The Khong Chiam region is still largely unaffected by tourism and, for those willing to explore it, offers spectacular scenery and the promise of peaceful days spent well away from the noise and chaos of the urban environment. With its waterfalls, cliffs and rock paintings, Pha Taem is the kind of place you simply never tire of exploring.

The magic of Pha Taem, north of Khong Chiam

Elephant rides have become a major concern in many locations, but are still offered by a handful of so-called "sanctuaries" with the proposition to get close to the exotic and majestic animal. Elephant rides are offered on every street corner and Westerners have little knowledge about the cruel methods to succeed in training these enormous animals.

Experience Thailand without riding elephants!

Come and completely immerse yourself in the gigantic megalopolis which is Bangkok. 

Bangkok, a continental megalopolis

To set the scene for you, imagine 2,188 km² covered by 80% forest and populated with more than 800 animal species roaming completely free. Add streams, waterfalls and a mountain range amongst 2,000 plant species. Classify it all as a UNESCO world heritage site and you have the Khao Yai national park.

Khao Yai or the paradise of species

Damnoen Saduak

Kanchanaburi

Erawan

Bang Pa In

 Mae Chan is a small town on the border with Myanmar in the north of Thailand, midway between Chiang Rai and Mae Sai. It is one of the places you pass through when touring the Golden Triangle region.

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The town itself did not seem to offer much in the way of interest to me, though it can be a good base from which to explore the Golden Triangle region. For those who enjoy meeting local people when traveling, the mountains around the town are home to members of the Yao and Akha tribes, who farm the slopes of the hills, where the poppies that have traditionally been grown are gradually being replaced by plantations of an excellent kind of tea: Oolong. So it seemed pointless to me to spend too long in this town: better to hit the road again quickly and head off to explore and discover the various wonders to be found inthe region. As I arrived at Chiang Rai, not long before entering Mae Chan, I really liked the perspective you get of the Nang Non mountain, also know as the "mountain of the sleeping lady". The view really is worth seeing.

Mae Chan is a small town on the border with Myanmar in the north of Thailand, midway between Chiang Rai and Mae Sai. It is one of the places you pass through when touring the Golden Triangle region.

Mae Chan Holidays

Mae Chan: How to get there?

Mae Chan: See when to go?

Mae Chan: For how long?

Mae Chan: What to see nearby?

Thailand: our articles for your holidays