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 e
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
Northern Thailand and Southern Thailand are two very different sides of the same coin! In the north, you’ll find ancient temples, lush jungles, and some pretty awesome natural sights. The region is also home to cultural hubs such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Pai.
On the other hand, the south is all about its stunning beaches and lively nightlife.
Ideally, I recommend spending 1 week in Bangkok and around, 1 week in Northern Thailand, and 2 weeks in Southern Thailand, which is what I did the first time in the country.
If you have limited time, then around 1 week in Northern Thailand and 1 week in the south will do!
Is It Worth Visiting Northern Thailand?
Northern Thailand is absolutely worth visiting! The region is home to some of the most stunning sights in the country.
From the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) to the elephant sanctuaries and the Doi Inthanon National Park, there’s plenty of unique attractions to explore.
Plus, the food is amazing, and you can find some seriously tasty and affordable eats and drinks at the night markets in Pai.
Chiang Mai is also the perfect place to experience the culture of the region. The city used to be the capital of the free-standing Lanna Kingdom, and it’s still one of the most culturally significant cities in Thailand.
How Long to Stay in North Thailand?
If you’re looking to get a taste of the region and experience the culture, then one week in Northern Thailand should give you plenty of time.
During this time, you can explore Chiang Mai and its old city, visit Chiang Rai, and explore other unique attractions in Northern Thailand.
If you’re looking to really get to know the region, however, you may want to plan for 2 weeks. This will give you more time to experience the culture and add other places to your trip.
1-Week Northern Thailand Itinerary
If you’re looking for a taste of real Thailand, then northern Thailand is the place to be. With its beautiful temples, tranquil countryside, and vibrant cities, it’s no surprise that this region is a popular destination for travelers from all around the world.
Ready? I can’t wait to tell you more about this Northern Thailand itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival in Chiang Mai and Old City
After spending some time in Bangkok (which I suppose is where you started your trip around Thailand), you can take a flight to Chiang Mai or a bus, which will take a little longer.
Kicking off your Northern Thailand adventure, Chiang Mai welcomes you with its unique mix of history and culture. After landing or stepping off the bus, the city’s laid-back atmosphere is immediately noticeable, a pleasant shift from Bangkok’s fast pace.
Go exploring Chiang Mai’s Old Town and its ancient temples, like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chiang Man, offering a peek into the region’s rich history.
Cap off the day at one of Chiang Mai’s night markets. The bustling atmosphere, filled with the aroma of street food and the sound of local musicians, is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.
Here, you can savor delicious Thai dishes, shop for handicrafts, and experience the warmth of Thai hospitality – It’s the best way to end the day – I personally love the night markets in Chiang Mai, and I’m confident you will too.
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 streets
- 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 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
- Paleo Cuisine: Nice place in the old town with vegetarian and meaty dishes prepared with high-quality ingredients
- 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
On this third day of your Northern Thailand itinerary, you’ll get to venture out to Doi Inthanon National Park, known as the “Roof of Thailand.” This full-day tour is a journey into the heart of nature, and you’ll see the beauty of Thailand’s highest peak.
Set off from Chiang Mai and prepare for a day packed with natural wonders and cultural insights, and you’ll love the refreshing escape from the lowland heat – That’s right Doi Inthanon Park is quite cool compared to Chiang Mai city, so take a light jacket.
The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to show you the park’s most stunning features, including cascading waterfalls where the water crashes down into pools, perfect for photo ops and appreciating nature’s power.
Your journey also leads you to the royal pagodas, erected in honor of the King and Queen of Thailand. These structures are not only gorgeous but also offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Truth be told, it was very cloudy when I visited, so I didn’t enjoy the views, but my friend went there in January, and they had an amazing time with beautiful vistas.
Day tours to Doi Inthanon are relatively cheap and they include lunch, transportation from your hotel in Chiang Mai, and an expert guide to spend the day with, which is excellent.
However, this is a very popular activity in Chiang Mai, and I recommend booking now to secure your spot before they sell 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, 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 unique 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.
Is North Thailand Worth Visiting?
There is no doubt that North Thailand is an absolute must visit. From breathtaking scenery to mesmerizing culture, North Thailand is the perfect place to explore and experience the charm of Thailand.
With so much to offer in this part of the country, it’s definitely worth going to Northern Thailand! I personally spend 3 years in Chiang Mai, and I had the time of my life, with so many things around!
Best Time to Visit North Thailand
If you’re looking to visit North Thailand, the best time to go is during the summer in Thailand, from October to February, when temperatures are pleasant.
While the hotels will cost slightly more, you won’t experience rainy days, which is a massive plus.
Alternatively, for cheaper prices and see fewer tourists, the rainy season from June to October is an option. This season brings cooler temperatures and plenty of lush green scenery – but be prepared for rain!
How to Get Around Northern Thailand?
If you want to get around, renting a motorbike in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is an excellent option, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
For those who prefer a more comfortable ride, calling a Grab taxi is equally convenient and affordable.
When you’re ready to venture out of the cities, joining day tours from Chiang Mai is highly recommended. Being centrally located in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai offers easy access to many exciting areas, including the famous Doi Inthanon National Park and the picturesque mountains of Pai.
More Thailand Travel Guides
- Best Day Trips from Bangkok
- 14 Things to Do in Chiang Mai at Night
- Mon Jam, in the Chiang Mai Mountains
- 7 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 diverse region of Thailand, full of stunning landscapes, unique culture, delicious food, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
When planning your Northern Thailand itinerary, there are a few must-see spots you simply won’t want to miss, such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai, Mae Hong Son, Doi Inthanon, Sukhothai Historical Park, Lampang, and the Mae Hong Son Loop.
These areas provide a great opportunity to dive deeper into the culture and experiences of this big country. Of course, don’t forget to try street food!
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!
