Live Your Best Lives
When you think of Thailand, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind?
Doing spa, setting off fireworks, steaming in sauna, coco pineapple mango; at the night market, seafood stands, swimming pool party, beep beep, beep beep, everyone is there!
The Thai people are warm and enthusiastic, and Thai food is sweet, sour, and spicy. Is Thailand a good first stop when traveling abroad? But I don't want to go to an island for photo ops or see crowds of people. So, what's the best way to experience Thailand?
This time, we bring you exclusive and unique views of northern Thailand, places that have never been visited by tour groups. The gameplay has been upgraded, and you will earn money if you see it. The best strategy is full of sincerity.
It's easy to lump Thailand's various regions together, but doing so prevents you from fully appreciating it. Thailand is divided into several regions, each with its own unique character.
Surrounded by mountains, northern Thailand boasts a rugged terrain, shrouded in year-round mist and lush forests, a stark contrast to the southern region. While the north boasts rolling peaks, shrouded in mist and dense jungle, the south is dotted with islands, azure seas, and coconut trees. Central Thailand boasts a rich Buddhist heritage, rich religious traditions, and cultural landscapes. This diverse landscape and cultural traditions create a country that embraces all things and thrives.
Compared with the many popular islands in southern Thailand, northern Thailand seems to be much quieter, and few tourists go to northern Thailand. However, only here can you have the opportunity to understand the most primitive side of this country.
Northern Thailand, with its high mountains and long distances, boasts a rich food supply and a distinct cuisine from the central plains and coastal southern regions. Familiar dishes like Tom Yum Goong and coconut chicken are examples of central Thai cuisine, while northern Thai cuisine is primarily pork-based. This is a key difference from southern Thai cuisine, which is dominated by Muslims.
Like Chinese food, Thai cuisine is divided into different cuisines according to region, such as Northern Thai cuisine, Northeastern Thai cuisine, Central Thai cuisine, and Southern Thai cuisine. In the minds of foodies, the map of Thailand should be like this: fish, shrimp and seafood on the southern coast, Tom Yum Goong and coconut chicken in the central plains, and pork trotter soup and fried pork skin in the northern mountains.
Thais, known for their love of food, agree that the further north you go, the more delicious food you'll find. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and other cities, as northern Thailand's most important, are also frequent destinations for Chinese tourists. Some might think they lack the bustling, exotic charm of Bangkok or the warm sunshine of the southern islands. That made me grin and hum a little tune: "Small towns have a wealth of delicious food, both vegetables and meat. If you visit a small town, you'll find plenty to eat."
Residents of central Thailand favor soft, fragrant rice, while those in northern Thailand favor various varieties of sticky rice. Sticky rice is a staple food for northern Thais, often enjoyed with soups and dried vegetables. Speaking of northern Thai favorites, songdang, or green papaya salad in Chinese, is undoubtedly a favorite. This dish perfectly embodies the characteristic "sour, spicy, and refreshing" flavors of northern Thai cuisine.
Yellow curry noodles are a popular noodle dish in northern Thailand, hence the name "Northern Thai curry noodles" or "Chiang Mai noodles." The rich curry broth, paired with the perfect amount of wide noodles and crispy fried noodles, creates a rich and complex flavor. You can also add snow vegetables and a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavor.
In northern Thailand, whether you're at a shop or a street vendor, the most important ingredients are the various seasoning bottles and jars on the table. You can adjust the flavor to your liking. Especially when eating noodles in a clear broth, don't blame the store for being bland; it's your fault for not seasoning them properly!
Tips:
Chiang Mai has so many noodle shops along the roadside that you don't even need to be specific about which one to go to. Simply observing the crowds inside can help you decide. If a noodle shop is frequented by young locals or students, the food is likely good and the prices aren't too bad.
Thailand has only three seasons: summer, rainy season, and winter. Northern Thailand has distinct seasons, while central and southern Thailand experience little variation in temperature.
Summer in Northern Thailand: February to May
The climate is relatively hot, with an average temperature of 30-36 degrees.
Rainy season in Northern Thailand: June to September
The climate is as hot as in summer, and there is a tendency for continuous heavy rain. When traveling during this period, you should pay special attention to the weather forecast and bring necessary rain gear.
Winter in Northern Thailand: October to mid-February
The climate in northern Thailand is very cool and pleasant at this time, with daytime temperatures remaining around 21 degrees Celsius and cool at night.
Tips:
December and January are the coldest months of the year in northern Thailand, with temperatures potentially dropping as low as 10 degrees Celsius. April is the hottest month, and October is the rainiest. November to March, however, offers more stable weather with less rain, making it an ideal time to travel.
