EXCITING DRIVES IN NORTHERN THAILAND
One of the great ways to explore somewhere new is by taking a leisurely drive through the backroads and villages that make up the surrounding area. Stopping off here and there to delve into the local culture and to meet the people, eating their cuisine and sampling the region’s hospitality.
For those that live in Pattaya or are on holiday in the Kingdom, renting a car in Pattaya to go out exploring is simple. You will need to show a driving license and a passport and that is about it.
There are so many fantastic places in Thailand that are hidden away from the tourists and are only really accessible by car or motorcycle. One of the best areas to take a road tour is in Northern Thailand near the Laos and Myanmar border.
Some of the mountainous northern roads are nothing short of spectacular, with enchanting hamlets spread out amongst wondrous scenery. Many of these regions have their own language and the northern region of Thailand has a reputation for feisty cuisine that is not for the feint hearted, some of the dishes cannot be found anywhere else so travelers can experience something new and different.
Mae Sot, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai
Part of this wonderful drive takes you through one of the famous motorcycle loops in Thailand, namely the Mae Hong Son Loop.
The loop will take you through some of the most stunning countryside in the Kingdom on rarely used roads. The area is crammed full of natural wonders such as, waterfalls, caves and golden sunflower fields.
The enchanting towns of Khun Yuam, Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son, Pai and Soppong offer a real insight of rural life in the mountains. The section of road from Hot to Mae Sariang and then onto Khun Yuam is amongst the most beautiful of the tour as it follows the river valley and provides many photo shoot opportunities.
On To Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai is the final destination of this tour and is truly the jewel of the north. Set on the great Mekong river and with a backdrop of stunning mountains, Chiang Rai is a delightful sleepy place that has its own relaxing pace and wonderful friendly inhabitants.
The first noticeable thing about Chiang Rai and the local area is how green everything is. The climate in the north of Thailand is far cooler and wetter than central and southern Thailand and the vegetation reflects this.
If you drive around the Chiang Rai region there are numerous Tea and Coffee plantations adorning the landscape, adding perfect symmetry to the vista. These large splashes of verdant green are like emeralds lighting up vast swaths of countryside.
One must see attraction that you cannot miss on your driving tour to Chiang Rai is the White Temple. Wat Rong Khun is probably the most exquisite temple in Thailand and its delicacy somehow reflects Chiang rai, beautiful and most pleasing to the eye.
Really it is fitting that Chiang Rai ends your road trip, perhaps on your last day before your journey back to Pattaya you should take the opportunity to hire a boat and explore this part of the Mekong River, it is an adventure that you really should not miss out on.
This great driving tour of northern Thailand is just one of the many exhilarating drives that are open for motorists in the diverse landscape of Thailand. Maks Car Hire are one of the top car rental company in Pattaya, their wide choice of vehicles give the options for any type of tour you are considering.