Chiang Mai Provinces

Northern Thailand is home to some of the country’s most scenic and culturally rich provinces, and many travellers use Chiang Mai as a gateway to explore the wider region.

Surrounded by mountains, national parks, temples, and traditional Lanna towns, the provinces near Chiang Mai each offer unique attractions and experiences.

Chiang Mai Provinces, Location Guides, Area Map, Attractions, Thailand

Chiang Mai Province is by far the most popular destination in Northern Thailand and is famous for its mix of culture, adventure and nature. The province is home to the bustling city of Chiang Mai, historic temples such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and the towering Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain. Visitors flock here for trekking, elephant sanctuaries, mountain scenery, night markets and traditional Lanna cuisine.

Chiang Mai also acts as the main hub for exploring nearby provinces and remote hill tribe villages.

To the north lies Chiang Rai Province, another hugely popular province known for its striking temples and mountain landscapes. Chiang Rai is home to the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple and the Golden Triangle region where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. The province attracts travellers looking for scenic drives, tea plantations, hill tribe communities and cooler mountain weather.

Many visitors combine Chiang Rai with Chiang Mai as part of a Northern Thailand road trip.

West of Chiang Mai is Mae Hong Son Province, one of Thailand’s most mountainous and picturesque provinces. Famous for the winding Mae Hong Son Loop, this province includes the laid-back town of Pai, a favourite among backpackers and nature lovers. Travellers come here for waterfalls, hot springs, scenic mountain roads and misty viewpoints. Mae Hong Son is also known for its ethnic hill tribe culture and peaceful atmosphere.

South of Chiang Mai is Lamphun Province, a smaller but historically significant province filled with ancient temples and traditional Northern Thai charm. Lamphun was once part of the ancient Hariphunchai Kingdom and remains a great destination for visitors interested in history, culture and quieter local experiences. Its close proximity to Chiang Mai makes it an easy day trip.

Nearby Lampang Province is known for its relaxed atmosphere, horse-drawn carriages and beautiful Lanna-style architecture. Lampang is less touristy than Chiang Mai but offers excellent cultural attractions, mountain scenery and historic temples. It is also an important transport hub in Northern Thailand and popular with travellers seeking a slower pace.

Further east, provinces such as Nan Province and Phayao Province are becoming increasingly popular for travellers seeking untouched scenery and authentic local experiences.

These provinces feature dramatic mountain landscapes, national parks, quiet countryside roads and fewer crowds than the better-known destinations.