road trip northern thailand

Thailand Road Trips: Lanna and Beyond

To date, through 5 separate road trips in Northern Thailand, we have now covered all 9 northern provinces, and overlapped on a bunch of them as we find new experiences and homestays to explore. And we will never bore of travel in Northern Thailand. But a lot of the time, we were learning on our feet. And this showed through our many mistakes, which came mostly in our choice of car hire and vehicle. As the ‘cheapest wheels’ strategy doesn’t always work for road trips in Northern Thailand, because of steep slopes and terrain, and that 1.2 Liter Nissan Almera was a bit of a disaster . Where I have struggled and failed to reach destinations as close as Doi Inthanon when opting for the cheaper cars.

I would advise on a 1.4 Liter engine at least, regardless, and also take caution when booking car hire online, as credit cards are almost always necessary under the driver’s name for pick-up. Something we failed to produce on one occasion, and despite being offered a full refund by the car hire company, the online booking agents did not share the same policy.

Otherwise, cheap car hire can be found at the tour booths of Chiang Mai Airport and elsewhere, without the same credit card complications. And having been snubbed by Budget at the airport on this occasion we managed to blag a 1.8 Liter Toyota Corolla for 1,200 Baht a day at the car hire booth next door.

Anyway, here are our Top 10 Road Trips in Northern Thailand, covering all 9 of the northern Thai Provinces , and a full itinerary map is found at the bottom.

1. Mae Hong Son Province: Pai

I would start with Mae Hong Son, over Chiang Mai (which is a huge province), because it really ticks the important boxes for the perfect road trip. For me it has a challenging and scenic drive (tick), there are plenty of viewpoints and selfie ops along the way (tick) and throughout there’s just a lot of unique culture and eats (tick).

While Pai is obviously notorious for its backpackers and more recently themed tourist tack, it also makes a very convenient base for travel in the area, as the halfway point to Mae Hong Son city. And the drive between them is fantastic, where it’s said that there are 1,864 turns to Mae Hong Song (from Chiang Mai) making it one hell of a rollercoaster road trip, with twists and turns through lush rainforests and endless mountain ranges. Although it can make some people queasy.

It’s also easy to avoid the tourist centre of Pai when travelling by car (we stayed out in the rice fields and only ventured in for street food at the market ), and there’s no doubt a lot of charm and serenity to be found in the area, with unique hill tribe cultures, amazing scenery, and an enchanting backdrop. The Yunnan Teahills and Pai Canyon are just a couple of easy nearby excursions.

2. Chiang Mai Province: Doi Ang Khang

It is hard to choose a highlight for the road trip attraction in Chiang Mai Province, as there are a lot of them, and I’d happily add 2-3 destinations to this list if I could ( our Top 10 Attractions here ). But I would personally go with Doi Angkhan as it again ticked all the boxes for an adventurous road trip. There’s the challenging drive, the scenic attractions, and the fascinating local cultures. 

Doi Ang Khang is a mountain that straddles both sides of the Thai-Burmese border, with pockets of hill tribes (Musur, The Palaung, Thai Yai, and Jean Hor) that have, until recently, been cut off from outside influences.

The borders at Baan Nor Lae are also a bit unworldly, with checkpoints, armed soldiers and lingering mists. It is no doubt a fascinating part of Northern Thailand, well off the backpacker path.

Otherwise tourism in Doi Angkhan is focussed domestically, and while the area was once a prominent port on the opium route, a Royal Project (King’s Royal Agricultural Station) was set up to encourage alternative agriculture and incomes. So now it’s all strawberries, tea gardens and the local favourite, cabbages. Thai people really love their cabbages.

3. Chiang Rai Province: Phu Chi Fah

This mountainous border region, found miles again from any tourist trails, is best known for its “Sea of Mists” when each morning at dawn, fogs will roll up and over the hills and valleys below. However, to watch this unique attraction means a very early start (04:00 AM) to climb to the top of Phu Chi Fa mountain, before sunrise. Which is really not easy after a big bag of Cheetos for breakfast (no one told me it was a 1km trek, on a steep slope). So it is by far the most strenuous attraction of this road trip list, but it is no doubt worth it.

This time the location is set over the Thai-Lao borders, and views reach out past the Mekong River and into Laos. And of course, this means local cultures also vary from that of the Burmese (Myanmar) borders of Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai. And while the “Sea of Mists” is no doubt the highlight of the area, the surrounding scenery and cultures are undoubtedly fascinating, with mountain scenes and Hmong hill tribe villages. There is also an abundance of giant Duang Kwang fighting beetles (Siamese Rhinoceros Beetles) in this area, and for the domestic tourists, there’s a whole load of cabbages to have selfies beside.

4. Phayao Province: Phu Lang Ka

Continuing on the Lao borders of Thailand is Phayao, another mountainous region, similar to the Mae Hong Son route only not quite as challenging, and a lot quieter. So it may work for those who are apprehensive about the winding rollercoaster roads of north. The province is also within easy reach of Chiang Mai, and the route almost guarantees a pass through the lakeside city of Phayao city, with its serene promenades, and hilly backdrop. The local vibes remind me of Lake Geneva  (but that’s probably just me).

While there are some worthwhile sights in passing, I would personally continue through to the further-flung mountains towards neighbouring Nan Province. And my favourite spot here would be Phu Lang Ka, a ridiculously scenic region, with rolling mountain views, and cheap hill tribe homestays to watch on from above. It’s definitely one of the more romantic spots in the region, and again it’s far far away from pretty much anything. It is also in close proximity to the Thai-Lao borders and the border markets at Ban Huak found, in the Phu Sang National Park, are another of the areas main drives.

5. Nan Province: The Old Town

The Lao borders take a sharp turn below Phayao, cutting east, and the province beneath is Nan Province, which was once referred to as the “Middle City”, due it’s location roughly about half-and-half between Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Luang Prabang, Laos (although the latter is not so easy to reach).

Again it is a forested mountainous region, with a ridiculous amount of sights and nature along the way, but I feel the heart of Nan’s old town is definitely the main attraction in the province. Where the streets would be best described “Ta Ton Yon”, which is a Lanna phrase meaning chilled and laid back. It’s just a really cute place to kick back for a bit, maybe comparable to Pai, only without the ridiculous amount of backpackers, and noise.

The old town is small as well and close-knit, making it easy to navigate, so most people opt for free bike hire at central hotels and guesthouses when touring the old town sites. This would likely start at Wat Phumin temple, the central temple of the old town, where a pedestrian night market hosts on the neighbouring stretch of Phakong Road each weekend night (06:00 PM, Fri-Sun).

6. Lamphun Province: Central Temple Tour

Now I’m jumping back over to the southern border of Chiang Mai province, as obviously there are easier road trip options than the far eastern provinces, leading south. And probably the easiest of all road trips from Chiang Mai, closer to many in the province itself, is next door in Lamphun. In fact, it’s so close that I didn’t even notice we’d left the city, meaning it would maybe be better covered on a day tour, rather than a destination-specific road trip. Although it is the first destination when travelling south, so I can’t really ignore it on this list.

Anyway, the main attractions in Lamphun would be the two central temples, both historically significant in the region, which are easy to find within the boundary of the old city moat. The first of these temples is Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, named after the old Mon Kingdom (Haripunchai), of which Lamphun was the capital. The next is then Wat Chama Thewi temple named after Queen Chama Thewi, the former Queen of the region, who was known in the region as “the Beloved Queen of the Lanna people”.

These stops, depending on your enthusiasm for temples, could take no more than an hour, or two, before crossing the next provincial border. As Lamphun is the smallest province in the north.

7. Lampang Province: Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat

Lampang is a rather odd-shaped province, which somehow borders 7 other provinces in northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lamphun and Phrae) and central Thailand (Sukhothai and Tak). But the best entry point would be leaving Lamphun and travelling towards the main city of Lampang.

The must-see attraction in this wide-ranging province is around one hour north (60km) of the town, at the hilltop temple of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat. A temple that can only be reached by a ridiculously steep climb by Songtaew (shuttles found at the entrance). This is a bit like a rollercoaster ride, as you’re shaken in all directions as the driver darts up and round the steep hills and turns. Hold on tight.

From the Songtaew it is then a 300 step trek, up, which does take its toll following a merry night out at the riverside restaurants of Lampang town. But it is undoubtedly worth the effort as the scenes on the top of this karst-top temple are enchanting when enshrined with mists, and the chimes of bells and fluttering Lanna prayer flags. It reminds me more of travels in the Himalayas than here in Chiang Mai. And we were the only souls there during our visit.

8. Phrae Province: Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park

Phrae is back again in the eastern regions of the north, sandwiched between Lampang and Nan, and it does work well as an in-between of the two.

The best-known attraction in Nan province would likely be the unique rock structures, columns, and ‘mushroom rocks’ of Phae Mueang Phi Forest Park, which is found just a short drive from nearby Phrae town. The name Phae Mueang Phi actually means ‘Forest City of Ghosts’, and while there is some adjoining folklore to this small forest park, it didn’t feel haunted or ghostly whatsoever. It’s great for pictures though.

That being said, there are relatively similar landscapes in Northern Thailand (like Pai Canyon above, which helped Mae Hong Song take the top road trip spot). Otherwise, it’s a great, and quiet spot for a picnic, but it won’t take long to explore. I would then add in Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri (below left and right), a rather fascinating, and in parts bizarre temple on the road leading to Uttaradit.

9. Uttaradit Province: Durian

Uttaradit is where the northern landscapes transform from hilly and mountainous, to nothing but flat land and rice fields. In fact, the province reminds me more of Isaan than the north, which isn’t a good thing when travelling for forest and mountain scenes (although the terrain’s a lot easier on the petrol).

But on our visit we are fortunate to arrive to Uttaradit during Durian season (June – July), to find every roadside and junction set-up with stalls hawking Thailand’s infamous stinky fruit. As Uttaradit province is famous in the north of Thailand for its durian, and more so the local Longlaplae and Linlaplae strains, both named after the Uttaradit’s Laplae District. The province also hosts an annual Durian festival.

I know durian is a very niche interest, and it is seasonal with travel, but I otherwise struggled to find any highlights in the province. There were no challenging drives, no scenic mountain views, and no new cultures to me. But, if all else fails, there is always the city temple tour.

10. North-Central Thailand

Uttaradit was more of a waypoint on our last road trip, as we continued further to Petchabun, and then on to Phitsanulok. Also, Sukhothai is in this area, although I would suggest visiting this ancient city specifically, for a weekend or longer, rather than a quick stop on a road trip. But these provinces are otherwise no longer in Northern Thailand, as they are in north-central Thailand, where only the nine provinces highlighted above make up the official North. That’s why I’m summing up here quickly.

Following Uttaradit, the scenery does become more mountainous and scenic, and more so in the Petchabun mountains where Khao Kho is a big destination domestically (it’s similar to Khao Yai near Bangkok / Korat ). And, while it doesn’t quite compare to the north, the Phasornkaew Temple is definitely worth a visit (below-right).

Otherwise Phitsanulok (below and left) would have to be the best road trip destination on these near borders, as it adds a lot of historical interest, having some of the most beautiful architecture and old temples I’ve come across in the region. It can also be easily covered in a day. There’s also Loei, a beautiful province ( check out Chiang Khan ), but I really need to come back to these in further posts.

The Road Trip Itinerary

So the final road trip itinerary has changed slightly from the list above, as many of the northern attractions should be included long before Uttaradit (sorry Uttaradit). So Uttaradit is out, and Chiang Rai’s Golden Triangle is in. Because the Golden Triangle is too geographically important to miss out, given it’s the meeting point of the three border countries (Thailand, Laos and Myanmar) and, along with Yunnan slightly north, these countries all contribute to the cultural make-up and intrigue of Northern Thailand. Plus the drive is more fun when traversing the far-flung borders.

I would also include a bunch of other destinations in nearer Chiang Mai, like Doi Inthanon, which is the highest mountain in Thailand, and Chiang Dao, with its mountain views and fascinating cave complex. So it’s probably best to check our Top 10 Attractions in Chiang Mai  first, and the same goes for our Chiang Rai attractions .

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Best Road Trips In Thailand: Northern Thailand

There’s no greater thrill than hitting the open road and exploring the world on your terms. That’s why road trips are so popular across the globe. From exploring scenic drives to going off the beaten path, a road trip through Thailand doesn’t disappoint. 

While there are many roads to take and adventures to have in Thailand, a road trip through Northern Thailand offers some of the most breathtaking sights you’ll ever encounter, with scenery and temples that are sure to awaken your sense of curiosity and awe.

Whether your trip is by bus, bike, motorbike, or car, get ready to feel the wind in your hair as you set off on your great Northern Thailand adventure!

Northern Thailand

Chiang mai to mae hong son .

The largest city in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai, is a bustling metropolis full of Thai history and stunning countryside full of natural wonders. Established in 1296, this storied province offers plenty of adventure for visitors seeking to take a glimpse into Thai history and culture. 

No adventure should begin without a hearty breakfast. For those looking to sample local Thai cuisine, Tai Toon Baan does not disappoint. Famous for its egg and cheese sandwiches, Tai Toon Baan also offers congee and custard buns and traditional egg dishes like fried eggs. Be sure to grab a cup of hot coffee or tea to energize yourself for the big day ahead.

Next up on your journey is a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep , a historic temple constructed during the reign of Phaya Kue Na, the 6th King of Lanna. You can examine the seven-headed naga staircase from the vibrant temple and enjoy awe-inspiring views of the city below.

After you visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a trip to Bo Kaeo Pine Tree Garden , a Merkus pine forest, will offer shade from the sun and a fascinating look into a grove of Merkus pines.  Wat Chan Pine Forest features dense forestry that includes lots of pine and maple trees for you to find some respite under and enjoy the cool shade.

Once you’ve explored a bit of nature, it’s time to move on to lunch at the Baan Auy Homestay, a small restaurant. Baan Auy Homestay is famous for its ready-to-eat hotpot meals ready to serve so you can get back on your way to the next adventure!

Huai Nam Dang National Park is another can’t-miss stop on your amazing Thailand journey. This beautiful reserve offers immaculate views, a hot spring, and rice terraces for visitors to explore. Huai Nam Dang National Park edges between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, and crossing over to Pai is just a short drive away.

After a long day of travel and fun, book your stay at a hotel in nearby Pai, such as a boutique resort or farm village. Huai Nam Dang National Park edges between both Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, and crossing over to Pai is just a short (about 19 miles) drive.

After fueling up for breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to return to your road trip adventure, and no trek to Mae Hong Son is complete without a trip to the Tha Pai Hot Spring .  Take an early morning dip in the naturally heated pond. It’s warm enough to soak comfortably but hot enough to cook an egg!

Once you have relaxed at Tha Pai, you’re ready to get back on the road and head to your next destination. Pai Canyon (or ‘Kong Lan’ in Thai) is a beautiful canyon whose name translates to ‘lizard’s walking path’. But you don’t have to be a lizard to enjoy the exposed stone paths that culminate with a scenic view of the forests and mountains below.

By now, you’re probably ready for lunch or dinner, and stopping at Om Garden Cafe will not disappoint your palate. Though some Western-style dishes are served at the restaurant, you can still get traditional Thai food, such as grilled fish and rice with coconut milk.

Start day three of your trek with an early morning visit to Yun Lai Viewpoin t, a scenic vista where you can watch the sunrise over the mountains. The Yun Lai Viewpoint is just a short trip from the Pai town center (approximately 15 minutes).

Next, it’s off to Mittraphap Pai Restaurant for lunch in Santichon Village. The restaurant serves a delectable stewed pork leg and a Chinese steamed bun that comes highly recommended.

After lunch, a trip to Nam Lod Cave to see the ancient stalactites and stalagmites while riding on a raft through the peaceful river that flows through the cave will leave you in awe of the wonders of Thailand.

A fascinating trip to the Ban Jabo community of the Black Lahu Hill Tribe is your first stop on your 4th day traversing the Mae Hong Son countryside. The community welcomes tourists and has many restaurants, homestays, and shops to peruse during your visit. 

Next is Pang Mapha Viewpoint , Ban Luk Khao Lam, where you can experience overhead views of the Bang Mapha district. A visit to the Bang Mapha district is a great tourist stop with many shops and restaurants.

Another fun cave adventure is the Pla Cave (Fish Cave), which is complete with a stream that is packed with native fish including soro brook carp.

Next is a trip to the Sue Tong Pae Bridge , a bamboo bridge built by Monks and villagers to cross the rice fields between Phu Sama Dharma Park and the Kung Mai Sak Community. The bridge is best experienced in the early morning when monks bring alms down the large hill and across the bridge and over the farmland to the local community. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the almsgiving but should bring items to offer the monks as a token of appreciation.

If you’re feeling weary, you’re in luck because your next stop on your journey is the Phu Klon Country Club and Health Spa , a relaxing respite from the road that offers mineral water and underground mud treatments.

Finally, cap off the evening with dinner at Lee Wine Rak Thai ,  a restaurant on the edge of an expansive reservoir. Here you can get many traditional Thai dishes and shop in the restaurant’s souvenir shop.

Start your day at Ban Rak Thai , a village founded by the Yunnan, who were ex-Chinese Nationalist Soldiers. Today, the community is famous for its tea plantations and tourist shops.

Next, get back to nature with a trip to Pang Oung , a reservoir on top of a mountain that is a popular camping area for tourists.

Moving along, stop for lunch at Roti Rak Thai, which serves noodles, Thai-style omelettes, and Thai fried chicken. 

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu is another fascinating spot to visit. The temple of Mae Hong Son was built in 1874 and features two pagodas and incredible city views.

If you’re ready for dinner, stop by Kai Mook Restaurant for their seasonal menu and delectable stuffed braised pork leg.

The Ban Pa Bong Piang Rice Terraces is a perfect early morning stop in Chiang Mai. The rice fields are active during the rainy season, and the locals will charm you with their welcoming personalities and simple way of life.

Plan on spending the better part of your day at Doi Inthanon National Park . This expansive forest space is filled with trails, wildlife, and graceful waterfalls.

After a long day of adventure, it’s time for dinner, and King of Noodle is a nice restaurant away from the more touristy areas for those looking for a delicious but quiet meal.

On the last day of your epic road trip, grab some coffee and breakfast at Coffee Ngeggee , a cafe in a quaint Chinese house.

First up on your trek today is a trip to Pha Chor in Mae Wang National Park . Sediments from the Ping River created this 30-meter-high cliff and soil pillar. 

After working up an appetite, make sure to visit the Din Cafe , a restaurant made of clay that features clay play structures for children.

Speaking of kids, be sure to stop by the Chiang Mai Zoo , which is full of pandas, penguins, an aquarium, and many more species of animals to investigate. It even has one of the longest aquatic tunnels in the world, at a whopping 436 feet long!

For dinner, the Ajarn Saiyud and Dr. Sai’s Kitchen offer up traditional Thai fare, including Thai mackerel in dried red curry, and is known for its beautiful food presentation. Be sure to snap a few photos before your first bite!

Before you call it a night, swing by Tha Phae Gate , the only remaining city gate with wooden doors. Once used as a pier for boats and rafts, it is now open to the public and used as a walking street on Sundays.

Do go chasing waterfalls when you road trip through the majestic beauty of Tak. This 2-3 day journey will surprise and delight you with natural wonders and revered shrines.

Your road trip through Tak begins bright and early at the Kwang Tung Garden Restaurant , which serves traditional Cantonese cuisine amidst indoor seating or outdoor garden seating.

Once you’re powered up to begin driving, head out to Thararak Waterfall and take a boat ride to get closer to the falls. While you’re there, drop by the dazzling golden Ko Pagoda.

The next stop on your trip should be the Blue Cave, which appears blue and resembles an elephant’s trunk. This unique cave starkly contrasts the browns and oranges found in most local Thai caves.

Chao Langusuan Restaurant is the perfect place to stop off for a leisurely lunch. If you like spice, you’re in luck! A dish worth trying is the rice noodles with crab.

After lunch, return to the road and head to Pai Wai Waterfall, a massive waterfall with 100 tiers nestled in a dense jungle of rattan palms.

Finally, end your day at Mon Mok Ta Wan, and enjoy a 360-degree view of the mountains surrounding this scenic viewpoint.

Begin day two at New Doi Muser Market ,  a local market for the Muser Tribe where you can get fresh produce and everyday items.

Next, get back on the road and head to the King Taksin the Great Memorial Shrine, the first shrine built for King Taksin the Great in Thailand. This popular shrine is full of statues and relics that will delight any history buff.

After visiting the shrine, drop by the Rattanakosin Bicentennial Bridge , a bridge built to celebrate the bicentennial, and enjoy epic views of the Ping River.

For lunch, the Tieng Na Coffee and Bakery Farm offers fresh Thai and Western food and is famous for its delectable, freshly baked croissants.

Afterward, head over to Wat Thai Wattanaram , a Burmese-style temple, which is home to a Buddha modeled after Phra Phuttha Mahumuni, Myanmar’s sacred Buddha.

Finally, end your night at Rim Moei Market , a purveyor of local products from both Thailand and Myanmar, including home decor, preserved foods, and gemstones.

Get ready to soak at the Maekasa Hot Spring in water that reaches 75° Celsius and can sometimes boil an egg. While there, soothe your aching muscles with a famous Thai massage before hitting the road again.

Then stop by Wat Phrathat Doi Hin Kio , the pagoda home to the Phaya Long relic. This pagoda is located on a stone cliff where you can see surrounding Thailand as well as Myanmar.

After exploring the pagoda, indulge yourself in a delicious lunch from Char Muang Cafe & Restaurant , where the stir-fried crab in curry powder will delight the senses. Enjoy your meal from the indoor, air-conditioned cafe, or enjoy your food al fresco on the outdoor balcony.

In Conclusion

Whether you’re hiking, biking, or driving, a trip through Northern Thailand offers an abundance of new experiences for everyone. From trying new cuisine to visiting historic temples, ancient forests, and unique flora and fauna, your trip through Northern Thailand is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime. To learn more about some of the best road trips in Thailand, visit our Road Trip Unseen New Series for more information.

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Three weeks road-tripping in Northern Thailand.

• By Sarah Steiner
• Updated On April 3, 2024

This trip was our fifth visit to Thailand, and we wanted something different. We have done our days of Khao San Road and been excited by the attractions of Southeast Asia that used to be so authentically Thailand… This time we wanted to try Thailand differently. We had never been further north than Bangkok, so we booked flights in to Chiang Mai directly. And we wondered how we would enjoy Northern Thailand, without the iconically touristic beaches and sights of the south…

The verdict? We were very pleasantly surprised by the north!

In particular, here are our highlights from Northern Thailand

As far as getting lost-in-the-right-direction goes, I’m claiming Northern Thailand as a win. It really surprised us!

Chasing Waterfalls

We have so many memories from finding trails and bush tracks, and pulling over when we saw a sign for a waterfall or a hike signposted from the roadside.

Pu Kaeng was particularly stunning. We had no intentions of stopping, and knew nothing of Pu Kaeng previously, but it was past lunchtime when we spotted the small signpost all in Thai, with a tiny picture of a waterfall on it… and a sought picnic-spot turned into a grand jungle adventure!

Lampang is the third largest city in northern Thailand and capital of Lampang Province. I hadn’t honestly heard of Lampang before.

But on the map the geographic location of the city looked as if it would work out as a last stop on our Northern Thailand roadtrip.

I looked it up, and the first image of Lampang was of the stunning Wat Chalermprakiat high above the clouds.

