Thaton (Thailand)

Thaton (ท่าตอน, also spelled Tha Ton) is a small village in Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand. It is 46 kilometers northeast of Fang.

Thaton Halal Travel Guide

Thaton is between Mae Ai and Mae Chan in northern Chiang Mai Province. It is a town on the banks of the Kok River. It has a relaxed atmosphere, and some people hang out for a few days or weeks. There are a small number expats as permanent residents. There are a number of guesthouses along the banks of the river and more in the town. The picturesque views from Thaton hill and the banks of the river, and a small town feel combine to make this a nice place to hang out.

Travel as a Muslim to Thaton

Thaton is on Route 1089 between Fang and Mae Chan. The distance to Chiang Mai is about 214 kilometers by road and takes about 4 hours, but with some excellent scenery along the way. Chiang Rai is 108 kilometers away, Fang 25 kilometers, and Mae Ai, 10 km. Thaton is so small it does not appear on many road maps.

You can take the boat from Thaton to Chiang Rai, which takes about 3 hours. There is a government boat at 12:30 that costs 400 Baht each for a minimum 4 people.

You can also charter private boats. The initial asking price is 2200-3500 Baht, but that could probably be bargained lower.

From Chiang Rai to Thaton is an upriver trip, and takes about 5 hours.

The bus station is near the bridge. Buses depart from/to Chang Phuak Bus Station in Chiang Mai several times a day with the journey taking 3-4 hours (prices are around 90 Baht). The buses are usually easily identifiable with English information on them. Buses to Chiang Rai and Bangkok also run, albeit less frequently, a journey to Chiang Rai takes a couple of hours and to Bangkok about 12 hours (890 kilometers). In May 2012 there was only one bus to Chiang Rai that left at 15:00 and you had to change in Mae Chan.

From Thaton you can also go to Mae Salong, and on to the Myanmar border at Mae Sai where you can extend your visa.

How to get around in Thaton

Thaton can easily be explored on foot and bicycle. A songthaew can easily be hired if you need to travel out of the village.

What to see in Thaton

• Wat Thaton - วัดท่าตอน |- A large monastery bordering the village, it occupies an area of more than 160 acres on a number of hills. There are nine stations to visit for Buddhist pilgrims. Each station has something on it to visit, such a big Buddha image or a stupa. Level 4 has a meditation centre, where they teach Vipassana meditation. Support for English is not supported though foreigners are welcome if they can speak and understand (Thai), or come with people who can translate. Also, November - Jan is when there are few people at the temple and meditaters are discouraged from attending at this time. Level 8 is a very large chedi and several statues. Level 9 is two kilometers from level 8, on a paved footpath the forest with a large standing Buddha at the end of the path. The temple complex is on the bank of the Mae Nam Kok (Kok River) and offers beautiful scenery. The temple also houses a school for monks, novices, and youths as well as a drug rehabilitation centre and a hill tribe support unit.

What to do in Thaton

Thaton is the launching point for river trips to Chiang Rai, and for hill tribe villages in the surrounding hills. You can make a half-day longtail boat trip to Chiang Rai from here. Within 20 kilometers of Thaton you can visit local villages, inhabited by Pauang, Black Lahu, Akha, and Yunnanes. Treks and raft trips can be arranged through guesthouses and hotels in town.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Thaton

On the grounds of Wat Thaton (level 2) there is the occasional open-air market where the hill tribes hawk trinkets and Snacks.

Halal Restaurants in Thaton

There are many small restaurants serving (Thai) and some International food. Also a couple of (Nationalist) Chinese-owned restaurants. A few restaurants along the river serve locally caught fish, both from the river and from local fish farms. Also several street vendors in the late afternoon and early evening hours sell food items often not found in restaurants, such as Rotis and "Thousand year old" eggs.

For packaged foods and there is a 7-11 with limited Halal food & Snacks one block south of the bridge. The local morning market is a prime spot for fresh produce. There is a nice fruit stand located near Sunshine Cafe that sells chilled coconut juice, straight from the coconut.

Muslim Friendly hotels in Thaton

• Apple Resort - Has a range of bungalows, bigger ones with balconies and air-con overlooking the river. Smaller ones at the back with a fan and small verandas overlooking a pleasant garden. All extremely well-maintained and very clean. Overall Apple has 19 rooms and is the largest guesthouse in Thaton. Very good choices and a great river location. The attached restaurant serves decent quality (Thai) food and reasonable farang food. Wi-Fi is available in some rooms, though coverage is inconsistent. AIS 4G worked fine in the area.

• Old Tree's House | Bungalows include TV, DVD, stereo, stocked minibar. Hosts are the Franco-Thai couple, Paulo and Nid (and their little daughter). Your stay includes breakfast, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool. Dinner at the lodging by reservation for 240 Baht.

• Garden Home Nature Resort - Garden Home is a wonderful place, especially if you like quiet. Surrounded by lychee trees are small bungalows suitable for one or two people for 500 Baht/night. Larger bungalows overlooking the river are 1,500 Baht. For the budget traveler Garden Home also has four rooms available, each with a private bathroom, for 300 Baht/night (all prices still accurate February 2018). Garden Home Nature Resort has been around for decades, although most of the bungalows have been freshly rebuilt as of a few years ago. There is also a restaurant located on the property, with good food and fruit shakes. Free WiFi in every room. Motorcycles for rent at 300 Baht/day. Reservations are not necessary.

• Areeya Phuree Resort - Scenic riverside resort set in a garden. Suitable for a wide range of budgets. Includes a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and restaurant. 200+ Baht.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Thaton

There is a tourist police station near the bridge, although there is no major crime in Thaton.

Be aware of stray dogs, especially if riding a bicycle. If they show aggressive behavior (especially in group) avoid eye contact and move away slowly. In the unlikely event of a bite, get a rabies vaccination as soon as feasible at Mae Ai Hospital, which is 9 kilometers south of Thaton in the town of Mae Ai.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Thaton

• Doi Ang Khang - mountain resort
• Doi Mae Salong - village known for former Kuomintang soldiers and Tea cultivation

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