lived elsewhere, it is called a "wiang". A "muang" is a semi-independent city state or principality.In the modern context, muang is translated roughly as "district". For example, you will notice Muang Nan being the state for the town of Nan.
Learn Thai Fast!
Preparing for a trip to Thailand? Arm yourself with the essentials of Thai for your trip. Learn, listen, speak, and rocket your way to a great time in Thailand! Whether you are going for business in Bangkok or bargain hunting in Chiang Mai, your knowledge of Thai will sure to impress and awe (not to mention helping you "eavesdrop" on what the locals are saying about you!). To learn more, Click Here!
  
   
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