Chiang Saen Travel Guide: 10 Things to See and Do

10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Saen

1. Visit Wat Pa Sak Historical Site ❤️ Must Visit

One of the most prominent historical sites in the walled city of Chiang Saen is Wat Pa Sak Historical Park, where you will find a 12.5-meter-high, well-preserved stupa built in the classic style of Lanna. It features similarities to the temples found in Lamphun (Hariphunchai Kingdom).

The name Wat Pa Sak is literally translated to "the temple of the teak forest", and it got its name from the legend of the ruler, King Saen Phu, who founded the temple and planted 300 teak trees, hence the name Wat Pa Sak.

Within Wat Pa Sak Historical Park, you will see the stupa towering over the base of what was left of the main ordination hall and its columns. The temple is surrounded by tall teak trees, making it a great place to stroll around even in the middle of the day.

Wat Pa Sak Historical Park's opening hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM, and the admission fee is 100 THB for foreigners and 10 THB for Thais.

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2. Stroll Around Wat Phrathat Chedi Luang

Another well-preserved ruin located not too far from Wat Pa Sak Historical Park is Wat Phrathat Chedi Luang, home to the ancient main stupa of Chiang Saen town, which is the largest in the city, hence the name Chedi Luang. It is similar to the massive main stupa you saw in Chiang Mai.

The Chedi Luang is 58 meters tall and has an octagonal base that supports the round-shaped pagoda. It was originally built in the 14th century, and it largely remains in good condition.

Near Chedi Luang, you will find a newly built ordination hall that was built atop a base of an old ruin, covering the main Buddha Image. Surrounding all of these structures are tall teak trees, just like what you saw at Pa Sak Historical Park.

Wat Phrathat Chedi Luang's opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and there is no admission fee for both foreigners and Thais.

3. Learn More About Chiang Saen at Chiang Saen National Museum

If you are looking to learn a bit more about Chiang Saen and its rich history, there is no better place to start than at Chiang Saen National Museum, located right next to Wat Phrathat Chedi Luang.

Chiang Saen National Museum holds many old artifacts discovered in the ruins around this area, as well as models of what the ruins you saw outside might have looked like in its heyday.

The museum is rather small, especially when compared to the content at the Hall of Opium, which we will be heading to afterward. Chiang Saen National Museum's opening hours are between 9 AM and 4 PM, from Wednesday to Sunday, and the admission fee is 100 THB.

Together with the 100 THB ticket, you will also receive a brochure explaining the history of Chiang Saen in greater detail, as well as a bike map that you can use to explore Chiang Saen.

4. Explore All the Other Ruins in Chiang Saen 💎 Hidden Gem

There are also other smaller ruins around Chiang Saen that are worth a visit, such as the headless Buddha image at Wat Athi Ton Kaeo Historic Site and Wat Roi Kho.

When you are in Chiang Saen, be sure to rent a bike and go around town to discover all these old ruins scattered around the walled city. There are quite a few that aren't on the map, so let the inner Indiana Jones in you shine!

5. Admire the Beauty of Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao

Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao is one of the most sacred temples in Chiang Saen, and there is a lot more to do than it seems. I was first attracted to the temple because of its stunning viewpoint from the top of a mountain, where you will be able to see Laos and Thailand with the Mekong River as a border.

The viewpoint at Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao can easily be reached by car. From the viewpoint, you will find a beautiful white pagoda and a gate facing towards the Mekong River and Laos. Here, you will be able to have an unobstructed panoramic view of the surrounding area.

In my opinion, this is the best viewpoint in all of Chiang Saen. The expansive view you get here of the Mekong River and the border is unmatched, not even at the Golden Triangle!

After I visited the viewpoint, I soon found out that there is so much more to do here than I had previously thought. At the temple ground on the foothill of the mountain, you will find one magnificent temple covered in highly detailed sculptures that are so mesmerizing, I spent 5 minutes just staring at it, trying to pick out the details. It is that beautiful!

