The great mass of tourists visits the Thai south, which stretches as an elongated tongue of land between the Gulf of Bangkok and the Andaman Sea to Malaysia. For there are the beautiful beaches and paradisiacal islands, but also tourist castles with all the concomitants of mass tourism.
On the other hand, those who want to experience more of the country, historical, religious and scenic beauty in the mountains of Thailand should direct their paths northward for at least part of the travel time – that is, northward from the pulsating metropolis of Bangkok.
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By public transport from Bangkok to the places worth seeing in the north
Best time to travel in the north of Thailand
The best time to visit the north of Thailand is from October to February. During the day it is warm up to about 30°C. From March it can be really hot with daytime temperatures over 40°C. From the end of June to the beginning of October is the rainy season. Especially in August, roads can be impassable after flooding.
In the winter months of December and January, however, you should bring warm clothes, as it can be as cool as 15°C or less at night – a noticeable chill for many after getting used to high daytime temperatures. In any case, it makes sense to have your sunglasses* with you all year round.
Air quality in Thailand
Unfortunately, another important issue for Thailand’s urban centers, as well as for most residential and industrial areas, is air quality. A constantly updated situation picture can be called up here. Especially in the hot dry season, it can be quite „thick air“ in the big cities due to motorized traffic and industrial emissions. In the countryside away from the urban centers, this is not a problem.
The „smoking season“ in Thailand and Southeast – Asia
However, another phenomenon makes the trip to Southeast – Asia for some time a health risk – the „smoking season“ towards the end of the dry season. Around the end of February fires start to blaze everywhere in the north of Thailand, but also in the neighboring countries Laos and Myanmar. Dense clouds of smoke drift through the valleys and obscure the sun. Smog lies in the streets of Chiang Mai and other places. That this is indeed a serious health risk is shown by the crowds in outpatient clinics and hospitals. Three causes are mainly responsible for this.
Once, the farmers burn their fields shortly before the rainy season, i.e. all the parched plant remains are simply torched before a new crop is planted. In addition, forest fires flare up everywhere. On the one hand this is a form of slash and burn, on the other hand it is supposed to keep the bush free of thicket and undergrowth ’so that it remains passable‘. No wonder that from my point of view the forests in the region are no longer real „primeval forests“, but humanly overformed residual woods by „fire defoliation“. The fact that all tender plants and millions of animals, from insects to small mammals, are also burned during this process, logically reduces the diversity of species drastically. What remains are woody, old hard trees that survive the fires more or less unscathed.
The third cause of smoke can be observed throughout the year, but it increases smog during the „smoking season“: garbage is deposited in open landfills and these are repeatedly set on fire to burn off the combustible components and thus reduce the landfill space. This is an open form of waste incineration without filters…
You should also think about this, if you are traveling in this region – keep your own „garbage – imprint“ small! E.g. use water bottles as often as possible by refilling them at the many water dispensers in guesthouses etc……
The „smoking season“ begins, as I said, sometime at the end of February depending on the weather and the course of the dry season and ends in April, when the first heavier rains fall.
Time zone Thailand
Thailand belongs to the Southeast Asian Time Zone, also called „Indochina Time“ by some. This means 6 hours ahead of Central European Time (CET). 16:00 in the afternoon in Bangkok and Chiang Mai is only 10:00 in the morning in Central Europe. Traveling from Europe to Thailand can be associated with significant „jetlag„ due to the time difference.
Arrival to Thailand
By plane to Bangkok
From Europe the journey is possible by airplane and without problems from all larger airports. From London Heathrow, Paris Charle de Gaulle or Frankfurt am Main several lines fly daily to Bangkok. Cheap and quite comfortable are the flights via the Gulf States, because the long distance is divided about in half. So you can stretch your legs for an hour or two in between. Even if the travel time is a bit longer, it is more pleasant than riding the whole distance in one go. With Qatar Airways* there is a stopover in Doha in the small Gulf emirate of Kathar. Emirates* flies via Dubai and Etihad* via Abu Dhabi.
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Good experience: Qatar Airways even refunded the (partial) price of my return flight without much discussion after I was suddenly no longer allowed to enter Thailand due to the Corona ban in 2020 and therefore had to cancel the connection.
