Forget Bangkok, forget the beaches, no trip to Thailand would be complete without taking in the diversity of sights and culture that populate the northern provinces. It is here you can discover amazing temples, old and new, meet the long-necked women of isolated hill tribes and traverse the forests on the back of an elephant.

Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province is the gateway to the Golden Triangle, where you can look out across the Mae Khong river to Laos and Myanmar and home to some of the worlds most impressive temples including Wat Rong Kuhn, a stunning contemporary design of pure white.

Thailand’s culture is heavily influenced by their predominately Buddhist religion and they follow the Therevada school which has an emphasis on monasticism. It is a common rite of passage for young Thai men to don the orange robes and become a monk, usually for a period of about three months.

Of all the possible modes of transport, surely nothing could surpass crossing rivers, strolling through open fields and ambling through the trees on the back of an elephant. A truly unique way to see the lush countryside of Thailand’s hill regions.

Until recently, Mae Hong Son or ‘City of Three Mists’ has been virtually isolated from the outside world. It is situated in a deep valley between high mountain ranges and as the name implies is shrouded in mist almost all year round. It is here that you may encounter Kayan women, a religious order of some Karenni hill tribes where the women wear brass coils around their necks from a young age which elongates the neck.

When planning a visit, bear in mind that the north is cooler than the rest of the countries and whilst the plains can be comfortably warm, in the mountainous areas can drop below freezing at night.

Photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5