By train
The only railway line within Northern Thailand runs between Chiang Mai and Sukhothai and further on to Bangkok.
By road
There is an extensive network of public bus services with major hubs in Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Minibuses, songthaews and tuk-tuks also serve many places which are not directly accessible by bus. Cheap but not always comfortable.
By plane
Regular flights connect Chiang Mai with Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Pai, Phitsanulok and Sukhothai.
By bike
Northern Thailand has some of the best biking roads in the world, which pass through some stunning scenery. For the more adventurous traveller the best way to explore the area is by motorbike. There are a number of places in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai where one can hire bikes or you can use a tour company to remove all the 'red tape' freeing you to simply enjoy your vacation.
The most reputable motorcycle tour company is Thai Motorcycle Tours (http://thaimotorcycletour...) Tel: +66 (0 86 231 0097) who run bike tours in both Chiang Rai and the Mae Hong Son loop. For renting your own bikes, try Mr Mechanic at 4 Soi 5, Moonmuang Rd, Chiang Mai, Tel: +66 0 5321 4708, (http://www.mr-mechanic199...).