Things to do in Lampang, Northern Thailand

• Hike to Wat Chalermprakiat: A temple high above the clouds in Lampang. Right about the time when I didn’t think we could actually climb much further (and Oscar definitely didn’t) that we finally heard the jingling sound of prayer bells ringing in the wind from the summit temple. You emerge out above the clouds surrounded by pagodas perched on all angles of the cliff tops! It’s a magical spot.
• Visit Wat Chiang Rai: Yes, you read that right. There is a Wat Chiang Rai in Lampang, and it looks strikingly similar to the renowned White Temple in Chiang Rai.
• Eat street food at the market: If you are in Lampang on a Friday, the place to be is the Tha Mai Lampang Cultural Road . This night market runs from 4:30pm til 9:00pm with all kinds of Thai street food and souvenirs.
• Admire the City Walls: They aren’t quite as impressively preserved at Chiang Mai, but the walls of Lampang’s ancient city date back to the seventh century and are still standing strong in parts.

Hiking in Lampang

PS. The hike to Wat Chalermprakiat turned out to be well worth the extra early start. And the snake sighting, and the concerning number of jungle roads that even the GPS didn’t seem to know about…

It was even worth the grumbles at the final 800 metre climb!

It’s a beautiful walk. I highly recommend adding this to your Northern Thailand roadtrip itinerary.

Roadtrip to the Golden Triangle

We loved the days road trip to far Northern Thailand.

It took us about 1.5 hours from Chiang Rai to reach the Golden Triangle – the point in Thailand where you can see Laos and Myanmar from the one spot on the river bank.

An interesting spot, and a place for us with a whole lot of memories from each country; but in truth, the actual site of the Golden Triangle was slightly underwhelming, and filled with tourist buses and cheap little market stalls and vendors touting their far-from-authentic wares.

However, our day had only just begun, and from there we wound out into some of the back roads with plans to find one of the the highest villages of the Akha hilltribe, where the lookout spans right down over the entirety of the Golden Triangle: Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand.

Highlight of the mission to climb up into the hills and find the hilltop village was definitely the chance to ride the old tractor up the last part, AND discovering a couple of different Akha swings made out of four bamboo poles and a swing with a view!

Chiang Mai and Muay Thai Boxing

We found a great AirBnB in Chiang Mai, and felt so relaxed with our own space after the rush of the past months travelling.

We explored the Old City, and made sure to check out Wat Chedi Luang, but in honesty we loved relaxing in to the local neighbourhood and finding out bearings for a few days of stability.

There was a small vegetable market within five minutes walk, and after five days of daily market-ventures we had found our favourite stalls and were recognised by the stall-holders who loved meeting the boys and gave them little sweets and treats when we returned!

We made one chore-run to a mall to sort out a few errands, but happily and quickly retreated to our little neighbourhood, pleased by the sense of familiar in staying put for more than a few days.

Gavin met the local owner of a Muay Thai boxing gym just around the corner from our house, and ended up having a few morning sessions which he really enjoyed!

Fishing for Harry’s Birthday

I sometimes wonder how we luck out and find ourselves in these situations, meeting such incredible people on our travels and seeing such beautiful places; but this time I credit it to Harry…

Once again his passion for fishing has led him to make connections with a group of fishermen.

And this time we ended up out in the middle of nowhere, on Gea’s farm, fishing for catfish and tilapia for his sixth birthday.

An unforgettable day.

One thing that challenged us…

Finding culture underneath the tourism.

We were wary. The changes even we have seen in Thailand over the last ten years are massive. It doesn’t feel authentic to us, or like people on a general scale have a huge tolerance for tourism, aside from the much-anticipated money that comes from the size of the industry.

It takes a bit more digging to find genuine culture amongst the mass tourism now. But we did find it. We felt both very lucky that we did, and happy that it is still there.

And, that tourism hasn’t destroyed a culture so beautiful underneath. Northern Thailand felt like a great choice to seek culture beneath the tourism overload.

Where we stayed in Northern Thailand with kids

• Chiang Mai: AirBnB [3 bedroom house, good location, self-contained; very clean and spacious; within five minutes walk to convenience stores and vegetable market; we stayed here twice!].
• Phayao: The Cozy Nest [a huge room, nice breakfast, bikes to borrow, restaurant across the road].
• Chiang Rai: Na Na Doo Homestay [Amazing! Our favourite place to stay in Thailand. The host, Moo, is fantastic and suggested perfect outings that really did suit us and the kids – not just standard packages. We loved the swimming pool, and Moo’s breakfast each day. We stayed twice and highly recommend!].
• Lampang: Martin Place Lampang [very basic, easy to find; fine for base to explore from].

We returned to the same spot in Lake Phayao after touring Northern Thailand, and I was doubling Oscar on my bike through the neighbourhood. As we rode past a cafe we heard, “Oscar… Osssscaaaar!” and the hotel receptionists were all out having dinner. The next day Gavin was back at the same Muay Thai boxing class and the guys are all waving out to Harry. 

It is always special to return to the same place and feel that comfort in the familiar.

Getting around Northern Thailand

Northern Thailand is easy to get around! In Chiang Mai we used tuk tuks and Grab taxis to get around. And we walked a lot from the neighbourhood we were staying in, into the Old City Walls of Chiang Mai.

We hired a car for two weeks from rentalcars.com and this turned out to be the best decision for us to explore Northern Thailand with the freedom to stop whenever we pleased!

Our budget for 3 weeks in Northern Thailand

• Average accommodation per night: $85 NZD
• Average daily spend (food, transport, necessities): $83 NZD

If we went again we would…

Explore more of the North and Central regions of Thailand. We loved the chance to find places that we hadn’t heard of, and learn so much more about the culture in different states and regions that are less travelled.

The North is totally worth it!

More about travel planning for Thailand and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

• Booking.com  – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. (We love the flexible cancellation policy!). 
• Hostelworld – The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world. 
• Skyscanner   – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.  
• GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing  – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country. 
• World Nomads   – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). 

Read more about travel in Asia

• Crossing the border from Mae Sai Thailand to Myanmar, on foot.
• The ultimate travel guide for Japan with kids.
• Taiwan with kids: A complete Travel Guide.
• Visiting Busan’s Jagalchi Market, South Korea.
• Hong Kong: Mount Davis (accidentally) and the Monster Building.
• Pakistan with kids: A complete guide to travel in Pakistan. 
• Money in India: Using ATM’s, withdrawing and carrying your money safely.
• How to use a squat toilet: Everything you didn’t want to ask…
• Our complete packing list for travel in India. 

Wondering about itineraries?  Questions about schooling?  See our Family Travel Guides and FAQ here . 

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• New Zealand

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8D7N Northern Thailand Itinerary Starting in Chiang Mai — Sky Adventures, Mountain Road Trips, and Trendy Cafes

A hot air balloon ride, a sheep cafe with a vast mountain view, a picturesque Yunanese village — this itinerary constantly got us asking: is this really Thailand?

If you’ve watched Disney’s Tangled, you’d probably be familiar with this scene of glowing lanterns simultaneously released into the sky.

Yep, that’s how we ended up in Chiang Mai. But if you know us, we weren’t gonna head home after flying over 2,500km. Which meant looking for hidden gems around Northern Thailand!

8D7N Thailand Itinerary

This Thailand itinerary involves renting a car for the first six days, driving about 3 to 6 hours each day with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Definitely more enjoyable if you have at least one other co-driver!

Pre-trip Essentials

SIM card: ฿299 from the Airport (8 days, 15GB) Transport: 6-day Car Rental via Klook , within Chiang Mai it’s easy to get around via Grab Chiang Mai Accommodation: Moose Hotel Chiangmai (Highway Branch) — great location for road-tripping

Day 1: Chiang Mai

Loy kratong festival.

The annual Loy Kratong festival in Thailand marks the end of the rainy season and coincides with the full moon. This year, we managed to capture the event on 27 November 2023.

While videos capture the essence of this vibrant celebration, I have to say, watching thousands of glowing lanterns illuminating the night sky in real life far exceeds the feeling of watching it on the screen.

For such a large-scale event, we expected some chaos but this particular one we signed up for was so remarkably organised! The areas were clearly marked, guiding guests to first collect a Kratong , float it in a lake, then walk down a buffet line where there was every traditional Thai dish you can think of.

We took our food to the next area where there were performances, festival games, even a 10-minute express massage station. Enough to keep everyone entertained until the main event.

At 7:30PM, the MCs ushered the crowd to collect their lanterns and gather at an open grass area divided into sections. Each person had a numbered tag so we had a designated spot and it didn’t feel too crowded. On cue, everyone released their lanterns and the moment truly was magical ✨

*Locals float Kratongs — small decorative boats made of banana leaves — down a river or any body of water to celebrate the water spirits. Special to northern parts of Thailand, apart from floating the Kratongs , they also mass release lanterns into the skies. There’s been a lot of flak about what happens to the lanterns afterwards so nowadays, there are a few companies that use biodegradable materials for the lanterns and also organise clean ups the next day.

Cost: S$87/pax via Klook (seasonal) Event time: 5:30PM – 10PM Meeting point: Horizon Village & Resort ( Google Maps )

Moose Hotel Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has many great accommodation options but staying at Moose Hotel (Chiang Mai branch) meant we were near to the highway and that would save us 10 minutes on our road trips each day.

Apart from the usual double and twin configurations, they also have triple beds and a double bunk configuration (fit for four).

It’s a great hotel all in all but the kicker for us was the pygmy goats! Yes, there’s a pen of goats, baby ones too just beside the breakfast/bar area. The goats are friendly and affectionate and will bump your hands for extra pets.

Cost: From ~S$93/night How to get there: ~18min drive from Chiang Mai International Airport ( Google Maps )

Day 2: Day Trip to Mon Jam

Drive time from Chiang Mai: 1hr

Mon Jam is known for cafes and glamping and is located on a gorgeous hilltop area, only an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai. Since this was only a short distance away, we booked a few sky adventures near Chiang Mai for the morning.

Sunrise Flight on a Hot Air Balloon

Did you know you could take a hot air balloon flight in Thailand!?

Funny enough, we were back at Horizon Village & Resort where we flew our lanterns the night before.

Slightly hungover from the Loy Kratong fun, we woke up extremely early to catch the sunrise on a hot air balloon! While the welcome coffee wasn’t enough to wake us up, the views really did the trick (not to mention, the roaring sound of the burner)!

From up above, watching the rice fields, mountains, and winding roads float by while the sun and moon was simultaneously rising and setting made everything look extra magical. Jeriah’s favourite part in all of this was waving to the local kids below 👋🏼🤗

As tradition would have it, the flight ended with a glass of champagne before we headed for a buffet breakfast. The package we got also comes with a free two hour spa experience, but we opted to have it done at the end of our trip instead since we had a full day ahead!

Cost: ~S$460/pax (incl. 2hr Spa at Fah Lanna — we did this on the last day) Pick up time: ~5AM Hotel pick up: Available within Chiang Mai city

Paramotor Academy

When we arrived at the academy, we were pretty awed by the view. There were silhouettes of mountains around and the soft morning light made it look extra magical. The setup here is a lot simpler, compared to the hot air balloon. All it took was five minutes to gear up with our flight suit and helmets and we’re good to go.

Each ride is 15 minutes so you get to enjoy a panoramic view of the vast area.

While the view was great, my favourite part of this was the takeoff and the landing. You can imagine being a bird (or an FPV drone) just cruising through the skies.

Note that the weather is extra chilly between November and January so if you’re here around this time of the year, wear an extra layer! Shades are also good to have on the flight. Pick-up and drop-off are included in the package.

Cost: ~S$133/pax Activity time: 8AM – 10AM Hotel pick up: Available within Chiang Mai city

Pit Stop at Ying Yong Flower Garden

Mon Jam is only an hour away from Chiang Mai city but you’ll feel a stark difference once you get to the mountains. The soft windy roads felt like a good warm-up before we hit the infamous Mae Hong Son loop at the end of the trip.

The Ying Yong Flower Garden seemed a little unassuming at first but turned out to be a cheeky hidden gem up on Mon Jam. There were flower fields of purple, red, and white variations across the hilly terrace.

Entrance fee: ฿50 Opening hours: 6AM – 6PM How to get there: 1hr drive from Chiang Mai ( Google Maps )

Pongyang Jungle Coaster & Zipline โป่งแยง จังเกิ้ล โคสเตอร์ & ซิปไลน์

This adventure park in Mon Jam is every kid’s dream come true — but honestly, we had way more fun than we expected too.

As the name suggests, there’s a roller coaster that weaves through the lush jungle. But the coaster aside, there’s also a 34-course zip-line course with fun obstacles which includes cycling on a wire, a mini bungy jump, and the usual swingy bridges.

My favourite ride here was the roller coaster which functions like a luge but on tracks — which honestly is way more fun because you can go full speed at the corners, without worrying about your cart flipping around.

*Pro-tip: If there’s someone slow in front of you, put your cart in brakes for a bit to allow some space. There’s a safety mechanism that will automatically slow your cart if you approach too close to the cart in front.

This activity has a pickup option but since we wanted to explore around Mon Jam, we decided to drive up (only 45 minutes from Moose Hotel) too! If you’re getting a pick up option, go with Option B, which comes with lunch, the zip-line course, the giant swing, and of course, the jungle coaster.

Cost: From S$7.50 Opening hours: 8:30AM – 5PM (5:30PM on weekends) How to get there: 45min drive from Chiang Mai ( Google Maps ) Hotel pick-up: Available from Chiang Mai

98 Cozy Cafe Camping Garden

There are many cute cafes in the Mon Jam area but our favourite was the 98 Cozy Cafe Camping Garden . We found it by accident since the other one had their drinks sold out but it turned out to be a good detour!

I mean, how aesthetic is this!

The interior is small, with minimalist designs but also has a cosy feel to it. My favourite part though was the ledge where you could dangle your legs, enjoy your drinks while watching the sunset. I’m pretty convinced this cafe is the best place in Mon Jam to catch the sunset.

Cost: ฿60 – 90 for drinks Opening hours : 8AM – 6PM How to get there: 10min drive from Pongyang Jungle Coaster ( Google Maps )

One of the best local Thai meals we had on this 8-day trip was at Krua Chalong Chiang Mai . At 7PM, it was packed with mainly locals. They don’t have an English menu but there are photos of the dishes and Google Translate does a pretty good job.

While waiting for our table, we also took a sneak at the other table to see what they were having (pro-tip if you’re unsure of what to order!) We ended up with a steamed fish (฿380 – ฿520 depending on size of the catch), a soup curry (฿280) , and a glass noodle salad with minced pork (฿150). Every dish we ordered here was really good — I could imagine this to be the place to bring friends if you were a local here!

Cost: ~฿300/pax Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM (closes between 2PM – 4:30PM) How to get there: 50min drive from Mon Jam ( Google Maps )

Day 3: Day trip to Mae Ping National Park, Lamphun

Drive time from Chiang Mai: ~3hrs

The grand plan for the day was to check out Ko Luang Waterfall in Mae Ping National Park, a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai city. Took some detours to split up the morning drive but turns out, the detours were even better than the final destination.

The Lamp Lamphun Cafe’ & Farm เดอะแลมป์ลำพูน คาเฟ่ & ฟาร์ม 

This isn’t a waterpark .

Not too sure how to describe this place but it’s a nice kinda surprise. The entrance looks like a traditional Chinese restaurant but as you walk in, a couple of ducks greet you. You cross a bridge, and there are cabanas on the edge of a turquoise-blue lake. In it are more swimming ducks and… a giant GOOSE? It’s all a little random but somehow well put together at the same time.

The owner comes by for a chat and tells us there’s a pen with one month old baby pygmy goats. Wow.

Food was also impressive. We got a Coconut Baked Rice (฿150), Som Tam — Papaya Salad (฿90), and a Soft-Shell Crab Curry Toast (฿190). The last item was one of their signature dishes, recommended by the friendly owner, Bo (he might not look friendly but totally is)!

Cost: ~฿220/pax Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM (daily) How to get there: ~1hr drive from Chiang Mai ( Google Maps )

Tham Luang Pha Wiang (Cave)

Another interesting find but made more interesting because of a monk and a dog. TL;DR — pretty cool cave, worth the hike.

But if you’re interested, here’s the story (I’ll try to keep it short).

Google Maps brings us to a car park with a large golden Buddha statue. There are no cave openings in sight.

Confused, we ask a monk — who happens to be the only human in the entire area. We show him an image of the cave from Google Maps, he nods and points to the right. Still confused, we walk past a few more statues until we see a flight of steep rocky steps.

Spot the furry lil tour guide .

It only takes about 5 minutes but the steps are steep and uneven and gets us slightly breathless at the top. Then we see the entrance and think oh, this is pretty cool. But, there’s more! 

We realise the monk had trekked up the steps too, seemingly calm and not breathless at all. Behind him was a shy brown dog who kept close to us the entire time. We reach a dark part of the cave that has a bunch of smaller golden Buddha statues lit but the sunlight streaming from the cave opening.

The monk drops a couple of ฿10 coins into a machine and the back of the cave lights up. He points at a sign written in Thai, “something ฿40 something 10 minutes” was what I could make out of it. Thinking he wanted us to pay ฿40, we started scrambling with our wallet but he waved it off and signalled for us to follow him.

So we did, so did the dog, and we were awed. It was a whole world deep there. Definitely worth the detour!

Entrance fee: Free (but perhaps bring 4x ฿10 coins to light up the cave) Opening hours: None but definitely try to get there before sunset How to get there: 36min drive from The Lamp Cafe ( Google Maps )

Mae Ping National Park

There were three spots we wanted to tick off at Mae Ping National Park. A waterfall, a viewpoint overlooking a valley, and a chill campsite overlooking a calm lake. This area is huge so we only managed to hit up two of the three. If any of you manage to get to the viewpoint, let us know in the comments!

The Ko Luang Waterfall is a 25-minute drive from the national park entrance. We read that swimming used to be possible here but there are now signs that ban it. I can tell why though, the rocks seem to have a layer of minerals on it and are incredibly slippery (yes, tried and bum-tested). We were a little bummed (no pun intended) but just as well! The water also wasn’t as intense a blue as the ones we found online. Could it be seasonal? Let us know if you visit!

The Pha Daeng Luang Sunrise Viewpoint looks like a scene in Norway (from photos) but for some reason, we could not figure a way to get there and the sun was soon setting. Instead, we went for the Kang Ko campsite — a nice chill spot to have a picnic while the sun sets.

Entrance fee: ฿100/pax + ฿30/car Opening hours: 8AM – 4:30PM How to get there: ~1.15hr drive from the cave ( Google Maps )

From Kang Ko Campsite, it’s a 3-hour drive back to Chiang Mai. Stop by the night market in Lamphun for dinner before driving back to Chiang Mai.

Day 4: Day trip to Chiang Rai — Northern Thailand’s most famous temple

Drive time from Chiang Mai: 3hrs

Akha FarmVille อาข่า ฟาร์มวิลล์

A sheep… cafe? Overlooking mountains. Need I say more?

I would be here even without the sheep because the views from this cafe are truly on point! The sheep are also incredibly friendly and will let you approach them for pets. You can pay for a little frying pan filled with strips of carrots (฿30) and the sheep will follow you like you’re Mary.

Don’t be surprised to see the sheep taking shade within the cafe as well. A little gimmicky but worth the visit! Once in a while, you’ll see the talented sheepdog doing his rounds, herding the sheep.

Entrance fee: ฿100 incl. free drink Opening hours: 7:30AM – 5:30PM (closes at 6PM from Fri–Sun) How to get there: 2.5hr drive from Chiang Mai ( Google Maps )

Wat Rong Khun – White Temple วัดร่องขุ่น

It’s been seven years since I first saw the White Temple and I’m blown away by its transformation! While the main building remains striking, it’s the subtle details that steal the show. Once your eyes adjust to the dazzling white, you’ll find reflective bits that the artist has added cleverly to catch the light, adding an otherworldly glow.

Beyond the iconic white structure, there’s now an additional cave, and a waterfall area to explore. We didn’t explore the cave as it was buzzing with curious visitors — let us know if it’s worth the visit!

Entrance fee: ฿100 Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM How to get there: 45min drive from Akha FarmVille ( Google Maps )

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

It’s not every day you see a temple covered in this stark shade of blue and gold. This is a fairly new temple that was only completed in 2016 and took about 11 years to complete.

Interesting details on the sides of the building .

Fun fact: “Wat Rong Suea Ten” translates to Temple of the Dancing Tiger as tigers are said to have roamed freely over the grounds when it was abandoned nearly a century ago. In 1996, the local community initiated the construction to replace another old temple which stood on these grounds.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 7AM – 10PM How to get there: 24min drive from White Temple ( Google Maps )

Baan Dam Museum

Baan Dam is an interesting museum that features works by contemporary artists. When we visited, there was a cool art exhibition that featured artworks that made use of VR technology. Beside each frame there was a QR code — when scanned, directed to an IG filter that brought the artwork to life! This made the whole museum experience a lot more fun and quirky.

Scan the QR code at the side of each painting for a psychedelic art experience.

Entrance fee: ฿80 Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM How to get there: 16min drive from Blue Temple ( Google Maps )

Lalitta Café

Lalitta Café was supposed to be a dinner stopover on our way back to Chiang Mai but this was a whole Gardens by the Bay experience. At the entrance, you’ll see paths lined with flora and fauna, made a little more magical with the fog machine.

As we got to the end, there was a 2-storey tall waterfall everyone was queuing to take photos at. There are a few alfresco areas to dine at, and we picked the second level on the left side of the waterfall.

Food starts from ฿139 on average.

Entrance fee: ฿60, but if you order food at the cafe, it gets knocked off your bill Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM How to get there: 18min drive from Baan Dam Museum ( Google Maps )

From Lalitta Café, it’s a three-hour drive back to Moose Hotel Chiang Mai. For those who prefer not to drive such long distances can explore Chiang Rai on a join-in day tour ! The tour covers the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the Black House Museum (Baan Dam Museum).

Day 5-6: Drive to Mae Hong Son via Pai

Drive time from Chiang Mai: 5.5hrs

Just before the Thai-Myanmar border is a small charming Chinese village, Ban Rak Thai, located 1,180m above sea level. It’s a 5.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai so we split the journey up by staying a night in Pai before driving up to Mae Hong Son.

Note: Between Pai and Mae Hong Son is an incredibly windy journey — it’s famously known as the Mae Hong Son loop and has 1,864 turns on steep elevation. Would not recommend taking this drive after sunset. We saw our lives flash a few times as we were trying to get to Chiang Mai by 9PM. Here are some of the highlights before we arrive at Ban Rak Thai!

What makes Pai Canyon interesting is its distinctive red sandstone cliffs sculpted by erosion over centuries. After a short hike up the carved dirt steps, you’ll find an intricate network of narrow pathways to explore. It gets quite hot in the afternoon so it’s best to arrive at sunrise or sunset.

There are steep drops and the dry dirt can be quite slippery so definitely come with grippy covered shoes.

Entrance fee: Free (฿5 if you want to use the toilets) Opening hours: 6AM – 8PM (there are no gates) How to get there: 2hr 45min drive from Chiang Mai ( Google Maps )

Check in at Yoma Hotel (Accommodation in Pai)

After almost three hours on the road, Yoma Hotel was a welcome pit stop on the way to Mae Hong Son. The hotel is slightly further away from Pai Walking Street where most of the travellers are but there’s a free shuttle that will get you there in under five minutes. The pool overlooks a vast field with mountains in the distance, perfect for a relaxing dip in the afternoon.

Rooms are clean and simple with both twin bed and double bed configurations and come with a large breakfast spread in the lobby that overlooks the mountains. It was quite chilly when we were here in November. And in the mornings, there was a thick mist that slowly revealed the mountains as the sun rose — a very charming sight over breakfast!

Cost: S$59/night Distance from Pai Walking Street: 1km

Sunset at Two Huts Pai

Before the sun sets, save yourself a spot at Two Huts Pai, a charming cafe with spacious alfresco seating. It gets crowded during sunset though so be there earlier to save yourself a seat! Alternatively, bring along a picnic mat so you don’t have to fight for seats!

Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM How to get there: 12min drive from Yoma Hotel ( Google Maps )

Pai Walking Street

There’s not much to do in Pai in the evening but this street closes to vehicles and vendors open up stores at the sides with performances and live music lining the street. You’ll find souvenirs, trinkets, desserts, snacks, and you could even find your dinner here.

