Northern Thailand

Bangkok

Ancient temples meet rooftop bars and world-class dining

Thailand's vibrant capital is where ancient temples, rooftop bars, bustling markets and world-class dining come together. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, hunting down incredible street food or experiencing its famous nightlife, Bangkok offers something for every type of traveller.

Must visit

Grand Palace

Thailand's most sacred royal complex

Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the world's largest markets

ICONSIAM

Riverside shopping and dining

Perfect for

City Breaks

Rooftop bars, malls and skyline views around every corner

Food Lovers

Street food stalls and Michelin-starred kitchens side by side

Nightlife

From riverside bars to legendary night markets

Shopping

Chatuchak Market and Chinatown's Yaowarat Road

Before you go

Use the BTS Skytrain or MRT⌄

It's the easiest way to avoid Bangkok's notorious traffic.

Visit temples early⌄

Go early morning and dress respectfully — shoulders and knees covered.

Chatuchak is weekends only⌄

The market is only fully open on Saturday and Sunday.

Ayutthaya

Centuries-old ruins of the former Siamese capital

Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's most fascinating historical destinations. Just over an hour from Bangkok, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with centuries-old temple ruins, ancient palaces and iconic Buddha statues.

Must visit

Wat Mahathat

Home of the famous tree-root Buddha head

Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Riverside ruins, stunning at sunset

Wat Phra Si Sanphet

The grandest temple of the old royal palace

Perfect for

History

Centuries-old temple ruins and ancient palaces

Temples

Some of Thailand's most iconic Buddha statues

Photography

Golden-hour light across the ruins

Cycling

Flat terrain makes exploring by bike easy

Before you go

Rent a bicycle or tuk-tuk⌄

It's the easiest way to explore the spread-out ruins.

Visit early or late in the day⌄

Avoid the midday heat by timing your visit for morning or late afternoon.

Easy day trip from Bangkok⌄

Reachable by train or car in about an hour.

Chiang Mai

Mountain temples, café culture and a slower pace of life

Nestled among the mountains of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is known for its relaxed atmosphere, centuries-old temples, thriving café culture and incredible natural surroundings. It's one of the country's best destinations for slow travel, adventure and authentic local experiences.

Must visit

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Mountaintop temple with sweeping city views

Elephant Nature Park

Ethical elephant sanctuary

Sunday Walking Street

Old City's famous night market

Perfect for

Café Culture

Some of Thailand's best coffee shops and co-working spaces

Nature

Doi Inthanon National Park and mountain scenery

Digital Nomads

Fast wifi, low cost of living, thriving community

Culture

Hundreds of temples across the Old City

Before you go

Rent a scooter if comfortable⌄

It's the best way to reach temples and viewpoints outside the city.

Visit during Yi Peng or Loy Krathong⌄

The lantern festivals make for a truly unique experience.

Pack a light jacket⌄

Evenings can get cool during the cool season (Nov–Feb).

Pai

A laid-back mountain town with bohemian cafés

Hidden in the mountains of northern Thailand, Pai is a laid-back town famous for its scenic landscapes, bohemian cafés and relaxed atmosphere. It's the perfect escape for travellers looking to slow down and immerse themselves in nature.

Must visit

Pai Canyon

Narrow ridgeline trails and sunset views

Tha Pai Hot Springs

Natural hot springs just outside town

Yun Lai Viewpoint

Sweeping views over the valley

Perfect for

Nature

Canyons, waterfalls and mountain scenery

Cafés

Bohemian coffee shops throughout the walking street

Road Trips

The famous drive from Chiang Mai is an adventure in itself

Photography

Sunrise and sunset over the valley

Before you go

The drive from Chiang Mai has 700+ curves⌄

Take it slow, especially if you're not used to mountain roads.

Rent a scooter⌄

It's the easiest way to explore the surrounding waterfalls and viewpoints.

Time it for sunrise or sunset⌄

The views around Pai are best in the golden hours.

Chiang Rai

Extraordinary temples and contemporary art

Home to some of Thailand's most extraordinary temples, Chiang Rai blends contemporary art, rich history and beautiful mountain scenery. Quieter than Chiang Mai, it's the perfect destination for travellers seeking culture, creativity and a slower pace.

Must visit

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

A dazzling, otherworldly contemporary temple

Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)

Striking cobalt-blue architecture

Golden Triangle

Where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet

Perfect for

Culture

Some of Thailand's most unique temple architecture

Photography

The White and Blue Temples are unmissable photo stops

Road Trips

Easy to combine with the Golden Triangle

Nature

Khun Korn Waterfall and mountain scenery nearby

Before you go

Plan a full day if visiting from Chiang Mai⌄

There's more to see here than most day trips allow for.

The White Temple gets busy late morning⌄

Arrive early to beat the tour bus crowds.

Combine with the Golden Triangle⌄

It makes for a memorable full day out.

Kanchanaburi

Wartime history meets waterfalls on the River Kwai

Nestled along the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi combines fascinating wartime history with waterfalls, national parks and peaceful riverside scenery. It's one of western Thailand's most rewarding destinations for travellers looking to experience both culture and nature.

Must visit

Bridge over the River Kwai

Iconic WWII landmark

Erawan Waterfalls

Seven-tiered emerald falls

Hellfire Pass Memorial

Moving wartime history museum

Perfect for

Nature

Erawan National Park and its cascading waterfalls

History

The Death Railway and Hellfire Pass

Scenic Journeys

Ride the historic Death Railway line

Adventure

Sai Yok National Park and jungle trails

Before you go

Stay overnight⌄

There's far more to explore here than just the famous bridge.

Visit Erawan Falls early⌄

Get there before the tour groups for the clearest water.

Easily reached from Bangkok⌄

About 2–3 hours by car or train.

Choose your escape

Bangkok

Ayutthaya

Chiang Mai

Pai

Chiang Rai

Kanchanaburi

Ready to find your escape?

Continue Exploring