Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sukhothai to Mae Hong Son
Temples &
Mountain Vistas
Follow the culture trail from the ancient capital of Sukhothai to the
Lanna headquarters of Chiang Mai, then detour to Mae Hong Son
Province, a close cousin to Burma. Travel on these mountain roads is
slow, so plan on staying a while.
Sukhothai (
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)
The ruins of one of Thailand's first kingdoms reside in a peaceful parklike setting far
enough from the modern city of
Sukhothai
to feel like a lost treasure. Hire a bicycle
and spend the day among the eternally meditating Buddha figures and gravity-worn
temples. For ruins among the countryside, do a day trip to
Si Satchanalai-Chali-
ang Historical Park
, where the surrounding rice paddies and dusty villages are
part of the attraction. Sukhothai can be adequately explored in two days and the
town is six to seven hours north of Bangkok by bus.
SUKHOTHAI CHIANG MAI
Six hours
from Sukhothai's bus station.
Chiang Mai (
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)
The north's cultural capital, Chiang Mai can easily monopolise three days wander-
ing around the old city, admiring temples and poking around the handicraft shops
for gifts and souvenirs. Devote a day to exploring the surrounding countryside, nav-
igated by curvy mountain roads and festooned with cool-weather flora and high-alti-
tude villages. Spend an evening with the carefree university students along the
fashionable avenue of Th Nimmanhaemin.
CHIANG MAI PAI
Three to four hours
from Chiang Mai's Arcade bus terminal.
25 minutes
from Chiang
Mai's airport.
Pai (
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)
