This is the complete itinerary for our journey through the quieter corners of Northern Thailand. See below for full details, with links to in-depth descriptions of individual stops to help you decide what’s right for you. Click on any of the following for deeper looks at Lampang, The Sky Pagodas, Phu Langka, Nan, and Thansawan […]
Ten-Days Driving the Northern Highlands of Lampang and Nan Read More »
Travel writers in Thailand throw the term “gem” around liberally. This is entirely excusable in a country that is indeed studded with jewels, but knowing when something is genuinely special and worth a detour can be harder. Thansawan Waterfall in Doi Phu Nang National Park is one of these rare finds. An arc of wild cascades
Thansawan Waterfall: A Turquoise Gem in Doi Phu Nang NP Read More »
Tucked into the far northeastern corner of Thailand, Nan Province lies well beyond the usual travel circuits. It is a long, green valley hemmed in by high mountain ranges on either side, with the Nan River meandering gently through the lowlands between them. At the center of it all sits the ancient city of Nan,
Nan, Thailand: Temple Murals, Rice Fields, and the Pleasure of Taking It Slow Read More »
The iconic image of a limestone block floating above a sea of mist in a mountain valley appears again and again in Thailand travel literature. And for good reason: it’s an incredibly evocative scene, one that perfectly captures the atmosphere of Thailand’s northern highlands. The trouble is, almost nobody knows what it’s called or where
Chasing a Sea of Clouds at Phu Langka, Thailand Read More »
We left Lampang early the next morning, driving about 90 minutes north to reach Wat Phraphutthabat Sutthawart. Our plan, and our strong recommendation to fellow travelers, is to begin the climb while the long path up the mountain is still in shadow. Even in Thailand’s coolest season, an exposed hike in direct sun can be punishing. Just
Exploring the Sky Pagodas of Lampang: Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Read More »
Lampang feels cool the moment you arrive, though explaining why is harder than it should be. Like most cool places, you recognize it long before you can name it. The Wang River and Kad Kong Ta, the main commercial street, give the town its shape. It’s the details that set Lampang apart, though: gingerbread woodwork of old
Lampang: Northern Thailand’s Most Effortlessly Cool City Read More »
Thai Rum, Thai Mead, and Japanese Botanicals This is a stirred, spirit-forward cocktail that sits somewhere between a Rum Sour and a botanical-driven cocktail. It uses homemade mead as a low-ABV “softener” for the rum, resulting in a drink that has more weight and texture than a standard cocktail but isn’t as heavy as a
Capturing the Local Spirit: The Bee’s Shortcut Read More »
Despite being Thailand’s only national park accessible by train, Doi Khun Tan is far quieter than the other parks within day-trip range of Chiang Mai. You’ll share the trail almost exclusively with Thai locals, many of whom take the one-hour train ride south from the city and walk up to the park directly from the
Doi Khun Tan: An Easy Train-to-Trail Hike Near Chiang Mai Read More »
This is the anchor post for our series on Northern Thailand. See below for our detailed itinerary, with links to detailed destination descriptions throughout. Click on any of the following for deeper looks at Chiang Dao, Chiang Rai, and Phu Chi Fa. An 11-day road trip across Northern Thailand, from the Laotian border to the forests near
Thailand from Laos to Myanmar: Complete Cross-Country Itinerary Read More »
A Rum Sour with a Thai Twist Rum drinks in Thailand have a reputation (not always undeserved) for being both exceptionally sweet and very likely to land you with a tremendous hangover. Phraya Elements deserves a better fate than that, so we’ve thrown out the obligatory pineapple slice and given it a starring role in
Capturing the Local Spirit: The 24 Shortcut Read More »