The frequent flights are not only due to the fact that masses of tourists flock to Thailand, but because Bangkok has become one of the important air hubs in South-East Asia and travelers from here have connections to all Asian regions.
Bangkok has two major airports. The new modern Suvarna Bhumi International Airport (IATA designator BKK) is located east of the city and is the destination for almost all intercontinental flights. North of Bangkok is the old Don Mueang Airport (DMK), which has since been developed into a hub for Southeast Asia. If you are looking for domestic flight connections in this region and want to book online at short notice, you can use 12go.asia*. Shuttle buses run between the two airports.
Suvarnabhumi Airport is well connected to the center of Bangkok by City Line – elevated train. For this, the payment machine spits out so-called tokens – depending on the route length. The stations are listed next to the machine. You hold the token – plastic chip at the barrier on the sensor field, then the barrier gives you the way free. Do not lose the token! You need it to be able to leave the track at your destination. There you put the chip into a slot, then you are allowed to leave.
From the airports in Bangkok, especially from the older Don Muang airport north of the metropolis (on the main railroad line to the north /Chiang Mai and northeast ) there are connections to the most important and many less important places in all of Southeast Asia (China, Laos, Vietnam…).
Rail and road transport from neighboring countries in South-east Asia
By land you can reach Thailand from the surrounding countries Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Up to Hanoi and Ho Chi Min City (Saigon) in Vietnam there is already the possibility to arrive by train from Europe. From there, the rail connection via Laos/ Cambodia to Thailand is missing. This journey leads over Moscow – Beijing – Nanning in the south of China to Hanoi and lasts with all fast trains and sporty completed scarcely 14 days. If you want to undertake this adventurous rail trip, the German mini-travel agency traivelling (derived from train traveling) will help you with its extensive expertise in rail travel.
There is (still) no international rail transport in the region of Northern Thailand apart from an extension of the railroad to Ban Thanaleng in Laos via Nong Khai, and thus practically to the Laotian capital Vientiane. On the other hand, the long-distance bus system is very well developed, you can travel to Bangkok by bus from Hanoi and Ho Chi Min City (former Saigon) in Vietnam, Phnom Pen in Cambodia, Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos, and certainly from some more places. For the most part, (air-conditioned) semisleeper buses operate. That is, you book a sleeping seat or even a „bunk“ in which you can or must lie on the road. Now this is not super comfortable, but it saves time that you can spend overnight on the road. The routes are quite long, because the roads are not so well developed, especially in the mountainous regions of Laos.
However, there can change quite a lot in the next few years! At least in Laos and Thailand China invests in the context of the „new Silk Road“ projects masses of money also in transport infrastructure – where you today with the bus over endless serpentine roads mountain around mountain, there are in the future dead straight train routes simply across with tunnel chains and bridges. A rail link from Beijing/China via Laos (Luang Prabang, Vientiane) to Bangkok is planned and under construction. But this will seriously change the region of South-East Asia as a whole.
Entry requirements for Thailand
For Europeans of the EU, British and US cititzens there is by stamp in the passport with the entry a permission for the tourist stay in Thailand for max. 30 days. A visa is not required. So don’t queue at „VISA on arrival“, as an EU-citizen you don’t need it! You have to fill out an entry form in advance (T6), which is usually already given to you on the plane by the airline. Otherwise they are available in front of the immigration queue. You will receive a section of the confirmed entry form and must hand it in when you leave the country – do not lose it! A webcam photo will be taken. In the meantime, all fingerprints will be taken upon entry. If you don’t want this, you have to stay at home.
The duration of stay can be extended once by the local immigration authorities. Otherwise you have to leave the country for at least one day (e.g. to nearby Laos or Cambodia). The passport must still be valid for at least 6 months.
Thai money
The currency of Thailand is the Bath. 1€ is roughly equivalent to 33.77 Thai Bath. In the larger cities, money is available everywhere at numerous ATMs, most of which accept the usual credit cards. Sometimes there are regular ATM queues of the various banks at subway stations. Regardless of the conditions of the local bank for the withdrawal of foreign currencies, the ATM operators add withdrawal fees on site, which are not refunded by your bank!
