Chiang Khan
Deep in the heart of northeastern Thailand, Chiang Khan gives you the opportunity to swim in the Mekong river. To get to the swimming hole at Gaeng Kut Kuu, follow the road next to the river down into the valley a mile or two. If the river bed is dry, pop-up restaurants will await you.
It is popular with vacationing Thais because of the beautiful views of mountains in neighboring Laos and the town's famous walking street. The street, closed to traffic, is lined with vendors, restaurants, bars, shops, yoga studios and boutiques. Be sure to get a guesthouse high on a hill to enjoy the view of Laos yourself.
Mon Cham
Located an hour away from Chiang Mai, Mon Cham is a mountain farming community with amazing, sprawling flower fields. The local hillside tribe produces a variety of flowers using sustainable farming methods.
They also produce cooler-weather veggies and fruits. The flowers keep the hill cherry, colorful and tended while creating panoramic stretches across the village. Walk through the flower fields or visit the mountain-side cafe for a meal and experience an uninterrupted beauty of nature.
Ban Mae Or
Ban Mae Or is also known as Ban Rak Thai Village (Love Thai Village). It can be found in Mae Hong Son Province and it is the last settlement before the Thai-Myanmar border. Nestled in the mountains, there is a lake next to the village and local homes are built from clay and rice straw with decorative Chinese-style features. Tea plantations give a boost to the local economy and the village has a unique vibe.
Pai
A laid-back hippie hangout in Northern Thailand, Pai is a charming and popular riverside town at the foot of the mountains. Pai is also populated by local rastas, Western hippies and Muslims.
There are waterfalls, canyons, and hot springs close to hand, not to mention the huge weekly market (held every Wednesday) where people from different ethnic groups come to sell colourful and unusual handicrafts.
Ban Na Ton Chan
This beautiful village is one of the hidden small villages of Thailand, located in north-central Thailand. You will see spiky red and green dragon fruits dropping from trees outside homes. Local wisdom and passion are the charms of this village. Over 20 years, the village has created a fascinating history of local traditions and won many awards for its community-based activities.
Lampang
Another northern gem, Lampang town is a top place to learn more about the ancient Lanna kingdom and immerse yourself in the northern way of life. Horses and carts still carry people around the quaint streets and there are plenty of old temples and other historic buildings in various architectural styles to visit.
Koh Kret
Koh Kret is a delightful river village close to Bangkok. Traditionally home to a pottery-making Mon community, it is a great day trip from the capital to see a completely different way of life and enjoy a much quieter vibe. Quiet paths lead through patches of green and past small homes, and there are several interesting religious spots to admire as well as old kilns, pottery communities, and a thriving market.
If you are planning a trip to Thailand, make sure you include these Thailand’s top towns and villages in your itinerary.