A happy Jeriah with his hot-off-the-stove sweet potato pancake

Opening hours: 4PM till late How to get there: 15min walk from Yoma Hotel ( Google Maps )

Pang Oung Lake (Scenic pit stop)

This was a much needed toilet break for us but also a scenic stop to stretch your legs at a break. The toilets here are clean and free to use.

Entrance fee: Free How to get there: 2hr 45min drive from Yoma Hotel ( Google Maps )

Ban Rak Thai

Ban Rak Thai is a Yunnan village right before the border with Myanmar. Words don’t do justice to how charming the place is. But imagine getting out of the car to a light 20°C breeze, the sun shining gently on the still lake, reflecting the unique traditional Chinese architecture around it. Imagine that — then visit this one day and let me know if the description is accurate 😝

Naturally, we spent a lot of time trying to accurately capture the charm in pictures. There isn’t much to do in the area so take it slow and enjoy the cool air and mountainous views around.

You could also take a boat ride on the lake, sip on tea harvested straight from the village, or take a stroll through the tea plantations.

How to get there: 2.5hr drive from Pai ( Google Maps )

Lee Wine Yunnan Restaurant

Finding lunch was actually the first order of business when we arrived in Ban Rak Thai after the 3-hour drive from Pai. We ended up at Lee Wine Yunnan Restaurant which had a 4.4-star rating on Google Maps with reviews of how authentically Yunnanese the dishes were. It also has the best view from the banks of the lake (imo).

We ordered a bunch of dishes to share namely the Stir fry black chicken (฿320), a Spicy tea leaf salad (฿150), and the Yunnan kimchi with minced pork (฿160). Unintentionally, all the dishes turned out to be pretty spicy so the complimentary tea-tasting set of Oolong and Dew Drop tea was a nice addition.

There’s also a tea and snacks shop next door where you can purchase Grade A tea leaves as a gift.

Cost: ~฿250/pax Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM (daily) How to get there: 2.5hr drive from Pai ( Google Maps )

From Ban Rak Thai, it’s a 5.5-hour drive back to Chiang Mai with steep roads and many hairpin bends. We had to drive most of the Mae Hong Son loop in the dark and after that experience, I’d highly recommend leaving earlier so you arrive before sunset. Or book a night in Pai before driving back to Chiang Mai in the morning.

Check-in at Gategaa Village

Gategaa Village is probably the most charming accommodation in Chiang Mai. It’s only a 12-minute walk from the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, but also located in a quiet neighbourhood. The entire space is surrounded by lush greenery, has a rooftop pool and the reception has a fully stocked pantry with snacks and desserts you can access at any time of the day!

Rooms are spacious and stylishly decorated, and come with a mini kitchen with stoves and basic cooking utensils. But the in-house kitchen is known to also serve up some amazing food! I think the breakfast here was our favourite from the entire trip!

There are also bicycles you can rent for free to explore the areas around.

Cost: From S$74/night How to get there: 5.5hr drive from Ban Rak Thai / 20min drive to Chiang Mai International Airport ( Google Maps )

Day 7: Day Trip to Doi Inthanon

Drive time from Chiang Mai: 2hrs

Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, about a 2-hour drive from Chiang Mai city. But after driving extensively over the last few days, we decided to hand over the driving and sign up for a join-in tour to Doi Inthanon instead!

Which turned out great as we could take a nap on the drive up, but also got quite a bit of insight about the history of the place from the very friendly and knowledgeable guide!

The tour includes a stop at two waterfalls, a short 300m hike through the lush forests, and a visit to a local village where we tasted the local coffee, teas and lunch.

Cost: ~S$62/pax Tour time: 8AM – 5PM Pick-up from Chiang Mai Accommodation: Available for some hotels near the airport

Think Park Night Market (Japanese/Korean inspired town)

Think Park is more than just a typical weekend night market. The entire area seems to be modelled to look like a slice of Japan. There’s even a Hachiko statue and Japanese words painted on the tarmac floor.

Can you spot Hachiko?

Instead of the usual tourist souvenirs, there are handcrafted goods, trendy local fashion, and artistic creations. There are also live music performances and stalls selling a range of food from local Thai favourites to international cuisine and even a Froyo booth.

Other than street food booths, there’s also a Korean BBQ restaurant, some trendy cafes, and a few bars to hang out at. Wished we had a little more time here.

Opening hours: Google says 8 – 10PM but it was quite lively when we arrived at 7PM How to get there: 20min drive from Gategaa Village, also located right next to Eastin Tan Hotel which seems like a nice Chiang Mai accommodation to consider as well ( Google Maps )

Day 8: Last min Spa before catching the flight home

Fah lanna spa nimman.

Photo credit: Thailandmassage.com

Stepping into a Fah Lanna Spa felt like entering an oasis of serenity — not exaggerating. The space is so well-thought with a soothing aroma of essential oils wafting through the area.

There are over 30 different treatments ranging from 1 to 4 hours with interesting massages like Office Syndrome Retreat (focusing on the head, back and shoulders), the Fah Lanna Aura (includes a thorough body scrub and an aromatherapy oil massage), and even a Reiki Healing treatment.

Every therapist was skilled and you even get to fill in a form beforehand which asks for your preference of pressure, as well as a diagram to mark out your preferred areas to focus and avoid. I always find my thighs extra ticklish so I marked that out and they actually took note of it — definitely appreciated!

This was the perfect activity before catching our flight out of Chiang Mai!

Cost: From S$27 Opening hours: 12PM – 9PM How to get there: 20min Grab ride from Gategaa Village / 12min drive to Chiang Mai International Airport ( Google Maps )

Planning a road trip in Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai’s charm extends past its ancient walls. It’s also the perfect base to explore the charms of Northern Thailand.

Just a 3-hour drive north, charming temples, fascinating museums, and even a whimsical sheep cafe await in Chiang Rai. Venture 3 hours south and there’s the Mae Ping National Park along with the hidden gems of Lamphun.

But I have to say, some of our favourite experiences were the day trip we did to Mon Jam which was all within a comfortable hour’s drive. The cool mountain air, the trendy cafes and glamping opportunities definitely made it all the more charming.

If you’re planning your own road trip from Chiang Mai, here are some useful tips!

1) Choose the right season: November to March is the most ideal as it’s cooler (~20°C) and also during its dry season, great for driving and outdoor activities. During our eight days here, it only lightly drizzled on one evening.

2) Book accomodation ahead: November and December are peak travel seasons here so book your accommodations ahead!

*Pro-tip: Book Stay+ via Klook to get up to 50% off your accommodation/activity! (i.e. A stay at the Moose Hotel Chiang Mai comes together with a Fah Lanna Spa package )

3) Download Offline Maps: There were a few areas where we could not get data connectivity like in Mae Ping National Park, as well as some parts of the Mae Hong Son loop. To be safe, always use the “Ok Maps” function on Google to download the portion of the map that you’ll be using for the day.

4) Plan to finish your drives before sunset: Once you’re out of the city, most of the roads are pitch dark and without any street lamps. There are even sections without reflective tabs which can be quite dangerous. Most of the day trips felt ok to drive in the evenings as the roads were fairly straight, but I’d probably not drive the Mae Hong Son loop in the evening again if I could replan this.

5) Bonus: Learn to cook a Thai dish! Cooking classes are a fun way to experience local cuisine and culture, while also bringing home a new skill! We tried out this local cooking class which actually allows you to pick specific dishes. We picked three crowd favourites — a Tom Kha Gai (Chicken Coconut soup), Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles), and a Khao Soi (a curry-based Noodle dish from the Northern region)

The cooking class took place in a cosy Lanna-style house with helpful instructors and you even get a customised apron with your name printed on it! Overall a great way to bring home a piece of Thailand.

What experience or sight you find most surprising to see in a Thailand itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

This post was brought to you by Klook .

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Visiting Northern Thailand on a Road Trip

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Northern Thailand is one of the best places to visit in Thailand if you want to see beautiful temples, villages, unspoilt landscapes and “real” Thailand, away from the holiday beaches. This post coverst the best, most beautiful places to visit in Northern Thailand and gives you ideas for a Northern Thailand Itinerary, we talk about some of the best and moth beautiful places to see in Northern Thailand, with photos.

Don’t stop at Chiang Mai! We think Northern Thailand is one of the best parts of Thailand and over the years we’ve been exploring the north of the country by car and on foot, whenever we get a chance.

You can get north of Chiang Mai by bus or even fly, but self-driving is a great option in the north of Thailand and an affordable one.

Rental vehicles and self-drive works out cheaper than taking the bus for us, as a family of four.

It’s also possible to arrange tours into northern Thailand, one day tours and longer, we’ll cover those too.

For now, some recommended destinations for you to explore and northern Thailand itinerary suggestions including the Mae Hon Son Loop and the northeast of Thailand.

We also give you some recommendations on accommodation, some budget, some more luxury.

If your Thailand trip allows, fit some of these northern Thailand destinations into your itinerary .

Northern Thailand Itinerary

Your northern Thailand itinerary should include as many as you can of the best places to visit in northern Thailand. Choose your favourites and connect them in a logical way to form your North Thailand itinerary.

• Doi Inthanon National Park can be a good day trip from Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai (The White Temple and Blue Temple are two of the best places in Thailand, easily book a day trip to these from Chiang Mai here)
• Mae Hong Song
• Hill Tribes
• Caves, Lod Cave
• More unusual destinations like Phayao, and Mae Salong.
• Hill Tribes and villages

Itinerary tips, ideas, and more information on these places in northern Thailand below, to help your trip planning.

Chiang Mai Old Town is a fortified, perfectly square enclosure surrounded by a well maintained and attractive moat.

The Old Town houses dozens of ancient temples and wats along with busy markets, cool shops and plenty of hotels, guest houses and hostels.

Night markets and walking streets are abundant and popular inside the old city of Chiang Mai and in the newer parts of the city.

Outside Chiang Mai you’ll find beautiful Doi Suthep (with Wat Phrathat ) as well as multiple large tourist attractions based on elephants, trekking, zip-lining, animals, art or even elephant manure paper-making.

We have a post on Art in Paradise 3D art museum here and another on Living in Chiang Mai and facilities available ( ice skating, English cinema, co-working spaces etc) here.

We have tried a few more of these tourist attractions but we’re yet to write them up, our favourite activity up here is just wandering the old town, moat and markets.

Chiang Mai is where we always pick up a hire car to journey further north. We have a post on car hire and driving in Thailand here . For information on getting to Chiang Mai from Bangkok you need this post.

You can fly to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, or take the bus, but the overnight sleeper train is a great thing to do if you have time.

You will arrive at Chiang Mai train station, on the outskirts of town, from here you’ll have to negotiate a fare into town. This can be troublesome.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

It’s best to stay in or very close to the Old Town, we’ve stayed further out of town towards the Ping River and it’s much harder to access everything you need.

The Night Bazaar area (outside the Old Town, to the southeast) isn’t so nice, you’re better off in the Old Town in our opinion.

The Night Bazaar usually runs every night but the walking streets (markets) in the Old Town are more on weekends. Check the current scheduling of markets for yourself.

We can recommend the following hotels, guest houses and hostels based on personal experience. For ultra-budget stays try the hostels just north of the old town on a quiet street the other side of the moat.

We have used the following. Details and pricing may have changed, please double check.

• Roof and Room hostel, it’s small, clean, modern and friendly and has family rooms for 4 or 6 with private bathroom from under $30 per night. Free coffee is a bonus and a small night market and vegetarian restaurant give good cheap eats just footsteps away. Check Roof and Room here .
• A little more expensive but still budget, is Central Guest House, this one also has a private family room, actually 2 rooms with bathroom and a prime location almost on Tae Pai gate, this is the main gate in the middle of the east wall and very close to the Sunday Night Market.  Check Central Guest House here .
• For a few dollars more ( in the region of $55) try Baan Klang Vieng, the family room is almost an apartment with 2 big rooms and kitchen area in an old style Thai house. Mr Veiss will cook you a great breakfast. Check Baan Klang Vieng here .
• If you want a luxurious stay in a great location try Chala Number 6, it’s within the Old Town, has an exceptional 9.6 rating, 2 bedroom family suites and a great pool to cool off in.  See what the luxury end of family accommodation is like at Chala Number 6 here .

Chiang Mai Festivals

There are many festivals in Thailand but the lantern festivals make Chiang Mai a tourism hotspot in northern hemisphere autumn.

Thousands of flaming paper lanterns take to the skies above chiang mai and thousands more float on the Ping river, and in the moat.

You will also see spectacular displays in some of the temples and monasteries, as well as in the city’s central Three Kings Square.

These two festivals, Loi Krathong and Yi Peng are the stuff of Instagram dreams, but we found the crowds and potential dangers of traffic and falling fireballs a little hair raising.

Songkran, the water festival, is also popular in Chiang Mai, and all over Thailand, this happens in spring.

Chiang Mai also has “burning season” when local fields are burnt as part of the agricultural process. This can destroy air quality, so please look into this if you are planning your best time to see Chiang Mai and the north.

Chiang Mai can be a really good place to spend Christmas in Thailand, with lots of decorations, western style, adding to the mix.

Pai used to be a sleepy country town, beloved of hippy backpackers and in many ways it still is. It’s just grown.

Expect beautiful green fields, a winding river and lots of tourists. The night market is great and there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area, from rafting to elephants to hill tribe visits.

Where to Stay in Pai

We’ve stayed outside Pai when we’ve hired a car which is better for parking but not so good if you want to wander into town to eat in the evenings. We won’t recommend the resort we stayed at, instead we’ll recommend you stay somewhere closer to town.

Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son province borders Chiang Mai Province in the northwest of Thailand. It is bordered by mountains (Myanmar, to the west) and is known as the city of three mists.

A mountainous and historically poorer province of Thailand, this region is now one of the most beautiful and interesting parts of Thailand.

It is also very pleasant to explore, with far fewer tourist on the ground than elsewhere in Thailand.

Where to Stay in Mai Hong Son

Stay close to the lake, if you’re driving, find somewhere with parking. You’ll want to walk around the lake, temple and night market in the evening.

Alternatively, there are some nice resort-style hotels just outside town.

The Mae Hong Son Loop

This somewhat famous road loop takes travellers on a 600 Km mountain exploration from Chiang Mai, to Chiang Dao, Pai, Soppong, Mae Aw,  Mai Hong Son, Mae Chaim, Doi Inthanon and back to Chiang Mai.

There are multiple options on where to stay on this route, it’s up to you.

The giant swing which you will pass on this journey is in our short video. The kids loved it!

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest peak and is in Chiang Mai Province to the southwest of the city. You can easily book day trips to Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai, or online.

There is so much to see and do in and around Chiang Rai that a few days wouldn’t be too much time to spend here. We already published a post on things to do in Chiang Rai (click through here) .

Chiang Rai is where you’ll need to be to see the rightly-famous white and blue temples. These are two of the most stunning, and most unusual, temples in the whole of Thailand.

Where to Stay in Chiang Rai

Because we were road tripping and had our own car, we stayed just outside Chiang Rai City at Pan Kled Villa Eco Hill Resort.

This place was comfortable and affordable, housing was in adorable wooden villas in a stunning forest garden. Highly recommended!

They served a great breakfast and had a reasonably priced outdoor restaurant for the evenings. Check out Pan Kled Villas here.

Where to Stay in Mae Salong

You can either stay in Mae Salong town itself to be within easy walking distance of the market and restaurants or, as we did, you can stay slightly outside town, a 5-10 minute drive, to wake up to dawn views like the one above.

This photo is actually taken from our hotel, it was low cost, comfortable and provided a good breakfast and dress-up opportunities. Much more to come on Mae Salong soon but for now check out Phumektawan Resort Hotel here .

 Kwan Phayao (Lake Phayao)

No, we’d never heard of Phayao either but we were having so much fun visiting new places that we thought we’d visit one more.

Phayao was very different, large empty roads, plenty of restaurants, no tourists. We ran and walked on beautiful bike paths around the lake, enjoyed sunsets and sunrises and wondered why nobody comes here.

It was a slice of real Thailand and would make an excellent digital nomad base.

You can get to Phayao by bus from Chiang Mai, by car it took us around 4 hours or it makes a good stop if you’re driving up from the south.

Where to Stay in Phayao

We chose The Cozy Nest because of its excellent reviews and weren’t disappointed.

Their family room was absolutely huge and breakfast was included. They also had rooms for 2 and deluxe rooms, it’s just footsteps from the water’s edge, take a look at The Cozy Nest here .

Much further south than all the places mentioned above but technically in the northern part of Thailand, Sukhothai could make a good stop on the way up or down from Chiang Mai.

You can even book a day trip to Sukhothai from Chiang Mai, and this would certainly be the easiest way to see this incredible ancient city. It’s actually one of my very favourite places in Thailand, but getting there by bus and train is tricky. I’d really recommend booking the day trip (the price is for 3 people for this particular tour, but there are other options on this site) if you don’t need to spend a few days in Sukhothai.

Sukhothai Historic Park is one of the best and largest historic sites in the whole of Thailand. If you’re serious about your exploration, absolutely not to be missed.

Sukhothai to Chiang Mai is about 5 hours by bus. Bangkok to Sukhothai is about 7-9 hours by bus (there is a stop at Ayutthaya on this bus route).

There is no train on this route that stops close to Sukhothai.  The two buses combined were cheaper than taking the sleeper train direct from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

A classic journey of around 12 hours, the Bangkok to Chiang Mai sleeper train is a comfortable way to get to the north of Thailand and we’ve taken this route many times with kids and without. The buses on this route can be good too.

We have a full post on  getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai here . Of course you could also fly if time is very short.

When to Visit Northern Thailand? Weather, Rain, Air Pollution and Temperatures.

The dry seasons in Northern Thailand are November to February (cool) and March to June (hot). Rain is less likely during these periods.

Be aware of the terrible air pollution in Chiang Mai in spring, February to May. You will probably need a light sweater high in the mountains in the evenings.

Finding the Best Prices on Hotels, Guest Houses, Resorts and Hostels in Thailand

It is still possible to turn up and knock on doors to find a room but the internet really does make this somewhat pointless these days.

On a tour of the north of Thailand, we tend to book just a day or two in advance and generally use Agoda because we collect their credit vouchers to use against future stays . They are Asia specialists and every experience we’ve had with their customer support has been superb. Visit Agoda here .

Northern Thailand Itinerary, 1 Week, 2 Week, a Month?

If time is short you’ll have to choose between travelling northeast ( Chiang Rai, Mae Salong) and north-west ( Mae Hong Son).  3-5 days should be plenty of time to get around these areas and you could potentially include Pai and Chiang Dao. Pai is not really on the way to Chiang Rai but you could take a detour.

If you have 2 weeks or longer you could see most of the places mentioned above and more.

Your northern Thailand itinerary will depend on onward travel plans. Do you need to return a rental vehicle to Chiang Mai? Will you be crossing into Laos from northern Thailand? Can you fly back to Bangkok from Chiang Rai or another northern airport, so avoiding having to return to Chiang Mai?

If you possibly can, find time to add Sukhothai Historic Park to your trip, visit on the way north to Chiang Mai or on your return to Bangkok .

Of course, if you visit Sukhothai you should also visit Ayutthaya, the other UNESCO-listed Ancient Capitol of Thailand. We can’t call Ayutthaya Northern Thailand, it’s quite close to Bangkok towards the south. We have a post on Ayutthaya here.

Both Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are stunning, however, I’d choose Sukhothai if I could only see one.

1 Day Tours to Northern Thailand

It’s possible to book day tours into northern Thailand in advance. Try these options, they come with a company’s best price guarantee. Find the tour cheaper and they say they’ll refund the difference, please check terms for yourself.

• A 1 day tour to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai .  This tour  picks you up from your Chiang Mai hotel, takes you to the White Temple and Wat Phra That Chedi Luang in Chiang Saen Ancient City  and includes a boat trip on the Mekong River. Check details and pricing here.
• A small group tour Including Chiang Rai’s White and Blue Temples plus the chilling Black House. (this one is slightly cheaper) This tour again, picks up from Chiang Mai and includes Golden Triangle highlights, White Temple, Blue Temple and Black House. Check details and availability on this tour here.

We hope you find our selection of places to visit in northern Thailand useful. I know this post would have been a big help to us in planning our tours and destinations in the north. A set northern Thailand itinerary is of little real value as of course, everyone is different with different needs and comfort levels, but we’ve done our best to give you an idea of what’s possible in a week, 2 weeks or a month. Enjoy the north, it’s where we spend most of our time in Thailand these days and we will be back for more. Detailed posts are still in production on all of these destinations. Sign up to follow and get them as soon as they’re published. For our general Thailand travel guide, click here . or you can visit our Thailand Travel archives.

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If you'd like to hire a car during your stay, use this car rental comparison tool to find the best deal! We also suggest you take a look at this company to get a quote for all kinds of the more tricky adventure or extended travel insurance. Try Stayz / VRBO for an alternative way to find rentals on homes/apartments/condos in any country!

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Alyson Long

Tha kha floating market and maeklong railway market tour, 9 thoughts on “visiting northern thailand on a road trip”.

We are an elderly, active healthy couple in our 80s, We are wanting to spend time in northern Thailand with the possibility of visiting our daughter who lives in Vetienne, Laos, Have you any suggestions of accommodation, maybe in a reasonably priced resort, we have been to Thailand on a tour and know there are some lovely places to stay, Is the train journey from Bangkok north worth doing?

The train journey is great Ann but presumably you’d not want top bunks, you’d need to specify two lower bunks. You don’t see much, you’re asleep most of the way, it’s just a fun experience, so maybe for you, no, take a plane. Bouncing around on the train and having to use moving bathrooms may be tricky. Have you looked at the place we stayed at just outside Chiang Rai? Pretty little bungalows in a forest setting, I think it’s in this post, if not it will be in the Chiang Rai one. There are endless nice hotels in and around Chiang Mai too.

We are heading to Northern Thailand in just over a week. We have booked a place in Chiang Mai for when we arrive and are planning to rent a car to explore on our own. Can you offer suggestions on how long we should rent the car for? We have read your posts and are planning to see most of it if the girls are game as we go. We are wondering where you suggest stops for nights and how long. We have driven and lived in Australia for 2017 so hopefully the driving will be easy to pick up again. We have as long as 1.5 weeks to explore up North but we know the weather will be hot and perhaps bad air quality as well.

If you go towards Chiang Rai and Mae Salong, 3-4 days is enough, same of you go the other way towards Mae Hong Son. Combining the two…nt sure at this point and I’m on the road right now sorry, can’t check a map. Try to stay ( at least) in Pae, Chiang Rae and Mae Salong. For the other way Pai and Mai Hong Son.

We are planning a 3 week trip to Thailand in June. I will be taking my 3 boys (8, 6, and 5) I am not sure how to pre book/plan everything before we get there (if I didn’t have kids I wouldn’t mind freelancing the trip.) My boys love water and animals.

Just book your flights and accommodation using your favourite online booking engines. Taxis will get you around locally very cheaply. Do you need flights or long interal bus or train journeys? If so you can even book those in advance using 12 Go.

This is very informative! A 12 hour bus ride?! I would never think that this would be a suitable journey with kids, but as usual, you’ve inspired me. Stunning photos-must be that new fancy camera. 😉

Do you mean the Bangkok to Chiang Mai bus Gillian? It’s 11 hours, it’s quicker than the train. I wouldn’t do it by day but by night I would. We take the sleeper train with the kids. The bus coming back from Sukhothai to Bangkok was 10 hours in the end, but a nice bus, comfortable, no problem. Had we known it would be 19 hours ( they told us 7) we probably would have gone by night rather than day.

And the camera is AMAZING!! Posting about that soon but got to do the markets tour we did today first.

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Bourdain’s picks, photo essays, the ultimate northern thailand road trip.

