Looking for the best Northern Thailand itinerary for your trip? Here it is, this is the ultimate plan for your trip!
If you’re craving an off-the-beaten-track adventure, then Northern Thailand should be your next destination. From the authentic Chiang Mai to Pai to Chiang Rai and more, you’re really in for a treat.
In this guide, I’ll go through what you should know when visiting, from how to get around to the best attractions and more. I lived in Northern Thailand for over 3 years, and I can’t wait to tell you everything about the region.
Ready to plan the best Northern Thailand itinerary? Because that’s exactly what this is guide is about!
Northern Thailand Itinerary – Overview
Let’s start this Northern Thailand itinerary with the essentials such as where to start your itinerary, if the northern part is better than Southern Thailand or not, and more. Don’t skip this part if you visit Thailand for the first time.
How to Get to Northern Thailand from Bangkok?
The most convenient way to get to Northern Thailand is to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport, which is the gateway to this part of the country.
Alternatively, taking the bus is a cheap way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, although you should be prepared to spend 12 hours in a bus or a train.
If you’re already traveling around Thailand and you’re going north from southern Thailand, you’ll find flights from Phuket and Krabi to Chiang Mai, which take about 1.5 hours and are generally affordable.
North Thailand VS South Thailand
The Northern and Southern parts of Thailand represent two different sides of a coin. North Thailand is mostly worth it for the historical Buddhist temples, thick jungles, and stunning natural views.
The most authentic parts in the north are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Pai, but there are many more tourist attractions that we’ll highlight in this guide.
On the other hand, the southern region is all about the gorgeous beaches and a lively nightlife scene. If you are on a longer holiday, how about 1 week in Bangkok and around, 1 week in the north, and 2 weeks in the south, relaxing on the Thai islands, which is also what I did on my first visit to Thailand?
If you are limited on time, then doing like 1 week in northern Thailand and 1 week in the south can work.
Is It Worth Visiting Northern Thailand?
The answer is for sure YES, absolutely! Despite being pretty touristy, you should just not miss the north of Thailand.
From the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) to the elephant sanctuaries and the Doi Inthanon National Park, there are plenty of unique attractions to explore.
The food stands out, and you’ll get to taste some delicious and cheap food at the night markets in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Pai.
How Long to Stay in North Thailand?
You can spend one week in Northern Thailand for a taste of the place and the culture.
In one week, you get to see Chiang Mai, its old city, make a day trip to Chiang Rai, and fit in several other interesting stops throughout the region.
In case you have extended time and really want to explore the region, a 2-week trip is a better option. You’ll also have more time to experience the culture and perhaps add a few other places to your trip.
1-Week Northern Thailand Itinerary
If you want to experience real Thailand then northern Thailand is where you should be. Home to beautiful temples, idyllic countryside, and authentic cities, it’s clear why the north keeps people coming back from all corners of the globe.
Now, you’re ready, and I can not wait to share this Northern Thailand itinerary with you! First day: Chiang Mai and its old city.
Day 1: Arrival in Chiang Mai and Old City
After spending some time in Bangkok (I’m guessing that’s where you started your trip to Thailand), you can just take a flight to Chiang Mai or a ride to the city by bus, but I recommend the former since the bus trip takes about 12 hours.
Kicking off your Northern Thailand adventure, Chiang Mai gives you a taste of history and culture with a mix that’s rare to find.
The city’s more relaxed vibe is obvious as soon as you land or get off the bus back from Bangkok, and that’s a nice pace change from the bustling capital.
Wander around Chiang Mai’s Old Town and its temples like Wat Phra Sing and Wat Chiang Man, which are must-see when coming into town.
End your day at one of Chiang Mai’s famous night markets, where the aroma of delicious street food and the sounds of local musicians create an unforgettable setting in the local life and cuisine.
Here you can taste delicious Thai dishes, buy some handcrafted souvenirs and feel the love for Thai hospitality – It’s the best way to end the day.
I personally love the night markets in Chiang Mai and I very sure that you are going to love it too – That’s the highlight of any .
Related Guide
Here is a complete guide about
the best night markets in Chiang Mai.
Best Activities in Chiang Mai
The best tourist attractions to visit in Chiang Mai are:
- Wat Chiang Man Temple
- Wat Umong Temple (a must-do!)
- Wat Ban Den Temple (if time allows)
- Visit an elephant nature park
- Sign up for a cooking class or a food tour!
- Take a day trip from Chiang Mai (more on that below)
- Walk around the Sunday night market and walking street
- See Wat Phra Singh and other several ancient temples around
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Choosing where to stay in Chiang Mai depends on your preferences. The Old City is perfect for those wanting to be close to all the temples and history, with guesthouses and boutique hotels tucked in its narrow lanes.
