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 »
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 »
Jump Ahead Driving to the Summit of Doi Inthanon Doi Inthanon, the “Roof of Thailand,” is a two-hour journey from Chiang Mai. That sounds like a haul, until you realize that by the time you step out of the car at the end of the drive, you’ve already covered most of the climb to the
Doi Inthanon Day Trip: Cloud Forests, Waterfalls, and the Walk to Ban Mae Klang Luang Read More »
This is the sixth in a series of posts that tracks our 10-Day Journey across Northern Thailand from Laos to Myanmar. Read our last entry from Chiang Dao, or start from the very beginning at Pu Chi Fa. The drive to Pai is more famous than fearsome. Over 135 winding kilometers, drivers navigate Highway 1095’s
The 1095 to Pai: Fantastic Family Stops On Thailand’s (Fourth) Curviest Road Read More »
As we ate lunch in the Palong village of Pang Daeng Nai, just before beginning our walk through the Chiang Dao foothills, I ran through the cast of characters again. There were two adults in reasonably good shape, one of whom—let’s be honest, it was Kat—would carry infant Charlie. Isobel, aged five, already a reliable
What We Carried Through the Chiang Dao Foothills Read More »
Doi Luang Chiang Dao may only be Thailand’s third highest mountain, but it is easily the country’s single most impressive peak. A limestone massif towering above the tropical lowlands, Doi Chiang Dao’s dramatic rise inspired locals to give it its original name: Doi Piang Dao, the Mountain That Reaches the Stars. With three kids between the ages
Chiang Dao Beyond the Summit: Golden Temples and Jungle Trails Read More »