Chiang Rai, it hasnt improved much. Still a small town with not much but its not bad. Similar to Nong Khai but less charm.

 

Phayao, this town is basically a dump. Couple of good restaurants near lake but town area run down.

 

Lampang, better than Phayao but not as good as Chiang Rai.

 

CM still the only great northern option.

 

 

 

 

sounds like you want a bigger city than CM so going north will only further disappoint you. 

Harbin. 

 

Positives:

Quaint architecture. 

Roast suckling lamb. 

Hotels made completely of ice. 

Girls with REALLY rosy cheeks. 

 

Negatives:

Flat landscape as far as eye can see. 

Also, no mountains. 

North, but too far North. 

VPN required. 

Girls dumpy looking in winter due to heavy coats and pants. 

 

 

Conclusion:

Chiang Mai is North enough. 

 

 

If you're looking for alternatives to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, there are several charming and culturally rich destinations you might consider exploring. Here are a few options:

 

1. Chiang Rai: Known for its stunning White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), Chiang Rai offers a similar cultural experience to Chiang Mai but with a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere. You can also visit the Golden Triangle region where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet.

 

2. Pai: A small town nestled in the mountains, Pai is known for its beautiful landscapes, hot springs, and relaxed vibe. It's a haven for backpackers and nature enthusiasts, offering activities like trekking, waterfalls, and exploring local hill tribe villages.

 

3. Mae Hong Son: This province offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience, with picturesque scenery and a slower pace of life. Mae Hong Son is home to the famous "Long Neck" Karen hill tribe and features stunning temples and a tranquil lake.

 

4. Nan: If you're looking for authenticity and a taste of traditional Thai culture, Nan is a great choice. The town features well-preserved architecture, ancient temples, and a rich history.

 

5. Mae Sot: Located near the Myanmar border, Mae Sot has a diverse mix of cultures and is known for its vibrant markets, which offer goods from both Thailand and Myanmar. The town has a unique atmosphere and is a gateway to exploring the border region.

 

6. Lampang: With its horse-drawn carriages and well-preserved Lanna-style architecture, Lampang offers a glimpse into Thailand's past. You can visit the Thai Elephant Conservation Center and explore the surrounding countryside.

 

7. Phrae: This lesser-known destination is known for its teakwood architecture and historic sites. Phrae provides a more serene and authentic experience compared to larger tourist hubs.

 

8. Doi Saket: A small town just outside of Chiang Mai, Doi Saket offers a quieter escape with beautiful temples and natural attractions. It's a great option for those who want to explore the region without the crowds.

 

Each of these alternatives offers its own unique charm and attractions, allowing you to experience the beauty and culture of northern Thailand from different perspectives.

8 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

If you're looking for alternatives to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, there are several charming and culturally rich destinations you might consider exploring. Here are a few options:

 

1. Chiang Rai: Known for its stunning White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), Chiang Rai offers a similar cultural experience to Chiang Mai but with a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere. You can also visit the Golden Triangle region where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet.

 

2. Pai: A small town nestled in the mountains, Pai is known for its beautiful landscapes, hot springs, and relaxed vibe. It's a haven for backpackers and nature enthusiasts, offering activities like trekking, waterfalls, and exploring local hill tribe villages.

 

3. Mae Hong Son: This province offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience, with picturesque scenery and a slower pace of life. Mae Hong Son is home to the famous "Long Neck" Karen hill tribe and features stunning temples and a tranquil lake.

 

4. Nan: If you're looking for authenticity and a taste of traditional Thai culture, Nan is a great choice. The town features well-preserved architecture, ancient temples, and a rich history.

 

5. Mae Sot: Located near the Myanmar border, Mae Sot has a diverse mix of cultures and is known for its vibrant markets, which offer goods from both Thailand and Myanmar. The town has a unique atmosphere and is a gateway to exploring the border region.

 

6. Lampang: With its horse-drawn carriages and well-preserved Lanna-style architecture, Lampang offers a glimpse into Thailand's past. You can visit the Thai Elephant Conservation Center and explore the surrounding countryside.

 

7. Phrae: This lesser-known destination is known for its teakwood architecture and historic sites. Phrae provides a more serene and authentic experience compared to larger tourist hubs.

 

8. Doi Saket: A small town just outside of Chiang Mai, Doi Saket offers a quieter escape with beautiful temples and natural attractions. It's a great option for those who want to explore the region without the crowds.

 

Each of these alternatives offers its own unique charm and attractions, allowing you to experience the beauty and culture of northern Thailand from different perspectives.

You cut and pasted that. Not your words.

 

 

 

8 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

Each of these alternatives offers its own unique charm and attractions, allowing you to experience the beauty and culture of northern Thailand from different perspectives.

Load of spin

Everywhere seems to be getting quieter up North, since covid/visa changes. One example Nong Kai, people used to pop across the border and stay a couple of nights in Nong Kai, not any more. Very, very quiet. Chiang Khan seems to be bucking the trend, more and more home stays by the river, w/e especially busy but only on a night, it is a family/couples place and even then everything shutting down by 1 0-00 pm

Nan.

Looks like just another  “ asking questions then criticising the answers “ thread to me ????

34 minutes ago, bignok said:

You cut and pasted that. Not your words.

 

 

 

Haven't you realized it yet?

 

He is quickly becoming BFF with Bard!

