The name evokes an impression that illicit drugs are the activity of this area. Yes, it was once a notorious place. However, with strict enforcement by various countries particularly the United States and Thailand playing an important role of eradicating the drug menace by educating the many hill-tribes to have a permanent settlement instead of the slash and burn to grow crops. Schools were built to educate their children on the Thai curriculum and welfare.

Chiangrai is 785 km north of Bangkok and is in the midst of mountains and hills. Across the great Mekong river is Myanmar and Laos, thus the name “Golden Triangle”. All nationalities can cross over to these countries easily by road, boats or air with valid passports and visa. Being the first to establish into a city by King Mengrai of the Lanna Kingdom, it has many ancient ruins. There are many activities you can indulge like visiting the only handcrafted White Temple in Thailand; the ever changing flowers in the most beautiful botanical garden; Hill-tribe, Opium or the National museum; elephant riding; shopping for foodstuff; clothing; jewelries; handicrafts or ride on a long propeller boat on the Mekong river; explore the natural rock formation and caves with spectacular formations e.g. Big Cave, Fish Cave. Please visit www.homestaytravelchiangrai.com for more pictures and information.

Of course, if you are a nature lover, go to the mountains. Doi Tung – it has a sacred hilltop Buddhist shrine built in 911 AD and it is believed that the left collar bones of Lord Buddha is enshrined in the twin pagodas. On your way up, enjoy the panoramic view then drop in to visit the Akha and Lahu hill-tribe village famous for their hand woven textiles and silver jewelries. Not satisfied with one mountain? Venture to Thailand’s little Switzerland, the Doi Mae Salong, incidentally “doi” means mountain. It sits on an elevation of 6000 feet above sea level. The air is cool and refreshing throughout the year. The settlers are ethnic Chinese descendants of the KMT nationalist army who took refuge in Thailand to escape from the Communist forces of Mainland China more than 50 years ago. The settlement has its own Christian churches, Buddhist temples, schools, locally produced oolong black tea, shops and restaurants.

You are welcome to experience first hand the local foods, way of life and customs of the Northern Thai through a village home stay.

If you have enjoyed reading this article, please forward it to a friend.

Bangkok is the usual gateway for most travellers, and you should plan on three or five days in the capital. This should allow sufficient time for seeing the major sights such as the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Vimanmek Mansion. Perhaps also a trip along the Chao Phraya River or a shopping jaunt to Chatuchak Weekend Market.

You might also take an out – of – town excursion (Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi are top choices). Check out some of the suggestions listed under our Bangkok section.

If a beach vacation is your priority, Bangkok could be followed by a week at Phuket or Samui Island, which offer the most exotic settings. Should your time be limited, the resorts of Pattaya, Rayong, Cha – am and Hua Hin are closer to the capital.

For a different scene, northern Thailand affords plenty of scope for both cultural sightseeing and refreshing escapes into the countryside. Chiang Mai is the best base for exploring the region, offering its own sights as well as numerous hiking and trekking options, and a stay of three or four days gives a good introduction. If you have more time, overnight visits to Mae Hong Son or Chiang Rai are well worthwhile.

Travellers who already know Thailand will find the Northeast region rewarding. The most traditional part of our country, it is best toured by car or bus allow five to seven days.

Thailand further provides excellent facilities for sporting vacations – golf, scuba diving, yachting, and mountain biking. A two-week stay gives time for general sightseeing and special interest activities.

The variations for a visit to Thailand are never endless, and perhaps the best advice to bear in mind when arranging your trip is to plan on coming back.

When you plan your holiday to Thailand, you will want to experience some of the culture. The first place you stop at should be the Chiang Mai Culture Centre. You can see a traditional tribal and folk show, and intriguing displays about the northern culture. The National Museum also exhibits all the culture of Thailand. The rooftop is fascinating as well. You will learn about the culture and the history of the area. The Tribal Museum is down the road and has many beautiful exhibits. The exhibits of the hill tribes are amazing to see. You will learn many interesting things about Thailand by visiting these two attractions.

While deciding about the other things to do when planning your holidays to Thailand, you should include a trip to the zoo. You will see the Pandas as well as African and Asian animals. Then there is the Art Museum. The exhibits are fascinating to see and read about while learning about the type of artworks that are custom in Thailand. After a few indoor activities, you might enjoy a day outdoors at the National Park. You will see birds, plants and some smaller creatures. The waterfalls are beautiful and the hiking trails are enjoyable and easy to walk.

Another place to plan to see is the waterfalls called Namtok Huai Kaew located by the zoo. Then you can take a trip to the Doi Pui Tribal Village. The village is a true Hmong village that has all the older traditions and a beautiful view of Doi Inthanon. The Royal Winter Palace is another spectacular place to see. It is a palace on the mountain with a beautiful garden adorning the grounds. If you visit from December to February, you will not be allowed inside because the Royal family will be there.

Holidays to Thailand are about culture and what better way to experience the culture than with a Khantoke Dinner. The dinner consists of many different dishes, which are a northern tradition. They have culture dances and other shows during the meals, which are courtesy of the hillside tribes. It is a real treat to visit Thailand and see how they live and celebrate different holidays. The Hmong New Year is a spectacular tradition and if you can travel during that time, you will see beautiful costumes and enjoy a cultural experience like you never have before.

If your holidays to Thailand are going to include some shopping, you will want to visit Night Bazaar. You will find souvenirs and handmade items. The Night Bazaar does not open until six at night. You can find just about anything you want. The fabrics are fascinating and reasonable priced. You can enjoy a great vacation to Thailand and see how everyone lives and how the tribes live. The culture is amazing to see and learning more about the culture is exciting. You will enjoy a week or longer in Thailand experiencing the customs.