Hiking Phu Chi Fa in Chiang Rai: Everything You Need to Know

A Complete Hiking Guide and 5 Best Things to Do at Phu Chi Fa

1. Hiking Doi Pha Tang for Sunset

Like most iconic peaks elsewhere in the world, the best view of the mountain is usually not at the top of the peak itself, but at the top of another high peak nearby where you can actually see the iconic peak from afar, and that is what Doi Pha Tang is.

Located 22 km north of Phu Chi Fa, this bald mountain offers a great vantage point for us to see just how iconic and beautiful Phu Chi Fa is from afar.

Doi Pha Tang is the northernmost peak of all the peaks I will be recommending here, so you can see Phu Chi Fa, Phu Chi Dao, and Phu Chi Duen all in one go at the top of Doi Pha Tang, making it the perfect place to start your hiking trip at Phu Chi Fa Forest Park.

You can drive up to Doi Pha Tang's parking lot, where the trailhead to the top of Doi Pha Tang is located. The trailhead starts from the gate shown in the picture above, and the trail will take you to the top of Doi Pha Tang, passing through some really interesting landscapes.

As you continue hiking up the trail, around 10 minutes in, you will arrive at the first viewpoint where you will be able to have a stunning view of Laos and the mighty Mekong River running through the valley that divides Thailand and Laos.

Even at the first viewpoint, the view is already breathtaking, with an unobstructed panoramic view of the lush green mountains in Laos. From the first viewpoint, you will also be able to see the top of Doi Pha Tang, where we will be heading next.

On your way to the top of Doi Pha Tang, as the trail descends a bit, you will find a nice collection of rocks dubbed Rock Forest, which makes for quite a nice photo spot before you continue up and down Doi Pha Tang.

After hiking for about 5 minutes, you will arrive at the top of Doi Pha Tang, where you will be able to see the stunning Phu Chi Fa in its full glory from the southern cliffside.

The view from Doi Pha Tang, dare I say, is even prettier than from Phu Chi Fa, especially during the sunset, where the light casts a shadow on the peaks, creating depth. This allows you to see just how complex and beautiful these mountains are.

What is so impressive about the viewpoint at Doi Pha Tang is the cliff at the viewpoint that drops straight down, opening up the view and allowing us to see the true scale of Phu Chi Fa.

From the viewpoint, you can see the road as it curves left and right along Phu Chi Fa mountainside and climbs up onto the ridge. To make it even more dramatic, I was there during the golden hour, which was just perfect.

I was up there around 4:50 PM and spent the next hour relaxing at the viewpoint and watching as the sunset behind the mountains and the color of the sky turned purple. It was quite a sight to behold and definitely worth the wait. If you can time your hike, be sure to get to the top of Doi Pha Tang before sunset.

As the sunset, I would recommend that you make your way down as fast as you can to get to your car and continue on to Phu Chi Fa, where we will be camping for the night.

The reason why I recommend you to move quickly is that I do not recommend driving this mountainous road at night if you can avoid it. The road is pretty narrow, and there are a ton of sharp turns that will keep you on your toes most of the time.

Unfortunately, we can't avoid it as we want to watch the sunset, so drive slowly and safely, and you should arrive at Phu Chi Fa Campsite in no time.

If you arrived too late and the gate is closed, as I did, you can also camp at another Forest Park campsite near the entrance. They are pretty much the same and offer no advantage over one another. The campsite will cost 50 THB per person, and if you want to rent a tent, it's around 300 THB for a 3-person tent, sleeping bag, mat, and a pillow.

You won't find any restaurants at the Phu Chi Fa campsite, so I recommend that you buy your dinner before you get to the campsite. Otherwise, you can drive around and find a restaurant or a guest house nearby where they serve food.

2. Hiking Phu Chi Fa to Sunrise

After spending the night at the Phu Chi Fa Forest Park campsite, it is time to tackle the crown jewel and hike Phu Chi Fa. I highly recommend starting your hike 40 minutes before sunrise so that you will be at the top on time for the magic hour.

Depending on which month you are visiting Phu Chi Fa, you will likely witness the rare phenomenon of a sea of clouds only during the winter months, from late November to early February.