Across the road, you will also find a pagoda built on top of a large rock, as well as a gray-colored ordination hall built out of red bricks and cement. When you are inside, you will find an ancient headless Buddha statue towering above you.

I highly recommend you visit both the viewpoints and the main temple when you are in Chiang Saen. Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao's opening hours are between 6 AM and 6 PM, and there is no admission fee.

6. Check Out Wat Phra That Chom Kitti

Wat Phra That Chom Kitti is another mountain temple worth visiting when you are in Chiang Saen. Wat Phra That Chom Kitti sits on the top of a hill located just north of the walled city of Chiang Saen.

Its most prominent landmark is the crooked Lanna-style pagoda, which contains a fragment of the Buddha relic that was split into three and kept in other temples in Chiang Rai. I went up there thinking that I would get a nice view of Chiang Saen, but unfortunately, the viewing platform is now covered in overgrown trees, blocking the view.

Fortunately, the crooked pagoda made up for it with its strange and interesting orientation. Wat Phra That Chom Kitti's opening hours are during daylight hours, and there is no admission fee.

7. Learn the Dark History of Chiang Saen at the Hall of Opium 🏛️ Best Museum

The Hall of Opium is highly recommended if you are interested in the troublesome past of Chiang Saen when it was the center of illegal drug trades, or more specifically, the opium trade.

Due to its location bordering between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, the place used to be a drug trade hotspot (which might still be the case today, albeit more underground), and many locals in Chiang Saen turned to opium cultivation back in the day to enrich themselves.

This caused a lot of trouble for the locals making honest livings, who were often caught in the crossfire of the drug wars. As a result, the monarchy decided to step in and create several royal projects in the area, which included educating the local population about Opium.

This museum is dedicated to doing just that. The museum is massive, and it will take you around 2 hours to see all of them, so don't do as I did and visit the museum right before lunch, or you will starve to death trying to find your way out of that museum 😆.

The museum is built inside a dug-out mountain, and there are many floors and rooms to cover with extremely well-made exhibitions and detailed information. It begins way back in ancient Egypt, where the first use of opium was documented, and continues all the way to the Opium Wars and modern times.

I was extremely impressed by the museum. It is clean, modern, and showcases the entire history of opium in a way that is easy to follow and digest. I cannot say enough good things about this museum. It is one of the best museums in Thailand and a must-visit if you are in Chiang Saen.

The Hall of Opium's opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday, and the admission fee is 200 THB for foreigners and 150 THB for Thais.

8. Watch the Sunset at Chiang Saen Lake

One of the best sunset spots in Chiang Saen is at Chiang Saen Lake, tucked away in the hills just west of Chiang Saen town. It is a natural reservoir that serves as a freshwater supply to the town, as well as a non-hunting preservation area where fish and wildlife flourish.

At the non-hunting area, they have also built a nice bamboo bridge that goes over the lake, allowing you to walk around and have a front-row seat to witness the beautiful sunset over the calm lake.

There is also a picnic area on the back, just east from the lake, where the locals often go during sunset and enjoy themselves. It is a great place to be if you are looking for a nice, quiet sunset spot. Make sure to bring insect repellent if you are there at dusk.

9. Visit the Golden Triangle

Of course, you have to visit the Golden Triangle when you are in Chiang Saen. As I mentioned earlier, the Golden Triangle is where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet as the Mekong River splits into 2 streams, effectively creating the border and dividing the 3 countries.

From the Golden Triangle viewpoint, you will be able to see three countries at once, allowing you to get a glimpse of what the cities on the other sides look like. You can also find many restaurants and shops around the area if you wish to take a break and enjoy the view of the Mekong River.

There is also a huge golden Buddha Image right on the bank of the Mekong River, as well as many other monuments along the river.

