North Thailand Calm
Why North?
Thailand’s mountain ranges are full of luster. There are hidden escapades of these environments and exotic flora. It’s a mysterious realm brought down to Earth by the syncopated mortar and pestles pounding extra spicy papaya salad.
(Cover Image of Wat Phra Sing by Norbert Braun-ael)
Here are the highlights of the North of Thailand.
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A Pai coffee spot, Image by Duy Vo
Pai
Pai is where to go in the North. It’s like that cool older cousin who taught you that curly fries are better than regular fries. It’s a hippie enclave both locally and via expats. Pai is a reprieve partially in the jungle yet has been sought out as a secluded yet up-and-coming oasis in the past years.
Pai is up further into the mountains and jungle than its more known neighbor, Chiang Mai. The drive from Chiang Mai is just about 3 hours visitable by bus or car winding up the mountains. It can also be reached via a short flight.
Pai Canyon, Image by Polena Kocheva
Activities
Pai Canyon
The canyon is unmistakable and a thrilling trek. Walking along the cracked crater-like gorge is a blast. The vista from the canyon is a true moment.
Motorbike
A motorbike is a must in Pai if you’re keen on exploring beyond the central downtown area. Because the town is built in the mountains a motorbike will help you traverse the must-see spots and sites. There are fun cafes and restaurants spread throughout the winding roads and that can easily be reached via motorbike.
Mo Pang Waterfall
The waterfall is a series of stout falls you can sidle fearlessly down because they don’t drop off, they’re smoothly based in front of worn rock. It’s the real-life fantasy of sliding down a waterfall that dreams are made of.
A motorbike comes into play again to drive about half an hour from central Pai.
Pai Night Market, Image by Steve Potter
Night Market
The night market is the central point of the town to hunker down and eat till so sleepily satiated, and to wander in. It’s chock-full of excellent street food and excellent mountain crafts. The hub of the town, it gives intel as to who’s there, what kind of people are visiting and what kind of wares are crafted from this mountain terrain.
Pai street, Image by Polina Kocheva
Where to Stay? Yoma
To stay in Pai, the mountain greenery is everything. As are the temple architecture layered facades with golden ornamental designs.
Yoma Hotel delivers this and the views. It comprises the accouterments needed, even bicycles for daily use. And car rentals can be organized for your use while there. Yoma also has a restaurant and infinity pool on-site.
Chiang Mai
If you’re going to Thailand for the first time, Chiang Mai is a great starting point.
Chiang Mai is far more subdued than the blitz of Bangkok. It has a heavy focus on its temples and outdoor pursuits around the city. If Bangkok is like the NYC of Thailand, then Chiang Mai is like the Philadelphia. There’s something stereotypically relaxed about the immersion in Thailand, and Chiang Mai delivers.
Activities
Wat Jed Yod
A sublime temple, this is less popular than some of the larger commercials. Yet here, there are fewer tourists, but rather meandering monks. It’s a peaceful vibe that’s as much a park with local regular visitors as expansive temple grounds. It feels convivial, sacred, and quiet.
Monks being Covid cautious at Wat Phra Sing, Image by Katy Hartman (cover photo is also at this temple)
Wat Phra Sing
An opulent golden-medallion-like series of temples and stupas that let visitors bask in Thailand’s exquisite style. You enter in and interact with the monks, can give offerings, and it’s said that the oldest Buddhist statue resides at Wat Phra Sing.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival
In November, the sky is lit with thousands of lanterns that Chiang Mai residents send up from the river. The river through the city acts as a runway for the paper lanterns that woosh up into the air.
The celebration is in full, there’s a parade with those adorned up and on floats, and the air is rich with the aura of lights and flowers. The festival is uniquely marked by the lunar calendar to catch good luck as celebrants see one season into the next. It’s worth scheduling a trip for, in addition to the climate being idyllic this time of year.
The festival usually falls sometime in November depending on the calendar of the year. It’s kind of a life-changing experience to see so many lights in the sky, plus the weather in Thailand is temperate at this time of year. It’s not too warm, and is a delight out of the Western world’s winter. This is the time I suggest visiting the North of Thailand, and Thailand overall.
Lanterns soar into the sky, Image by Adrian Fleur
Where to Stay? Pingviman Hotel
With the pool and restaurant, the very Thai-ness of the rooms makes staying at Pingviman in the North charming. Located near temples as well, the hotel almost looks like one itself.
Yi Peng, Image by Marko Paunović
Mountain Trek
A variety of excursions from one-day to three-day treks can be arranged from Chiang Mai. Included is hiking through asparagus-colored rice paddies of the jungle. There’s bamboo rafting on the river. And ever popularly, you can visit an elephant sanctuary or ride elephants. Just be sure to check the animal rights ahead of time. The trek is usually done in a group and led by a local who can traverse through the tundra while singing “Country Road, Take Me Home.” Check with your concierge who will most aptly be able to find the activities of a trek and facilitate the length of the trip.
Cooking Class
If you’re thinking about Thailand I guess that Thai food is high on your list. If this is so, I strongly suggest finding a local cooking class. The half-day lessons include organic farm produce and a hands-on to make Thai favorites. Additionally, restaurants have them offered or will know where to refer you. The experience gives novices and cooks alike an experience with the techniques of these classy dishes.
*Safety tip
One thing necessary is good walking and hiking shoes for the North.
And, if you’re traveling longer-term, a container of all-purpose soap like Dr. Bronners is useful. Then you can hand-wash essentials if necessary like when you’re on a trek.
Bottom line
North Thailand is an asylum of unexaggerated tranquility. It encompasses the Buddhist traditions that are so crucial to the culture. And it presents this with finesse. The hosts of the North are gracious like nowhere else and share the celebratory nature of its region. From the ornate temples to the hotels alike, from the classic Thai dishes to the untamed mountainous regions, there is a royal aura in the North worth every moment.