If there is a city where you can feel the ancient times, embrace nature and enjoy the artistic atmosphere, it must be Chiang Mai.
Today I will not talk about Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh in the city, nor the story of tourists and pigeons in front of Thapae. What I want to introduce today are the "down-to-earth" places frequented by locals.
Google address: Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province, search for "Doi Inthanon" on Google Maps
How to get there: It's about 110 kilometers from Chiang Mai city, a 2-hour journey. You can choose to charter a car or join a tour group.
Time reference: The national park covers a large area, so it is recommended to spend a day to visit
Doi Inthanon is Thailand's most famous national park. Its highest peak, at 2,565 meters above sea level, is the highest in Thailand. With an average year-round temperature of 17 degrees Celsius, the cool climate makes it a popular summer resort in Thailand.
This area is home to Thailand's richest flora and serves as a gene bank. The Cho Mae Pan Trail is located at kilometer 42 of the Doi Inthanon Uphill Road, near the famous King and Queen Pagodas, at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters. The trail is 3 kilometers long and generally takes 2-3 hours to complete.
Walking onto the Doi Inthanon hiking trail, surrounded by trees and tangled vines, even the handrails are covered with moss, it feels like being in the embrace of nature. The sunlight shines through the forest, creating a shimmering, mottled landscape that is breathtakingly beautiful.
The two-hour loop hike offers two distinctly different landscapes. The initial section of the route is a pristine, dense forest, known locally as the "Cloud Forest" because of the perpetual mist and clouds that shroud it, creating an ethereal, fairy-like experience. The towering trees block out the sun, allowing only a sliver of sunlight to filter through.
Upon exiting the primeval forest, a vast expanse of alpine meadows came into view. This meadow was once part of the primeval forest, but due to indiscriminate logging, the vegetation was exposed, leaving only low, weedy grasses. The meadow changes color with the seasons, lush green in the rainy season and dry, withered yellow in the summer.
Besides, you can also see various beautiful flowers along the way, one of which is the alpine rhododendron. This rhododendron with big red flowers likes to grow on the edge of cliffs and usually blooms from January to March.
Tips:
Qiu Mae Pan is only open to tourists from November to May of the following year. It will be closed at other times to allow the ecosystem to recover. December and January are the best times to visit because the temperature is lower and you can see the spectacular sea of clouds and fog.
The forest trails are difficult to distinguish, and the scenic area requires that you must be led by a local guide for hiking, which costs 200 baht. You can go alone or in a group, with a maximum of ten people in a group. Along the way, the local guide will explain in depth the conditions of Yinta Nongshan, so that tourists can fully understand this treasure of nature.
Google address: Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Doi Suthep, search for "Doi Suthep" on Google Maps
How to get there: You can choose to go by car, charter car, or group tour
Time reference: It is recommended to spend half a day to play
"Suthep" means "fairy friend" in Thai, and locals also call it "Meeting the Fairies Mountain" or "Meeting the Fairies Mountain." Located in the western suburbs of Chiang Mai, at an altitude of 1,667 meters, it is a famous Buddhist sanctuary in Thailand. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Phuping Palace are must-sees for tourists, but this time we'll explore it in a different way.
As the sky begins to brighten, we climb up from the back of Doi Suthep Mountain and set foot on the path that monks and Buddhists walked on hundreds of years ago. This path not only bears the traces of time, but also shows the piety and perseverance of the monks who walked on it many years ago.
As we continued up the mountain, we could vaguely see a temple in the jungle. The temple exuded a sense of tranquility and peace, blending seamlessly with nature. The entire temple was completely surrounded by jungle, a perfect combination of rainforest and Buddhism. The pagodas, Buddha statues, and temples within the temple have largely remained in their original state, ancient, mottled, and covered in moss.
This is Wat Pha Lat, a hermit temple with a long history and well-preserved ancient monuments. There is a mountain stream flowing through the temple. The sound of gurgling water and the various bird calls and insect chirps echoing in the valley from time to time are probably the ideal place in most people's minds.
The scenery here is beautiful and the environment is pleasant. There are no tourists here at the moment, only the monks practicing in the temple. If you are lucky, you may encounter a monk coming down from the monastery. He will tell you the mysterious story of the temple and teach you about Thai Buddhist culture.
We walked along the lush trees and arrived at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the most famous temple in northern Thailand. In Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, most people came to worship. The believers walked clockwise around the golden pagoda containing relics and made wishes. They held lotus and chrysanthemums in their hands and placed the flowers next to the golden pagoda.
