If Thai food isn’t already your favourite cuisine, then you definitely need to make a visit to Northern Thailand.

Chiang Mai is the most well-known northern city for sprawling markets with plenty of choice from delicious noodle soups, spicy curries and barbequed meats with sticky rice. Don’t rule out smaller cities such as Chiang Rai with its outdoor market and live music or why not try our Chiang Mai Cooking Class to take these phenomenal flavours home with you!

Don't miss: Khao Soi - a local dish found in Northern Thailand but mostly in Chiang Mai, which is a mouth-watering combination of soft and crunchy noodles flavoured with aromatic spices.

Northern Thailand is teeming with remarkable temples. There are over 300 in Chiang Mai alone including Wat Chedi Luang, a 14th Century temple standing as a powerful symbol of the city’s history.

One of the most unique temples in the whole of Thailand is Wat Rong Khun, or the ‘White Temple’, located in Chiang Rai with its intricate and dramatic all white exterior and tiny fragments of glass to make it sparkle in the sun.

Small and picturesque towns dominate Northern Thailand along the Mae Hong Son Loop, showcasing lush jungles and stunning viewpoints over valleys, rivers and rice fields.

Part of the Himalayan mountain range, Doi Inthanon National Park offers fantastic hiking trails and spectacular scenery. Sri Lanna National Park is home to Bua Tong Waterfall, known as the ‘sticky waterfall’, thanks to mineral deposits over the rocks allowing you to climb up the fall’s cascades.

The elephant is a national symbol of Thailand and there are many sanctuaries in the north that offer an ethical way to spend time with and learn more about these majestic animals. Spend a couple of nights at one of our incredible tented camps in the region, where you can get up close to these gentle giants.

Don't miss: For the ultimate immersion, add on the Jungle Bubble experience at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. A chance to spend an unforgettable night observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat from the comfort of an air-conditioned, fully furnished, transparent Jungle Bubble!

The hills of Northern Thailand is where you’ll find plenty of national parks full of jungle-clad mountains, more picturesque scenery and ample opportunity to indulge your inner adventurer.

Hike Thailand’s highest mountain in Doi Inthanon National Park, trek through the region of Chian Doa or visit Sri Lanna National Park where a multitude of adventurous activities are possible including cycling, swimming and kayaking.

Don't miss: Our Chiang Mai Pedal & Paddle Adventure - climb a waterfall, bike through teak forest and cruise to a floating restaurant for lunch in beautiful Sri Lanna National Park on this action-packed adventure!

Night markets in both Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai spring to life every evening. Known for their lively atmosphere and offerings of crafts, jewellery, clothing, and unique souvenirs.

In Pai, the main road transforms as vendors roll out carts and fire up grills. The quiet main street by day becomes ‘Walking Street’, a vibrant night market that is compact but brimming with food stalls, crafts and live music.

Northern Thailand offers some of the country’s finest accommodation options.

For a luxurious and tranquil stay, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is the perfect choice. This remarkable resort offers an idyllic sanctuary surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Gastronomy is a highlight here, with a stunning restaurant offering an elevated take on traditional Thai cuisine, rustic grills and a cooking school providing a unique farm-to-table gourmet experience.

Or perhaps you would prefer to get back to nature? Making the most of its fabulous and remote setting, The Bush Camp Chiang Mai is ideal for those looking to escape to the wilderness whilst retaining some of life's little luxuries. This delightful camp allows you to spend time observing elephants in their natural environment, with the opportunity to prepare their food and learn about the responsibilities of the mahouts who care for them.