Northern Thailand
Chiang mai - Chiang rai - Golden triangle

We are transported to the north of Thailand away from the exotic beaches and bustling capital Bangkok. The north is dominated by majestic mountains, ancient temples and a charming setting of authentic Thailand.

Events

A few words to begin with
Basic travel information
Chiangmai
Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle
Food - Thai food

Anchor 1

A few words to begin with...

This trip started with a flight from Bangkok to the first city we would visit, Chiang Mai, also known as the rose of the North. We stayed 3 days to explore the city and its suburbs. For this reason we rented a car upon our arrival at the airport.
Next stop on the trip was Chiang Rai a 3 hour drive further north towards the Myanmar border. There we would sit for 2 days to get to know the city located on the banks of the Kok River.
Last destination is Thailand & golden triangle, specifically its northernmost point where the Mekong River is its natural border with Myanmar and Laos. From here you can go to the neighboring states with day trips or continue your journey to more northern countries.

Basic information about your trip...

Visa Information

To enter the country, Greek citizens will not need a visa, but a visa of entry in their passport which should be valid for 6 months from the day of entry

For more information on entering the country visit the following site https://www.tourismthailand.org/home

Season - climate

The climate is tropical with a dry season and a dry season.

Suitable season is from November to February where there is no monsoon. Our trips have been made during the summer season and we definitely got rain but it was always short-lived and we continued our program..

Currency

the currency is Thai Baht and 1euro is 36baht.

One of the exchange offices with very good exchange rates is SuperRich which you will also find at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Also choose to have large banknotes with you because they give a better exchange rate (€50-€100).

Movements

To come to the northern part of Thailand you should take a flight (1 hour) to Chiang mai or Chiang rai where they have an airport. The alternative is to hire a car from Bangkok and drive around 9 hours across the hinterland.

For our transportation we rented a car from chiang mai airport at a cost of €22/day with full insurance and we chose to drop it off at chiang rai airport where the return flight to Bangkok would be.

In cities you will find Tuks to go around short distances and taxis if you don't have a car for longer distances.

If you don't want to rent a car, there is also the choice of buses that connect the cities between them from the Chiangmai Bus Terminal 3 station as well as organized day trips by minivan

(for information clickhere)

Internet - communication

If you want to have internet everywhere and not only in the hotel there are 3 provider companies in Thailand where they offer Tourist Sim with fixed MB and calls at preferential rates. Below you will find a link to the packages that you can buy at the airport after picking up your luggage.

dtac tourist sim tap here
AIS Tourist sim tap here
Truemove tourist tap here

Chiang mai

What to see - what we recommend...

The moats, canals and ancient temples give the city a timeless and romantic atmosphere. And if you want to be close to nature, this city will not disappoint you. With countless activities to participate in and endless sights to see, Chiang Mai is well worth your time and money to visit.

Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan

At the end of the main Rachadamnoen street in the old city you will come across a huge temple complex of classical Lanna architecture, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan. Entry to the temple is free and you can walk around and enter all the temples. Here you will meet the famous wax figures of the monks.

Also you will find here th most important Buddha image, the Lion Buddha, which can be seen in a small chapel at the back of the complex, next to the golden chedi.

Sunday Street Market

When we left the temple it was getting dark and we had planned to visit it on Sunday because every Sunday the Sunday market takes place on the main street. The biggest part of the center is closed and outdoor markets are set up with all kinds of things. If you have the opportunity to make your days to be Sunday in Chiang mai.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan

Wat Pha Lat

The next day we woke up early and departure for the sacred mountain of Doi Suthep province. There you will come across a majestic temple on top of the hill. Also noteworthy is the long staircase you will climb to the top, the entrance ticket costs 30baht. From the top of the temple you can admire Chiang Mai from above. To reach the temple you will have to drive about 25-30min.

On the way back we stopped nearby to enjoy a monk temple in the forestof the mountain where the trees have covered it and calm waters run in small waterfalls forming lakes. You shouldn't miss it and stop by Wat Pha Lat. If you like paths then there is the Monk Trail and you can do the authentic route that the monks take to go to the temple (foot here for stigma)

Other activities in Chiang Mai

Visit an elephant sanctuary

Chiang mai is the biggest elephant conservation center and if you haven't visited before here is probably the best chance...

Take a Thai cooking lesson

The north of Thailand is the birthplace of Thai cuisine and since we are fans we did an amazing lesson at Thai Akha Kitchenwith full equipment and explanation of each recipe.

Even if you are not into cooking, this is a unique experience as long as you like the local cuisine

Relax with a Thai massage

You are in the land of massage, and specifically in Chiang Mai we had probably one of the best massages in all of Thailand. We suggest you try it, our favorite shop there was theGiving Tree Massage near the main road

Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle

You can't come to Northern Thailand and not visit Chiang Rai...

Here you will find the most impressive temples depicted on all the postcards

You will also spend moments of relaxation and turn back time walking along the banks of the Kok River.

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

At the entrance of the city you will meet the most recorded temple in Thailand known as the "white temple". It opened its gates in 1997 and welcomes visitors with an entrance fee of 200baht. In addition to the white temple you will find a complex of Buddhist temples, waterfalls and statues..

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

Monumental, modern Buddhist temple that stands out with intense blue coloring and elaborate carvings. The temple is located near the banks of the kok river and you can combine its visit with Wat Huay Pla Kang below

Wat Huai Pla Kang

Wat Huay Pla Kang, also known as the Big Buddha of Chiang Rai, is known for its huge white statue of Guanyin, the Chinese goddess of mercy. Wat Huay Pla Kang is a large complex built in the Chinese style. The complex is divided into three parts, a large goddess, the temple and the pagoda.

Banks of Kok River

Go back in time, relax and don't miss a walk on the banks of the river that runs through the city of Chiang Rai. You will meet impressive parks (Ko Loi Public Park), the favorite restaurant we ate Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar as well as several boutique hotels.

Other activities and attractions in Chiang rai

Longneck Karen Village

Visiting one of the many Karen Long Neck villages in Thailand is one of the most exotic experiences on the planet. It is a true National Geographic magazine experience that has to be seen to be believed. The villages are located 20 minutes from Chiang rai and have an entrance fee of 300 baht. For more information in our article clickhere

Clock Tower Chiang Rai & Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

Although the city in the center does not have many attractions to see, you will notice the impressive golden clock on the main street and its organized night market with tables and street market shops accompanied by live music.

Clock Tower Chiang Rai & Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

Although the city in the center does not have many attractions to see, you will notice the impressive golden clock on the main street and its organized night market with tables and street market shops accompanied by live music.

Golden Triangle

The golden triangle has a long history and in the past there have been major drug-trafficking clashes. Nowadays it is a tourist destination where you can admire the imaginary border of the Mekong River separating Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
If you want to cross into Myanmar you will have to visit the town of Maesai where you will find the border station and also there is the northernmost point of Thailand. You can also take a day trip to the neighboring town of Tachileik and admire the pagodas.
In case you want to cross to Laos, you have to go from the golden triangle of Thailand and cross the river. From here it is also possible to take a 3-day cruise to Luang Prabang, Laos (details here!)