Hi, I'm Jane Guthrie, the Product Director for Travelmall. My travels through Northern Thailand took me to many places of scenic beauty and showed me some ancient cultures that still exist amongst the hilltribe people. Most importantly, I have had the opportunity to review the accommodation, tours and attractions of the region. I am pleased to offer my personal recommendations to help make your visit a memorable experience.

Chiang Mai is the main gateway city to explore the north of Thailand and the customs of its Hilltribe people. 1 hour by regular scheduled flight north of Bankgok, Chiang Mai is Thailands 2nd largest city and today has a distinctly cosmopolitan feel about it eventhough most visitors are attracted to the region to experience the ancient hilltribe culture.

Tribes are distinguished by their language, customs and dress rather than physical boundaries. There are 6 main Hill Tribes or ethnic minorities living in the mountainous regions of Thailands far north west.

The Akha - characteristic by their headress of beads, feathers and silver ornaments
The Lahu - characteristic by the black and red jackets worn by the women
The Lisu - characteristic by the multi coloured edging on their tunics
The Mien - characteristic by the red fur-like collars and dark turbans worn by the women
The Hmong - characteristic by the large buns most women wear their hair in
The Karen - characteristic by the brass rings the women wear around their necks giving them an elongated appearance.

These villages still exist today but don't expect them to be without western influences such as television sets and satellite dishes! Some of the tribes people still wear their characteristic dress but this is mainly for tourists. The local government has also tried to change their original source of income which was largely dependent on growing poppy plants for opium. The government has taken a very strong stand against the drug trade and has financially guaranteed revenue from alternative crops to discourage growing poppy plants. The majority of hill tribe people are friendly and welcoming to tourists but how much time you get to actually spend with the locals is dependent on the type of tour you choose.

If your time is limited or you feel a little intrusive being in someone elses home then a day tour would be the best alternative. If you prefer to base yourseslf in Chiang Mai and see the sights during the day then I recommend a 2 - 3 night stay to take in the main attractions.

If you have more time and really want to immerse yourself in hilltribe culture then spend a night or two in a village. For the more adventurous perhaps combine this with a little trekking and or white water rafting.

4 Star Category
Excellent location only 500 metres from the night bazaar. Rooms have Thai style furnishings and large panoramic windows.

5 Star Category
Situated right by the Ping River, most rooms have river views (on request). Close to the night bazaar and offering all the amenities you would expect from a deluxe Westin hotel.

5 Star Resort Category
Magnificent Thai style villas and bungalows set around the centre piece of the resort - the rice paddy field with water buffalos working the grounds. The best accommodation in the region and a favourite with the King of Thailand. It is set on the outskirts of Chiang Mai providing a welcome respite from the hustle of the city and there are complimentary shuttle services to town.

If you're like me and detest the idea of wild animals being used for tourist entertainment it is worthwhile taking the time to understand why I'm still recommending it. I make no apologies for sounding like an animal liberationist but after seeing these majestic animals in their natural environment in countries such as Kenya I was at first appalled by the idea of seeing a show and taking a ride. The truth is these animals were used in the logging industry which ceased in 1988. They couldn't be released back into the jungle as they need 60kms square each to survive and there is not enough forest left to cope. The owners couldn't afford to feed them unless they could earn their keep in another way. Tourism was the new industry the local Thai owners could employ their huge charges to earn enough money to feed and care for them. Whilst it is not the ideal lifestyle I suppose it is better than lugging huge logs or being left to starve.

If you don't mind compromising a few creature comforts then you can get a real taste of hilltribe life by staying at Lisu Lodge for the night. Here you are in the heart of a Lisu Tribe Village and will get to experience their culture first hand. The lodge itself is basic but comfortable (private bathrooms but no air-conditioning, TV or mini-bar!). The food is first rate, the staff are local Lisu Villagers and the atmosphere intimate with only 6 rooms. The lodge is constructed almost entirely out of bamboo and has won several eco tourism awards but don't worry, there are flush toilets, hot showers and wine available with meals (very civilised!)

The Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre is a little touristy but still a great night out for a traditional Thai dinner and dancing.

The night Bazaar is 0pen every evening, rain, hail or shine. Here you can pick up some fantastic bargains on local, imported and fake handicrafts.

Temples: Chiang Mai rivals Bangkok for the most in any one city and you could easily spend your entire annual vacation just temple visiting and still not see them all!

There are many, many choices from local noodle dishes at small food stalls to international cuisine at deluxe hotels.

If you're looking for a great meal in a relaxed stylish surrounding then you can't beat the Whole Earth Restaurant which serves Thai and Indian dishes. Whilst the prices are a little higher, the outdoor garden setting is worth the extra. Situated adjacent the Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel.

