How to get off the beaten track in northern Thailand

Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is one of the country's most exciting cities. The Bangkok to Chiang Mai train is a rite of passage in itself; this overnight sleeper train takes around 12 hours. As soon as you arrive into Chiang Mai, you'll instantly notice a calmer contrast from Bangkok.
 

Chiang Mai accommodation ranges from boutique hotels and upscale spa resorts to sociable hostels and self-catering guesthouses. In terms of where to stay in Chiang Mai, first-time visitors can opt for the Old City, with most sites in easy walking distance, while the tranquil riverside area makes for a true luxury escape in Thailand.

There's plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai, from Bua Tong "Sticky Waterfalls" and the famous Doi Suthep temple to the bustling Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The best elephant sanctuary in northern Thailand is Elephant Nature Park. This is one of the largest elephant conservation centres in the country, where the gentle giants roam huge swathes of land and splash about in the river. Watch them from a dedicated viewing platform on our Northern Thailand tour.

The first capital of Siam (present-day Thailand), Sukhothai was at the heart of Thai civilization between the 13th and 15th centuries. It became abandoned from the late 1400s, gradually becoming a "lost city" in the jungle, before being excavated in the 19th century.
 

Today you can explore this old city by bicycle; there are 21 historical sites within the city walls and a further 70 outside. While historic Ayutthaya is a popular day trip from Bangkok, Sukhothai makes for a great alternative, as you can escape the crowds and soak up just as much rich history - if not more.

Venture off the beaten track in Thailand and head north to find Uthai Thani, which is reachable by a three-hour public bus from Bangkok. For a comfier ride, consider joining our northern Thailand tour, where you’ll reach Uthai Thani from Sukhothai by private van. You'll have the chance to board a traditional boat along the meandering Sakrae Krang River as well as visiting a local market.

Uthai Thani's stand-out attraction is the bedazzling Wat Tha Sung. Nicknamed ‘Crystal Temple’, the Buddhist temple's interior is adorned with columns of sparkling glass mirrors, crystal chandeliers and a huge golden Buddha statue seated at the end of the long hall.