
Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai may be one of Thailand’s largest cities, but it still feels more like a peaceful old town. Its historic heart is wrapped in ancient moats and filled with centuries-old temples, traditional teakwood houses and serene garden courtyards. Just above the city, the sacred hilltop temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep offers not only spiritual significance but sweeping views across Chiang Mai’s rooftops and jungle fringes.
There’s plenty to explore beyond the old city too. Head out for white-water rafting adventures, jungle treks through untouched rainforest, ethical elephant encounters in responsible sanctuaries, and meaningful visits to hill tribe communities who welcome guests into their world. Travel further north still, and you’ll reach the legendary Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the mighty Mekong River.
Suggested itineraries for Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand

Classic Thailand Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Khao Lak
12 nights from £2,645 per person
Witness three of Thailand's finest landscapes in one trip. Begin with a bang amid the city buzz of Bangkok before…
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Thailand Jungle & Beach for Families
12 nights from £12,995 per family
Merging together some of Thailand's most enigmatic landscapes, this itinerary is ideal for families looking to enjoy…
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Hidden Thailand & the Eastern Islands
12 nights from £3,395 per person
Discover Thailand's exciting city, Bangkok before heading east of Bangkok where you’ll find islands covered in…
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Thailand Adventure - Bangkok, Khao Sok & Islands
14 nights from £5,775 per person
A brilliant Thailand itinerary for couples or families looking for a real mix of experiences, from buzzing city life…
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Luxury Thailand Beach Escape – Sarojin & Six Senses
10 nights from £4,795 per person
A wonderfully romantic twin-centre combining barefoot luxury in Khao Lak with an unforgettable island escape in Phang…
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The Ultimate Round the World Adventure
30 nights from £15,995 per person
This itinerary brings together some of the world's most iconic destinations into one unforgettable journey, taking you…
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Splendours of Vietnam & Luxury Beach
14 nights from £6,995 per person
Discover the best of Vietnam from north to south from Hanoi to Mekong Delta, including Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An and…
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Vietnam Essentials & Beach
14 nights from £5,995 per person
A two-week top to toe journey through Vietnam, staying in luxury boutique hotels. Visit Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An -…
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Complete Philippines Island Hopping Adventure
14 nights from £6,185 per person
Combine three wonderfully wild and untouched islands of the Philippines and discover incredible marine life, unique…
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Where to stay in Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Simply one of Northern Thailand’s most elegant, stylish and luxurious hotels, the Anantara Chiang Mai combines the facilities of a luxury hotel with a highly convenient location, just a five minute walk from the famous Night Market. The site itself was home to the former British Consulate and thus enjoys one of Chiang Mai’s prime locations, on the banks of the Mae Ping River. The main Consulate building dates back to the 1920’s and has been integrated into the hotel – it is now the location of the stylish restaurant, whose leather chairs and colonial style afternoon tea are designed to recreate the British club feel.
Elephant Hills – The Bush Camp, Chiang Mai
Following the success of their acclaimed camp in Khao Sok National Park, the first luxury tented camp of its kind in Thailand, we are delighted that the Elephant Hills team have created a similar experience in beautiful countryside on the banks of the Mae Ping River just outside Chiang Mai.
137 Pillars House
The charming boutique 137 Pillars House was originally an old colonial house, built in the early 1800’s, designated to foreigners by the Siam Government, and it was built around the construction of 137 pillars, hence the name. Converted into a hotel in 2012 the design is spectacular, fully capturing the elegance of by-gone days, but with a contemporary finish. Located close the banks of the Mai Ping river it is just a short taxi ride from the centre of Chiang Mai and the lively night markets.
Tamarind Village
Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s cultural hub, Tamarind Village is a charming and unique Lanna-style boutique property. Found at the end of an inviting bamboo lined driveway just off one of the main streets that runs through the walled old town of the city, the resort is typically northern Thai architecturally set around a series of garden courtyards. One of the courtyards is home to a 200-year-old Tamarind tree from which the resort takes its name.
Explore, dream, discover and embrace ...
"Don't try to see beyond the horizon - often the richest experiences are those that you stumble upon because of where you are and who you're with. Explore, dream, discover and embrace each new experience as a life-changing memory."
Sue Bell - Co Founder
Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand travel inspiration
A festive break exploring Thailand
A few years ago, my husband and I ditched the baubles for coconuts and spent our first Christmas away from home. Our destination was Thailand, somewhere we’d both been lucky enough to visit before and had continued to lust after …

Lizzie Heeley
26 Sept 20223 mins read
Dining local in Thailand
Thailand is well known for its stunning beaches and limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, the magnificent temples and floating markets of Bangkok and colourful cultural heritage of Chiang Mai, but one thing that Thailand is renowned for across the …

Rachel Gleave
19 Jan 20244 mins read
Is Thailand Good For Honeymoons?
Thailand is a country with so much to see and do for those seeking a honeymoon with more than just a beach. From culture in Bangkok and the north of Thailand, to its jungle interior with rainforest clad mountains teeming …

Rachel Gleave
17 Sept 20245 mins read
The Most Epic Views in Thailand
The diversity of landscapes is one of Thailand’s best assets, with thick rainforests, buzzing cities and brilliant white beaches embellishing its scenery. From the north-eastern jungle clad mountains, rice paddies of the central plateau, and the beautiful islands scattered off …

Rachel Gleave
02 Jan 20243 mins read
Wild Places – Thailand and elephants
Thailand has incredible diversity – it has over 100 national parks and is home to over 10% of the world’s wildlife species, so whatever part you are visiting, you’re never far from an incredible animal encounter. There is no better …

Rachel Gleave
15 Jan 20244 mins read

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