The majority of visitors to Thailand end up eating pad thai and kicking back on a beach, and you can do that, too—really, it’s pretty hard to go wrong in this beautiful country. But there are less touristy treasures to be found by venturing a little further north. And all you need is a motorbike.

The greatest draws of the North are found dotted along the snaking mountain roads that connect the cities and towns. From central Chiang Mai look northwest; the enticing silhouette of the nearby Doi Suthep Mountain hints at the countless peaks beyond it.

Starting in this laid-back and easily navigable city, a motorcycle is without doubt the best way to travel—and renting one is cheap, almost absurdly so. With little more than a scan of a passport and $5 dollars a day, it’s possible to free yourself from the stress of minibus timetables and crowds. The old cliché of “motorbikes and freedom” may suddenly ring very true to you.

You may have heard of the Mae Hong Son loop, a well-known 420-mile tour around the north. But the tour I recommend is a little more off the beaten track (and is quite a bit shorter than this 420-mile trek, which will be good for motorbike newbies). At a little over 58 and 70 miles respectively, the Samoeng and Mae Wang loops are easily completed as half-day trips from Chiang Mai. But with so many attractions sitting off the main roads, it’s worth taking a few days to drive both loops. You’ll be rewarded with national parks, breathtaking views, and remote, picturesque villages. It offers just as much as the Mae Hong Son loop, but in a smaller package.

Heading north from Chiang Mai, starting with the Samoeng loop, your first stop is for a stroll through Katai Kamminga’s shaded Erotic Garden and Teahouse . It hasn’t even been two years since the grand opening but her garden has already garnered a lot of attention, and a touch of controversy.

It’s pretty much what you would expect. Around the lush grounds, giant golden phalluses are framed by landscaped bushes. White orchids and deep purple butterfly pea flowers outline explicit sculptures dreamed up by Kamminga. In the main residence, a wall proudly displays newspaper and magazine clippings covering her garden, the pages emboldened with the obligatory pun-filled headlines, like “Where Sexuality Flowers.”

Kamminga said that the word “erotic” doesn’t have an accurate translation in Thai, leading to some confusion—and the occasional belief that the garden is home to sex work. She added that the goal of the garden isn’t to shock, but to encourage people to consider eroticism more openly in their lives.

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Upon leaving the garden, the road begins to change. From the linear Highway 107, you turn left on the 1096 and lean into the first of hundreds of bends to come. The fecund pastoral lands make sense of the old Lanna empire’s name, “Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields.”

The fields seem to stretch out past the horizon—but it doesn’t take long for the mountains in the distance to be suddenly upon you.

Cut through the Mae Sa Valley and head west towards the Samoeng forest. The route is full hairpin turns and switchbacks that beckon you higher and higher; every major rise in elevation prompting a drop in temperature and refreshing chill.

Driving along the spine of the mountain passes, patchworks of rose farms hang down the hill sides. On the flats, strawberry farms start to multiply. Designated viewpoints soon start to appear with increasing regularity, each one promising, and delivering on, breathtaking vistas. Facing south, the untouched undulations of the Doi Suthep–Pui National Park mountains lay out a picturesque idyll.

Just before Samoeng town the road suddenly splits in two, one banking left and meandering south while the other continues west. This is where the Samoeng and Mae Wang loops diverge. Turn onto the Mae Wang loop by keeping right, heading west on the 1269.

About half an hour from this split sits Lhongkhao Samoeng , a beautiful place to spend the night in Samoeng town itself. With an innocuous entrance it’s easily missed, but once you pull off down its slim driveway the resort reveals a dozen wooden homes on stilts, overlooking strawberry fields.

In the early morning cool, it feels like the valley has its own microclimate. The thick morning mist glides down and along the valley until the late morning sun burns it away.

For breakfast, Lhongkhao Samoeng offers a delicious khao tom moo , a common dish of rice porridge with pork meatballs. Importantly, it’s homemade, a fact the hotel are keen to stress, and for good reason—the best food here is cooked at home.

Northern Thai, or Lanna, cuisine is arguably the least-known Thai cuisine internationally —certainly when compared to the spicy, coconut based curries of the south; the intense flavors found in a northeastern Isaan dish like papaya salad; or the multitude of ubiquitous stir fried dishes like pad si ew and pad thai . Northern cuisine is influenced by its proximity to Myanmar and China, featuring much subtler flavors. Typically, soups and curries are free of coconut milk, while dishes like gaeng haeng lay, pork curry, are heavily influenced by Myanmar cuisine—even the word haeng is thought to derive from the Burmese hin , meaning “curry.”

Back on the road, it’s possible to simply carry on west through the Mae Wang loop via the 1349, but it’s worth backtracking about 12 miles back to the split to head south down the 1269 to see the last of the Samoeng loop and grab a morning coffee at Hillsborough , an English-style country house and hotel. While there are plenty of places to get coffee along the route, the Hillsborough is an experience apart. Amongst a sparsely populated valley on the western outskirts of the Doi Suthep–Pui National Park, a handful of bright white, English-style country homes dot the landscape with admirable disregard for architectural norms. This is the Hillsborough. It’s an odd find in an odd location—but the cappuccino is pretty good.

Heading back to the split to take the Mae Wang loop once again, you’re not long out of the shadow of one national park before entering another. The Khun Khan National Park is the most westerly point on this trip and also marks the beginning of a new phase in the natural beauty as you turn south. Earlier in the trip, the scenery was dominated by the greenery of the pines and crops; Khun Khan signals the start of bright, fiery hills of wild sunflowers, which blossom in the cool of the fall and winter. Between exiting the Khun Khan National Park and entering the Ob Khan National Park further south, these sunflowers—the Mexican sunflower selection to be exact—light up the road unceasingly. Eventually, as the route turns back east, moving closer to Chiang Mai, they slowly disappear, replaced instead with seemingly endless fields of rice. During harvest, workers gather en masse along the road, each person hauling a tethered mass of yellowing rice stalks to the side of the road to be picked up.

Spend the night by a campfire with a cold drink at “ The Doi View, ” a small family-run establishment situated in the middle of some rice fields. The romantically remote location requires navigating some hairy dirt roads, but it also means that at night the light pollution is non-existent. A far cry from cities, where one can see just a handful of stars at night, the shock of that blackness, between tens of thousands of stars, is overwhelming.

“Five-million-star hotel,” says the owner, Sutima Kaewtip.

The final leg back to Chiang Mai can be stretched out if so desired. Instead of following the Mae Wang route back east, a detour can be made first west and then south—Highway 1284 is a good option—to add a few hours of mountain riding through some Hmong villages. This is the most remote part of the trip, the road itself a little worse for wear, but the sight of all the colorful villages more than makes up for having to drive a little slower.

After a couple hours on 1284, the gently meandering road comes crashing into the Doi Inthanon National Park road. While arguably the busiest and most touristy of routes back to Chiang Mai, it does also mean you get a few more gut-tilting turns before zipping back to the city.

The idea for a route with this many detours relies on a simpler concept made possible by the sheer variety of attractions in northern Thailand. If you just follow the roads, you will find food to eat and places to stop.

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The Mae Salong loop: An easy Northern Thailand road trip

November in Thailand brings the end of the rainy season and ushers in the “cool” months of the year. For Bangkokians, that means donning a scarf, leather jacket and low level winter garb whilst pretending it isn’t 32C outside.

In the north, however, the cool season means just that, making it a popular getaway destination.

We haven’t really explored Northern Thailand much, so for this trip we decided to rent a car and drive a lazy loop around some of the more picturesque sites. The famous tour in these parts is undoubtedly the Mae Hong Son loop, but after a bit of researching we settled on a rough version of the less-travelled Mae Salong loop.

Overall this has taken us 9 days to be able to spend a good amount of time at each stop – this is a holiday not a sprint. You could do it in 5, or you could extend it to spend some more time in Chiang Mai at the back end.

You could equally do what we tried and failed to do – rent transport in Chiang Mai and drop it off in Chiang Rai. Ultimately we weren’t able to find car hire to do this, but it was a public holiday and so cars were in short supply all round!

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The lazy Mae Salong loop

The Mae Salong loop is a beautiful and varied trip. On the way we’ll take in spectacular starscapes served up next to Korean BBQ in Chiang Dao, winding mountain roads up to a tea-soaked slice of southern China in Mae Salong, before basing ourselves in Chiang Rai for a few gentle days of coffee, culture and relaxation.

For a bit more in depth info on attractions on the loop, plus a couple of extra stops, be sure to check out the excellent guide at Travelfish – in my opinion easily the best resource for info on any Thai destination and seemingly for most of southeast Asia.

As we are typically sedentary creatures, we prefer fewer stops and more time at each place to explore, relax and unwind. So you can think of this as the lazy Mae Salong loop, Mae Salong Lite or even Mae Not Salong (stretching?). In any case, we wanted more views like this and less time on the road.

The Mae Salong loop is best done in November-February, when temperatures are cool but the rainy season has passed. Google Maps was more than adequate for directions, except for getting from Mae Salong to Chiang Rai!

Stage 1: Chiang Dao from Chiang Mai

We started our trip as all good journeys should start – with a creaking, 13 hour overnight train journey from Bangkok. If you want to know more about the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai which I would highly recommend – we’ve written some more about it here . If you plan to do it and remember nothing else – bring food.

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Well-nourished on crisps and Dunkin’ Donuts hastily plundered from the station, the train spat us out at a very sleepy Chiang Mai around 7.30am.

After a bleary coffee and Khao Tom from the station cafe, our rental car turned up, handily delivered by Budgetcatcher with whom we had a really easy rental experience. Our ride was a ubiquitous Toyota Yaris with minimal grunt. If you were doing this trip in the wet season or with more than two people, a four wheel drive would be handy, but for us this handled the mountains just fine.

Having previously spent a lot of time in Chiang Mai , we didn’t hang around and headed straight for our first stop some 80km north – Chiang Dao.

Chiang Dao – literally City of Stars – is a small town straddling two sides of the highway north of Chiang Mai. The drive is gentle but notably uphill, and the area is dominated by the huge Doi Luang mountain which is visible from everywhere in town.

Chiang Dao is one for the nature lovers, and we spent 3 days exploring its varied delights.

Accommodation in Chiang Dao skews heavily to the rustic and nothing is expensive. We stayed at Saranghae Resort, a relatively new small operation run by a lovely Thai-Korean couple. A princely 1,200THB a night got us a comfy and cosy log cabin surrounded by some rather lovely mountainside views and little else beyond the sounds of birds and insects. The air is warm by day and distinctly cool by night – when we visited in November it was certainly jumper weather in the evenings, so do bring warm clothes!

Nest 1 and Nest 2 are the most famous places to stay in Chiang Dao, but we liked Saranghae for it being small and quiet. Saranghae also has two significant advantages; first, the owner has become a very keen photographer since moving here, and will happily help you get snaps of the quite dazzling night sky. The City of Stars truly does live up to its name. How dazzling your own poses are remain entirely at your discretion, and as usual we made the silliest pose we could think of.

The other upside to Saranghae Resort is their nightly Korean menu including a tasty pork BBQ served with all the trimmings at your table. The friendly family dogs who amble around the resort also seem rather partial to BBQ, and will be your best friend as long as there are leftovers nearby.

If you did nothing else in Chiang Dao, you could easily spend a couple of days lounging around the resorts, taking in incredible local coffee at Chai Cafe and rolling through the excellent food options at Saranghae Resort, Nest 1 and Nest 2. We also really enjoyed Nakara Cafe just the other side of Chiang Dao town for a breathtaking slice of Thai vista.

If you want to get a little more active before continuing on the Mae Salong loop, here are some suggestions:

Chiang Dao Cave

A bit of a surprise bonus – this absolutely gigantic set of caves wends its way deep into the mountains. A pretty dull first 100 metres masks the real fun, which is to hire one of the many guides waiting inside for 200 baht per group, then follow them into the darkness exploring the chambers. You need a guide by rule to do this, as the unlit caves are full of holes and side-passages, so on you’re own you’d quickly run into difficulty. The faintly terrifying stroll and crawl is well worth the cost of the guide, assuming you have no issues with the dark, small spaces, bats or spiders of ever-increasing size.

Entry is 40THB and dress as though you were going to the temple (cover shoulders and long trousers).

Hiking and Hot Springs

Whilst you can hike to the top of Doi Luang, Thailand’s third highest peak, it’s a multi-day which requires a lot of preparation and several weeks advance notice for permits. For the lazy Mae Salong loop enthusiast, more genteel hiking may be preferred. Our resort was able to set us up with a local guide who took us on an interesting, moderately difficult sojourn through the jungle. Led by a local villager, a local homestay owner and a smiling woman who was there to forage chestnuts, we hiked around the lower reaches of the mountains for around 3 hours.

The local guide was extremely knowledgeable and constantly digging up fruit, nuts and leaves for us to smell, taste and cart back to the village for dinner. We helped them find a few things to take back before we were all forced into a hasty retreat by the biggest bee I have ever seen. It was a good morning.

Afterwards they had booked us a private onsen at the Chiang Dao Hot Spring which was a nice treat – and certainly more appealing than the concrete tub free-for-all a few metres away.

The hike and hot spring in Chiang Dao set us back just 450THB per person.

Wat Tham Pha Plong

Dare you tackle the 500 remarkably easy stairs to Wat Tham Pha Plong? You could. There’s not a lot up there but the contrast of the temple buildings and the limestone mountain walls behind are very pretty. The main part of the temple is under renovation as of November 2020, so you won’t get up to the high viewpoint or see much, but it’s a nice walk up and doesn’t take too long.

Stage 2: Doi Mae Salong

Departing Chiang Dao, it’s around a 2.5hr drive up to our next adventure, Mae Salong (of the Mae Salong loop fame).

The road is steep and winding in places, especially before you hit Fang some 80km away from Chiang Dao. This trip was actually our first time driving in Thailand, but overall the experience was fine. The main thing to watch for on the mountain roads is questionable overtaking. This is far too common as cars and especially trucks try to zip around the heavy lorries that lumber up the hills. Be sensible and patient.

The scenery in the mountains is beautiful, and you can break up the journey at any of the well-signposted coffee shops.

After passing through Fang and Tha Ton, the road turns off towards Mae Salong and kicks up through 14km of some of the steepest, twistiest asphalt I’ve ever driven. I thought it was great fun. Frankie felt otherwise.

Mae Salong itself is a sinuous sliver of a village stretched across 5km of steep mountain ridge. At initial view, you would wonder who would choose to build a village up here. Then you read about the history of Mae Salong and its Chinese KMT founders and it makes a bit more sense.

There’s a hum and character to the town that is remarkably un-Thailess a sleepy backwater than a constantly buzzing little patch of southern China. It’s worth coming here for that experience alone.

The history of Mae Salong means that a large portion of today’s residents speak Chinese as a first language according to our hotel owner – although everybody does speak Thai. Descendants of the KMT seem to make up the bulk of people, but the town is also home to many people from the hilltribes dotted liberally around the area. So whilst you’ll hear and a lot of Chinese spoken, you’ll also see the occasional pickup truck full of Akha women in traditional outfits trundling past.

We based ourselves around the known centre of any town, the 7-Eleven. We stayed at Ama Mae Salong , a perfectly tidy guesthouse well-located for many sights and restaurants in town. It also has excellent, if restricted for most rooms, views out over the surrounding valleys and mountains.

A speciality here is Yunnanese food, and just downhill from Ama on the main road is a Yunnanese noodle restaurant that was perpetually heaving when we visited and where the whole family was enlisted – kids peeling garlic while grandma folded dumplings to accompany the noodles.

We found that this was for good reason, as the family dished us up steaming bowls of chewy noodles with an absolutely nuclear (but delicious) chilli-garlic paste to accompany it. A large bowl was all of 50THB. Feeling peckish, we also ordered a large plate of gyoza at 80THB, and you can imagine our surprise when 20 hot, part steamy part crispy beauties found their way to our table.

I could eat both of these things daily and never get bored.

More fun was had at Xin Shi Dai bakery, where the owner served us up Yunnanese pizza with – his words – very many cheeses.

For the best views in town, we hauled ourselves up the rather more demanding than Chiang Dao 700 steps to the pagoda. You’ll struggle to find better views than these.

Today, Mae Salong is perhaps most famous for its Oolong tea, and with this in mind we set out on a small hike between Ama in the centre of town, and the Wang Put Tan tea plantation across the valley.

I’ll be honest, this wasn’t totally smooth sailing as we lacked a map, any real directions and also any sense of direction. After walking into an Akha village, we stopped to ask directions and then followed a series of local tracks down and up into the plantation.

This turned out to be well worthwhile with not a soul around and lots of lush scenery.

The Wang Put Tan plantation itself is lovely, and you’re pretty much free to wander around the steep terraces as you please. At the is a very modern and new cafe where you can try their excellent teas and perhaps a slice of cheesecake after your walk.

We also walked back to the village on a similar but far more successful route, which I have mapped below for anyone who fancies trying either direction. It is certainly steep, but we really enjoyed it and it’s only 3.5km, taking us just shy of an hour.

Around Mae Salong town itself are an abundance of tea shops where you can sample to your heart’s content. In the morning there’s a market and there’s an all day tea market further up the hill.

We liked Mae Salong for a number of reasons – the cool, fresh air in the morning and evening, the Chinese vibe and cuisine, the vivid natural and man made landscapes, the combination of woodsmoke and jasmine flowers on the breeze. It was a very worthwhile stop on our trip and an easy place to spend 2 nights.

Stage 3: Chiang Rai

The closing chapter of our Mae Salong loop was a couple of days in Chiang Rai. From Mae Salong it’s only about 1.5hrs – but do be sure to come back on yourself when leaving Mae Salong. Google will try to take you down a road that the Ama owner openly laughed at when we showed him, and I’m guessing he knew a thing about mountain driving.

We primarily used Chiang Rai as a place to relax and unwind after being more active early on. A stay at Mora Boutique hotel definitely aided that relaxation and we saw why it is so highly regarded for comfort and service.

Us sitting by a pool is not the content you came here for (is it?), so I’ll wrap up this Mae Salong loop journey pretty shortly. What I would say about Chiang Rai is that the Blue and White temples are really something else and certainly worth visiting to bask in the glorious intricacy and borderline insanity of their design. You want neon? You got it. Big creepy patch of hands and skulls? Tick.

There are also a few good riverside cafes to check out, we loved Chivit Thammada which is next to the Blue Temple. Come for the coffee and cakes, stay to watch the Instagram photoshoots.

You could of course do one of the million and one day trips from Chiang Rai to Doi Chang, Phu Chi Fah and beyond. Or you could sleep late and read books. Your call.

One way rental for the Mae Salong loop

Now – ideally, you would either want to have another night or two in Chiang Mai if doing a closed loop, or to drop off your hire car in Chiang Rai and fly out. We rather muffed up on achieving either of these and had to schlep back to Chiang Mai (3.5hrs), gobble a world-beating pastrami sandwich at Butter is Better (go there, and if possible go now) and then get on a plane.

When planning your trip, see if you can arrange a one way drop off at Chiang Rai airport. We probably just left it too late but book a car early and you will likely get free cancellation anyway, so there’s no risk.

We had a great time exploring the highlights of the Mae Salong loop. These destinations showcase a lot that is good about Northern Thailand and a lot that you wouldn’t think of when picturing Thailand. The mountain scenery, abundance of activities, gorgeous food and engaging people were a figurative breath of fresh air, while the cool, sparsely populated mountainsides were a literal one. While we were lucky to be able to go now with limited other tourists, this trip would be a winner at any point, with plenty to enjoy for outdoor lovers, foodies and culture buffs alike. A bit of bliss in Northern Thailand.

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Chiang Mai Road Trip: An Epic 4-Day Itinerary

Doing a Chiang Mai road trip in Thailand is so much fun. Better yet, it’s so easy. The roads are great, rentals are affordable and you gain the freedom to explore the country as you wish. 

In this article, we’ll tell you all about an incredibly fun and offbeat Chiang Mai self-drive itinerary through the far north of Thailand. This Chiang Mai road trip features excellent mountain scenery, remote villages and unique cultural experiences. We’ll give you all the info and tips on how to do this road trip independently and ensure you don’t miss all the great things this region has to offer. 

Thailand Travel Resources

• Best islands: Koh Adang and Koh Tarutao
• Best for adventure: 4-day Chiang Mai Road Trip
• Getting there: search for flights to Thailand
• Where to stay: search for guesthouses, hostels and hotels
• How to get around: search for trains and buses
• Rent a car: search for deals on car rentals
• Travel insurance: get travel insurance for your trip
• Gear: pick up a Steripen for clean water 24/7
• Money: get a Wise money card to save money in Thailand

Table of Contents

Chiang Mai Road Trip Overview

Northern Thailand was made for road trips. While there are numerous Northern Thailand road trip routes you can take , if it’s incredible mountain scenery, remote communities, unique culture and an off-the-beaten-track experience you’re after then look no further. This Chiang Mai route has it all.

This 4-day Chiang Mai road trip itinerary packs a lot in a relatively short timeframe and doesn’t require long days in the car or on the bike. It traverses some of the most spectacular scenery in the country and includes some of the region’s hidden gems . 

It includes a hike to an amazing viewpoint, sublime hot springs and some of the best dumplings in South East Asia. Yes, really!

Chiang Mai Road Trip Itinerary Breakdown

Chiang Dao → Pong Arng Hot Springs → Arunothai → Sui Thang Campground → Doi Ang Khang → Chiang Dao

4 days / 3 nights

Accommodation

Camping and/or cabins

When To Do This Chiang Mai Road Trip

The optimal time to do this Chiang Mai road trip is in December, but it can be done anytime between November and late January. You’re limited to this timeframe due to the smokey season (starting late Jan/early Feb) and the rainy season (June – October).

You can still do the trip in February, however, just know that it may be somewhat unpleasant due to the onset of the smokey season. The smokey season seems to be setting in earlier and earlier each year and if it’s already quite smokey, it will affect the quality of the trip. Not only will the views be hazy and obscured, but the air quality will be pretty terrible. 

We did this Chiang Mai route in early February, and while the smoke was fine on the first few days, when we returned to Chiang Dao it was very smokey and you could barely see the mountains.  

Other Tips for Your Chiang Mai Road Trip

It gets surprisingly pretty chilly at night in these parts of Thailand, so make sure you bring appropriate clothing and gear . Don’t worry, we’ve put together a packing list for you below . 

We’d also recommend bringing your own cooking supplies . Every campground has a restaurant, but at Pong Arng it wasn’t clear whether they were open into the evening, so you will want to be prepared. 

Read: Chiang Dao Travel Guide: Northern Thailand’s Hidden Gem

Car or Motorbike?

What a question! There are pros and cons to each, which we’ve summarised below. Have a think about what will best suit your needs and give you the experience you are looking for. 

Renting a car will undoubtedly be more comfortable. Let’s face it, riding a scooter/bike for hours a day isn’t exactly the most relaxing experience. 

On this Chiang Mai self-drive itinerary, with a car, you’ll also be able to travel faster, more efficiently and be able to see more. There are heaps of more stops/sights to see along this route and if you’re in a car, you’ll probably be able to fit them all in. You also have more space, meaning you’ll be able to pack more. 

In our experience, it’s cheaper and easier to rent a car online. Hop over to Discover Cars for the best deals – it’s what we personally use and recommend.

Motorbike / Scooter

Doing a trip on a bike is a lot of fun. It’s a completely different experience. Whereas doing this Chiang Mai self-drive itinerary in a car is about hitting more sights along the way, on a bike, it’s more about the journey itself. You’re fully immersed in your environment and get to really experience the scenery. That’s why we did it and it’s a hell of a lot of fun. 

What Kind of Bike Should You Choose for your Chiang Mai Road Trip?

You’re going to be driving through a lot of mountain passes, so you’ll want a bike with at least 125cc . Although if you’re up for it, bigger is always better. 

