Marvel Overland Holiday

Tha Ton

The small and highly picturesque town of Tha Ton lies on the banks of the Kok River at the point where the river emerges into Thailand from the neighbouring hills of Burma’s Shan State.

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 .