If you are there during the wintertime, the sun should rise around 6:30 AM (check on Google before just to be sure). So wake up at 5:15 AM, don't pack anything yet, and drive straight to Phu Chi Fa trailhead, which should take about 10 minutes before you arrive at Phu Chi Fa's parking lot where you can get a quick breakfast at the shops there and start hiking at around 5:45 AM.

The hike is all uphill from beginning to end, and it takes about 20-30 minutes to climb to the top. If you start hiking at 5:45 AM, you should arrive at the summit by 6:15 AM, just in time for you to catch your breath and watch the sunrise from behind the Laotian mountains.

Phu Chi Fa is extremely popular among local tourists, so be prepared for the crowds up there at sunrise. If you arrive early, choose a good spot for the sunrise before the crowds come.

The trail itself started out pretty wide, but as you approach the summit, the trail becomes narrower. With the cliffside on your right, please be very careful when you hike the last part, especially at night.

The view from the top of Phu Chi Fa is definitely worth all the sweat. Just like when you were at the top of Doi Pha Tang, you will be able to have a 360° panoramic view of the landscape surrounding the mountain, but this time, you will see some Laotian villages amidst the sea of clouds and the symmetrical valley as the sun rises up from behind.

Be sure to wear layers when you are hiking up Phu Chi Fa, as it can get really windy and cold, especially right before sunrise. I was an hour early and had to find a rock to shelter from the wind, as it got colder and colder the longer I stayed stationary.

After watching the sunrise, you can continue down the same path to the parking lot, have another breakfast if you must, and then proceed to your campsite to pack before driving to our next destination.

3. Admire the Beauty of Thai Sakura Trees at Banpot Wittaya School

Not too far from Doi Pha Tang is a little local school called Banpot Wittaya School, where they have cultivated and grown these beautiful Thai Sakura trees or wild Himalayan cherry blossoms. They often bloom and turn the entire school pink around early January until the end of the month.

If you are visiting Phu Chi Fa during those times, be sure to drop by the school and check out these stunning trees. When you arrive at the entrance, you will need to take the local pickup truck to get to the school. They charge about 20 THB per person as a way to support the local community and the school, which I don't mind paying at all.

Once you arrive at the top, you will find the school covered in these beautiful pink flowers everywhere. You might even meet and get to interact with some of the local students there.

Visiting the school is a great way to support this remote community where work is not so easy to come by. The school opens from 8 AM to 4 PM, and the pickup truck that drops you off will take you back to the parking lot when you are done.

4. Take the Local 4WD up to Phu Chi Dao

If Phu Chi Fa is a little too crowded for you, you might consider going up the other peaks nearby such as Phu Chi Dao, another viewpoint located just 7.5 km northeast of Phu Chi Fa. There, you will be able to see a similar view as from the top of Phu Chi Fa, but with way fewer people.

Unfortunately, the road to Phu Chi Dao is not paved here, so you will have to hire a local pickup truck that often waits at the base of the peak. The cost is 500 THB per car to take you up there.

You can split the cost with other travelers, or you can simply wait with the pickup truck until you get enough people to share the car with. Phu Chi Dao offers a great alternative for those looking to enjoy the stunning view of the surrounding mountains without the crowds.

5. Take the Local 4WD up to Phu Chi Duen

Another great peak that offers an alternative to Phu Chi Fa and Phu Chi Dao is Phu Chi Duen, a 1,742m high peak located even further north, midway between Doi Pha Tang and Phu Chi Fa.

The platform at the viewpoint is smaller than at Phu Chi Fa, but you will be able to get a similar view as other peaks while being able to see both Phu Chi Fa and Doi Pha Tang from afar. At the top, you will also find a beautiful Mexican Sunflower field, which makes for a stunning photo at sunrise.

The same goes for Phu Chi Duen, as the road going up is unpaved, and you will have to hire a pickup truck to get you up there for 500 THB per car. When you arrive at the base of the peak, you will find a few pick-up trucks waiting for you.

Where to Stay at Phu Chi Fa?

Camping at Phu Chi Fa

Campsite #1: Campsite inside Phu Chi Fa Forest Park - 10 USD/Night (Camp with tent rental)

Campsite #2: Campsite outside of Phu Chi Fa Forest Park - 10 USD/Night (Camp with tent rental)

Camping at Phu Chi Fa is one of the best ways to spend the night there. It allows you to experience the stunning nature of the highland up close and also helps save on accommodation costs, which can get really pricey, especially during the high season.