The Nimman Area caters to the trendy crowd, with its chic hotels, cafes, and shops, as well as premium hotels with an authentic feeling and even hostels. Here are the best Chiang Mai accommodations I recommend you check out.
- Luxury: U Nimman Chiang Mai
- Mid-Range: The Twenty Lodge
- Budget: Norn Nee Nor
Where to Eat in Chiang Mai
- Fern Forest Cafe: High-end cafe with delicious Thai and Western treats right in the city center
- Salad Concept: Affordable and clean place for a salad or Thai rice dishes, along with fresh fruit smoothies
- Rock Me Burger Nimman: Delicious burgers to enjoy with fries and rich smoothies. Not Thai, but definitely a favorite in town.
Best Tours in Chiang Mai
Day 2: Elephant Sanctuary and Doi Suthep at Night
Day 2 is all about visiting an elephant nature park and the Doi Suthep temple, which is iconic to Chiang Mai, and you can’t come without seeing it!
A half-day visit to an elephant sanctuary lets you interact and play with elephants in an ethical and respectful environment. It’s a heartwarming experience that gives you a closer look at these majestic creatures and the efforts to conserve them.
While there are half-day and full-day tours, I recommend going only in the morning, which is morning than enough for most people, including myself.
After your time with the elephants, treat yourself to a relaxing massage (that Thailand is well known for) or explore more of Chaing Mai city.
As the evening sets in, make your way to Doi Suthep. Visiting this sacred site at night offers a different perspective. The temple is peaceful with almost no crowds, and the views over Chiang Mai are spectacular under the starlit sky.
Many tours include a stop at Wat Umong Temple, which is one of my favorite temples, and I’m confident you’ll love it at night, with the illuminated tunnels and Buddha images.
Both temples are some of the best activities in Chiang Mai at night, and you surely don’t want to miss your chance!
Related Guide
Here is a complete guide about going
to an elephant park in Chiang Mai.
Day 3: Take a Day Trip to Doi Inthanon
Wake up early on day 3 to spend the day at Doi Inthanon National Park, known as the “Roof of Thailand.” This full-day tour is filled with the most incredible and beautiful things in Thailand; the highest peak.
Have an enjoyable day trip exploring the park, stopping at waterfalls and the iconic royal pagodas, and escaping from the sticky hot weather – Doi Inthanon Park is really cool compared with Chiang Mai, so do bring a little jacket or sweater!
The best way to visit is to join a day tour, and the itinerary is made for you to see the most interesting and stunning points in the park of Doi Inthanon.
Somewhere along the way, you’ll make a quick stop on the way for coffee and a snack. Other than 2 waterfalls, you also go up the royal pagodas, to commemorate the King and Queen of Thailand.
To be honest, the weather wasn’t great when I was there, but in January my friend visited and he saw amazing views.
Doi Inthanon is a relatively cheap day tour that includes lunch, pick up from your hotel in Chiang Mai hotel, and a guide to spend the day with you.
I would definitely recommend booking the tour to Doi Inthanon now, as it’s very popular and always sells out!
Day 4 & 5: Pai
Days 4 and 5 are your chance to discover the laid-back side of Northern Thailand in Pai, a small town with nestled in the mountains, about 4 hours away from Chiang Mai.
You can get to Pai by bus from Chiang Mai or if you’re feeling more adventurous, rent a motorbike and drive to Pai – I do not recommend the latter option if that’s your first time driving!
Once you get there, you’ll find countless things to do in town, from the Pai Canyon to the night market and more, you’re surely in for a treat.
I spent 2 days in Pai and slept there for one night, and it was enough to see the canyon, take in the views from the Big Buddha and see the surrounding mountains, roam around the night market, and eat delicious food. Pai is a small town, and unless you really want to stay here and relax, 48 hours is enough.
Best Activities in Pai
The best things to do in Pai are:
- Visit Pai Canyon
- Check out Tha Pai hot springs
- Explore Pai night market (Pai walking street)
- Take photos at Pai Bamboo Bridge
- Discover Wat Si Don Chai Temple
- Take a selfie at Yun Lai Viewpoint
- Enjoy the views and pray at Pai Big Buddha
Where to Stay in Pai
When staying in Pai overnight, you’ll want to stay in the old town, near the night walking street, which is where all the guest houses, best restaurants, and events are. Also, you’ll be near all major tourist attractions in town, and that is convenient.
