Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Nan
Cooler air, misty mountains and gilded temples: northern Thailand is where many travellers fall for the country. These local kitchens and guest houses make the trip.
By the Xuru Technologies team · 23 October 2026
Key takeaways
- Chiang Mai combines an old walled city full of temples with great food and night markets.
- Chiang Rai is known for Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple.
- Mae Hong Son province, including Pai, is famous for its mountain roads and slow pace.
- Nan is a quiet, historic town with the celebrated murals of Wat Phumin.
The north is Thailand's Lanna heartland. Teak houses, mountain temples, hill-tribe crafts and dishes like khao soi set it apart from the beaches of the south. It rewards travellers who slow down.
Why these places are featured
We feature these local businesses to give them visibility and help travellers discover them. We use only public information (the business name and location) and link to each place's public Google Maps listing, where you can check photos, opening hours and recent reviews yourself. We are not paid by or affiliated with any of them. Own one of these places and want a change or removal? Message us and we will update it.
Chiang Mai: temples, markets and cooking
Explore the temples inside the old city moat, ride up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for the view, and spend an evening at a night market. Chiang Mai is also one of the best places in Asia to take a cooking class.
- It's Good Kitchen · Restaurant · Chiang Mai, Thailand
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#ChiangMai #Thailand #Restaurant - Mr. KAI Restaurant · Restaurant · Chiang Mai, Thailand
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#ChiangMai #Thailand #Restaurant - Garden to Table · Restaurant · Chiang Mai, Thailand
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#ChiangMai #Thailand #Restaurant - The Good Kitchen · Restaurant · Chiang Mai, Thailand
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#ChiangMai #Thailand #Restaurant
Chiang Rai: the White Temple and the Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai is home to the dazzling Wat Rong Khun, the Blue Temple and easy trips to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.
- Chian Guesthouse · Guest house · Chiang Rai, Thailand
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#ChiangRai #Thailand #GuestHouse - Baanbua Guest house · Guest house · Chiang Rai, Thailand
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#ChiangRai #Thailand #GuestHouse
Mae Hong Son province and Pai: the mountain loop
The Mae Hong Son loop is a famous mountain road trip. Pai, a small valley town on the way, is loved for hot springs, canyon sunsets and its laid-back cafés.
- Om Garden Cafe · Café · Mae Hong Son, Thailand
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#MaeHongSon #Thailand #Café - Charlie&lek · Restaurant · Mae Hong Son, Thailand
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#MaeHongSon #Thailand #Restaurant - Fat Cat Restaurant · Restaurant · Mae Hong Son, Thailand
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#MaeHongSon #Thailand #Restaurant - Firefly · Restaurant · Mae Hong Son, Thailand
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#MaeHongSon #Thailand #Restaurant - Canary Guesthouse · Guest house · Mae Hong Son, Thailand
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#MaeHongSon #Thailand #GuestHouse - Pai Yard Guesthouse · Guest house · Mae Hong Son, Thailand
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#MaeHongSon #Thailand #GuestHouse - Pho Rak Nah Pai Guesthouse · Guest house · Mae Hong Son, Thailand
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#MaeHongSon #Thailand #GuestHouse - Pril Pai Guesthouse · Guest house · Mae Hong Son, Thailand
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#MaeHongSon #Thailand #GuestHouse
Nan: a quiet town with old murals
Nan feels like Thailand before the crowds. Visit Wat Phumin and its famous murals, cycle through the old town and head into the hills of Doi Phu Kha National Park.
- Nan Guesthouse · Guest house · Nan, Thailand
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#Nan #Thailand #GuestHouse - Baan9nan Guest Home · Guest house · Nan, Thailand
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#Nan #Thailand #GuestHouse - Nan T House Hotel · Hotel · Nan, Thailand
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#Nan #Thailand #Hotel
Run a guest house, café or restaurant in Thailand?
Many of the places above are found mainly through booking apps and maps. A simple website of your own, with your photos, menu or rooms, location and a WhatsApp button, helps travellers plan their visit around you before they arrive. We build these for small hospitality businesses and will design a sample before you commit, with a fixed written quote.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit northern Thailand?
The cool, dry months from November to February are the most comfortable. Smoke from field burning can affect air quality from about February to April.
Is Pai worth visiting?
Yes, if you enjoy slow travel, mountain scenery and cafés. The road from Chiang Mai has many curves, so plan for it.
What food is northern Thailand known for?
Khao soi (curry noodle soup), sai oua (herb sausage) and nam prik dips are local favourites.
Tags: #Thailand #ChiangMai #ChiangRai #Pai #Nan #NorthernThailand
Let travellers find you before they arrive.
A website with your rooms or menu, your location and a WhatsApp button. We'll design a sample before you commit, with a fixed written quote.
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