If you happen to come to Chiang Mai during the cherry blossom season (around December to January every year), you might as well visit the Cherry Blossom Village on Doi Suthep Mountain.
Tips:
Do not wear clothes that expose your limbs, and take off your shoes when entering the temple.
Google address: Huai Nam Dang National Park, located between Mai Dang District, Chiang Mai Province and Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province
How to get there: You can choose to charter a car, join a tour group, etc.
Time reference: It is recommended to spend half a day to play
Huai Nam Dang National Park, located northwest of Chiang Mai, Thailand, is one of Chiang Mai's most famous national parks. The park covers 1,252 square kilometers, with its highest point at 1,962 meters above sea level. The summit offers the best view of Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand's third highest peak.
A narrow paved road leads down the mountain to the visitor center, and from the summit of Doi Kiu Lom (1,615 meters), one can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the surrounding area, including Doi Chang (1,962 meters), the highest peak in the park. The mountains here are hailed as one of the most beautiful in Thailand.
As you enter Huai Nam Dang National Park, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking view of rolling hills. Walk down the steps to the observation deck, or simply relax and enjoy the open grasslands.
The National Park Service offers a visitor information center, souvenir shop, accommodations, camping areas, and a cafe. You can rent tents and sleeping bags and camp here, experiencing a return to nature. Locals love to enjoy this area, often driving here on weekends, their trunks filled with food, and enjoying a barbecue and cooking with their families.
Don't worry if you don't have food prepared; there are stalls along the path where mountain folk sell handmade textiles and hot meals. At night, admire the dazzling night sky with a bright moon hanging high in the sky; in the chill of the early morning breeze, enjoy fragrant roasted sweet potatoes and eggs, accompanied by hot ginger tea. It's a unique experience.
Tips:
When camping in the mountains, please do not make loud noises or light fires.
When talking about northern Thailand, the first thing that comes to mind is Chiang Mai. However, few people know about Lam Pang, which is only 26 kilometers southeast of Chiang Mai.
Lampang, nicknamed "Chicken City," was formerly known as Gukguta Nakhon, where "Gukguta" means "chicken." The origin of Lampang's old name is a legend: When the Buddha visited the city to preach, Indra, upon learning of the event, worried that the residents wouldn't be able to wake up early to prepare food, transformed himself into a white chicken and used its crowing to wake the residents to prepare food. This served as a reminder that it was time to rise and do what was expected of them. This is the origin of the name Gukguta Nakhon.
As the only city in Thailand that still uses horse-drawn carriages as a means of transportation, Lampang is known as the "Land of Horse-drawn Carriages." Thanks to the presence of horse-drawn carriages, it's also known as a city untouched by time. Therefore, when in Lampang, you must take a horse-drawn carriage and travel back in time to the sound of horse hooves.
Hop on a horse-drawn carriage, negotiate a price with the driver (typically 400 baht for a city tour), and embark on a unique carriage tour. The driver will take you to some of Lampang's main attractions. Despite the throngs of cars and trucks, the horses gallop along at leisure. Once you reach the quiet back roads, the roar of cars disappears, replaced only by the crisp, clattering sound of horses' hooves, echoing through the countryside.
You can get from Chiang Mai to Lampang by car or van, which takes just over an hour. The most recommended option is to take the train. The train from Chiang Mai to Lampang costs only 23 baht and takes about 3 hours. It also passes through Thailand's 1.3-kilometer-long Khun Tan Tunnel. The scenery along the way is so beautiful that it is unforgettable.
The number in the second column represents the train number, printed on the train itself. When you see a train, be sure to check if it's the one you're taking.
The number in the fourth column indicates the train's departure time from Chiang Mai Railway Station, with six trains per day.
The fifth column, the first yellow column, indicates the train's arrival time at Lampang Railway Station. The journey from Chiang Mai to Lampang takes 2 hours and 29 minutes.
The sixth column, the second yellow column, indicates the train's onward journey time from Lampang. Don't underestimate the train's stops, as they're very short.
Google address: Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanusorn
How to get there: You can choose to charter a car, join a tour group, etc.
Time reference: It is recommended to spend half a day to play
The name "Chongsheng Temple" was given by me on my own. Since few Chinese people know about it, it does not even have a Chinese name. It is located on the top of the mountain, above the clouds. It is a temple that can only be reached after experiencing the danger of walking in the clouds. Only the most devout people will go there to worship.