After a few attempts you will find out which bank is the cheapest and otherwise it is simply better to withdraw larger items at once. The surcharge is displayed before the booking confirmation, so you can still cancel if the additional costs are too much for you. Currently (2020) I have only found ATMs that take 220 baht (so about 6,50€) fees. Take care of your valuables and cash – supplies. Safe stashing is in order, although most locals are friendly and helpful. Sometimes, unfortunately, there are idiots among backpackers…
Public transport in Thailand’s north – local and regional
By train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Where it exists, the Thai railroad is an iconic mode of transportation. Narrow gauge compared to the European standard gauge, it is somewhat of yesterday in equipment and operation. For example, on departure, conductors everywhere wave flags (or flash strobo flashlights at night) until the train has left the station. At the stations, „ship’s bells“ are rung when trains are announced, and station personnel stand at attention at designated posts to receive them. Upon arrival at the terminus, some windows are replaced, which were broken during the last trip. (Pardon, it also happened to me, the window has tilted when lowering and broke when pulling up).
From the point of view of a rail customer, I have experienced all rail employees in Thailand as very friendly, helpful and committed. For example, I once took a night train from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai in a couchette car – as soon as I boarded, a conductor approached me, led me to my seat and handed me clean (shrink-wrapped) bedding. In the morning – no sooner had I pulled away my curtain than another attendant came and offered me fresh coffee.
The cruising speed was sometimes only 40km/h, which allowed me to enjoy the ride through the jungle very much. Maximum speed was about 90km/h (all according to my GPS device). The prices are moderate.
The train lines to the north leave from Bangkok Hua Lamphong station. This is unfortunately not directly connected to the City Line from the airport. One way to connect is to get off the City Line at Makkasan station and change to the metro there. This is the best way to reach the station. If you want to take the northeast train to Nong Khai via Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat), you can also start from Hua Lamphong. Only after Ayutthaya the lines separate. On the northern route to Chiang Mai is also Phitsanulok, from where you can reach the historic royal city of the Siam Empire Sukhothai. To the old Khmer settlement Phimai you can travel via Khorat.
Buses also travel to the north. Of course in different „service – categories“ with different equipment, partly also as „VIP – bus“ with steward on board. The departure in Bangkok is usually from the northern bus terminal Bangkok Mochit. This is huge, already similar to a big airport! You should therefore plan enough time for check-in, so that you can find the right bus at all. The best way to get there is by cab (costs < 50 ThaiBaht) from the MRT subway station Khampaeng Phet.
You can search for train connections as well as bus lines for all of Thailand and beyond on the website of 12go.asia* and book them directly online.
Dense bus traffic with minibuses in the countryside
In addition to the train, there is a well-developed bus network. Actually, every place can be reached. Larger cities have large bus stations with some services like toilets, stores, snack bars, etc. In more remote areas and smaller towns there are minibuses as big as VW buses. However, these have one more row of seats, so 14 people share the cramped space. Luggage ends up mostly on the roof, smaller things (or when the roof is full) go under the seat or somewhere where there is still a little space. Since some trips can easily last 3-4 hours, this is quite a pain. Even for me, who’s not too tall. In the end, you don’t know how to twist your legs anymore so that it’s halfway bearable. Here you come into close contact with the locals !
I would say that a longer route is not financially ruinous. But if you drive with a small budget several short sections in a row to explore a region, it is noticeable in the long run. At least if you want to spend a longer period in the region without big costs. You can book your local busses at 12go.com*
For those who prefer to save time and spend more money, Thailand also has a fairly developed regional flight system. From the relatively small town of Mae Hong Son in the far northwest, where I spent some time, at least 2 planes flew every day to and from the provincial capital Chiang Mai with connections to Bangkok and other destinations. So it would be rather no problem to get back to Bangkok from this last corner before Myanmar within max. 4 hours.
Accomodation in Thailand
In the search mask provided by booking.com you can search for accommodations all over Thailand *. This helps, for example, when traveling to find a first hotel near your airport or border crossing. Just enter Bangkok airport or similar into the search field and you will quickly find your accommodation. Further accommodations are indicated in the respective regional articles, which you can call further down as „destinations“ in Thailand.
