The town’s main claim to fame is as the departure point for the popular Kok River trip which takes travellers on a scenic boat trip through forested slopes and past hill-tribe villages between Tha Ton and Chiang Rai. Along the way is Ban Ruam Mit with its elephant camp—a popular starting point for organised trekking tours. For motor-bikers, intrepid cyclists and fans of mountain bus rides, Tha Ton is also a key stopover on either the Chiang Dao-Fang-Mae Salong or even Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai loops.
Tha Ton is also one of the most attractive of these out-of-the-way northern Thai towns and to our minds certainly warrants more than just a cursory glance while passing through en-route to somewhere else. There are some fine spots to stay, good eateries, and bicycles and motorbikes are conveniently available to hire in town allowing visitors to explore the surrounding valley, hills and villages. The riverside setting is seductive; the hill-top temple Wat Tha Ton spectacular, locals are friendly and Akha women in their regalia coming into town to sell their knick-knacks add to the ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 1,400 words.)
Please sign in to read the rest of this page. The full text is around 1,400 words.
Log in nowChoose from a free two-day pass right through to a lifetime membership.
Find out more36 other destinations in Northern Thailand
Caves and mountains
Clouds amid the karsts
Busy trekking centre
Quite a view
Thailand’s northern capital
Plenty to see and do
Least Thai town in Thailand
Gateway to an impressive waterfall
Well worth the side trip
An ancient fortress
An ancient Thai capital
Spectacular mountain scenery
Ancient satellite of Sukhothai
Ancient salt mines and mountain views
Remote border region
Bucolic mountain outpost
Bustling on the Burma border
Scenic stopover
Elephants and horse carts
Launching point for Doi Phuka
Thailand’s highest peak
River trips and hill tribes
The history runs deep
Undisturbed forest
Tranquil temple town
Odd name, great scenery
A sleepy historic centre
A popular border town
Take a load off by the river
Steeped in history
P’lok will do just fine
The Golden Triange
Sunflowers and a waterfall
Infamous border town
A low-key river town
Cool off in Hot