We had a 125cc bike, which carried both of us, a big backpack and a tent. 

A tip for carrying gear: put as much of your heavy gear in the compartment under the seat. This way, you’re not carrying as much weight on your (or your passenger’s) back. Trust us, your backs will thank us for this. 

Scooter Rental 

For this Chiang Mai self-drive itinerary, the best option is to rent your scooter in Chiang Mai and drive it to Chiang Dao. It adds on a bit of extra driving, but because Chiang Mai has endless amounts of places to rent a bike, you can find a good quality one for good value. 

We recommend Bamboo Bikes . We are in no way affiliated with them, we’ve just rented from them and have always been happy with our experiences. Always make sure to bargain!

Read more about Thailand’s Off The Beaten Path locations during your Chiang Mai Road Trip

Chiang Mai Road Trip: The Route

Day 1: Chiang Dao to Pong Arng Hot Springs (Pha Daeng National Park) 

On this Chiang Mai route, the first destination is Pong Arng Hot Springs, located within Pha Daeng National Park. These little-known hot springs are 31 km north of Chiang Dao. 

The drive is very easy. You take Hwy 1178 until you see the big sign for the hot springs. It should take you between 35 – 70 minutes. 

Pong Arng Hot Springs

The Pong Arng Hot Springs are very nice. There are two separate pools to bathe in (temperatures fluctuate between 58C and 64C), plus a foot bath. The pools are immaculately designed, but not overdone, so you still feel like you are in nature. 

The springs can get quite busy with locals, however, most people leave by 6 pm. By staying the night, you can access the hot springs when everyone else has left and in the morning before anyone arrives. We highly recommend a night-time soak under the stars!

There are private bathing areas as well, but they were closed when we visited, so we were unable to access them. 

The temperature really drops here at night, so make sure you pack some warm clothes. 

Pong Arng Hot Springs Entrance Fees

• 100 THB per person
• 20 THB per motorbike
• 100 THB per car

Camping at Pong Arng Hot Springs

The camping area here is pleasant. The real draw is that it’s set up on a grassy patch steps away from the hot springs, so you can get in and out as you please. 

Camping costs 80 THB per person. 

Want to know more about camping on your road trip in Thailand? Check out our Guide to Camping in Thailand

Facilities at Pong Arng Hot Springs 

There are a couple of basic bathroom blocks, including showers.  

There is a restaurant, but it may only be open during the day, so for dinner, you’ll need to be self-sufficient. (If you visit and have updated information on this, please let us know in the comments below).

Activities at Pong Arng Hot Springs

The main attraction at Pong Arng Hot Springs is … you guessed it, the hot springs! 

As the hot springs are located within Pha Daeng National Park, the entrance ticket includes another location within the same park, Sri Sangwan waterfall. This is located 2 km further up Hwy 1178. 

It is a cascading 3-tiered waterfall, with a short walking trail around the different levels. It is a ‘sticky’ waterfall, meaning due to the textured limestone, you can walk on it easily. The waterfall is like a mini version of the popular sticky waterfall outside of Chiang Mai.

While this waterfall may not reach the level of some other waterfalls we have been to (notably Gartmore Falls and Duwili Ella in Sri Lanka and along the Jatbula Trail in Australia), it is still very beautiful and well worth a visit.

There is also a camping area at Sri Sangwan, but it is just a big field with very basic facilities. For this reason, we recommend camping at Pong Arng Hot Springs on this Chiang Mai route, rather than Sri Sangwan.

Day 2 Morning: Pong Arng Hot Springs to Arunothai 

The next stop on this Chiang Mai self-drive itinerary is Arunothai. From Pong Arng Hot Springs, it is an 18 km drive to Arunothai village. First, it is about 10km on Hwy 1178 and then a further 8 km on Hwy 1340. 

Arunothai 

Arunothai is a fascinating village and one of the most interesting places we’ve been to in Thailand.  It’s a great stop on this Chiang Mai route.

It was founded by Chinese Nationalist Party soldiers who fled China after the revolution, so it’s a distinctively Chinese town. There are signs in Chinese and delicious Chinese food galore. But it’s also pretty much smack on the border with Myanmar, so there’s that influence too. 

There’s great coffee at Swamp , which is conveniently located right on Nong Uk Lake, so you can sip a coffee whilst looking out over the lake at the beautiful hills over the border in Myanmar. 

The best thing to do in Arunothai is to get some delicious Yunnanese food. 

Due to its Chinese heritage, the village is renowned for its incredible food, notably the dumplings. There are a number of places to eat around town. 

We ate at Tayong Yunnan Noodle Restaurant and it was, without a doubt, the best gyoza we’ve ever had in our lives. 

Day 2 Afternoon: Arunothai to Sui Thang Campground 

From Arunothai, continue on Hwy 1340 for 29 km until you reach Sui Thang Campground. 

This part of the Chiang Mai route is incredibly scenic and goes through some of the best hill country that Thailand has to offer. 

The road curves up, down and around the mountains that form the border with Myanmar. While you’re driving you have epic views of these mountains and a glimpse into Myanmar, just to your left. 

There are numerous scenic places to stop along this part of the Chiang Mai self-drive itinerary, take in the view and take a photo. 

Sui Thang Campground

While the Sui Thang campground is nice, it’s really the exceptional viewpoint you’re coming for.

Check out Thailand’s Top 5 Camping Sites

Facilities at Sui Thang Campground 

Sui Thang Campground has all the facilities you might need, including a bathroom block and a restaurant. 

The visitor’s centre also rents out all camping gear you may require (around 400 THB for an entire setup). 

Important: as the campground sits above 2000m, it gets pretty cold, so make sure you have appropriate gear. Plus, you’ll need it for Doi Ang Khang!

Unfortunately, it was closed due to COVID when we visited, so we were unable to spend the night here (but we did walk around and suss it out). 

Day 3: Sui Thang to Doi Ang Khang National Park

This is a very short day on this Chiang Mai route. From Sui Thang, it is a short, but very windy and steep, 9km to Doi Ang Khang.  Brace yourselves for a fun ride!

Doi Ang Khang

Doi Ang Khang is well-known as one of the highest campgrounds in Thailand. It’s also very popular amongst locals and many Thais come here to spend a night in cold weather. 

And cold it gets. The night we spent here, it dropped to 3C overnight. We needed our full cold-weather gear. 

It is also one of the most expensive national parks we’ve encountered in Thailand, at a whopping 300 THB per person. Ouch!

Doi Ang Khang Entrance Fees

• 300 THB per person

Camping at Doi Ang Khang

There is a very big, well-established camping area at Doi Ang Khang. There are dozens of pre-setup tents for hire. As we said, it’s infamous amongst Thais and many dream of coming here to experience the cold. 

Be warned though: this place gets super busy and is not the most serene camping. The tents are set up close together and the place can get packed. We definitely recommend avoiding weekends and public holidays. 

That said, the views at sunrise are exceptional and it is worth spending a night here. 

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Lampang, Chiang Mai’s Cool Little Sister

Facilities at Doi Ang Khang Campground 

There are a lot of facilities at the Doi Ang Khang Campground. The visitor’s centre rents out anything you may require, which means you can literally rock up with nothing and still have a comfortable night. The full set-up costs around 400 THB. 

There is also a restaurant, plus a cafe, so no need to bring your own food or cooking supplies. 

There are also showers in the bathroom block. 

Activities at Doi Ang Khang

There are some fun things to keep you busy at Doi Ang Khang. 

Doi Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station

Doi Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station is a project run by the royal family. It’s an arboretum where they cultivate many different kinds of fruits trees, plants and flowers to support agriculture among local communities. Many temperate fruits and vegetables are grown here that are found nowhere else in Thailand. This provides local opportunities and discourages the opium planting that used to be prolific in this area. 

It’s a really great place to visit. We’ll be honest, we were sceptical about this one, but we really enjoyed our time. It is very pleasant to check out the different gardens and areas within the park. It’s also quite big and you could easily spend hours exploring. 

Heading south? Check out Koh Adang

If you visit in January, or potentially early February, you will get to see the amazing cherry blossoms in bloom. 

There is a restaurant that uses produce grown on-site. We found the food delicious, and quite reasonably priced, given it is a tourist attraction. Dishes were between 100 THB – 280 THB. 

Hours: 8 am – 8 pm

Entrance fee: 50 THB per person 

Pro tip: be sure to try the strawberries for sale outside the park. You will see women selling strawberries near the entrance. These are grown in the nearby village of Ban Nor Lae and are amongst the most delicious strawberries we’ve ever tasted. 

Climb Doi Ang Khang

Surprisingly, for how busy the Doi Ang Khang campground gets, no one seems to climb to the top of the actual mountain.

Which is I guess, a blessing, because that means it’s likely you’ll have it all to yourself. And once you see these views, your jaw will drop. 

We climbed Doi Ang Khang mountain and despite the campground being very full, we were the only ones up there. 

The trail starts about 200m up the road from the campsite (towards the station). It can be hard to miss so keep your eyes out. 

The trail takes about 30 – 60 minutes and is quite steep. 

When you get to the top of Doi Ang Khang, you will be rewarded with some of the most insane views in Northern Thailand. There is a 360-degree view of the entire area. 

Sunset is a particularly great time to go to see the beautiful colours, but be sure to bring a headlamp for the way down. 

Day 4: Doi Ang Khang to Chiang Dao

From Doi Ang Khang, it’s time to finish up your Chiang Mai self-drive itinerary and return to Chiang Dao. 

Most of the driving is pretty straightforward and along the highway. First, however, you have to descend a gnarly road. Think crazy twists and turns and gradients that I didn’t know were possible. It’s a hell of a lot of fun, just take it slow and easy.  

What to Pack for your Chiang Mai Road Trip 

For this Chai Mai route, you’ll need to be self-sufficient. Here’s our packing list, with our recommendations for specific gear.

• Sleeping pad
• Blow up pillow
• Sleeping bag
• Ground blanket 

Women’s Clothing

• Hiking tank top
• Merino t-shirt
• Long sleeve hiking shirt
• Merino underwear
• 1 x lightweight merino socks
• Thermal top
• Thermal leggings
• Swimming suit

Men’s Clothing

• Hiking pants/shorts
• 2 x merino t-shirt
• 3 x merino underwear
• Thermal bottoms
• Down jacket
• Toque / beanie
• Cooking set (pot, bowls and mugs)
• 1 x 230 grams fuel canister
• Collapsible tea kettle (a luxury, but it’s worth it!)
• MSR MugMate Coffee Filter
• Pocket knife
• Lighter and matches (in a waterproof bag)
• Water bladder
• Water bottle
• Steripen Ultra Rechargeable Portable UV
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Biodegradable dish soap
• Mini sponge (just cut a regular one)
• Rubbish bags

Electronics

• Phone and charging cables
• Power bank and/or solar panel
• Camera and/or GoPro plus charging cords
• Microfiber towe l
• Biodegradable toothpaste
• First aid kit
• Bug repellant
• Book / kindle  
• Games to play at camp – deck of cards, or our favourite, Yahtzee

Considering travel insurance for your trip to Thailand? Shop for plans at SafetyWing

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book anything through them, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us run this website and create comprehensive guides to help you get off the beaten track. We only recommend products and/or services that we use ourselves and trust. 

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The 7 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand

 TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

The mountainous region of Northern Thailand tops many people's list of favorites for where to go in Thailand . Many of the region's top destinations share an outwardly positive vibe throughout the year . Culture inspired by Lanna, Shan, Karen, and other indigenous ethnic groups in the region provides a noticeably friendlier atmosphere, making visiting that much more pleasant.

The Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar , and Laos meet, doesn’t just produce opium anymore. Thanks to the slightly cooler climate, you can enjoy some indulgences in Northern Thailand that are sometimes difficult to locate elsewhere in the country: real coffee, tea plantations, vineyards, and strawberries. Even the festivals are bigger in the north. Loi Krathong/Yi Peng and Songkran (the Thai New Year water fight celebration) are celebrated with more gusto than anywhere else in Thailand.

Note: Although Isan—Thailand’s largest region—occupies 20 sizable provinces that border Laos and Cambodia , it is traditionally considered “Northeastern Thailand” rather than “Northern Thailand” because of cultural differences.

phutthiseth thongtae / Getty Images

Any discussion of interesting places to visit in Northern Thailand has to begin with the northern capital of Chiang Mai . Most destinations are within an easy striking distance of the city.

Chiang Mai (pronounced: “ch-ae-ng mye”) means “New City” in the Lanna language. Despite the prevalence of elephants in the local culture, the name has nothing to do with chang (elephant), properly pronounced “ch-ah-ng” in the Thai language. Why the New City? Chiang Mai took over Chiang Rai’s job as capital in 1296.

To bust another popular myth, Chiang Mai is not the second largest city in Thailand as many travelers think—but it does serve as the cultural heart of the country. The city offers the classic winning trifecta that attracts travelers: friendly locals, great food, and affordable prices. With the usual amount of frugality, you get more bang for the travel buck in Chiang Mai—and Northern Thailand in general—than in Bangkok or the islands.

Chiang Mai’s Old City is a perfect square with all the defenses necessary to survive as capital in the 14th century. Elephant-proof moat, giant gates, and a defensive wall with brick ramparts are still standing. The labyrinth of confusing streets and passages in the interior of the Old City hides plenty of enjoyable finds, including a high density of temples . But the action isn’t all contained within the moat. Some of Chiang Mai’s most interesting places lie outside of the Old City, just within scooter range.

If you don’t mind crowds, the weekend markets are a fun spectacle of socializing, nibbling, and shopping that attracts just as many locals as tourists. The markets are good for sampling local treats and grabbing inexpensive souvenirs, but you’ll still need to negotiate .

Fun fact: Notice the high density of MacBook Air laptops in the many cafes? That’s because Chiang Mai is home to a large community of location-independent entrepreneurs and ex-pats who call themselves “digital nomads.” They share cafes and coworking spaces alongside online English teachers, bloggers, and others who earn a living with a laptop. Even when dial-up modems were screeching for connections and online work wasn’t possible, Chiang Mai appealed to artists, writers, and long-term travelers interested in dropping anchor for a while.

Scott Biales / Getty Images

A bit less than three hours north of Chiang Mai, Pai is a much smaller, chilled-out, riverside option for getting away from concrete. Although still mostly green, Pai’s popularity and its development have grown tremendously in the last decade. So far, the charm has survived. Travelers of all budgets and nationalities cram into minivans to visit Pai . A surprising number come and decide not to leave.

But don’t let outdated guidebooks that still refer to Pai as a “quiet, bohemian town” fool you. Somehow, despite the size, the backpacker-oriented nightlife rages later than Chiang Mai’s, and there is an emphasis here on health and wellness—perfect for curing any next-day regrets. You’ll find a high concentration of vegetarian and organic food (much of which is grown nearby), juice shops, and options for a healthier lifestyle. Yoga retreats, tai chi, qi gong, meditation centers, holistic healing workshops—Pai offers a lot of opportunities for improving health and knowledge.

The city of Chiang Rai is an anomaly among the places to go to in Northern Thailand. With a population of only around 75,000 people, it’s certainly smaller than Chiang Mai. But the city is buzzing with commerce, universities, and daily life—which unfortunately includes plenty of traffic.

Most tourists are drawn for a short visit to Chiang Rai , thanks in large part to the impressive creations of Thawan Duchanee and Chalermchai Kositpipat, two renowned Thai artists. After enjoying their contributions to the city, you can escape to the serene Khun Korn Forest Park, a worthwhile 45 minutes away, to cool down under a waterfall.

Until his death in 2014, Thawan actually lived in his otherworldly masterpiece—an estate known as Baan Dam (the Black House). Meant to be a portrayal of hell, the grounds and buildings of the Black House are adorned with animal bones and demonic art. Exploring definitely bestows a dark sense of wonder.

On the other end of that spectrum, Chalermchai Kositpipat’s work Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is a visually stunning Buddhist temple that somehow integrates religious themes with Hollywood and Hello Kitty. "The Matrix," "Terminator," and "Superman"—along with many other works of fiction—receive shout-outs in the mesmerizing murals. The White Temple will cheer you up a bit after having explored the Black House; that is, if you don’t pay too much attention to the rejected souls writhing in agony before the gates of heaven.

Another famous work from Chalermchai is Chiang Rai’s golden clock tower set prominently in a roundabout in the center of town. Unveiled in 2008 as a tribute to the King of Thailand, the clock tower comes alive every hour—as one would expect an ornate clock tower to do. But visitors who watch at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. get an unexpected treat. No spoilers here, but you’ll feel as though you just got sucked into Walt Disney World for a few minutes!

Visiting tip: Don’t expect Chiang Rai to be a serene escape from Chiang Mai, or you may be disappointed! The streets are perpetually clogged with drivers who think that sounding the horn will improve the situation.

Mae Hong Son

Although you’ll have to brave well over 1,000 twists, turns, and cutbacks on the six-hour drive from Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son is definitely among the best places in Northern Thailand. The small town is about as close as you can get to Myanmar without getting into trouble. Shan cultural influences are apparent in the food and attitude. Many Burmese people call Mae Hong Son home.

Remoteness is both a blessing and a curse; Mae Hong Son doesn’t often get included in itineraries for Northern Thailand. It’s usually relegated to being a stopover for travelers exploring the region by motorbike . The popular “Mae Hong Son Loop” is a scenic route popular with motorbikers that takes four to five days to complete.

Mae Hong Son has all the enjoyable options of the other places to visit in Northern Thailand: temples, waterfalls, night markets, caves, and trekking to hill tribe villages . There are just enough hostels, guesthouses, and cafes, most dotted around a small lake. The town is easily walkable.

Located around 90 minutes north of Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao is the place to go for picturesque limestone cliffs and Thailand’s third-highest mountain, Doi Chiang Dao (7,136 feet). Although the mountain is barely a pebble when matched up against the massifs in Asia’s Himalayas, Chiang Dao is the premier place for bird-watching in Thailand. Over 350 species, many of which are rare, can be spotted.

For travelers not so interested in birding, there are caves and hot springs all around the city to check out. If visiting during Thailand’s “winter” season , you’ll definitely appreciate the hot springs: Chiang Dao can get chilly!​

The town is located very close to Pha Daeng National Park, an area popular for its bamboo forests in a climate that isn’t as sweltering as the rest of Thailand. Karen hill tribe villages are nearby.

Hiding among the other lesser-known places to visit in Northern Thailand, Lampang stays fairly low on the tourism radar. Perhaps it’s because Lampang is south of Chiang Mai (90 minutes) rather than north like Pai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son.

But Lampang isn’t exactly a sleepy village. It’s the third largest town in Northern Thailand. Overnight buses and trains between Bangkok and Chiang Mai often stop in Lampang—it’s directly along the way.

One thing that makes Lampang “different” is that there aren’t any sputtering tuk-tuks clogging the streets . Lampang is the last real place in Thailand where horse-drawn carriages are still a thing, but they’re on the decline. The fleet of songthaews (covered pickup trucks) circulating town is a more practical solution for getting around.

The best time to visit Lampang is on Saturday or Sunday when the weekend market is thriving. Ceramics from the region are a popular item to purchase. The paper made from elephant dung makes a very unique gift for squeamish friends at home.

Many tourists—Thai and Western—are drawn to Lampang by the only government-owned elephant camp in Thailand. The Thai Elephant Conservation Centre has been around since 1993 and is home to 50 or so elephants, along with an elephant nursery/hospital.

Note: Although the elephant center is government-run, it is under criticism for forcing elephants to perform shows and give rides—practices stopped by many private centers.

Doi Inthanon

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

If Doi Chiang Dao isn't tall enough for you, you can trek to 8,415 feet on Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon. The weather will feel especially cool as you explore the temple near the summit and take in limestone scenery.

Doi Inthanon is located around two hours west of Chiang Mai. The Thai National Observatory, a large astronomical telescope, is perched on top.

The mountain has its own national park, Doi Inthanon National Park . It's one of the busiest in the country and is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy hiking or camping, or, if you want to skip the trek up, you can drive up the main road to get to the highest peak. Be prepared for beautiful views and even a few waterfalls.

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Mae Hong Son Loop: a fabulous road trip through the northern mountains

Here you can find:

The Mae Hong Son Loop is undoubtedly one of the best routes through Northern Thailand for those looking for adventure and alternative destinations. Sunsets over mountain landscapes, tribal markets in small villages, ancient Buddhist temples, scenic cafes, rice paddies… and endless miles of winding roads. This is the Mae Hong Son Loop.

🧘‍♀️ Mae Hong Soon Loop is in our opinion one of the 20 best experiences you can have in Thailand, find out the rest of things to do here !

A route for experienced drivers

Almost all of the 700 km of this route are winding mountain roads with ups and downs, so it is not without its dangers, in addition to being famous for causing motion sickness to almost all travelers. Therefore, it is not recommended to do this route by driving your own vehicle unless you have full confidence in your driving skills and some experience in driving in Thailand , especially if you decide to do it by motorcycle. The most dangerous time to travel this route is during the monsoon season, from May to October, when the roads are often wet and slippery.

The route can either be done counter-clockwise -start heading north from Chiang Mai to Pai- or clockwise -start heading southwest to Doi Inthanon-. It makes no difference, although the clockwise option is more popular. The complete route requires a minimum of 3 days, but the truth is that doing it in only 3 doesn’t make much sense, as you will not see much more than the road. I recommend doing it at least in a week, calmly, with time enough to enjoy the destinations you find along the way.

Mae Hong Son Loop in 5 stages

► stage 1 : from chiang mai to doi inthanon (or to mae sariang).

Most people usually start by going directly to Mae Sariang. I recommend spending a night in Doi Inthanon National Park , either sleeping in their bungalows/tents, or in one of the surrounding hostels. The route is not complicated. From Chiang Mai, just drive southwest on Highway 108 until you reach Chom Thong town, and then take a detour north on Rd. 1009 to the Park’s entrance. In total 96 kms from Chiang Mai. Highway 108 is wide, straight and not heavily trafficked, while Rd. 1009 is a smaller and more interesting road. Entrance to the park costs 300 THB per person.

What to see in Doi Inthanon?

Doi Inthanon has the highest peak in Thailand (2565 meters above sea level), which is accessed by road. Just before arriving, you’ll find the 2 famous pagodas, which make an amazing mountain viewpoint in clear days. Also on the way you will find two of the most impressive waterfalls in the Park: Wachirathan and Mae Klang. Here you have more information about Doi Inthanon National Park .

► Stage 2 : From Doi Inthanon to Mae Sariang

If you stopped to sleep at Doi Inthanon, the second recommended stage would be to Mae Sariang. The route is simple: go back to Highway 108 and continue driving southwest until Mae Sariang . This section of road becomes more interesting and gets gradually greener. From now on vegetation will surround you until you return to Chiang Mai. If you have slept at Doi Inthanon National Park, in this second stage you will travel about 180 kms .

What to see in Mae Sariang?

Mae Sariang is a small town rarely visited due to its remote location, somewhat far from everything. It is a good place to hiking off the beaten path, visiting some authentic tribal villages . On the way, before arrivin to Mae Sariang, you will pass the highly recommended Mae Um Long Luang hot springs . Finding accommodation in Mae Sariang is easy.

► Stage 3 : From Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Son

In this third stretch of 160 kms the real fun begins for the driver. The road becomes a continuum of ups, downs and curves , sometimes 180 degrees. The roads will remain this way until almost reaching Chiang Mai, at the very end of the route. Looking on the bright side, from this point on the traffic is reduced considerably. You will hardly find other cars, which is very appreciated especially if you are riding a motorcycle. Along the way you will come across some small villages where you can take a break and have a drink.

What to see in Mae Hong Son?

Mae Hong Son is a fairly large town located in the middle of a valley near the Burma border. The population in Mae Hong Son is made up of different ethnic groups, including Thais, Burmese, Shan and others .

