Thailand
The Mountainious North

Chiang Mai, the centre of the mountainous and picturesque north, is a contrast to Bangkok because of its great antiquity and distinct terrain. Located 700 kilometres north of the capital, the city is serviced by daily flights or can be reached by air-conditioned overnight train or coach.
Known as the 'Rose of the North', Chiang Mai was founded in the late 13th century and is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in Thailand. Once the capital of Lanna, an independent Thai kingdom, it has preserved its cultural heritage and is a  treasure-house of arts and architecture special to the region. Within the city gates are numerous ancient Buddhist temples and other monuments. Close by are Wat Prathat Doi Suthep and the Phuping Palace, the summer residence of the royal family.
If you love crafts, Chiang Mai is one of the world's largest centres of cottage industries and has numerous handicrafts and craftsmen using skills passed down from generation to generation.
Not far from ancient Sukhothai, (the first capital of Thailand in the 1300s), situated on the edge of the northern borders are the ruins of two ancient satellite towns of Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet, the former town now uninhabited, the latter a thriving provincial centre. A good base to explore the Sukhothai area is the town of Phitsanuloke, 55 kilometres away to the east.
The northern region does not just consist of monuments to man's achievement. It also has superb mountains, rivers, waterfalls, forests and caves. Thus the best way to appreciate the north is to join a jungle-safari travelling on foot, by jeep, by elephant or river raft staying overnight at hill-tribe villages. On these excursions you are accompanied by an experienced guide. If you don't have much time, you can see jungle scenery by taking a longtail boat up the Kok River to Chiang Rai.

Other great attractions in the north are Tham Pla (Fish Cave), Forest Park, a Lisu tribal village at Pang Paek and the Ko Pang waterfall in Mae Hong Son.

The countryside east of Pai is famous for a seasonal phenomenon (November to December) known as Thale Mok (Sea of Mists) when mountain valleys become filled with clouds providing a spectacular early morning sight.

The provincial capital, Mae Hong Son, is a petite sleepy town you can visit either by Bangkok Airways flights in Chiang Mai, or by road around hairpin bends, through spectacular mountainous scenery.
One of the most unusual sights in Mae Hong Son is the Pa Dong Karens, a hill-tribe community who farm rice, tea and tobacco. Certain Pa Dong females elongate their necks from an early age with brace rings. Some older women wear as many as 20 brass coils around their necks.

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