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Worldwide > Thailand > Northern Thailand
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Northern Thailand offers visitors a change of pace and a more culturally authentic version of Thai life. This rural region is home to stunning natural scenery featuring dense jungle and stunning mountainous beauty. The climate is cooler here and it’s an ideal place to relax, unwind and soak up the local Thai atmosphere.
 Northern Thailand is renowned for its rich history and varied culture, ancient temples and pagodas, religious artefacts, ethnic handicrafts and artwork. But if you are looking for adventure there are plenty opportunities to trek through virgin jungle, raft down white-water rapids or explore the mountainous beauty on elephant back. Chiang Mai, also known as ‘The Rose of the North`, is the gateway to the north and is Thailand’s second largest city. It is an ideal base from which to explore this region. As well as being rich in culture and tradition, Chiang Mai is a bustling, modern city with delicious cuisine, world-class accommodation and excellent opportunities for shopping. Chiang Rai is more traditional and peaceful than Chiang Mai and enjoys a location in the heart of The Golden Triangle - the area where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet at the convergence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers.
Northern Thailand is renowned for its large number of Cookery Schools and is considered ‘the place’ to do your Thai Cooking Course; choose from half day to week-long courses covering all the aspects of Thai Cuisine. Many courses include a visit to local produce markets and instruction on selecting ingredients as well as teaching you how to prepare popular Thai specialities. |
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Top tips/recommended tours
Elephant Safari and Bamboo Rafting: This highly recommended tour is a superb day out from Chiang Mai. Enjoy a trip to an authentic elephant camp and see the traditional techniques still used in the elephant training process. Encounter the elephants during their morning river bathing, feed them and view a logging display. Embark on a
90-minute safari to the Lisu hilltribe village, trekking up through the jungle. Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant with spectacular views before embarking on a 1 hour bamboo rafting trip.
Burma Border Crossing and Mekong River: While in Chiang Rai why not take a day trip into Burma (Myanmar). Enjoy a rickshaw tour of Tachilek - a border town, visit a local Shan style temple and discover the famous Golden Triangle.
Chiang Mai Night Market: If you are prepared to haggle you could bag yourself some great bargains in this famous bazaar - from local art and crafts to imitation designer handbags and sunglasses! | | |
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Hotels:
Amari Rincome Hotel | Dusit D2 Hotel | Anantara Resort & Spa
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| Amari Rincome Hotel | Chiang Mai - 3 star |
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This great value Chiang Mai hotel is only a 10-minutes from the famous night bazaar and reflects the unique culture of Northern Thailand in its elegant interiors and the warmth of its hospitality.
Facilities: 2 restaurants, 2 bars, 2 swimming pools, kids pool, tennis and beauty salon.
Guestrooms: All 158 rooms and suites feature natural Thai fabrics and beautiful teakwood fittings. Amenities include satellite TV, DVD player in deluxe rooms, mini-bar, IDD telephone, individually controlled air-conditioning, balcony, in-room safe and Wi-Fi.
Distance from airport: 20 mins
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AMARI RINCOME HOTEL: Chiang Mai – 3 Star
B&B • Extra nt/single supplement €39
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Prices from € 969 |
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Package prices include return economy flights from Ireland, 5 nights accommodation in a standard room and airport transfers. Prices are per person sharing and are based on selected dates. For a full tailor-made package & details of room and flight upgrades call 01-2410888. | |
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| Dusit D2 Hotel | Chiang Mai - 4 Star |
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This contemporary hotel located just off the famous Chang Klan Road, provides a serene base in the midst of downtown Chiang Mai. The design is modern and minimalist and the atmosphere is very hip. Within walking distance of the city centre and its buzzing night bazaars, it also provides easy access to the Tapae Gateway, home of the ancient temples.
Facilities: 2 restaurants, bar, luxurious Spa, health club and outdoor swimming pool.
Guestrooms: 131 guestrooms and suites with 25-inch flat-screen TV, safe, telephone with voicemail, mini-bar and high-speed Internet access.
Distance from airport: 10 mins |
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DUSIT D2 HOTEL: Chiang Mai – 4 Star
B&B • Extra nt/single supplement €69
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Prices from €1,119 |
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Package prices include return economy flights from Ireland, 5 nights accommodation in a standard room and airport transfers. Prices are per person sharing and are based on selected dates. For a full tailor-made package & details of room and flight upgrades call 01-2410888. | |
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| Anantara Resort & Spa Golden Triangle | Chiang Rai - 5 star |
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This renowned hotel is perched on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers and provides spectacular views into Burma and Laos. It is an excellent base for exploring this magnificent region with elephant treking, jungle walking and river rafting options close-by.
Facilities: 4 restaurants and 2 bars, infinity pool, jacuzzi, fitness club, tennis and squash courts and deluxe Spa.
Guestrooms: 90 rooms and suites decorated with Thai artefacts and complete with 2-person terrazzo bath and balcony overlooking 3 countries or the infinity pool & gardens.
Distance from airport: 50 mins |
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ANANTARA RESORT & SPA GOLDEN TRIANGLE: Chiang Rai – 5 Star
Room Only • Extra nt/single supplement €69
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Prices from €1,139 |
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Package prices include return economy flights from Ireland, 5 nights accommodation in a standard room and airport transfers. Prices are per person sharing and are based on selected dates. For a full tailor-made package & details of room and flight upgrades call 01-2410888. | |
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