Tha Ton
ท่าตอน · Chiang Mai Province
Population
5K
Budget / Month
$260
Internet
10 Mbps
Best Season
November to February
About Tha Ton
Tha Ton is a small village on the Kok River in the northernmost reaches of Chiang Mai province, close to the Myanmar border. It is best known as the starting point for the scenic longtail boat trip down the Kok River to Chiang Rai — a winding, half-day journey through forested mountains and past hill-tribe settlements.
The village sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, with a dramatic white temple complex (Wat Tha Ton) climbing up the hillside above town. Beyond the boat trip, Tha Ton is a base for exploring hill-tribe villages, hot springs, and the quiet mountainous borderlands north of Chiang Mai. The Kok River defines life here.
The village has a handful of guesthouses, a small market, and a peaceful atmosphere that rewards those who slow down. Most visitors pass through in a day, but staying a night or two opens up trekking and river exploration opportunities.
Historical Note
Tha Ton has served as a river crossing and trading point in the far north of Chiang Mai province for generations, with hill-tribe communities in the surrounding mountains.
Best time to visit: November to February
At a Glance
Thai Name
ท่าตอน
Province
Chiang Mai
Region
Northern
Population
5,000
Area
150 km²
Elevation
380 m
Postal Code
50280
Local Language
Thai, Kam Muang
Cost of Living
budget
/month9,300 THB
~$260 USD
comfortable
/month16,700 THB
~$465 USD
luxury
/month27,500 THB
~$765 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 25 | 50 |
| Local restaurant meal | 40 | 70 |
| Coffee | 30 | 50 |
| Large beer | 55 | 85 |
| Water 1.5L | 10 | 15 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic guesthouse per night | 200 | 500 |
| River-view guesthouse per night | 400 | 900 |
| Mid-range resort per night | 800 | 2,000 |
| Best resort per night | 1,500 | 4,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Longtail boat to Chiang Rai (shared) | 350 | 400 |
| Motorbike rental per day | 200 | 300 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Hill-tribe trek (full day) | 500 | 1,500 |
| Laundry per kg | 30 | 50 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
5% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for cool, clear weather and the river running well. October-November has the fullest river for boat trips. March-May the river can be very low, making boat trips difficult or impossible.
Burning Season Warning
March-April haze from regional burning can affect air quality and mountain views.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 13 | 5 | 55% |
| Feb | 33 | 14 | 5 | 45% |
| Mar | 36 | 18 | 15 | 45% |
| Apr | 37 | 22 | 55 | 55% |
| May | 34 | 23 | 160 | 70% |
| Jun | 33 | 23 | 150 | 75% |
| Jul | 32 | 23 | 200 | 78% |
| Aug | 32 | 23 | 250 | 80% |
| Sep | 32 | 22 | 220 | 80% |
| Oct | 31 | 20 | 120 | 75% |
| Nov | 30 | 17 | 40 | 60% |
| Dec | 29 | 13 | 10 | 55% |
Things to Do
Longtail boat to Chiang Rai
The signature experience — a 3-4 hour boat ride down the Kok River through mountains and past hill-tribe villages.
Wat Tha Ton
วัดท่าตอน
Spectacular hilltop temple complex climbing the mountainside in multiple tiers with panoramic views of the valley, river, and Myanmar.
Hill-tribe trekking
Guided treks to Lahu, Akha, Lisu, and Karen villages in the surrounding mountains.
Bamboo rafting
Raft down sections of the Kok River on bamboo rafts for a more relaxed river experience.
Fang Hot Springs
Natural geothermal springs in Doi Fang National Park, 30 km south of Tha Ton.
Morning market
Small but atmospheric village market with local food and hill-tribe produce.
Food & Dining
ข้าวซอย
Khao Soi
Northern curry noodle soup, available at guesthouses and the market.
35-50
Guesthouse restaurants
ไส้อั่ว
Sai Ua
Chiang Mai-style herb sausage with lemongrass and kaffir lime.
30-50
Morning market
ปลาแม่น้ำเผา
Grilled river fish
Fresh fish from the Kok River, grilled or in soup.
60-120
Riverside guesthouses
ข้าวเหนียว
Sticky rice with dips
Northern Thai staple served with nam prik (chili dip) and local vegetables.
25-40
Morning market
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
150 - 300
THB / night
Budget Hotel
200 - 500
THB / night
Mid-Range
400 - 900
THB / night
Luxury
1,500 - 4,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
3,000 - 5,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
4,000 - 7,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
A handful of guesthouses line the riverbank. Maekok River Village Resort is the most upscale option with traditional Lanna-style buildings.
Getting There from Bangkok
Fly to Chiang Mai + bus to Fang + songthaew
6-7 hours total
2,000-5,000 THB
Bus to Chiang Mai + bus to Fang + songthaew
14-16 hours total
500-900 THB
Getting Around
Walking
WidespreadThe village is tiny and walkable
0
Motorbike rental
LimitedFor exploring surrounding hills and villages
200-300/day
Longtail boat
LimitedRiver transport on the Kok River
350-2,500
Neighborhoods
Riverside Village Center
Peaceful riversideThe boat pier, market, guesthouses, and restaurants clustered along the Kok River.
Best for: Everything — this is the village
Hillside / Temple Area
Spiritual and scenicWat Tha Ton complex rising above the village with quieter surroundings.
Best for: Sunset views and temple visits
Downstream River Lodges
Tranquil and isolatedScattered resorts along the Kok River banks south of the village.
Best for: Scenic stays
Festivals & Events
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Krathongs floated on the Kok River in a small but atmospheric village celebration.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Water festival celebrated in the village, more subdued than in cities.
Practical Info
Hospital
Fang Hospital (30 km)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Thai. Hill-tribe languages in surrounding villages. Very basic English at guesthouses.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water available.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Kok River boat to Chiang Rai
Scenic longtail boat journey through mountains and past hill-tribe villages ending in Chiang Rai.
Fang Hot Springs
Natural hot springs in Doi Fang National Park.
Doi Ang Khang
Royal agricultural station at 1,400 m with flower gardens and strawberry farms.
Hill-tribe village treks
Guided walks to Lahu, Akha, and Karen villages in the surrounding mountains.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the boat trip to Chiang Rai work?
Go to the pier before 12:30. Shared longtail boats depart when there are enough passengers (usually 6+). The trip takes 3-4 hours. In low season or dry months, the boat may not run.
Is it worth staying overnight?
If you want to trek, explore hill-tribe villages, or enjoy the riverside atmosphere, yes. One night gives you time for Wat Tha Ton at sunset and the morning market.
Is the area near Myanmar safe?
The Thai side is safe. Stick to marked trails and listen to local advice.
When does the river get too low for boats?
March to May the river can be very low, making boat trips difficult or impossible. October to January has the best water levels.