This is a place you cannot miss when you come to Nan Bang. It is a spiral climbing trail about 100 meters high. The entire trail is basically made of iron stairs. Be sure to hold the railings. In winter, there is a lot of fog and the ground is slippery. After safely bypassing the last giant rock, the semi-open-air temple at the top will appear in front of you. The path on the right side of the temple leads directly to a meditation place built on the cliff. Then climb about 20 meters to reach the highest point of this trip and overlook the scenery of Nan Bang.
Imagine a sea of swirling clouds, sunlight piercing through layers of mist, casting a thousand golden rays. A gentle breeze whips the mist into a twilight. From the summit of Lampang's highest peak, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire city. Standing on the observation deck, high above the sea of clouds, a gust of wind blows, the melodious sound of bells rings, and all worries vanish. While the chance of seeing a sea of clouds in Huangshan is 40%, in northern Thailand in winter, you have an 80% chance of seeing one.
The sound of the copper bells is clear and melodious, and each Buddhist scripture is deeply rooted in people's hearts above the sea of clouds. Let go of all the past and empty yourself. It is a good place for Zen meditation.
Google address: Chae son hot spring
How to get there: You can choose to charter a car, join a tour group, etc.
Time reference: 2-3 hours is recommended
The down-to-earth name is a translation from Thai. Formed by geological activity, these natural hot springs maintain a constant temperature of 70-80 degrees Celsius year-round. As you approach, the pungent smell of sulfur, often called rotten eggs, hits you. Don't underestimate these tiny pools of water; the temperature can reach as high as 75 degrees Celsius, so be careful!
This is also a good place for photography. The temperature is low in the early morning, and the water molecules in the air are oversaturated, condensing into small water droplets and forming mist, which brings this unique morning mist by the pond. The sunlight shines through the mist and radiates thousands of rays of light.
Buy a basket of eggs in bamboo, put it in the pond, and it will be cooked in about 17 minutes. Enjoy these pure natural high-temperature cooked eggs.
As you head deeper, the water temperature gradually cools. The scenic area thoughtfully offers free foot baths for visitors. This free activity is definitely not to be missed. Take off your shoes and socks. The water is just the right temperature at 35 degrees Celsius. Slip your feet into the pool and you'll feel the natural comfort that washes away any tiredness. If soaking your feet isn't enough, the natural hot spring baths, available for 10 RMB, are unique to Thailand and worth a try if you have the time.
Chiang Rai, Thailand's northernmost province, was founded in 1262. Bordered by Myanmar and Laos to the northeast and north, it lies approximately 785 kilometers from Bangkok and serves as a gateway to Mae Chan. In the 13th century, Chiang Rai was the capital of the ancient Lanna Dynasty, and its history remains evident throughout the region.
Many people's impression of Chiang Rai is limited to the White Temple and the Black Temple. In fact, this small border town hides many niche secrets unknown to the world.
Google address: Phu Chi Fa
How to get there: You can choose to charter a car, join a tour group, etc.
Time reference: It is recommended to spend half a day to play
Finger Mountain National Park is famous for its peaks towering above the clouds. Standing at approximately 1,600 meters above sea level, the peaks resemble human fingers pointing eastward, hence the name. It's a favorite spot for northern Thais to watch the sunrise.
To see the most stunning sunrise, drive to the foot of the mountain in the early morning. Be careful on the dark mountain roads, and a flashlight is essential. The path is not flat, and the early morning mist makes the road slippery, so please hold on to the handrails. The climb to the summit takes about 25 minutes. Sunlight penetrates the layers of mist, and the mountain is shrouded in a celestial haze, creating a scene of wonderland. This moment is truly breathtaking. After the sun rises, the full extent of the Zhitian Mountain is revealed. From February to March each year, the bushes are covered with flowers, and the distant Laos appears close at hand.
Tips:
Bring a flashlight, a light jacket, and hiking shoes
Google Address: Phu Chi Dao
How to get there: You can choose to charter a car, join a tour group, etc.
Time reference: It is recommended to spend half a day to play
We rode a local pickup truck along the rugged road, where vines and trees intertwined and the air was refreshingly cool. Once we reached the foot of the mountain, the adventure had just begun. We continued up the narrow path, reaching the summit in about 25 minutes.
This road leads to the clouds, as if reaching the very edge of the sky. Above the mountaintops, beneath a sea of clouds, to the left, the scenery of Laos and the vast Mekong River stretch out before my eyes. To the right, the panorama of a small town in northern Thailand comes into view. A gentle breeze whips up the white clouds, and the scenery before me fades and appears, ever-changing. The Laotian border marker is within sight, and I can easily step into Laos.