- Luxury: Reverie Siam
- Mid-Range: The Sylvana Pai
- Budget: Revolution Hostel Pai
Where to Eat in Pai
- Nong Beer Restaurant: The best place I ate during my time in Pai. Great Thai food, good price and location.
- Two Sisters Restaurant: Modest, delicious Thai restaurant with affordable prices, a little out of the center
- Céntrico Café and Restaurant: Incredible Mexican food, but they also have smoothies bowls and drinks. Right in town
Day 6 and 7: Chiang Rai
Days 6 and 7, and the last stop in this Northern Thailand itinerary take you to Chiang Rai, a city known for its stunning temples and authentic culture. While many tourists prefer taking a day trip to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, I recommend spending a night here and visiting around.
Start with the stunning White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), an emblem of modern artistic vision blended with traditional Buddhist symbolism. Not far behind in beauty is the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), which isn’t only a beautiful place but also an original Buddhist temple.
Apart from that, you can also see Wat Phra Kaew, another must-visit, which is the original home of the Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok.
The Black House (Baan Dam Museum) is an intriguing contrast with its dark themes and collections, offering insight into Thai art’s diverse expressions.
In the night, you can go to the Night Bazaar, where you’ll find plenty of local handicrafts, food stalls, and performances, perfect for soaking in the local ambiance. Honestly, markets in Chiang Mai are better, but this is still a nice place to hang out at night.
And on day 2, before ending your itinerary around North Thailand, make sure to see Singha Park, with its expansive tea plantations and themed gardens, ideal for a walk or a bike ride.
If you have more time available, make sure to take a trip to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the Mekong River, with stunning landscapes and a glimpse into the area’s complex history.
To explore the city, hiring a tuk-tuk or calling a Grab (Asian version of Uber) is the way to go as it’s affordable and convenient.
Want to know more?
Make sure to read this ultimate
itinerary for 2 days in Chiang Rai.
Best Activities in Chiang Rai
Other than the iconic White Temple, the best things to do in Chiang Rai are:
- See the Blue Temple
- Wat Phra Kaew
- The Night Bazaar
- Roam around the Singha Park
- See the creepy Black House
- Take a trip to the Golden Triangle and the Mekong River
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
When staying in Chiang Rai overnight, you’ll want to stay in the old town, near the night Bazaar, which is where all the guest houses and best restaurants are. Also, you’ll be near all major tourist attractions in town, and that is convenient.
- Luxury: Le Patta Hotel Chiang Rai
- Mid-Range: Sleepy House Chiang Rai
- Budget: Baan Jaru
Where to Eat in Chiang Rai
- Barrab Restaurant – Great Thai restaurant with delicious Myanmar-inspired food and friendly owner
- Siam Corner Restaurant – Nice local restaurant with inside and outside areas. Clean, authentic, and as tasty as it gets.
- Surf and Turf– International restaurant with Western classics and Thai dishes.
Northern Thailand Itinerary – FAQ
Now that we’ve discussed everything you should know to plan the perfect Northern Thailand itinerary (Or North Thailand trip, for that matter), let’s respond some questions from first-time visitors.
Related Guide!
Check out this ultimate itinerary
for Krabi in southern Thailand.
Best Time to Visit Northern Thailand
If you’re traveling to the north, one of the best times to visit is in the cooler season in Thailand, from October to February, when the temperatures are pleasant (trust me, that’s a bonus in southeast Asia).
Of course, hotels might be a bit more expensive, but you won’t have to deal with the rain, which is a massive plus.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a bargain and are determined to avoid crowds, then you can come during the rainy season, from June to October.
How to Get Around Northern Thailand?
If you want to go around in the large northern cities such as Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, renting a motorbike is yet easy and available. Alternatively, you can use Grab taxi, which is cheap and convenient.
Another good option to venture out is to join day tours from Chiang Mai. With excellent and easy connections to many exciting areas, Chiang Mai is at the heart of Northern Thailand, including the famous Doi Inthanon National Park and the beautiful mountains of Pai.
More Thailand Travel Guides
- Best Day Trips from Bangkok
- Fun Things to Do in Chiang Mai at Night
- Mon Jam, in the Chiang Mai Mountains
- Awesome Day Trips from Bangkok
- Best Tours to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
- Thailand Itinerary for 1 Week to 1 Month
Conclusion
Northern Thailand is a beautiful and traditional region within Thailand and has an impressive diversity of landscapes, cultures, cuisines, and activities.
As you plan out your northern Thailand itinerary there are a few places you can’t miss: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Doi Inthanon, Sukhothai Historical Park, Lampang, and the Mae Hong Son Loop.
Thank you for sticking until the end and I hope this Northern Thailand itinerary was clear enough to make the most of your time! Happy travels!