10. Go up Wat Phrathat Doi Pu Khao

Last but not least, atop the hill behind the Golden Triangle Park, you will find Wat Phrathat Doi Pu Khao, an ancient temple that was built by the second king of Neonyang Kingdom (a predecessor to the Lanna Kingdom) in the 8th century.

Wat Phrathat Doi Pu Khao is built atop a mountain, so you will be able to get a nice view of the Golden Triangle, far better than the view from the Golden Triangle Park itself.

Not too far from the viewing platform, you will also find an old ruin that was part of the original temple built in the 8th century. You can still see the base of the temple and its surrounding pagodas here.

You can drive all the way to the top, or, if you prefer, you can walk straight from the Golden Triangle Park to the top via the temple stairs. It should take about 10 minutes to hike.

Wat Phrathat Doi Pu Khao's opening hours are from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, and there is no admission fee.

What To Eat and Drink in Chiang Saen?

1. Enjoy a Nice Coffee at Mong Doo Nam Cafe

If you are looking for a nice and cheap cafe to sit near the Mekong River, the Mong Doo Nam Cafe is locally recommended. I didn't get to try it as it was under renovation when I was there, but the local guy I talked to said the cafe is popular among the locals there as they sell delicious and cheap coffee and pastries, so it is worth checking out.

Looking for a foodie guide to Thailand's street food? Check out:15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

When to Visit Chiang Saen?

The best time to visit Chiang Saen is from November to January, when the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thailand's northern climate. This makes it much more enjoyable to explore Chiang Saen.

That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March - April are the hottest and most humid periods of the year. So, if you can't handle the heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better, but it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also see a lot more rain that might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality, or vice versa.

For more detail on the best time to visit Thailand, check out:The Best Time To Visit Thailand

How to Get to Chiang Saen?

Chiang Saen is a town located within the Chiang Rai province in Northern Thailand, and to travel here, you will first have to get yourself to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.

Thankfully, Bangkok is one of the largest hubs in the region; you should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.

From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok, and then you can fly domestically to Chiang Mai. You can also go with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you don't mind transiting.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering multiple routes from various hub cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Jakarta to Bangkok. AirAsia is a great option as they have the most connections to Bangkok from around Asia.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok, I would recommend you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and choose the best one.

Getting From Bangkok to Chiang Saen

To get from Bangkok to Chiang Saen, there are several ways you can do it. Here are some of the ways you can travel to Chiang Saen:

By Air: To fly, you will have to first fly into Chiang Rai and then you can take a bus to Chiang Saen. You can get a domestic flight from Don Muang Airport to Chiang Rai for 1000 THB. There are several flights per day from AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile, and Thai Vietjet Air. You can book the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai here.

By Bus: Lucky for you, Sombat Tour Bus operates this route once a day, leaving from Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok at 19:09. You will arrive in Chiang Saen at 7:30 AM the next day. The bus ticket will cost you around 1,039 THB. You can check out the official bus schedule here.

By Car: You can also rent a car straight from Bangkok's Airports. Keep in mind that Chiang Saen is over 800 km away from Bangkok, and you are looking at an 11-12 hour drive, so I would only recommend this if you are traveling to Chiang Rai as part of a bigger trip in Thailand. You can rent a car in Bangkok here.

Once you arrive in Chiang Rai, you can follow the instructions under the "Getting from Chiang Rai to Chiang Saen" section below.

Looking for a travel guide to Bangkok?16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Getting From Chiang Rai to Chiang Saen

If you fly into Chiang Rai, you will then have to take the bus or rent a car or a motorcycle in Chiang Rai, following the instructions below:

By Bus: From Chiang Rai, you can take a bus operated by Green Bus Company at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 departing at 2:10 PM every weekday, and you will arrive in Chiang Saen by 4:05 PM. The bus costs around 150 THB, and you can check the official Green Bus schedule here.

By Motorbike: You can travel to Chiang Saen with a motorcycle as well by renting one in Chiang Rai at K Buddy Bike for 300 THB per day. Their motorbikes are in great condition, and you have many choices of scooters to pick from.