Chaing Mai's Floating Restaurant seems to be fairly unknown to the foreigners in Chiang Mai. Many Thai people come here for the excellent food and surroundings. Fountains and running water add to the atmosphere as you eat while sitting around or above the small lake. As far as entertainment goes, there is quiet northern Thai and Thai pop music played at a low and non-intrusive level so as not to disturb your meal. The restaurant pricing is for Thais and not for foreigners, which means that the food is cheaper than most hotels, and probably cheaper than the various riverside Thai restaurants.

The easiest way to get around the city is by 'Sawngthaew' which are red passenger trucks with bench like seats which take between 12 and 20 passengers. You can negotiate the cost with the driver but shouldn't expect to pay more than 10 baht around the city or 50 baht between the airport and downtown.

Best time to visit is end of October - March which is their winter season and average temperatures range from a minimum of 10 - 16 deg celcius to a maximum of 24 - 28 deg celcius.
Rainy season is June - October
Summer season is April - May with temperatures ranging from 35 - 38 deg celcius.

Situated approx. 3 hrs drive to the north of Chiang Mai (or daily flight from Bangkok), the main reason to visit the area are the hilltribes and the famous 'Golden Triangle'. Chiang Rai town does not have alot of interest for tourists but it is the base for visiting the northern towns which border Laos and Myanmar (Burma). Organised tours from Chiang Rai will take you to nearby hilltribe villages or further north to Sop Ruak (70kms) to the 'Golden Triangle' where 3 countries: Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) meet. The lookout has a popular tourist sign 'Welcome to the Golden Triangle' for photo oppportunities. The region is also notorious for its opium history and most tours will include a visit to the small and quite interesting museum - the House of Opium. Other attractions include a longtail boat ride on the Mekong River to see villagers on the Laos side, washing and swimming. Some operators offer tours that cross the Mekong River into Laos by boat, avoiding the immigration check point. Visas are required to legally enter Laos. If you don't have a visa then I don't recommend you partake in these types of tours. Fines for visitors without the right documentation can be very costly and payble on the spot in USD$ cash. Only book with a reputable operator who enters via the border town of Chiang Khong and obtains a visa for you at the immigration check point. 2 nights is more than enough time to see the sights of the Chiang Rai region.

3 Star Category
Located in the heart of downtown. Comfortable rooms with views over the city and surrounding countryside.

4.5 Star Category
Large resort style hotel. The hotel has its own pier where you can take boat trips to see the hilltribes.

5 Star Category
Situated on the edge of the Mekong River looking across to neighbouring Laos. Located at Chiang Saen only 10mins from the Golden Triangle View Point and Opium Museum. Wonderful views from your balcony coupled with 5 star amenities.

Phrathat Doi Tung is the holy relic that draws devout Buddhists from as far as Laos and Myanmar for annual worshipping. The reliquary is atop the highest Chiang Rai mountain at Doi Tung, elevation 2,000 metres above sea-level. The shrine is reached by a torturous mountain road, winding its way up and down mountain sides for 17 kms. The unmatched panoramic view reaches out to Myanmar and Laos on the horizon.

Situated approx. 70km north of Chiang Rai at Sop Ruak is the 'Welcome to the Golden Triangle' sign. A popular photograph opportunity for tourists, in peak season there are tour buses galore and many little souvenir shops.

Also situated at Sop Ruak (70kms north of Chiang Rai) this small and somewhat tired museum is actually very interesting. Learn about the cultivating and use of opium by the hilltribe people.

Speed along the river between Thailand and Laos in a low to the water long boat. See the local Lao people washing and swimming in the river.

For something completely different it is worthwhile visiting Mae Hong Son at the very least for a full day. The first thing you will notice is the distinctly cooler climate and fresher air as opposed to some of Thailand’s bigger cities. This predominantly mountainous province actually edges Myanmar and is well known for its mountain scenery, waterfalls, hill tribe villages and national parkes.

There are several attractions worth seeing including The Sunflower Fields in Doi Mae U-Kho where there are fields and fields of wild sunflowers in full bloom during the months of November & December. For the more adventurous there is white water rafting, generally available from July to December.

The most spectacular attraction is without doubt Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu. This is much more than a Temple, overlooking Mae Hong Son from a hilltop providing breathtaking views of the local scenery and mountains. If you are the energetic type, pass by the massive stone lions guarding the staircase and climb 250 metres (it is easier coming down) to the Temple Pagoda.

Another attractive aspect of Mae Hong Son is that it is easily reached by air from Chiang Mai and by road. If you are in the most Northern parts of Thailand, Mae Hong Song is highly recommended.

3 Star Category
Located a little out of town but the views and the gardens are simply spectacular. Enjoying a cocktail whilst taking in the local scenery is very hard to beat indeed.

The rooms are clean and comfortable and come with all the mod cons you would expect of a hotel in this category. Air conditioning, fridge, mini bar, TV with in-house movies, and hair dryers. Facilities are adequate also with a nice pool and surrounding area, restaurant and fitness centre.