Chiang Mai
Known as the largest city in Northern Thailand and once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is such a significant city in this region. In the Lanna language, Chiang Mai means "New City". The city offers the classic features that attract visitors: friendly locals, great food, and affordable prices. With the usual amount of frugality, you get more bang for the travel buck in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand in general than in Bangkok or the islands.
Chiang Rai
The city of Chiang Rai is an anomaly among the places to go to Northern Thailand. The most famous of Chiang Rai attractions is the iconic Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) which was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat. Another famous work from Chalermchai is Chiang Rai’s golden clock tower set prominently in a roundabout in the center of town. Unveiled in 2008 as a tribute to the King of Thailand, the clock tower comes alive every hour as one would expect an ornate clock tower to do.Chiang Dao
Located around 90 minutes from north of Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao is the place to go for picturesque limestone cliffs and Thailand’s third-highest mountain, Doi Chiang Dao (7,135 feet). Although the mountain is barely a pebble when matched up against the massifs in Asia’s Himalayas, Chiang Dao is the premier place for bird watching in Thailand. Over 300 species, many of which are rare and can be spotted.Read more: Take a day trip to Ayutthaya, Thailand
Pai
A bit less than four hours north of Chiang Mai, Pai is a much smaller, chilled-out, riverside option for getting away from concrete. Although still mostly green, Pai’s popularity and its development have grown tremendously in the last decade. So far, the charm has survived. Travelers of all budgets and nationalities cram into minivans to visit Pai. A surprising number come and decide not to leave.
Source Internet