By Car: You can also travel to Chiang Saen comfortably with a rented car straight from Chiang Rai Airport for around 700 - 1500 THB. You can rent a car in Chiang Rai here.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Chiang Rai?16 Best Things To Do In Chiang Rai

Getting From Chiang Mai to Chiang Saen

If you are already in Chiang Mai, here are some ways you can travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Saen:

By Bus: From Chiang Mai, you can take the bus operated by the Green Bus Company at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 which departs at 8 AM every weekday. You will arrive in Chiang Saen by 4:05 PM. The bus costs around 315 THB and you can check the official Green Bus schedule here.

By Motorbike: You can also get to Chiang Saen by renting a motorbike and driving it from Chiang Mai. To rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai, I recommend you rent it from Mr. Mechanic, a motorbike rental shop that offers a ton of motorbike options for you to choose from.

For a 150cc motorbike, the rent should be around 500 THB per day. You can also get a 200-250cc motorbike for 700 THB or more from Mr. Mechanic. I highly recommend getting a motorbike with a 150cc engine or higher to tackle the mountain roads in Chiang Mai.

By Car: You can travel to Chiang Saen comfortably with a rented car straight from Chiang Mai Airport for around 700 - 1500 THB. You can rent a car in Chiang Mai here.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Chiang Mai?20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals

How to Get Around Chiang Saen?

Chiang Saen is an old city, so most of the tourist attractions are concentrated in a small area. This allows you to get around Chiang Saen with ease using one of these modes of transportation:

By Bike: Chiang Saen is an excellent place to bike around with old ruins waiting for you around almost every corner. You can rent a bike at Fat Free Bicycle Shop for around 50 - 100 THB per day.

How Many Days To Spend in Chiang Saen?

One full day (2 nights) is more than enough to explore Chiang Saen and what it has to offer. Here is a sample itinerary for Chiang Saen:

Day 1: On the day of your arrival, you can go north and visit the Golden Triangle and spend the afternoon at the Hall of Opium before coming back to Chiang Saen and spending the evening walking around the riverside.

Day 2: Explore all the old ruins and temples around Chiang Saen, and watch the sunset at Chiang Saen Lake.

How Much Money Do I Need For Chiang Saen?

With the rough itinerary above, we can calculate approximately how much you will be spending in Chiang Saen for two nights as follows:

Accommodation: For 2 nights, you can expect to pay around 36 USD (1,076 THB) for accommodation.

Food: Food costs about 50 THB minimum in Chiang Saen on average, so you can expect to pay around 150 THB for one full day.

Transportation: If we go with renting a bike for 1 day, you will be spending around 100 THB on transportation.

Activities: You will be spending 200 THB for the Hall of Opium, 100 THB for Pa Sak Historical Park, and 50 THB for the National Museum, so in total, you will be paying 350 THB for activities in Chiang Saen.

Total budget for one day in Chiang Saen: 1,676 THB (56.05 USD)

Is it Safe in Chiang Saen?

Like most off-the-beaten-path destinations in Thailand, Chiang Saen is extremely safe to travel to. The locals are extra friendly as they don't usually get a lot of tourists, and you will unlikely find scammers or touters like in other places in Thailand.

That said, since you will be driving on Thai roads, it is my duty as a Thai to warn you that we are not the best drivers in the world. The roads are great throughout, but we sometimes do drive like maniacs, so make sure to be extra careful when you are on the road.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Chiang Saen, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Chiang Saen, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True, all of which offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. Personally, I use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone. They have a lot of support centers around Thailand, and their coverage hasn't failed me yet. So, if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on how long your trip to Thailand will be, you can pick one of these 3 packages that fits your itinerary the most.

