Thaton, also written Tha Ton, is a small river town in far northern Chiang Mai province, close to the Myanmar border and west of Chiang Rai. It is not a major destination, but it has a clear identity: a quiet Kok River stop with a large hill temple above the village and boat routes running east through the hills.
The main sight is Wat Thaton, a sprawling monastery that climbs the hillside in a series of stations, chedis, Buddha images, and viewpoints. From the upper levels you look down over the river, the bridge, the town, and the soft green folds of the border country.
Thaton also works as a slow transfer rather than a dead-end stop. The Kok River boat trip toward Chiang Rai is the classic move when water levels allow, and nearby villages, orchards, and hot springs fill a relaxed extra day. Come with modest expectations and it is a good pause between Mae Salong, Fang, and Chiang Rai.