Tips:
The road is narrow, please be careful and hold on to the handrails
Google address: Wat Huay Pla Kang, Chiang Rai
How to get there: You can choose to charter a car, join a tour group, etc.
Time reference: It is recommended to spend two hours playing
In Thailand, a country that believes in Buddhism, temples can be found everywhere, but the Guanyin Pagoda in Chiang Rai is unique and spectacular. Guanyin Temple is a temple in Thailand famous for its beautiful scenery. It is located on a hill (small hill) about 6 kilometers from Chiang Rai City.
The temple houses a statue of Guanyin holding a white porcelain jar, and a nine-story pagoda beside it. Like many temples in Thailand, the pagoda is meticulously decorated, outlined, and carved. A dragon coils around the front of the pagoda, and within it are statues of deities representing the 12 Chinese zodiac animals.
The 26-story-tall Guanyin statue is friendly, with kind eyes, solemn and serene. At dusk, monks chant sutras, their echoes resonating far away. This compassionate Buddha atop this hill sympathizes with the suffering of the people, relieves them from suffering, and silently protects everyone who comes to Chiang Rai.
The phrase "eighteen bends" often describes the many winding roads here, but the road to Mae Hong Son boasts 1,846 bends. This densely wooded area, with its densely covered mountains, has earned it the nickname "Thailand's Switzerland." Nestled in a river valley near the Thai-Myanmar border, Mae Hong Son is surrounded by mountains, preserving its pristine natural landscape.
You rarely see large groups of tourists here, largely due to inconvenient transportation. The straight-line distance from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son is approximately 380 kilometers. Experienced drivers will say, "It's so close, it only takes three or four hours." But you're wrong. Due to its valley location and other geographical factors, the road is full of curves, most of which are sharp S-shaped and lightning-fast. According to statistics, there are 1,864 curves from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son. Those who haven't been there can't understand the feeling of navigating over a thousand bends.
Doi Mae U Kho, at an altitude of 1,600 meters, is home to approximately 100,000 square meters of wild chrysanthemums. From November to early December each year, the wild chrysanthemums bloom across the mountain, creating a stunning golden landscape.
As the sun sets, imagine strolling through a sea of yellow flowers. The sunlight shimmers on the chrysanthemums that cover the mountain, casting a beautiful afterglow. The sky gradually changes from golden yellow to crimson, pink, and purple, dyeing the entire sky a romantic color. The warm sunlight and the golden wild chrysanthemums complement each other with a beauty that is so beautiful that it will melt your heart.
Google address: Ban Rak Thai, Tombon Mok Cham Pae, Amphoe Mueang, Mae Hong Son 58000
How to get there: You can choose to charter a car, join a tour group, etc.
Time reference: It is recommended to spend two hours playing
Miwo Village, also known as Aitai Village, was once home to the military dependents of the Kuomintang's 93rd Division, who retreated from Yunnan to Thailand during the Chinese-KMT War. Located 43 kilometers north of Mae Hong Son, Miwo Village has only one bus service per day.
This place is very different from the Golden Triangle described in textbooks. Every morning, the village radio wakes up the sleeping people. The morning mist lingers on the lake and makes you forget where you are. It seems as if you are in a small village in Yunnan.
Tea plantations and orchards dot the hills of the village, and Chinese characters are everywhere, with even traditional Chinese couplets on every doorstep. Villagers pick their own tea leaves and brew their own fruit and rice wines, living a self-sufficient and carefree lifestyle. Many people come to Miwo specifically to stay in one of these "villas" nestled among the tea plantations, with Lee Wine Ruk Thai Resort being the most famous. These villas are built on terraced tea fields that slope down the hillside, offering panoramic views of Miwo Village.
Wake up early in the morning and take a stroll along the river. When you feel tired, stop by a riverside cafe to try some Northern Thai coffee and chat with the owner. If you're not a coffee drinker, try a teahouse with classic Chinese characteristics, where you can sip tea and contemplate life.
It's almost time for dinner. Find a Yunnan restaurant, order two or three stir-fries, and savor the flavors of home-cooked food from a foreign land. Will it bring back memories of the "taste of mom" you'd eat every day after school when you were a child? A uniquely Chinese tea, the "Fu" character at the entrance, searching for familiar touches in a foreign land. Despite decades of change, though in a foreign land, we remain descendants of the Chinese nation, the unbreakable Chinese knot of Miwo Village in Mae Hong Son.
The same Thailand, different ways of playing. The trip to Thailand has been fully upgraded. Poetry and distant places are ready, just waiting for you!
