{"id":2432,"date":"2015-04-28T09:30:30","date_gmt":"2015-04-28T09:30:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/thai\/?p=2432"},"modified":"2015-04-28T10:09:06","modified_gmt":"2015-04-28T10:09:06","slug":"a-great-northern-thailand-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/thai\/a-great-northern-thailand-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"A Great Northern Thailand Itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although Thailand is mostly known for sun and sand on the islands or debauchery in Bangkok, the northern part of the country has a lot to offer – motorbike trips, jungle trekking, stunning temples, massive caves and waterfalls, elephant sanctuaries, ruins of ancient capitals, and so much more. Go-go bars and Full Moon parties are great and all, but this is the part of Thailand for those seeking adventure, culture, history, and awe-inspiring landscapes. If you’re like me and you’d rather hike to remote villages than sit on the beach, you’ll love traveling in northern Thailand. Here’s a route that can be completed starting in either Bangkok or Chiang Rai. For those on an extended journey, this can easily be combined with a trip to Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, or the southern part of Thailand. Headings are links that will take you to more in depth posts about each destination:<\/p>\n

Chiang Rai<\/a><\/h1>\n
\"White<\/a>

White and Black in Chiang Rai.<\/p><\/div>\n

Often overlooked by travelers, this northern Thai city is a great first or last stop on a northern Thailand trip, depending on which direction you’re traveling. There’s not a whole lot going on in the city center, but there are plenty of options in the surrounding area. Make sure you visit the “Heaven & Hell of Architecture” at the White Temple and Black House<\/a> to see two artists’ contrasting visions brought to life. There’s also a solid trekking industry based in town if you want to get out to the ethnic minority villages deep in the jungle. You can find a few interesting temples, a great night market, and plenty of bars and cafes to keep you entertained the rest of the time.<\/p>\n