Booking.com[*Advertising from booking.com]
North of Thailand Map, Travel guide and literature
Thailand north* A folded sheet map: If you will drive through the north of Thailand, you will get a fast survey with the sheet map. On the road it is best because you have no disturbing reflexions by the bright sunlight.
Lonely planet: Northern Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia*
The Lonely Planet travel guide is the most helpful english Guidebook worldwide for backpackers, travellers and global nomads. With this edition for Indochina you are best prepared in the region of Mekong river.
The food of Northern Thailand* by Austin Bush
You like Thai food? Here you can learn how to cook northern Thailand meals properly.
On horseback through Indo China – part 2*: Burma, North Thailand, Shan states and Yunnan – an historic ride through Indochina reported by Otto E. Ehlers. He was a german research traveller in the second half of 19th century.
What else should you pay attention to?
Even though I have written a few times that it is worth renting a scooter in Pai – be careful! Nowhere have I seen so many injured travelers as in Pai – with bandaged or splinted arms or legs, ugly skin abrasions, sometimes even crutches. The left-hand traffic is unfamiliar for many travelers, in addition to the sometimes chaotic driving style of locals and inexperienced travelers. It is better to drive a little slower, especially through the villages. If you have never ridden a scooter before, it is better to take a cab (at the bus station) or a tour operator, or take the buses for the next stage. And- a first aid kit* is always advisable for travelers!
Before renting a scooter/motorcycle copy your passport incl. Thailand entry stamp. You usually have to deposit the passport at the rental agency. If you rent a scooter, take some photos immediately from all sides with date/time stamp. Above all, if you see already somewhere scratches or dents, hold these in the photo! So one can not make you afterwards for already existing damage liable.
At some times and in some places the mosquitoes can be quite a nuisance. In general, it makes sense to take a mosquito net* with you to Thailand for your bed. This ensures a restful night. Many accommodations have mosquito nets over the bed, but not all. Mosquito protection is also malaria prevention! Also a mosquito repellent* is recommended. Either from home, or with a little luck you can get mosquito repellent in the 7eleven supermarket. The only question is what is in it….
If you go to expensive accommodations anyway, clean bed linen should be a matter of course. In cheap hostels or the bamboo huts on the Pai River this may not be the case. There an own „hut sleeping bag“ or a sleeping bag – Inlett* is recommended. Even though I don’t have much in my light backpack, there is enough space for it. The serves me then in the couchette or Sleeperbus as a blanket…
For better handling of elephants
Elephants are the symbol of Thailand, the typical beer of the country is Chang, which means elephant – and yet most elephants live in more or less bad torture conditions.
If you want to have a nice experience with elephants and consciously avoid riding them, the Elephant Nature Park is looking forward to your visit. About 60km north of Chiang Mai, the enthusiast Sangduen Chailert (Lek) has purchased 840 hectares of land on which 84 elephants now live. These were all „ransomed“ from torturous captivity and are now allowed to live here as if in freedom.
While the riding elephants of the camps are separated from their conspecifics as babies and psychologically broken with screams, beatings and pain, here the mahouts have no hook, but at best tasty treats. The animals come together in herds on the grounds, learn to help and support each other, and begin to work through their psychological wounds. The income from tourist visits helps to maintain and expand this elephant park. In the meantime, five baby elephants have even been born in the park, which has been in existence since 1992.
A contact office can be found in Chiang Mai at the edge of the old town district, where you can book day tours or overnight stays in the elephant park: Elephant Nature Park Office, 1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing, Chiang Mai 50200.
Keen to find your best place in northern Thailand?
Next to Bangkok – Ayutthaya, the second capital of the Siam empire
Khmer temple Phimai – the small Angkor Wat of Thailand
Sukhothai – the cradle of the Siam Kingdom
Chiang Mai and the North west oft Thailand – Waterfalls, Caves, temples…
Nong Khai – border town at the Mekong river
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* Note on advertising links
Some links in this post are marked with *. About it you reach a store, an agency or another commercial enterprise. If you buy or book something there, I get a commission for financing this blog. Nothing will be more expensive for you, because the commission is already included in the price.