A few kilometers north of Mae Hong Son, on the way towards Pai, there are several interesting places worth visiting:

1) Su Tong Pae Bridge

A beautiful 500 meter long wooden bridge that crosses rice fields and a small river. Every morning around 6 o’clock, the monks from a nearby monastery cross it on their way to collect the morning alms. Every year at the end of July, in the days of the Khao Phansa celebration (end of Buddhist Lent) the bridge is beautifully illuminated at night. Its exact location is this .

2) The Country Club

For 900 THB you can get a mud treatment at The Country Club . They give you a facial massage and cover your body with mud. After some time, they clean you and then you can relax in the thermal waters pool. Fun, relaxing and interesting! It is here .

3) The small Tham Pla National Park

Most people don’t really visit the National Park, but only stop at the ‘Fish Cave’ that gives it its name, and just check out at the famous blue fishes that live there. The surrounding area is very beautiful, and there are a few paths that allow visitors to explore the forest a bit. This is Tham Pla location .

► Stage 4 : From Mae Hong Son to Pai

This stage is very cool in terms of landscape , and passes through some fairly large tribal villages, with weekly local markets that you’ll have the chance to visit if you are lucky. The road between Mae Hong Son and Pai is entirely made up of curves, so you have to be especially careful. On the way you will pass near Tham Lot Cave , the most famous cave in northern Thailand. If you have enough time it is worth stopping and visiting. You can even spend the night in one of the hostels you’ll find in the surroundings. I did it a few years ago, and it was great spending a couple of days there, visiting the cave and exploring the dirt roads that lead to tribal villages and hot springs.

If you visit the monastery you will see foreigners dressed in white, sweeping the temple grounds or practicing meditation. If you are interested in joining their Vipasana programs you can do it for free, and they will provide you with accommodation and food. Donations at the end of the stay are appreciated.

What to see in Pai?

Pai is the most famous place on the entire route, the backpackers’ mecca of northern Thailand . An ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and cheap prices. The most popular activity in Pai is… well, just doing nothing. Just find a well-located bungalow with a good hammock where you can rest from the route and relax. But if you want some action, there are lots of interesting spots in the vicinity that could keep you busy for days.

► Stage 5 : From Pai to Chiang Mai

This is the most famous stretch of road on the route. From Pai to Chiang Mai there are exactly 762 curves, along a road surrounded by forest and several interesting viewpoints . You’ll come across a few nice roadside cafes, such as the MeeMod Coffe Shop (Witches’ Cafe), perfect for a break. The road for this stage has been renovated, so it is in good condition. However, we must not lower our guard while driving, since there is also more traffic, so the risk remains high.

This is the last stage, so if you make it this far you will have completed the Mae Hong Son Loop. Congratulations! Just find yourself a good bar in Chiang Mai and celebrate with a cold Singha beer. You will have earned it.

🏍️ Where to rent the car or motorcycle for my Mae Hong Son Loop?

There are many motorcycle rental shops in Chiang Mai . If you are given the option, we recommend that you do not leave the passport as deposit, but an amount of money instead. If you rent a simple scooter, 3 or 4 thousand THB should be enough. The motorcycle rental usually costs between 120 and 200 THB a day, but can cost much more depending on the type of motorcycle you choose. Don’t forget to take photos of every scratch in the motorcycle the moment you rent it, so when you return it the shop cannot claim for damages previous to your rental.

If you prefer to rent a car, there are also several rental shops . I usually rent them from Journey Smile . When I did part of this route by car, they charged me 900 THB a day for a small automatic gear Honda , and they blocked 10,000 THB from my credit card as a deposit.

📅 When to do the route?

The best dates are from November to April, just because it doesn’t rain, so the road is safer . During the months of December and January it can be a bit cold, while in April it is very hot. Anyway, if you feel like it, the route can be done all year round.

👕 What kind of clothes to wear?

If you go in December or January you will need warm clothes. For the rest of the year you will need, above all, summer clothes, although in the evenings it can get cool all year round. If you travel by motorcycle, it is recommended to wear long pants.

Pol Comaposada

Pol has been traveling and creating content about Thailand and others parts of Asia since 2010. Founder and manager of Mundo Nómada Travel, a DMC (tour operator) with office in Bangkok that offers high quality tours and tailor-made packages in Thailand.

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Northern Thailand: The Ultimate 2-week Itinerary

Welcome to the enchanting realm of Northern Thailand, a timeless favorite and perfect example of the vibrant spirit of the ‘Land of Smiles’. Embark on a two-week journey, immersing yourself in the region’s breathtaking beauty and rich culture as you explore its lively cities, natural wonders, and ornate temples. The country is famously known as the jewel of Asia, making the luscious north an irresistible and must-visit destination. From peaceful nature hikes to lively night markets, here’s everything you need to know for the perfect itinerary through the north of Thailand.

2 Weeks in Northern Thailand

Different than the famous pristine beaches in the south and the bustling capital of Bangkok , northern Thailand is renowned for its forested mountains, lush rice paddies, and powerful falls. Explore the vibrant city of Chiang Mai with its ancient temples and lively night markets before journeying on to the picturesque towns of Pai and Chiang Rai .

Also read: Complete 7-Day Thailand Itinerary

Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to soak up the beautiful landscapes, from tall canyons to luscious jungles and peaceful hot springs. Discover our Northern Thailand itinerary in this complete guide.

Day 1 + 2: Arrival in Chiang Mai

Welcome to the vibrant city and ancient capital of Northern Thailand! Chiang Mai makes the perfect destination to start your 2-week journey through the lush landscapes of the north, filled with many hidden gems. The international airport has many connections worldwide and is only a 10-minute ride from the center. 

Century-old temples, bustling night markets, and some of the best coffee shops in the world – that’s what you can expect from the first few days of your north-of-Thailand itinerary. Although Chiang Mai is one of the largest cities in the country, it has a cozy atmosphere, allowing you to soak up the rich culture and surroundings at a slower pace.

In the early hours, visit one of the most stunning temples in the area, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which sits high atop Doi Suthep mountain. Then, explore the old center and city walls of Chiang Mai (the city is believed to date back all the way to 1294 A.D.!).

The Old Town is the beating heart of Chiang Mai, home to charming streets, sacred temples, and many hidden coffee shops. By night, delve into the delicious Thai cuisine by visiting the incredible street markets or joining a fun cooking class. 

Read more: The best things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Doi Inthanon National Park

For stunning mountain views, thundering waterfalls, and beautiful sunrises, spend your next day in Doi Inthanon National Park. Located only 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai, this incredible park is home to the highest mountain in Thailand and many beautiful trails, making it a must-do when visiting the north.

Trek through the lush jungles and across flat grasslands, always with incredible views over the green surroundings. The trails in Doi Inthanon are especially stunning in the winter mornings when a blanket of clouds swirls over the mountain ridges into the valleys. 

Read all you need to know about visiting Doi Inthanon National Park .

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has various accommodation options for every budget, from backpacker hostels and mid-range guesthouses to luxury apartments.

Hotels in Chiang Mai 😴

If it’s your first time in Thailand, the best place to stay is in the Old Town, where most hotels and hostels are located.

Day 3: Chiang Mai to Pai

High up in the mountains of northern Thailand lies Pai , a beautiful village known for its stunning landscapes and relaxed vibe. It’s a popular backpacking destination, with many visitors arriving on the Mae Hong Son Loop. From Chiang Mai, it’s about a 3-hour journey north to Pai. Wind your way past brightly-colored rice paddies and take in some of Thailand’s most breathtaking views. 

Also read: Best Places to Visit in Thailand

From bamboo bridges tucked between lush green and yellow rice fields to the forested mountains and bright blue sky – everything here looks as if it could come straight off a painting.

Climb up to the majestic Big Buddha (Wat Phra That Mae Yen) that lies nestled in the green hills, overlooking the village and surrounding paddies below. After dark, visit the bustling hub of the Pai Night Market, where stalls line the streets, and live music drifts out the bars.

How to Get from Chiang Mai to Pai

Pai lies about 3-4 hours from Chiang Mai and makes a great destination to add to your North of Thailand itinerary. You can get to the mountain village in a few different ways.

The easiest way to get to Pai is by renting a car. The roads in Thailand are becoming more and more developed, making it easier to drive between destinations. Having your own transportation also gives you more freedom on your trip. 

We recommend to rent a car in Thailand through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

By Shared Van

The cheapest way to get to Pai is to book a shared van from Chiang Mai (about 280 THB/8 USD per person). However, this is a very popular option, so we recommend booking a few days in advance during the high season.

By Motorbike 

Another, more exhilarating, way to travel to Pai is by motorcycle. This is a great way to see the incredible nature of the north of Thailand as you zigzag your way up into the hills. However, only do this if you feel confident driving, as this is a busy itinerary with many (762!) corners and usually takes a bit longer than Google Maps tells you. 

Tip: Don’t want to carry your luggage? There are companies in Chiang Mai who’ll take your bags for you to your next destination.

Motorbike rental starts around 150-400 THB (4.30 – 11.60 USD) per day, depending on the model you choose. There are many rental companies in Chiang Mai, but remember that you’ll always need to leave your passport or a deposit of 3.000 THB (87 USD).

Day 4 – 6: Pai

Spend the next few days of your north-of-Thailand itinerary exploring the village of Pai and its surroundings. Though small, there are plenty of things to do in and around the mountain settlement. From marveling at the stunning Pai Canyon around sunrise to visiting one of the most beautiful temples (Wat Si Don Chai), intricately decorated with gorgeous details. Explore the region by bike, stopping at every viewpoint and looking out over the stunning cloud-covered mountains. 

Read more: best things to do in Pai, Thailand

One of the best things to do in Pai is to go rafting or tubing on the river! See the beautiful surrounding nature from a different perspective and meet new friends while you make your way down the waters. Normally, tours drop you a few km upstream, allowing you to float back down (usually 1-2 hours). During the rainy season, when the river level is high, you can go for adrenaline-pumping white water rafting instead. 

Where to Stay in Pai

Depending on your budget, there are lots of accommodation options in Pai, from backpacker hostels to pool-side villas or traditional wooden bungalows.

Hotels in Pai 😴

Day 7: Tham Lod Cave

Motorcycle around the cloud-covered mountains as you pass buffalos grazing in the luscious rice fields and people swimming in the river – the perfect way to see local life in Northern Thailand. From Pai, make your way to the hot springs and the nearby Tham Lod Cave. The Pai region has hundreds of caves, but Tham Lod is easily the most impressive. 

This 1.5 KM cave network is mind-blowing, with three enormous chambers to explore on foot. Climb the bamboo stairs into caves full of stalactites as a guide helps you navigate through the dark. The most spectacular sight happens just before the sun sets when 250.000 birds fly back into the cave for the night. Afterward, stay overnight at Resort Kanlaya’s Eyrie . 

Entry Fee & Opening Times: 500 THB (14.40 USD) for a guided tour of all three caves + raft boat that you split with three other people. It’s mandatory to hire a guide. The caves are open from 9 AM – 6 PM. Read more about Tham Lod in our complete Pai travel guide .

How to Get to the Tham Lod Cave

To explore the nature around Pai, you’ll want to rent a motorcycle or book an organized tour. A motorcycle costs around 150-400 THB (4.30 – 11.60 USD) per day, depending on the model you choose. There are a few companies in town, but keep in mind that you’ll need to leave your passport or put down a deposit of 3,000 THB (87 USD).

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Day 8: Pai to Chiang Mai

After your small break from the city, head back to Chiang Mai. On your way, make a stop at the Elephant Nature Park , an incredible nature reserve that’s an ethical and responsible sanctuary for animals. This is the only place in Thailand to experience elephants (or another sanctuary recommended by the park’s staff). Watch as the majestic animals interact with one another, happy and healthy as they would in the wild. However, make sure to book ahead, as this experience sells out quickly, especially during peak season. 

Book your visit to the Elephant Nature Park here

Once you return to Chiang Mai, head to the Old Town for live music at places like North Gate Jazz Co-op or hunt for colorful street art.

Here are all your hotel options in Chiang Mai.

Day 9: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

From the ancient capital, head up north towards the mountainous Chiang Rai , full of thundering falls, green valleys, and beautiful flower fields. This unique destination is often missed in favor of more popular destinations but makes a must-visit on any trip through the north of Thailand. Explore the incredible temples perched between the lush greenery, and dive into the many jungle trails, taking in all the beautiful surrounding nature.

Read more: Best things to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai lies about a 3.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai, making it a popular destination for tours. The easiest way to get to Chiang Rai is by hiring a car. The roads in Northern Thailand are becoming more developed, making it easier to travel between destinations. 

Alternatively, you can book a tour up to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, including transportation, a guide, and entry to all the most important sites around town.

Where to Stay in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai has many budget-friendly hostels in the center, as well as more scenic options along the river. Here, you’ll find more upmarket options, including some high-end resorts and boutique hotels.

Hotels in Chiang Rai 😴

We stayed at Baan Ga-Cha Villa , which is great for a bigger group! Although, you do need a motorcycle to get there as it’s a little out of the center.

Day 10 + 11: Chiang Rai

Spend your mornings sipping delicious coffee in one of the many cafes around the area. Discover the highest waterfall (70 meters!) by going on a beautiful jungle hike, passing through the greenery to the falls. Make sure to visit the detailed hilltop temples and the Big Buddha around sunset, when lovely colors light up the buildings and the valleys below. End your days at the night market in Chiang Rai, full of delicious food, live music, and a great atmosphere. 

Day 12: Phu Langka Viewpoint

Leave in the morning and head out to Phu Langka to discover some of the most incredible views in Chiang Rai. This stunning region in Northern Thailand is known for its protected forest and limestone peaks towering out between a blanket of low-hanging clouds. En route, stop at great coffee spots like Paragraph Cafe or Cafe’ine before heading to the Phayao viewpoint . 

This large platform atop the high mountain ridge looks over the beautiful valley below. We recommend staying the night here if you can, so you’ll wake up to an incredible sunrise view over the surrounding. (Read all about Phu Langka viewpoint in Phayao, Thailand )

Remember that not many people speak English in this region. Because of this, it’s best to download the Thai language offline on Google Translate. Although, typically, 4G connections do work in this area.

Getting to Phu Langka

It’s a 3-hour drive to get to the viewpoint. However, this journey is an experience in itself, leading you through beautiful rice paddies, farm fields, and stunning mountain roads. There are a few different routes to get to Phu Langka viewpoint , with the most direct being 2 hours on the highway. However, traffic is much busier here, so we recommend taking one of the alternative roads. 

Tip: Bring layers! It’s slightly cooler up in the mountains, so you’ll likely want to add/remove a layer while making your way up through the winding roads.

Renting your own transport means you can explore at your own pace and make up your own itinerary. We rented scooters from B-Rider, and another good option is Nice Rental. You can also opt to rent a car, as many of Thailand’s roads are improving. 

Where to Stay in Phu Langka

You can stay in the tiny village where you’ll find the viewpoint. All the houses line one street, with a few cafes and restaurants serving food in the morning and evening. There are currently barely any accommodations on any hotel booking sites. We booked ours by looking on Google Maps and messaging them via FB.

Read: All about Phu Langka viewpoint in Phayao, Thailand .

Day 13: Back to Chiang Rai

On day 13 of your north-of-Thailand itinerary, head back to Chiang Rai and spend your last day strolling through the laidback city. Marvel at the golden clock tower if you haven’t seen this centerpiece yet, and relax at one of the many cafes in town. This region of the country is home to the best coffee plantations, so Chiang Rai has fantastic locally-sourced coffee. Some of our favorites: 

• Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House
• Doi Chang Coffee
• Akha Ama Coffee
• Ban Mai Chay Nam
• Norn Nung Len Cafe

Day 14: Fly out from Chiang Rai

After an amazing two weeks in Northern Thailand, it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful part of the country. Whether heading home or traveling elsewhere, you’ll have plenty of incredible memories of your journey here. It’s only a 15-minute drive from central Chiang Rai to the Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport, which has many domestic and international connections. 

Visiting more of Thailand? Discover all our Thailand travel guides here .

How to Visit Northern Thailand

Getting to northern thailand .

The north of Thailand’s biggest airport is Chiang Mai International Airport, with many connections, particularly within Asia, and is only a short 10-minute taxi drive from the center.

Getting Around the North of Thailand

Depending on your preferences, there are a few different ways of getting around the region. In Thailand, getting around by taxi is the most convenient. For example, we mostly used the Grab taxi app to get around Chiang Rai . 

Alternatively, you can also hop on a Tuk-Tuk or Songthaew to get around the cities. These are both cheap and convenient options for getting around and can be hailed from the street. Songthaews are the red shared taxis that are more affordable than tuk-tuks but can be a bit slower.

An easy way to get around on your route through the north of Thailand is by renting a car. The roads in Thailand are becoming more and more developed, making it easier to drive between destinations.

Renting a motorbike

Scooter/motorbike rental starts at around 150-400 THB (4.30 – 11.60 USD) per day, depending on the model you choose. There are lots of rental companies in the cities and towns of Northern Thailand, but keep in mind that you need to leave your passport or put down a deposit of 3,000 THB (87 USD).

Our Favorite Accommodations

There are many fantastic options when it comes to accommodation in northern Thailand, whether it’s a jungle bungalow high up in the mountains or a lively hostel in downtown Chiang Mai. Below are our favorites for each destination on this 2-week itinerary.

• Chiang Mai:  18 In Town Homestay , Makkachiva , POR Thapae Gate
• Pai:  Village Boutique Resort , Family House Pai , Resort Kanlaya’s Eyrie (Nam Lod Cave)
• Doi Inthanon: Father’s Garden , Monsonkeang Camping View
• Chiang Rai: Baan Ga Cha Villa , MORA Boutique Hotel , Sleepy House

How Much Do 2 Weeks in Thailand Cost?

Overall, Thailand is very affordable, particularly if you’re staying in hostels and eating out at local restaurants or street vendors. The biggest expense on your north-of-Thailand itinerary will be transport, such as for the tuk-tuks downtown, car rental, or scooter hire. 

Costs of Traveling in Northern Thailand

Travel on a budget in Northern Thailand, from $180 − $360 USD weekly per person, mid-range $450 − $860 USD, and high-end from $860 − $1180 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $30 − $80 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $10 − $30 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $20 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $30 − $50 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $2 − $10 USD
• Activities: $5 − $20 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit Northern Thailand

Thailand is generally hot and humid. However, the weather depends on the region and time of year you visit. The country sees three seasons, with the cool season being the most pleasant time to visit. This period runs from October to February in Northern Thailand, bringing cool air up into the mountains. Due to its elevated position, Pai sees the coolest temperatures in the north.

However, this is also considered the high season in Thailand, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices. For that reason, the perfect months for your north of Thailand itinerary are October – November, just at the end of the rainy season. 

Read more: The best time to visit Thailand

Do I Need a Visa for Thailand?

Most passport holders do not require a visa to enter Thailand. However, you will need a valid passport and an onward plane ticket to prove you will exit the country within 30 days. You can check the national Thai embassy website to see if your country is exempt from needing a visa and how to apply for a Visa on Arrival instead.

Check whether you need a visa for Thailand here

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Tour to Khao Sok National Park: Thailand’s Ultimate Hidden Gem

Co van kessel: the best tour of bangkok by bike, best time to visit thailand in 2024.

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Northern Thailand Road Trip: 3 Day DIY Tour from Chiang Rai

Travel is about freedom….

…. but travel in Southeast Asia can sometimes mean relinquishing some of that freedom and being a slave to train times, bus routes and tuk-tuk drivers.

We decided to bust out of the shackles and hire a car to see the more hard-to-reach parts of Northern Thailand.

ROAD-TRIP BABY!

And we did it at our speed, away from the crowds and stopped whenever we wanted!

Our plan was loosely based on getting to Phu Chi Fa , the Golden Triangle, the Myanmar Border and then popping in to some of the temples that are away from the town centre as we got back to Chiang Rai.

Sound like fun?

It was. Some of the most relaxing and off the beaten track moments we had in Thailand.

Fancy replicating our road-trip?

Well everything you need is below!

Main Points of Interest for a Northern Thailand Road Trip

Here are the five main reasons we hired a car. We felt it was a better option than trying to organise a tour as it gave us so much more freedom.

The great news is that we discovered alot more than this. The drive will captivate you every step of the way, with the landscape changing from plains, to mountains, rice fields and rivers.

There are some specific points of interest along the way, but alot of the time you’ll be pulling over to the side of the road just to take in the scenery.

Even without the highlights below it was an incredible trip!

Here were are key aims:

• Phu Chi Fa – the most beautiful place in Thailand you’ve never heard of! A mountain top viewpoint over Laos, famous for its sunrise above the clouds (if you click the link I have written a longer piece about it).
• Drive along the Mekong – one of the great rivers of the world, so we plotted a route that would take us alongside it as much as we could
• The Golden Triangle – where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, and (normally illegal) traders would quickly get their goods from one country to another, trading in gold to avoid local currencies. The main product sold here for many years was opium, with local hill-tribes growing vast quantities to support their income.
• Mae Fa Luang Garden – a perfectly landscaped botanical garden with treetop walks.
• The Black House and Blue Temple   – both of these places are just outside Chiang Rai, but we decided to incorporate them into the road trip because it was easier than hiring a tuk-tuk or taxi to get us out to them.

We hired our car from Chiang Rai airport as this seemed to have the best selection at reasonable rates. Most of the places in Chiang Rai itself don’t seem to have websites so it made it hard to work out their prices.

We booked with Hertz, and just got a taxi from Central Chiang Rai to go and pick it up.

• Total cost was £68.31 for a three day hire.
• Taxi to the airport was only 150 Baht.

International Drivers Permit

It is a legal requirement to have an international driver’s permit when driving in Thailand ( see the RAC list here ).

I however, didn’t realise this until AFTER we had taken the trip.

At the booking desk I showed them my UK driving license, and they let me take the car!

There is alot of discussion about the subject on this forum and it seems the conclusion is that the police don’t seem to care too much HOWEVER, if you are in an accident then your insurance would be void.

I would not take the risk again.

It only costs £8 for a year, and is easy to apply for by filling in this form .

Do I Need a Sat Nav?

A simple answer, no!

I would suggest downloading the fantastic app Maps.Me before you leave. This allows you to have offline maps that will allow you to navigate, without having to use any international roaming or data fees. You can just choose your location (use the map below for where we drove to) before you leave and it will direct you. 

Driving in Thailand

There are alot of warnings about driving in Thailand and the risks associated with it, but we had no problems whatsoever.

It is particularly easy to adapt to if you’re British as they drive on the left hand side.

The roads were good, and this being quite a quiet part of Thailand there was very little traffic at all. The main hazards were moped drivers appearing from side streets and the windy mountain roads.

The roads near the border in the north were particularly good as there has been alot of foreign investment. Many being double lane roads, with barely any cars other than us!

The only difficult towns for driving were Chiang Khong where they get quite narrow and congested, and the big and busy highway heading away from the border at Mae Sai. Neither of them were anywhere near as bad as roads in places such as Bangkok or Chiang Rai, these just needed a bit of extra concentration.

The rural roads near Doi Pha Tang viewpoint in the east became dirt roads for a while, with a couple of them having gouges down the middle due to the rain. The roads over Doitung mountain and through the national park in the west were very windy, with multiple switchbacks. Neither were particularly dangerous for a competent driver, just take them slow and beep to let oncoming traffic know you’re there.

Thai Gearboxes

It’s worth noting that on Thai automatic gearboxes there are three settings, D for standard drive, S for sport (haha, not in our little car!) and B which is used to engage the clutch on steep downhill sections. I had not seen these settings before, so am not sure if this is universal in Thailand, or just the brand of car we hired.

Northern Thailand Road Trip Itinerary -Day 1

Day 1 outline.

After you’ve picked up the car from the airport, it’s time to head out through the mountains to Phu Chi Fa.

The drive is around 110km, which includes driving to Phu Chi Fa and making your way over to the accommodation for the evening.

