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Northern Thailand |
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 The
Golden Triangle is, term wise, one of the most evocative places
in the world, but for the "wrong" reasons. But fortunately,
gone are the days of the drug lords (thanks mostly to the Thai Royal
Family, who have sponsored the cash fruit crop agriculture that have
replaced the poppies). However, this area is even more spectacular
then its former lucid association. The Golden Triangle is an area
of outstanding natural people, and extremely friendly people. |
Watching the clumps of mist peel off the Laotian Hills to float gently along the mighty Mekong as small clouds is reward enough for the journey. But then there are also bargain markets, such as Sop Ruak. Where a suitcase full of cheap Shitake mushrooms from China, and silk from Burma would probably pay for your air fare in with the savings you made. Also, the chance to sit alongside the greatest river in SE Asia with a bowl of 25 baht serpent head soup, watching the various nationalities of boats come hither and dither. And with hoteliers such as Le Meridien and Imperial with superb offerings in this area, there is no need to take the rustic beauty of these parts back to your hotel room!
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 Chiang
Mai is the northern capital, and deservedly so. With undoubtedly
the best night market in Thailand (bountiful bargain shops, street
processions, eating court with dance performances and many food stalls),
plus dome very fine restaurants (especially around and overlooking
the river). Chiang Mai is a colorful and relaxed town, best appreciated
by foot (good
walking guide here). For an online map, try
this one. But to get a real guide, with virtually every restaurant,
shop and points of interest, you will need to buy yourself a copy
of Nancy Chandler's guide
to / map of Chiang Mai. A great all rounder site for Chiang Mai
(hotels, tours, information and crafts) is 
Chiang
Mai Online. |
Chiang Rai is another provincial capital much visited by tourists. But many consider to be a poor option to Chiang Mai and mostly frequented by backpackers and hill tribe tour seekers. It certainly is no match for Chiang Mai food wise. Although, it does have a couple of luxury hotel options, including the Dusit Island, with commanding views over the Kok River. A useful map of Chiang Rai can be found here and a good guide to the town's attractions here. In between Chiang Mai and Rai, is the wonderful Elephant Nature Park - a rare facility in Thailand given to elephant rehabilitation, rather then exploitation.
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Other worthwhile tourism areas in the north are Lampang, with its laid back, more traditional feel many say is reminiscent of Chiang Mai before its tourist boom (teak houses, forest market, horses & carts plus Northern Thailand's grandest temple in the shape of Wat Phra Tat Lampang Luang). Utradit, boasting Thailand's largest teak tree, teak houses, renowned hand woven textiles and multilevel waterfall. Phrae, with more teak houses per population than any other town in Thailand. Plus its famous indigo cotton farmers shirts and lumber industry. Nan (good site here), once the stronghold of insurgents. Now a peaceful back water with beautiful villages devoid of industry. A good site operated by Thai Students has much information on these towns / areas, and can be found here.
If you would like
to see these spectacular towns and villages from the air, why not try
the Chiang
Mai Flying Club! And why not drop in on the Chiang
Mai Crafts Company.
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"Real information & forum help for Chiang Mai / Rai, Golden Triangle,
Mae Hong Son, Etc. Thailand"
Thai web site owners, have you checked out our 
This,
amongst areas such as Tha Ton, is where you can find some of the
better / genuine hill tribe tour guides (unfortunately, most tour
guides in towns such as Chiang Mai are far from good for either
the customer or the hill tribes). If you are thinking of going on
a hill tribe tour / trek, there are not many better then 
Mae
Hong Son (City of Three Mists) has some of the finest natural
scenery in northern Thailand. Also excellent Burmese handicraft
shops (look for the flexible, to the touch, horse hair based fine
lacquer ware) and even better hill tribe tours. This relatively
undeveloped tourist area is very relaxed.