Misty mountain peaks and ancient cultures
Green landscapes as far as you can see, high misty mountain peaks and the ancient culture of the indigenous people, northern Thailand offers a special combination. Places like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai probably pop into your head. But the unknown and authentic north has much more to offer.
Lampang
Just an hour's drive from Chiang Mai, you enter the little-visited town of Lampang where most tourists come from Thailand itself. It makes the atmosphere different, but the city ís also truly different and visibly bears the traces of ancient cultures. Explore Lampang on foot or by bicycle, or be guided by horse and carriage, which is only possible in this city of Thailand. Such a ride is a visual fairy tale along the banks of the Wang River, old wooden houses and some unique temples - such as Wat Si Rong Muan and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang - and castle-like buildings in Burmese and Lanna Thai style. Just outside the city, mountain peaks reach for the sky. A climb up steep steps to Wat Phra Phutthabat Sutthawat, also called Doi Pu Yak by locals, takes you to a 360-degree view above the clouds.
Loei
On the banks of the Mekong River lies the authentic province of Loei, which borders Laos to the north. Enjoy extraordinary natural beauty in Phu Kradueng National Park, home to Asiatic black bears, jackals, elephants and gibbons. Meet the friendly Thai Dam at Ban Na Pat Nat, dressed in traditional black silk blouses, cruise the Mekong River at sunset and visit the lively night market in Chiang Khan for typical Thai meals and unique souvenirs.