There are 2 campsites at Phu Chi Fa Forest Park, one located inside the Forest Park gate and one just outside of the gate, on the other side of the road. Both campsites are virtually the same with no advantage over one another. The only difference is that in order to stay at the one inside the gate, you will have to be there before 6 PM as the gate closes at that time.

If the gate is closed, you can simply go to the opposite side of the road and camp at the second campsite near the ranger's office, and you're good to go. Each campsite allows you to rent a 3-person tent, a sleeping bag, mat, and a pillow for a total of around 300 THB. If you brought your own tent, you will only have to pay 50 THB for the campsite, and that's it.

Phu Chi Fa Accommodation and Resorts

Budget

Ban Chomdoi Resort Pha Tang

Twin Room | $

See Availability

👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Phu Mok Dok Mai Resort

Tent Dome | $$

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High-End

Phu Plai Fah

King Room | $$$

See Availability

View More Hotels

Which Hike Should I Do at Phu Chi Fa?

Personally, I didn't go up Phu Chi Dao and Phu Chi Duen because I didn't have enough time, but I did spend a lot of time researching about them and many people seem to recommend them as alternative peaks to Phu Chi Fa and Doi Pha Tang for those looking to avoid crowds.

For regular visitors who just want to spend some time in nature and hike around this remote highland, hiking Doi Pha Tang at sunset and Phu Chi Fa at sunrise are more than enough for you to enjoy the true beauty of Phu Chi Fa.

When to Hike Phu Chi Fa?

The best time to hike Phu Chi Fa is from November to January, when the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thailand's northern climate. This increases the chance of seeing the sea of clouds in the morning.

January is also recommended, as you will be able to see the Thai Sakuras bloom, turning an entire area pink, which only happens during this time of the year.

That said, Thailand, in recent years, has suffered a lot from air pollution 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 is the hottest and most humid period of the year. So, if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be somewhat better during this period, 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 be seeing 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.

How to Get to Phu Chi Fa?

Phu Chi Fa is located within Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand, and in order to travel there, 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, so 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 like British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. From there, you can fly domestically to Chiang Mai. If you don't mind transiting, you can also choose to go with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates.

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

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

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

Getting From Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Once you arrive in Bangkok, you will then have to travel to Chiang Rai, and there are several ways you can do so, as follows:

By Air: This is the fastest way to get to Chiang Rai. You can take 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: If you are not in a rush, you can also take the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, which will take you about 11 hours and cost around 600 THB. There are around 5 buses per day, and you can book the bus here: Book a bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.

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

Rent a car in Bangkok

Getting From Chiang Rai to Phu Chi Fa

By Motorbike: If you are looking to rent a motorcycle in Chiang Rai to drive to Phu Chi Fa, you can rent one from the 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: There is no public transportation from Chiang Rai to Phu Chi Fa, so you will have to rent a vehicle from Chiang Rai and drive there. Phu Chi Fa is approximately 90 km away from Chiang Rai City, and it will take you about 2 hours to drive up to Phu Chi Fa.

You can rent a car directly from Chiang Rai Airport for around 700 - 1500 THB. All you need is a valid driving license and around 5,000 THB for a deposit. To rent a car in Chiang Rai, click the link below:

Rent a car in Chiang Rai

Getting From Chiang Mai to Phu Chi Fa

Phu Chi Fa is over 320 km away from Chiang Mai, and driving such a long distance with a motorbike, especially on a Thai road, is not recommended. So, I would recommend either traveling to Chiang Rai and renting there, following the instructions under the "Getting From Chiang Rai to Phu Chi Fa" section, and renting a motorbike from Chiang Rai, or renting a car straight from Chiang Mai.

By Car: Renting a car and driving yourself is the best way to travel from Chiang Mai to Phu Chi Fa, and you can rent one straight from Chiang Mai Airport for around 700 - 1500 THB per day. All you need is a valid driving license and around 5,000 THB for the deposit. To rent a car in Chiang Mai, click the link below:

Rent a car in Chiang Mai

How to Get Around Phu Chi Fa?