Wat Ubol Khongkharam Golden Buddha

This was the first of many unexpected finds on our road trip.

There are an almost unquantifiable number of temples on the route, and if you were to stop at every one you would be travelling for months! However when we saw this we had to pull over.

Visible from the road was a huge golden Buddha overlooking a lake. It seemed completely out-of-place at the edge of a fairly small village.

It is located just after the road turned left onto route 1174. If you pull off the highway, down a small dirt road, you will drive past the main Wat where you can park up by the lake and get some photos of this giant statue.

It’s an incredible sight, especially given its location, in what feels like the middle of no-where.

Ban Phaya Phipak Viewpoint

The journey over the flatter countryside had been fantastic, but about 70km outside Chiang Rai the scenery changed quickly, as we headed steeply up into a ridge of mountains that stretch right up to the Laos border. There is only one road through the middle, which sharply took us up around 750m in less than 5km. This is a road that wouldn’t be out of place in a cycling grand tour, it would be the perfect battleground for the climbers!

At the top we saw signs for a viewpoint, so headed a few hundred metres off of the main road.

From Ban Phaya Phipak we could see right the way down the side of the mountain range, and back down onto the flatter plains we had just spent the last hour or so driving across. A stunning view, and one we had completely to ourselves!

If you want more details about Phu Chi Fa, I would suggest reading my article  Phu Chi Fa | A Road Trip to Find the Ultimate Sunrise  as it will give you much more information than I have space for on this post.

In short is in a stunning viewpoint, that straddles the Thailand/Laos border and gives unforgettable views across Laos and down to the Mekong. It was one of the main reasons we had decided to hire a car in the first place.

Whilst we wanted to get there for the sunrise views, we decided it was a good idea to head up in the daylight, so we were fully prepared for the drive and climb that awaited us in the morning.

It is easy to miss the turning off the 4029 road that takes you up to Phu Chi Fa, so be careful. It looks more like a private road that it does a turning up to a major viewpoint.

This couple of kilometres up to the viewpoint car-park is really hard going, with the road getting up to some extreme gradients in places. There were points were I had my foot all the way down and the car was barely moving!

Once you get to the car-park there is then a relatively tough 20 minute or so hike to get to the top. Take it slow, and make sure you pack bug spray! Full details are in the article above.

The view makes it more than worth it though, and really made us excited for the sunrise in the morning. You also get to tick another country off the list, as you will technically cross over into Laos at the top!

PhufhaSawan Resort

Sometimes when travelling you just get lucky, and this was one of those occasions.

We had booked in at a guesthouse in Phu Tawan village via Booking.com, but unfortunately there had been a problem. The guesthouse was actually closed as it was not peak season, but it had not been removed from the website.

We wandered across the road to a place called PhufhaSawan Resort, and asked if they had any rooms. The lady offered us a wooden cabin with a fan and a shower for 1000฿.

We could not have been more lucky.

We had the entire resort to ourselves, and the views were unbelievable. At the end of our cabin was a lush green valley, stretching out for miles. They had a seating and deck area outside a cafe (which was closed at this time of year) so we just sat out and watched the sun disappear behind the mountains. We had managed to pick up some noodles and drinks from a local shop in the next village, so we had enough to survive the evening.

It was one of those nights that we won’t forget in a hurry. These are the kind of views that you would pay hundreds of dollars a night for in some parts of the world, but tonight we had it all to ourselves.

At midnight we were woken up to the most barbaric lightening storm we’d ever witnessed. The room felt like it was continuously lit up as the strikes peppered the valley in front of us.

PhufhaSawan Resort does not seem to be available on any major websites, and they did not speak any English, however they have a website with an email address that you might be able to use if you want to try to secure a room  www.phufhasawan.net .

Northern Thailand Road Trip – Day 2

Day 2 outline.

Today’s drive is around 160km.

After an early start to see the sunrise at Phu Chi Fa, the route heads along the Mekong river beside the Laos border.

You will finally reach the Golden Triangle, before back-tracking 5km or so to stay in Chiang Saen for the night.

Phu Chi Fa at Dawn

Without labouring the point too much, check out my article  Phu Chi Fa | A Road Trip to Find the Ultimate Sunrise  to get full details on Phu Chi Fa.

We got up and left around 0445 to get to Phu Chi Fa for sunrise, which at this time of the year is around 0550.

It is about a twenty-minute drive from the accommodation.

It is well worth the early alarm call. We weren’t treated to the classic ‘cloud filled valley’ version of Phu Chi Fa, but watching the sky change from black, through dark blues, purples, and then turn into a fiery red was one of those travel experiences that should go right on top of your Thailand to-do list.

After spending an hour or so here, we heading back to the resort to have a shower and a catch-up nap, before being treated to an amazing egg sandwich and an apple salad made by the owners who clearly felt guilty they couldn’t provide dinner for us the night before. It was an unexpected and wonderful gesture, and with full stomachs we hit the road again.

Doi Pha Tang Viewpoint

Another unscheduled viewpoint that we saw on our Maps.Me app.

Doi Pho Tang is another spectacular viewpoint that gives panoramic views across Thailand and Laos.

There is also a small temple here, with another golden Buddha statue perched by the hilltop.

We decided not to hike right the way up to the viewpoint, as the clouds were rolling in fast and we were right in the heat of the day.

Looking at the photos on this website though, I kind of regret not making the extra effort. I didn’t realise quite how spectacular it was at the top.

Before you head off, top up your supplies at one of the little stalls by the car-park. If you can find her, there was a lady selling tasty dried fruits and sugared almonds that were a perfect snack. She had little tasters of each available so you can choose your favourite!

On the drive down from Doi Pha Tang towards the Mekong, take extra care. Some of roads turn to dirt without any real warning, and after the rains they can have big gouges cut into them. Our little car was more than up to the challenge, but I would be especially wary of you’re doing this trip in rainy season.

Panorama Coffee

Really? You’re recommending a coffee shop on a road trip?

Don’t knock it until you try it!

As the 1155 turns north-west you will get your first glimpse of the mighty Mekong river. Make sure you keep both hands on the wheel, as it’s hard to take your eyes off of! I’d never seen a river quite so wide, and it was much busier than the roads, with all manner of boats going about their business.

Thankfully you don’t have to wait long for the perfect stop off.

Panorama Coffee  sits right beside the river, with a deck area that gives you the perfect spot to watch daily life unfold on the Mekong.

And watch it unfold we did! With coffee, Coca-Cola and some homemade cakes, we sat back and watched the world go why with a monk and his driver.

The Golden Triangle

After a long drive up the Mekong and through both Chiang Khong and Chiang Saen (where we’ll head back to for the night) we arrived at the Golden Triangle. Be careful on the drive through Chiang Khong as the roads narrow and fill with tuk-tuks and mopeds. It feels like a far-flung suburb of Bangkok.

After Chiang Khong the road has clearly been heavily invested in. Despite it being a steep road that cuts through the mountains, the highway is mostly dual laned, immaculately surfaced and doesn’t look more than a couple of years old.

The Golden Triangle is somewhere we wanted to visit, but weren’t necessarily looking forward to. Unlike the rest of this road-trip it is a major tourist hub, with Chinese tourists especially flooding here after trips down the Mekong.

This place has a notorious history. It has long-been a hub of illegal trade and smuggling, which centred for a many years around opium and narcotics. With three countries meeting, it was illegal to move goods quickly out of the jurisdiction of one police force to another.

This might seem like something long in the past, but the United States as recently as January 2018, put sanctions on the ‘Special Economic Zone’, a casino area hacked out of the Laotian jungle that has said to be openly trading rhino horn, bears, tigers and narcotics . This, as is so often the case, has been linked back to China and their use of traditional medicine, a story you hear often across Southeast Asia where illegal trade in endangered wildlife has nearly wiped out a species. You can see the casinos that China has funded over the river in Laos on the drive from Chiang Saen to the Golden Triangle. They look completely out-of-place sticking out of the dark green trees that are now fighting for space.

The Golden Triangle itself was actually was not as bad as we’d expected. It was busy, and a little soulless and run-down, but it was definitely worth a visit for half an hour or so. Not a glowing indictment I know, but if you’re in this part of the country it’s something you’ve got to do!

Gin’s Maekhong View

Gin’s Maekhong View was a spot of luxury for us on our road-trip.

Sitting right on the banks of the Mekong, with its own bamboo walkway to the shoreline, it was the perfect place to sit back and enjoy this great river, and even had a swimming pool to cool down in.

We were lucky enough to get a room with windows facing out towards the shore, and were treated to another remarkable sun-rise. I don’t think I’ve ever watched the sun come up two days on the trot!

If you walk south down the road from the guesthouse you’ll come to some Thai restaurants that serve huge portions, and have decking that also looks out over the river.

Perfection!

Whilst it was luxurious, it wasn’t actually that expensive at only 820฿ which is about £18.

Northern Thailand Road Trip – Day 3

Day 3 outline.

Day 3 is just over 160km, and will take you back to Chiang Rai via the border town of Mae Sai, Mae Fa Luang Botanical Gardens, and some more mountain driving.

We also visited the Black House and Blue temple on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, but feel free to skip these out if you have plans to visit them on another day.

Mae Fa Luang Botanical Gardens

After a drive of an hour or so, past the Golden Triangle and through Mae Sai (we couldn’t see any reason to stop here) we turned off the main north/south highway Route 1 (which heads all the way to Bangkok if you’re feeling up for it!). The road headed through a small village and then up some steep but well maintained roads up the side of Doitung.

Occasionally we saw a break in the trees which afforded some hazy but far-reaching views over the valley below, of the kind that we’d been blessed with right the way through this road-trip.

At the top is Mae Fa Luang, a Swiss style chalet built by the King’s Mother, and her flower garden just across the road.

We decided not to visit the house, but bought tickets to the gardens for 80฿ each.

The gardens are beautiful, and apparently the best in the whole of Thailand. The range of flowers here is huge, and the way they have been landscaped into the mountainside is a photographer’s dream!

Our main reason for coming here though was to do the tree-top walk, a 300m long walkway that gets as high as 30m above the ground.

For a person who does not get on well with heights I was apprehensive, however you are attached the entire way, moving your rope along a metal wire as you head through the canopy. The bridges move around a bit, and the second to last one was very high, but at no point did I have any genuine fear for my safety, just the odd butterfly in the stomach which makes things fun!

The treetop walk is an additional 150฿ per person, but well worth it. You can find more information here .

A Drive Through the Mountains

After Mae Fa Luang Gardens, we decided to take the long way through the mountains to get to our next destination. If you are in a hurry you can easily cut this out and head back to route 1.

We drove through some fairly dicey roads, that spent alot of their time as single-track, and had hundreds of switchbacks to deal with the gradient. It was a memorable part of the trip, the first time we’d felt almost alone in Thailand. The only people we saw were in the multiple hill-tribe villages we drove through, and the men with large guns at a check-point who stopped us (we’re still not sure if they were soldiers or poachers, but they were friendly enough and let us go by!).

Whilst there is nothing specific to see at this point on the road trip, if you have time then do it. You will see authentic hill-tribes, not the shows put on for tourists near the big towns, and experience truly rural landscape unlike anywhere else in Thailand. There are also leopards and elephant wild in this area, but I imagine they are much further off, away from the villages and roads.

We had also planned to go to a tea plantation just after we left the national park area, however by this time a huge storm had come in, and there was no way we were leaving the car! I have left it on the map if you want to check it out, and you can find more information here if you are interested.

The Black House | Baandam Museum

We were doing well for time so decided to stop into the Baandam Museum or Black House as we got close to Chiang Rai. This would save us paying for a tuk-tuk trip out here later in the week.

We took a very small dirt road that juts off the highway and that felt completely wrong! There was no way one of the biggest attractions near Chiang Rai could be down roads like this? Wrong! We found it after a couple of u-turns, amid a mass of tour buses, that to this day I have no idea how they navigated the tight bends.

The Black House is the lifetime’s work of Thai artist Thawan Duchanee. Whilst he was Buddhist, this is not a religious site. It has been said to be a ‘commentary on the human condition’.

Whatever it is I found it bewildering.

This is a collection of buildings, all made of dark teak wood, spread out across a plot of land.

And it’s dark on more than one level.

Every building contained something odd – animal bones, crocodile skins, antlers, horns, shark jaws. And amongst them was ornately carved furnitures, from long feasting tables to tiny wooden creatures. There were bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms – like a deconstructed house, put through a ‘make this really weird’ filter, and spread liberally across some grassland.

Don’t get me wrong it was spectacular. The size of the main building was awe-inspiring, the detail in the sculptures intricate, the vision and unique creativity on show unlike anything I’ve seen.

But it is really hard to figure out.

Maybe it’s best not to and just accept it at face value.

Talking value, the entrance fee was 80฿ per person. Pay your money and let your jaw drop, and your mind tie itself in knots.

The Blue Temple

For our final stop off before heading back into Chiang Rai we dropped into the Blue Temple.

Temples in Thailand are astonishing. They are everywhere, so it’s easy to take them for granted after a while, but some really do stand out. Colour themes seem to be a way to be distinct, with the White Temple in Chiang Rai, the Silver Temple in Chiang Mai and now the Blue Temple here.

This one has only been finished since 1996, though there was a ruin of an older temple here that had been abandoned around 100 years before.

The temple’s proper name is Wat Kong Suea Ten which translates as ‘House of the Dancing Tiger’. Like alot of Asia, there used to be wild tigers in this area which would apparently ‘dance’ over the local Mae Kok river. Unfortunately there are only two wild populations in the whole of Thailand now, so you’d be pretty unlucky to be set upon by one here.

Despite being a fairly new temple, it’s popular, and we’d manage to time our trip as a bus load of tourists arrived, so we had a quick look around before heading off.

There is no charge to enter the Blue Temple.

Finishing Up

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article, and it’s inspired you to consider a road-trip out into Chiang Rai Province.

Of all the things we did in Thailand, it ranked up there right at the top.

There is nothing that quite compares with having the freedom to go where you like, stop when you want and move at your own speed.

If you’re considering this trip and would like some advice, I’d be more than happy to help, so drop me a note to [email protected] .

Also, if you’re looking for a recommended kit list for your road trip, check out this post .

Happy Travels 🙂

Related posts:

• Phu Chi Fa: The Best Sunrise in Thailand? [First-Hand Guide]
• Visiting Mae Fah Luang Garden: A First-Hand Guide
• Greenleaf Guesthouse & Tour: Complete Adventure Guide
• 14 Beautiful Road Photos from Around the World
• The Thakhek Loop: A Complete First-Hand Guide [inc. Top Tips]

AUTHOR – BEN REEVE

Reeves Roam , is a first-hand travel blog. The Reeves have lived in the UK, South Africa and Australia and have travelled extensively in Europe and Southeast Asia.

Booking your trip via the links on this page earns us a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

You can also buy us a coffee . 

Thanks – Ben, Becca and Gracie

Thank you for this and the handy map. Very hard to find detailed info about that area and wanting to do a road trip before heading to Laos along the same route. Much appreciated

I’m glad you liked it Jana! If you need any more advice then let me know. Phu Chi Fa was a definite highlight and also staying at Gin’s Mekong view.

The 7 best road trips in Thailand

Oct 30, 2023 • 10 min read

The roads in Thailand are relatively well maintained, but driving rules are often flouted © Thattaphon Sukborwornophat / Getty Images

If your first port of arrival in Thailand is Bangkok, you might feel a little apprehensive about the idea of taking to the highway on a road trip. In the Thai capital, cars are stacked bumper to bumper, motorcycles duel for space with pedestrians and seemingly anything goes when it comes to road rules. But breathe easy: Bangkok is not all of Thailand.

Escape the capital and traffic conditions calm considerably, though you’ll still need to be cautious of speeding trucks and buses and the steady throng of motorcyclists. The good news is that Thailand’s roads are mostly well-maintained, car and motorcycle rental costs are moderate and there’s so much to see that even a short road trip takes on an air of adventure.

The smart way to road trip in Thailand is to start outside Bangkok, renting a vehicle in one of Thailand’s smaller towns. The further you go off the tourist trail, the quieter the roads and the more there is to discover in the towns and villages you pass through on the way. For inspiration, here are our favorite road trips in Thailand.

1. Mae Sa Valley

Best road trip for first-timers Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 80km (50 miles), allow one day

A great taster trip to get you used to driving or riding in Thailand, this circuit through the forested mountains north of Chiang Mai will introduce you to village life and the jade-green rainforest landscapes of northern Thailand. After leaving Chiang Mai, the crowds drop away as you get closer to Nam Tok Mae Sa , a natural swimming pool that makes a lovely picnic spot. 

Continue to the Queen Sikrit Botanical Gardens , a collection of plantations, walking trails and greenhouses, with a family-friendly natural history museum. From here, you enter a part of the country that was once used to grow opium poppies before hill tribe farmers were persuaded to switch to fruit and flowers by the Thai royal family.

Experience village life with a detour north to the Hmong community of Nong Hoi, where local restaurants at Mon Cham serve tasty village food and Thai fruit liqueurs in pavilions overlooking the valley. The loop back to Chiang Mai on the 1269 passes Samoeng village and a series of spectacular viewpoints where you can pause for photos, before swinging back into the Northern Thai capital.  

Planning tip: Get an early start to make the most of this day-long road trip. Grab a portable breakfast at the Talat Thanin food market before you set off.

2. Phuket to Satun and back

Best road trip for island adventures Phuket–Satun–Phuket; 1100km (690 miles) round trip, one week

Because of political unrest in Thailand’s far south, the Andaman Coast is best explored as an out-and-back road trip starting from Phuket , avoiding the troubled east coast. With hundreds of idyllic islands offshore, you’ll want to stop regularly for overnight sojourns on tropical islands along the way.

Starting with a seafood feast in Phuket, follow the Andaman Coast around Phang-Nga Bay, stopping for a boat trip around the otherworldly karst islands of Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park . Keep following the bay south to Krabi and the epic rock-climbing cliffs around Railay , one of the world’s most enjoyable adventure sports hubs.

Let the coast call you south to Ko Lanta for more time on the sand, then return to the mainland to reach Trang , gateway to its own collection of idyllic karst islands. The final leg south passes through townships that feel almost Malaysian in character. Turn around at Satun and take a couple of days to snorkel and hike on the unspoiled islands of Ko Tarutao Marine National Park before you retrace your steps to Phuket.

Planning tip: The seas off the Andaman Coast can get very choppy from May to October and many ferry routes and some national parks close for the season, so it's best to avoid this time of year.  

3. Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Best road trip for history Bangkok–Chiang Mai; 583 km (362 miles), three to four days

If you’re brave enough to start from Bangkok, the drive from the capital to Chiang Mai packs in a lot of history and some of Thailand’s most spectacular ancient sites. The hardest part is the beginning, escaping Bangkok’s gravitational pull on route 347. Fortunately, it’s only 90 minutes to Ayuthaya , the first stop on the route.

Explore the ruins of the imperial city that was Siam’s capital from 1350 to 1767, then continue north on route 32, making a detour east to view Lopburi’s monkey-thronged Prang Sam Yot temple. Back on the highway, it’s a sustained slog north to Phitsanulok , where you can pay your respects to one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images at Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat .

The next stop is stunning Sukhothai , whose ruined stupas and temples were the hub of a powerful Thai kingdom from the 13th to the 14th century. Break the journey north with a homestay at Ban Na Ton Cham or an overnight (or longer) stop in hip Lampang , where cool cafes throng with more local movers and shakers. Lamphun is another worthy stop before you roll into Chiang Mai and head straight for the night markets to feast.

Detour: To add some contemporary history to the trip, tack on a detour to Kanchanaburi between Bangkok and Ayuthaya. Made infamous by the Burma-Siam Railway, this town on the Mae Nam Khwae Yai river is today a hub for encounters with history and day trips to splash in the waterfalls of Erawan National Park .

4. Mae Hong Son Loop

Best road trip for traveler vibes Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 604km (375 miles), four days

A more ambitious road trip from Chiang Mai meanders through the green hills to the southwest, following Route 108 and Route 1095 through the lively traveler town of Mae Hong Son . This twisting loop is famous for having 1864 curves and the Chamber of Commerce in Mae Hong Son issues souvenir certificates for drivers who complete the circuit. On the way, you can swing into some of the most interesting townships in northwest Thailand.

Leaving Chiang Mai on the 108, the first stop is Doi Inthanon National Park , a lush, green mountaintop that is one of the few places in Thailand to see temperatures dip below freezing. You’ll want to pause for a day or two at Mae Sariang, a relaxing riverside town that’s a great base for hiking and sustainable adventures in the hills. 

There’s time for another stop at Khun Yuam to explore wartime history before you roll into Mae Hong Son, one of northern Thailand’s best hubs for monastery-hopping and treks to hill tribe villages. On the loop back to Chiang Mai on route 1095, make stops at the Su Tong Pae bamboo bridge, the “Little Switzerland” of Pang Oung and the bustling traveler hub of Pai , where you can kick back for a while, enjoying everything from treks to yoga classes and cooking schools.

Planning tip: Be ready for cold temperatures at Doi Inthanon National Park; chilly fog can swirl around the summit year-round so bring a warm layer. 

5. Hua Hin to Surat Thani

Best road trip for low-key beaches Hua Hin–Surat Thani; 580km (360 miles) one-way, three to four days

Southern Thailand’s long, slender profile doesn’t lend itself to looping road trips, but there’s plenty to see by drifting along the coast. Start in Hua Hin , Thailand’s original beach resort, where one-way car rentals can be arranged through Thai Rent a Car . Slide south through the low-key, locals-oriented beach towns of Prachaup Khiri Khan, Ban Krut and Bang Saphan Yai to Chumphon , where the Muslim culture of southern Thailand starts to surface. Before ending the trip at Surat Thani , duck inland to Khao Sok National Park , a 160-million-year-old rainforest that provides shelter for bears, tapirs, gibbons, elephants and tigers, myriad birds and the enormous Rafflesia kerrii – the world’s largest flower. The fun doesn’t have to stop at Surat Thani; the town is a jumping-off point for the Gulf Islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao, where you can bask, party and enjoy some of the world’s cheapest scuba diving.

6. Chiang Rai to Phayao

Best road trip for dramatic vistas Chiang Rai–Phayao; 250km (155 miles), three days

Chiang Rai is northern Thailand’s second great city – crammed with temples and cultural sites like Chiang Mai, but with less of a backpacker vibe. A stop at the “white wat” of Wat Rong Khun is almost obligatory if only to view the pop culture murals showing such diverse subjects as the 9/11 attacks and Keanu Reeves in The Matrix.

To reach the Lao border town of Chiang Khong , follow back roads through a region that was once notorious as the heart of the opium-growing Golden Triangle. Take your time drifting through villages tucked along forest-cloaked ridges, then stop for a day or two in Chiang Khong to soak up the Lao influences seeping in from Huay Xai across the Mekong River.

Divert south on the 1020 and follow routes 1093 and 1155 through dramatic emerald hills to epic viewpoints such as Pratu Siam and Phu Chi Fa. Pause to enjoy the hot waterfall at Nam Tok Phu Sang before you roll onwards to finish up in leafy Phayao , an overlooked northern Thai town with pretty wooden houses, wetland scenery and a lost-in-time mood that will give you a sense of what all of northern Thailand was like before the arrival of mass tourism. 

Planning tip: This route follows many back roads off the main highways; turnings are usually signposted, but if not, ask at roadside cafes and petrol pumps.  

7. An Isaan loop

Best off-the-beaten-track road trip Nakhon Ratchasima–Nakhon Ratchasima; 830km (515 miles), one week

Travelers gush about Thailand’s Isaan region – the tract of land running northeast from Bangkok against the Lao and Cambodian borders. In this gently slumbering corner of the country, the cuisine is spectacular, the pace of life unhurried and crowds are rare… in other words, conditions are perfect for a slow road trip by motorcycle. Spare yourself the drive out of Bangkok by taking a bus or train to Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) and pick up some wheels there.

