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Northern Thailand has its own unique vibe, a world away from Bangkok and the beaches and islands of the south. Combine culture with trekking and festivals with fine dining in this beautiful region

Cultural Thailand
Chiang Mai is packed with sights, but don’t miss Doi Suthep temple, high up in the mountains – stick around for sunset views. In the region’s second city, Chiang Rai, see the Mekhong river, the handcrafted White Temple and the Golden Triangle (the Thai, Laos and Myanmar border) while Sukhothai, the first capital of the Thai kingdom, is home to a national museum, royal palace, historical park and temple ruins.

Experiences
Northern Thailand’s cooler climate and mountain backdrop makes it the ideal place for trekking, cycling and more. The Mae Sa Valley, 15km (9.3 miles) north of Chiang Mai, is an outdoor playground, boasting the 10-tier Mae Sa waterfalls, botanical gardens and elephant camp. Visiting hill tribes is also popular in the Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai highlands, while cookery courses are just the ticket if you want to take home the flavours of northern Thailand.

Festivals
The biggest is the New Year festival of Songkran, celebrated to the max in Chiang Mai, with dancing, good-natured water-throwing and the procession of the revered Buddha image. Other festivities include February’s Flower Festival and November’s full-moon Lantern and Loi Krathong Festival, also celebrated in Chiang Rai. Others include Bo Sang village’s Umbrella Festival and the Lanna boat races in Nan province, marking the end of the rainy season.

Chic and cosmopolitan
While Chiang Mai’s night market is renowned for its traditional Thai wares and street food, Nimmanhaeminda Road is the street to be seen on for its global, eclectic vibe. Boutique shops include Ginger’s stylish fashion, silks at Vaniche and modern ceramics in Wit's Collection; eateries include Yangzi Jiang Restaurant, Bake & Bite Bakery and Beccofino Trattoria. The @ Living Room lounge DJ bar by the Gold Place Centre is also a popular haunt.

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