By Car: Before we can hike Phu Chi Fa and the surrounding peaks, we will have to get to the trailheads, which can only be reached by car. Therefore, you will need to rent one before embarking on the journey. The roads are mostly paved, so there is no need for you to rent a 4WD to travel to Phu Chi Fa.

By Hiking: Once you arrive at each designated parking lot, you will have to hike along one of the many hiking trails that will take you to the viewpoints. The trails aren't long and are not that difficult, so anyone can hike them without any problem.

How Many Days To Spend at Phu Chi Fa?

Given that you leave early the day before and arrive at Phu Chi Fa before 4 PM, spending two days (one night) at Phu Chi Fa is more than enough to complete this itinerary. Here is a rough itinerary for two days at Phu Chi Fa:

Day 0: Drive to Phu Chi Fa, hike Doi Pha Tang for sunset, and camp at Phu Chi Fa Forest Park.

Day 2: Wake up early and hike Phu Chi Fa at sunrise. Check out the Thai Sakura at Doi Chi Fa or Banpot Wittaya School before heading back down to Chiang Mai.

How Much Money Do I Need For Phu Chi Fa?

With the rough itinerary above, we can calculate approximately how much you will be spending at Phu Chi Fa for 2 days as follows:

Accommodation: For one night of camping at Phu Chi Fa Forest Park, you can expect to pay around 10 USD (309 THB) for accommodation.

Food: Food costs about 50 THB minimum in Chiang Rai on average, so you can expect to pay around 300 THB for 2 full days.

Transportation: If we go with renting a motorbike for 3 days, you will be spending around 1,000 THB + 500 THB for gas for transportation.

Activities: It is free to enter Phu Chi Fa Forest Park, so you will be paying 0 THB for activities.

Total budget for 2 days at Phu Chi Fa: 2,109 THB (68.38 USD)

Is Phu Chi Fa Hike Difficult?

No, not at all. The trail to the top of Phu Chi Fa takes only 20 minutes to hike, and anyone, even if they don't exercise regularly, can do it. The trail may seem like it is going up a lot, but it is not too steep and it goes up for only around 1 km before you arrive at the top. Take it slow, and you will arrive at the top in no time.

The same goes for the hikes at Doi Pha Tang. In fact, it is even easier here as the steepness of the hike is well-distributed throughout the length of the trail, and there are more stops where you can rest and catch your breath at Doi Pha Tang than at Phu Chi Fa. So, you should have no trouble hiking these 2 recommended trails here.

Is it Safe at Phu Chi Fa?

Like most off-the-beaten-path destinations in Thailand, Phu Chi Fa is very safe to travel to. The locals are extremely 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, you will be driving up and down steep and narrow mountainous roads, so be extra careful when driving to Phu Chi Fa. I highly recommend using a low gear (D1, D2, D3, or L) to give your car enough power to climb up the steep road. Be particularly careful when turning around curved roads.

DO NOT drive up to Phu Chi Fa using the road from the north! That road is not in good condition and it is extremely EXTREMELY STEEP.

I made the mistake of driving up that road at night, and there were times when I wasn't sure if the brake would be enough to hold my car from sliding down the mountain. Yup, it is that steep!

Drive up the road from the south instead of where the Phu Chi Fa Forest Park gate is located. The road here is well-paved and not as poor as the one from the north.

And 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 drive like maniacs, so make sure to be extra careful when you are on the road.

Drive slowly but surely, and you should be able to get up Phu Chi Fa in no time. Other than driving safely, you should have no trouble exploring Phu Chi Fa at your own leisure.

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 Rai, 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 Rai, Thailand:

There are three 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, and they have a lot of support centers around Thailand. Their coverage hasn't failed me yet, so if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are three 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 the length of your trip to Thailand, you can choose one of these three packages that best suits your itinerary.

With these 3 packages, you can top up more in case you need more data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

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 Phu Chi Fa?

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 Rai, 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.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• 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.
• 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 Months 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.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok. Here is a One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend that you spend at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
• For more things to do in Bangkok, check out the 16 Best Things to Do 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 lesser-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 asked? 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 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.
• Chiang Saen is an ancient walled city full of history and beautiful scenery waiting for you to explore. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Saen.
• 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 of Thailand's north that is waiting for you to explore. It rarely gets any tourists, 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 my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.