 

It all began sometime this past week, I believe.

 

Suddenly, he began taking the advice I provided in a Topic on the usefulness of Bard.

 

Unfortunately, I think he forgot my advice to...

 

a. Never believe what Bard tells you because... Bard is on Acid sometimes, and tends to hallucinate and provide bogus information. Bard is also not logical. Bard is only an LLM.

 

b. I also stated that one should never post words from an LLM, anywhere, as if one had written them oneself. And, further, Bard's writing style is very boring and repetitive, and MACHINE-Like. Bard might think he is human, but he is more like a human that is missing most of the human brain.

 

Someday, somebody might notice these posts written by Bard The Robot, and remove them.

If this does not happen, then we can copy Bard's posts, and get ChatGPT4 to reply to what Bard has boringly regurgitated.

 

 

Let's wait to see what happens.

 

 

56 minutes ago, bignok said:

You cut and pasted that. Not your words.

 

 

 

Ai, I'd venture to guess.

4 minutes ago, malathione said:

Ai, I'd venture to guess.

Please do not insult Bard by referring to him as Ai !

 

1 minute ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Please do not insult Bard by referring to him as Ai !

 

Hahahahaha! That's a good one! Ai Bard!

Five minutes outside of Chiang Mai, all English and falang culture disappear. As long as you are OK in real Thailand it can be very nice. We live in the country south of Chiang Rai and I am the only falang for 20km.

49 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Looks like just another  “ asking questions then criticising the answers “ thread to me ????

Well go elsewhere.

1 minute ago, bignok said:

Well go elsewhere.

No it’s entertaining watching you shoot down all the suggestions .

If only you could feign interest in the replies ????

4 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

No it’s entertaining watching you shoot down all the suggestions .

If only you could feign interest in the replies ????

You didnt make any suggestions 55555

 

I didnt shoot down btw obviously you cannot read!

1 hour ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Haven't you realized it yet?

 

He is quickly becoming BFF with Bard!

 

It all began sometime this past week, I believe.

 

Suddenly, he began taking the advice I provided in a Topic on the usefulness of Bard.

 

Unfortunately, I think he forgot my advice to...

 

a. Never believe what Bard tells you because... Bard is on Acid sometimes, and tends to hallucinate and provide bogus information. Bard is also not logical. Bard is only an LLM.

 

b. I also stated that one should never post words from an LLM, anywhere, as if one had written them oneself. And, further, Bard's writing style is very boring and repetitive, and MACHINE-Like. Bard might think he is human, but he is more like a human that is missing most of the human brain.

 

Someday, somebody might notice these posts written by Bard The Robot, and remove them.

If this does not happen, then we can copy Bard's posts, and get ChatGPT4 to reply to what Bard has boringly regurgitated.

 

 

Let's wait to see what happens.

 

 

I hope AI can do more than this

4 minutes ago, bignok said:

I hope AI can do more than this

The near term future for Bard still looks rather bleak. 

 

Ask Noam Chomsky. 

Noam's no fool. 

 

 

1 hour ago, bignok said:

You cut and pasted that. Not your words.

 

 

 

jeez you smart one aye.

52 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

Five minutes outside of Chiang Mai, all English and falang culture disappear. As long as you are OK in real Thailand it can be very nice. We live in the country south of Chiang Rai and I am the only falang for 20km.

Just 8 kilometers north of CM center, and it's basically the same. 

No English. 

Almost No Farang. 

 

18 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

jeez you smart one aye.

Gee you lazy

1 hour ago, Sticky Rice Balls said:

nothing gets past Big Bird...as per his view from his Ivory Tower... ????

Are your balls always sticky?

3 hours ago, BoganInParasite said:

Nan.

wrong writing: NONE

4 hours ago, cjinchiangrai said:

Five minutes outside of Chiang Mai, all English and falang culture disappear. As long as you are OK in real Thailand it can be very nice. We live in the country south of Chiang Rai and I am the only falang for 20km.

Guess again. My GF's village is 25 km south of Chiang Rai, that makes two falangs.

4 hours ago, Sticky Rice Balls said:

nothing gets past Big Bird

Big Bird? Not The Big Heavy?

If you're looking to escape the horrendous air pollution during the winter and spring, there are no alternatives in the north. The best option is 6 months on 6 months off. Spend half the year in another part of the world.

On 9/1/2023 at 9:44 AM, Ralf001 said:

Chiang Rai: Known for its stunning White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

A word of warning about that place. It is indeed spectacular and has the most attractive rest room I've ever been in, but if the Chinese are back it isn't really worth going to, IMO. Last time I went it was so invaded by masses of Chinese package tourists that I didn't even try going through it, and left as soon as I arrived.

17 hours ago, cjinchiangrai said:

Five minutes outside of Chiang Mai, all English and falang culture disappear. As long as you are OK in real Thailand it can be very nice. We live in the country south of Chiang Rai and I am the only falang for 20km.

I used to live in Lamphun and there was at least one other farang living there.

1 hour ago, thaibeachlovers said:

A word of warning about that place. It is indeed spectacular and has the most attractive rest room I've ever been in, but if the Chinese are back it isn't really worth going to, IMO. Last time I went it was so invaded by masses of Chinese package tourists that I didn't even try going through it, and left as soon as I arrived.

Its small. Not even the best temple in CR.