With these three packages, you can top up for more data or calls if you need them during your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for a month of traveling around Thailand.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Chiang Saen?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Chiang Saen, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Chiang Saen, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Northern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Northern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
• Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to ensure you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand - The Essential Packing List.
• Wondering when the best time to visit Thailand is? Here is a complete guide on picking The Best Time to Visit Thailand.
• Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
• Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
• Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10-Day Itinerary for Thailand.
• Not convinced by my words? How about looking through these photos I took in Thailand? 25 Beautiful Photos from Thailand.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods is among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
• Don't have a lot of time in Bangkok? Check out our One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend you spend at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3-Day Itinerary for Bangkok.
• For the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, check out: 7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok.
• First time in Northern Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand.
• Want to get off the beaten track and really explore Northern Thailand? Check out: 2 Weeks Northern Thailand Itinerary.
• Looking for another great road trip to get you off the beaten path in Northern Thailand? Check out: 9 Days Nan Loop Road Trip Itinerary.
• Not sure where to begin your journey in Northern Thailand? How about an old capital with a Complete Backpacking Guide to Phitsanulok?
• Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
• Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
• As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
• Did you know that the cradle of Thailand began in the ancient city of Sukhothai, north of Bangkok, in the 13th Century? If you are interested in the history of Thailand, here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Sukhothai.
• Sukhothai has a twin city that has prospered together since the first founding of the Siam Kingdom. The ancient city is called Si Satchanalai, 60 km north of Sukhothai, and there are many less-traveled ancient ruins there waiting for you to explore. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Si Satchanalai.
• Kamphaeng Phet, which translates to "The Wall of Diamond," was an outpost town that played a role in protecting the Siam Kingdom from invasion for several decades, and you can still see the remnants today. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Kamphaeng Phet.
• Lampang is low-key, one of the most laid-back places in the north with a northern vibe similar to Chiang Mai but much quieter and more authentic. If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand, check out The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Lampang.
• Spending a few days relaxing in Lampang? Here are 9 Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Lampang.
• There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here are the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai, according to the locals.
• Chiang Mai is a big city. How does one find the best restaurants and cafes, you ask? Check out 25 Absolute Best Restaurants and Cafes in Chiang Mai.
• Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, and in order to travel there, you will need a complete travel guide. Here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Doi Inthanon.
• Have only 3 days in Chiang Mai? Check out the 3 Days Backpacking Itinerary for Chiang Mai.
• Have a day to spare in Chiang Mai? How about going on a day-trip to Lamphun? Here are 7 Best Things to Do in Lamphun.
• Looking to go off the beaten path in Chiang Mai? How about visiting the untouched nature of Doi Ang Khang and the Chinese-influenced towns of Arunothai and Chai Prakan? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Doi Ang Khang.
• One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here's a complete backpacking guide and a 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
• Looking to start the Mae Hong Son Loop but not sure where to start? How about the city of Mae Sariang? Here are 8 Best Things to Do in Mae Sariang.
• Mae Hong Son City is one of my favorite cities from the entire Mae Hong Son Loop road trip. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Mae Hong Son City.
• Pai has become a tourist hotspot ever since it was discovered and featured in many travel blogs, but what is there to do in Pai? We have the answer. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Pai, Thailand.
• Chiang Rai is home to not just stunning temples like the White and Blue Temples, but also the beautiful mountains of Pho Chi Fan and Doi Pha Tang. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai.
• One of the most iconic peaks in Thailand is Phu Chi Fa, and you can hike to the top of it among other hiking trails around Chiang Rai's highlands. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Phu Chi Fa.
• Phrae is so much more than a stopover destination. Here are the 14 Best Things to Do in Phrae.
• Nan is the upcoming trendy tourist attraction in Thailand that is still pretty much unexplored by foreigners. If you want to travel to Nan, here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Nan.
• Phayao is a beautiful hidden gem in the north of Thailand that is waiting for you to explore. It rarely receives many tourists, which is all the more reason to visit Phayao before it is discovered! Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Phayao.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Central Thailand or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all of my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.