Hit the trail and meander east through Phanom Rung Historical Park , a striking Khmer temple complex atop an extinct volcano. Track the Cambodian border eastward to reach Ubon Ratchathani , an off-the-tourist-track town studded with handsome monasteries and balanced beside the Mae Nam Mun river.  Loop through Yasothon (worth a stop during the rocket festival in mid-May) and lake-centered Roi Et to reach Prasat Puay Noi , a fine Khmer Hindu temple complex from the 12th century. Keep the Khmer theme going at Phimai , a grand temple ruin fusing Hindu and Buddhist motifs, then close the loop back in Nakhon Ratchasima, grazing on Isaan delicacies at RN Yard .

Planning tip: A big part of traveling in Isaan is sampling the food. Essential Isaan dishes to try include laab (a zesty ground meal salad with lime, mint, chili and toasted rice), som tam (a pounded salad of green papaya, green beans, peanuts and shrimp) and sai grok isaan (a sour, smoky, fermented pork sausage).

Tips for driving in Thailand

Thailand officially drives on the left, though be wary of locals flouting the rules, particularly motorcycles, which often ride against the traffic flow on the hard shoulder. Always give way to larger vehicles such as buses and trucks, and watch out for pedestrians. Driving slowly is always sensible. You can hire cars, motorcycles and scooters with a home driving license; take out as much insurance as is available and keep your license and passport (or copies of the identity pages) handy for police checks. 

This article was first published October 2022 and updated October 2023

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Kate Abroad

Ultimate 7 day Northern Thailand itinerary (+ 5/10 day options)

Thailand is so much more than beaches and Bangkok and this 7 day Northern Thailand itinerary is designed to help you uncover what else this amazing country has to offer.

The Northern region of Thailand has its own distinct culture, history, and cuisine. Plus, it’s a more relaxed and friendly place. Close to nature with less party or big city vibes (which is not to say there isn’t great nightlife if you’re interested!). 

I spent around one week in Northern Thailand on my last visit and could easily have stayed a lot longer! 

However, if you’re trying to see most of Thailand (North and South) in a 2-3 week trip then 7 days in northern Thailand is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights and get a taste of the region.

Having a pre-planned itinerary will help you to make the most of your time in Thailand and you can even consider learning Thai free before your trip to further enhance your experience.

This itinerary for Northern Thailand is designed to be super easy, you don’t need a car or scooter and you can do it on basically any budget.

If you’re more interested in a list of attractions to help you DIY your itinerary, then check out these top things to do in Northern Thailand or separate Pai and Chiang Mai itineraries.

7 day Northern Thailand trip map

There are 3 stops on this itinerary, one in each of Thailand’s 3 northern provinces.

How to get around Northern Thailand on this itinerary

Northern Thailand is well set up for tourists which means transport is easy. You basically have two options, a scooter/motorbike, or a van.

Pai used to have an airport and Chiang Rai technically still does but flights within the region can be pricy and infrequent so it’s easier, cheaper, and quicker to use the vans.

The three stops on this itinerary for Northern Thailand are well-connected with regular vans. However, it isn’t possible to go from Chiang Rai to Pai directly, so you will have to come back to Chiang Mai between those two stops.

Both the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai-Pai van journeys are 3-4 hours long over extremely windy roads with typically one toilet break mid-trip.

I highly recommend taking motion sickness tablets, they make a massive difference to your enjoyment of the trip.

Vans can be booked at the Chiang Mai bus terminal, at any reliable tour desk in town, or through your accommodation. Pai buses can also be booked online through PremPracha Transport.

If you choose to go with the scooter/motorbike option, you can pick up your bike in Chiang Mai and either return it there or leave it in Pai and take the van back. 

All reputable hire places will require you to have scooter/motorbike experience so if you’ve never driven one before, get someone to teach you before you leave home.

You will also be asked to leave your passport as a bond for the bike, you can negotiate to leave cash instead though.

Where to stay on your 7 day Northern Thailand trip

It’s worth booking central accommodation in each place because in Chiang Mia the Old City is where most of the atmosphere and nightlife is and in Chiang Rai and Pai because they’re small towns and you don’t want to be walking along unlit country roads to get to your accommodation.

If you’re going the hostel route, I can highly recommend:

• Hostel Lullaby in Chiang Mai
• UP2U Guesthouse in Pai
• Stay In in Chiang Rai

For mid-range accommodation try:

• Phra Singh Village in Chiang M ai
• Pai Village Boutique Resort
• Nak Nakara Hotel in Chiang Rai

For luxury accommodation try:

• Chala Number6 in Chiang Mai
• Reverie Siam in Pai
• The Riverie in Chiang Rai

The 7 day Northern Thailand itinerary

Days 1-3: chiang mai.

Spend day 1 of your 7 day Northern Thailand vacation exploring the Old City of Chiang Mai and surrounds with visits to the main temples in the city centre, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. 

Click here to book an Old City temples walking tour with an expert guide.

Refuel with a mid-morning coffee break at one of Chiang Mai’s super trendy cafes such as til. Café. 

Then head to Nimmanhaemin to shop til you drop…onto a massage bed that is. At Lila massage female ex-convicts are trained in massage as part of their rehabilitation into the community.

Once you’re blissed out from your massage head to the nearest night markets for some street food and maybe even a few drinks!

On day 2 when you’ve recovered from travel, it’s time to head up to the highest point in Thailand, Doi Inthanon and see the twin pagodas built by the people of Thailand in honour of their late king and queen.

Then spend the afternoon trekking through the jungle looking for waterfalls and water buffalo and visiting one of the villages of the Karen hill tribes. 

If possible, do a tasting of some of the coffee grown in the area.

Finally on your last day in Chiang Mai choose between a cooking class or a visit to an elephant sanctuary. 

With a cooking class, you can visit local markets to shop for ingredients, see Thai veggies and spices grown on a farm and try your hand at a curry or soup.

On the other hand, an elephant sanctuary is a highlight of any Thailand trip for many people and the opportunity to get up close to these magnificent creatures, potentially even bathe or feed them, is hard to pass up.

If you’ve done a half-day activity on day 3, rather than a full day option, you might want to get a head-start on the next stage of the itinerary by travelling to Chiang Rai on an evening van.

Click here to book a Thai cooking class at Smile Organic Cooking School (I did this one and loved it)

Click here to book an elephant sanctuary visit

Days 4-5: Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai, in the Golden Triangle area near the Thailand-Laos-Myanmar border, has become famous for its three temples, the Black, White and Blue temples which are must sees on any itnerary for Northern Thailand.

Start your time in Chiang Rai with a trip to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a dazzling temple with an ornate all-white exterior with embedded pieces of mirror. Then stop by the Black House (Baan Dam), now an art museum, and the golden clock tower in the centre of town.

Finally, round out your temple trio with a trip to Wat Rong Sua Ten (the Blue Temple), which is famous for its magnificent blue interior with a large white Buddha that marks the spirits.

On your second day, visit Choui Fong Tea Plantation, a spot known for its views as well as the high quality traditional teas cultivated.

Next, travel to Chiang Sean for a panoramic view of the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet the mighty Mekong River. If conditions allow, try a boat ride on the river before heading back to Chiang Mai to wrap up your 7 day Northern Thailand trip.

 If you’d prefer a tour to remove the stress of organising transport, you can try this 2 day Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai option.

Days 6-7: Pai

Pai is one of those destinations that’s still a little off the beaten path, known primarily to backpackers and hippies. 

As a result, it has a very relaxed atmosphere with a very walkable town centre and lots of places to relax with a smoothie or beer by the river, or even do some sunrise yoga.

Most of Pai’s attractions are natural but there are some cute and quirky manmade attractions that have opened in response to the growing tourist market plus of course a great night market on every day.

After arriving in Pai, head to one of the Pai hot springs where you can meet fellow travellers and relax in the water. 

Once you’ve dried off jump on a scooter or songthaew to see the local sights including the White Buddha and Santichon Village. 

Refuel with a coffee at the Bamboo Bridge café and then push on to Pai Canyon in time to watch the sunset, it’s guaranteed to be a memorable end to a big day.

On day 7, start your day slowly by spending a few hours sipping coffee in a hammock at one of the many cafes on the edge of Pai. 

Then head back into town to join up with a rafting/tubing trip for the afternoon. These are only run a few days a week but it’s worth arranging your trip to ensure you’re in Pai on a rafting day. 

Finally, refuel with some street food from the nightly markets and pick up some new Pai-style clothes while you’re at it.

Alternative: 5 day Northern Thailand itinerary

If you’re short on time and don’t have one week in Northern Thailand to spend then you could condense this itinerary into a 5 day Northern Thailand trip. This would allow you to see (some of) all of Thailand (North, South and Central) in 2 weeks or less.

Here’s how you could make this into a 5 day trip:

• Day 1: Chiang Mai (explore Old City, potential half-day cooking class or Elephant sanctuary) 
• Day 2: Chiang Rai day trip (stay overnight in Chiang Mai)
• Day 3: Chiang Mai (more time in Old City, markets, shopping, possible Doi Inthanon or Doi Suthep visit)
• Days 4-5: Pai

This requires you to arrive in the morning on day 1 and leave in the evening on day 5, so that you get a full 5 days in Northern Thailand.

The shortened itinerary also involves a lot of driving since Chang Rai and Pai are both 3-4 hours from Chiang Mai. If you hire a scooter the trip is somewhat shorter, but the roads are not suitable for inexperienced drivers.

I’ve recommended splitting up the two Chiang Mai days, so you don’t have 3 long travel days in a row.

Alternative: 10 day Northern Thailand itinerary

Having a full 10 days in northern Thailand would be an awesome way to really go in depth and explore more of the area without having to pick and choose between activities/sights.

If you are staying this long then scooter hire would be a good option to give you more freedom to explore beyond the city centres at your own pace, although it can still easily be done with day tours/songthaew.

Here’s my recommendation for a lengthier Northern Thailand 10 day itinerary.

• Day 1: Chiang Mai – Old City
• Day 2: Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon and trekking
• Day 3: Chiang Mai – Cooking Class or Elephant Sanctuary
• Day 4: Pai – Hot Springs, Sightseeing, Canyon Sunset
• Day 5: Pai – Coffee Shops, Rafting, Night Markets
• Day 6: Pai – Rafting
• Day 7: Chiang Mai – Relax, Night Markets, Shopping, Massage
• Day 8: Chiang Rai
• Day 9: Chiang Rai
• Day 10: Laos Border, return to Chiang Mai and Depart

Having more time also allows you some flexibility with travel. You don’t need to book everything in advance as you can just take whatever bus times are available to Pai and Chiang Rai.

In Short: Northern Thailand 7 day itinerary

Northern Thailand realy is a magical place with its natural attractions, delicious food and chilled out friendly culture.

It feels a world away from Bangkok and is an awesome destination for Thailand travellers looking for something slightly off the beaten track of second time visitors looking for new experiences.

Happy travelling!

Asia Travel Resources

• Book trains and buses through 12.go Asia to avoid queues at the station
• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
• Pre-book day tours and tickets for attractions on Klook
• Save on Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore attractions with a Go City Pass
• Sort your currencies in one place with a Wise multi-currency card

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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• Testimonials

The Total North Thailand Tour

฿90k / rider, ฿20k / pillion.

Our 10 day motorcycle tours in Northern Thailand allow you to fly in and decompress before joining us for a biking experience of a lifetime, then relax for a day in Chiang Mai before flying out. The tour is scheduled to start on a Monday and finish on a Wednesday, fitting in nicely with a two week holiday slot.

The tour has been planned to take in the absolute best that northern Thailand road trip has to offer – fantastic roads, beautiful vistas, quality hotels and “must see” attractions such as the towns of Pai and Mae Hong Son, the ancient city of Sukhothai, stunning Phu Chi Fa and of course, the Golden Triangle.

To top it off, we’ll also visit the famed “White Temple” in Chiang Rai. .

Tour Dates 2024 / 2025

Summer Break

CUSTOM DATES AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS. PLEASE ENQUIRE

Featured Highlights:

• Pai – the “hippy/alternative” town nestled in a beautiful lush valley.
• Rak Thai – A KMT village on the border with Myanmar.
• Mae Hong Son – Ethnic town centred around a picture-postcard lake.
• Boat ride to a Karen Long Neck village.
• Sukhothai – The ancient capital of Siam, dating back to the 13th century.
• Khao Kho – known to locals as “Little Switzerland”.
• Nan – the province with possibly the best rider’s roads in all of Thailand.
• Phu Chi Fa – this author’s favourite part of Thailand due to the stunning views.
• Chiang Khong/Chiang Saen – location of the Mekhong river and the (in)famous Golden Triangle.
• Chiang Rai – busy provincial capital with a good choice of eateries e.t.c and close to
• Wat Rong Khun (a.k.a “The White Temple”).
• Doi Chang – home to some of the best coffee beans in the world.

The itinerary for the road trip across Northern Thailand runs as follows:

• Day 1. Chiang Mai to Pai via scenic backroads.
• Day 2. Pai to Mae Hong Son with a lunch stop at Rak Thai.
• Day 3. Mae Hong Son to Mae Sarieng with a visit to a Karen Long Neck village.
• Day 4. Mae Sarieng to Sukhothai – a big but fun day in the saddle.
• Day 5. Rest day in Sukhothai. Explore the Historical Park by bicycle.
• Day 6. Sukhothai to Dansai via Khao Kho, Thailand’s “Little Switzerland”.
• Day 7. Dansai to Nan including one of the remotest roads in Thailand.
• Day 8. Nan to Chiang Khong via the picturesque Phu Chi Fah area.
• Day 9. Chiang Khong to Chiang Rai including the Golden Triangle.
• Day 10. Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai via The White Temple and Doi Chang.

General Information About Our Motorbike Tours Across Northern Thailand

Please note, this tour can also be “cut in two”, with a three day trip encompassing the Mae Hong Son Loop and a seven day tour starting with a night in Sukhothai and continuing – price is 9,000 baht/day for riders and 2,000 baht/day for pillion.

This is a tour suitable for anyone with a reasonable amount of “big bike” experience and pillions are welcome. We don’t ride extremely fast and definitely not recklessly but you must be competent and comfortable with speeds averaging between 80 – 120kph and we’ll cover approximately 2,400km over the course of the 10 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the requirements for joining our tour, to join our motorbike tours in northern thailand,  meet the following requirements:.

• Hold a valid full motorcycle license from your home country.
• Demonstrate regular riding experience (more than once a month) with proficient skills.
• Handle diverse terrains like mountain roads, dirt tracks, gravel, sand, and mud.
• Maintain physical fitness to adapt to tropical climate and altitude changes.
• Respect local culture and laws.
• Follow tour guide instructions diligently.
• Organize flights, visas, travel insurance, and personal expenses.

2. What kind of accommodations are included in the tour?

The accommodations are generally of 3-star plus and most have pools and are conveniently located. they include hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and homestays., 3. what kind of bikes are available for the tour, the bikes are top-quality machines from brands like honda, kawasaki, yamaha, and suzuki. they range from 250cc to 650cc and are well-maintained and insured., 4. what kind of food is included in the tour, the food is delicious and varied, featuring thai, chinese, burmese, and western cuisines. breakfast is included every day and lunch is included on riding days. dinner is not included but there are plenty of options to choose from., 5. what is the cancellation policy for tour bookings, a 50% refund of the deposit is available if a cancellation notice is received 45 days or more before the tour start date. no refunds are offered for cancellations made 44 days or less before our motorbike tours in northern thailand commence., book your tour today.

We are affiliated and bonded with the Tourist Authority of Thailand for both inbound and outbound tours and all of our tours are run within the legal guidelines of local laws and all of our bikes are insured. You’ll normally be riding with either Jeff or Duncan and be accompanied by a T.A.T licensed guide and support vehicle for your luggage (where applicable), enabling you to travel unburdened for maximum enjoyment of the routes we have chosen for you. If your partner does not wish to ride pillion there are limited seats in the support vehicle available on a first come, first served basis.

Have any questions? Contact us!

+44-7477-866-404 (whatsapp), [email protected], find us on google maps.

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1,500km in 8 days: My Epic Scooter Trip Around Northern Thailand

Back in January, Dave happened to casually mention to me that Stuart  would be coming to Chiang Mai in a couple of weeks and was planning on doing a road trip on scooters around Northern Thailand. He wanted to know if we would be interested in joining him.

Having ridden around the moat of Chiang Mai on the back of Dave’s scooter at least twice by this point, I already felt like a highly advanced scooter passenger.

I knew that this road trip would be a piece of cake.

…Until I saw our planned route.

Day One: Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao: 78km

Within minutes of setting off from Chiang Mai I knew that this adventure wouldn’t be as pain-free as I had imagined. I felt every bump in the road and within half an hour my bum was sore, my back was aching and I was wondering what the hell I had got myself into.

Fortunately, it was just a short day of riding. We stopped for lunch in the mountain town of Chiang Dao and after a few minutes of sitting down on something other than a hard motorcycle seat, decided not to move for the rest of the day.

It was a good decision.

Day Two: Chiang Dao to Phayao: 215 km

For the first time since leaving London, I awoke to see my breath in a cloud in front of me.

I hadn’t felt that sensation in months. 

Wearing five layers, two pairs of socks with my flip flops and a pair of trousers as a scarf, we set off through Chiang Dao. The scenery was much more impressive than that of the previous day. We had left behind the city fumes of Chiang Mai and spent the day riding through rice paddies and mountains.

It was gorgeous.

Forced to catch up on the miles that we avoided the day before, my bum was extremely glad to arrive in the pretty lakeside town of Phayao.

Day Three: Phayao to Phu Lang Ka: 163 km

Before leaving Phayao, we visited a couple of interesting temples scattered around the town.

Our first stop was Wat Sri Khom Kham, which featured a bizarre sculpture garden depicting various different scenes from heaven and hell. The hell section was the most amusing with sculptures showing what happens to you if you lie or have an abortion, among many other sins.

After being suitably terrified by the vision of my impending doom, I calmed myself down by visiting the gorgeous Wat Analayo.

After taking hundreds of photos of the temples, we set off back on the bikes and arrived at Phu Lang Ka by late afternoon. With fatigue setting in, it felt more like 10 o’clock than 4 and I was tempted to go to sleep right then.

I’m glad I decided to stay awake a little bit longer so that I got to witness one of the most amazing sunsets of my life.

Day Four: Phu Lang Ka to Nan: 127km

Not tired enough from all the riding from the previous few days, we decided it would be a great idea to wake up at a ridiculously early time so that we could catch the sunrise before starting our journey to Nan.

It definitely wasn’t a bad decision.

As we sat shivering, huddled up on a bench and eating a disgusting breakfast of soggy rice porridge, I couldn’t help but smile to myself. This is a part of Thailand that few tourists ever get to see and I felt so fortunate to be able to experience it for myself.

After finishing our terrible breakfast, we hopped back on the scooters and began our trip to Nan. Our route took us down through the mist-covered valley, along the road that you can just make out in the photo above.

Day Five: Nan

By day five, my increasingly sore bum was in desperate need of a rest and as I stumbled out of our guesthouse, wailing in agony, we came to the very sensible decision of staying in Nan for an extra day to recover. A less sensible decision was that made by Dave and Stuart, who told me they were just popping out for a short afternoon ride, but instead spent the entire day riding 350km to the Laos border and back. It was a decision that almost resulted in their deaths .

In contrast, I had a very calm and relaxing day wandering around Nan Town and taking photos of the beautifully intricate temples.

Needless to say, I’m very happy I stayed behind.

Day Six: Nan to Phrae: 202km

Today was one of the longest days of riding, due to our detour to Sao Din. We were promised a series of breathtaking rock formations that Stuart claimed would change our lives forever. I could barely contain my excitement on the drive down.

It was going to be incredible.

Magnificent.

The highlight of our road trip.  

Day Seven: Phrae to Lampang. 103km

With just a short distance to drive today, Dave and I decided to spend this morning wandering around Phrae and exploring some of the temples.

The highlight was finding a small Monk Gym outside of one of them!

Our day’s journey was brief and uneventful – the majority of the ride was via a main road, which is never very interesting. However, when we arrived in Lampang I was extremely excited to discover the streets filled with horse and carriages, offering scenic rides of the town.

Strangely, nobody would agree to a horse and carriage ride with me so I celebrated the final night of our road trip by watching Dave and Stuart eat one hundred plates of pork. Each.

Day Eight: Lampang to Chiang Mai: 155km

I awoke on our final day feeling sad that the adventure would soon be over, but excited to get back to my apartment in Chiang Mai. There were two options for our final route back: the shortest distance along the main highways, or the much longer option through the backroads and mountains.

We chose the latter.

With the mountains being so steep on the way up that I actually had to jump off the back of the scooter just so we could make it to the top, we knew we were going to have problems on the way down.

After five minutes of squeezing tightly on the brakes, the inevitable happened.

They overheated.  

All of a sudden, a disgusting smell filled the air and we started speeding down the mountain at scarily high speeds. Clinging onto Dave for dear life, he thankfully thought to put his feet down, creating enough friction for us to slow down, before steering us into the side of the mountain.

Eight days of driving and we almost died a few km from the finish line. 

As we arrived back at our apartment in Chiang Mai, I was sad that the trip was over, relieved that I would now be able to rest my aching bum, and excited to have a hot shower for the first time in a week.

As we reluctantly removed our helmets and tied them onto our bike for the final time, we looked over at the odometer to see how far we had travelled.

1385 kilometres. 

… And my butt had felt every single one of them. 

This road trip was one of the best things I’ve done on my travels to date. I can’t even begin to describe just how amazing it was and the next few weeks will be filled with lots of stories, photos and adventures from my time on the road in Northern Thailand.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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86 comments.

This sure was exciting! Glad nothing too bad happened at the end. You know, judging from your history, something like this had to happen :D

Haha, you know me so well! I’m sure there will be a highly dramatic post in the future about my near-death experience! ;)

Looking forward to it!! ;)

Hello: I found your site by accident. I too am a world traveler. My wife and myself were choking to death with laughter over your adventures at “Roach Motel” and your tea ceremony. But please let me know where you are going next, as we don’t want to cross paths with you as you are “jinxed”. We don’t want to have any of your karma rub off on us. Best of luck, keep up the laughs. Orin & Margarita

Amazing pics, specially of the gorgeous Wat Analayo.

Thanks, Laura! I can’t wait to write an entire post about that temple! :)

Indeed breathtaking sunset! I love that photo, and it looks like you’ve had a good roadtrip :-)

It was the highlight of my time in Thailand :)

Lauren! That sunset and sunrise photo along with the other misty road one is GORGEOUS! Like, truly amazing, definitely my favourite photos of yours up to now! You’ve inspired me to try out a road trip when in Thailand. I’ll just need to get my butt in gear haha!

Thanks, Caroline! Those sunset/sunrise photos are some of my favourites too.

Definitely go for a road trip in Thailand, it’s been the highlight of 6 months spent here!

What an awesome road trip. I loved Northern Thailand but I chickened out of riding a scooter because I’ve never ridden one before. Next time I’m going to have to give it a try.

That was the reason I sat on the back and didn’t ride it myself – I was too scared that I’d die! After the road trip I had a few attempts at learning but was pretty terrible. If you work up the courage next time, I highly recommend doing a road trip of some sort!

Beautiful! One of my dreams is to drive a motorbike through a country in SE Asia. Loving the pics!!!!

Thanks, Sheryll! You’ll have to take a trip over here while you’re in Korea! ;)

Dirt biking in SE Asia was one of my highlights too! Those sunset and sunrise photos are amazing! Looks like such an untouched area, which makes trips like this even more amazing!

High five for being badass! ;)

Thanks so much for the compliments! It was really untouched – I didn’t see another tourist for the entire time!

Wow – the pics from Phu Lang Ka are unbelievable! Thanks for this post – I feel like I just took a little mini escape to northern Thailand.

Thanks, Anis! It was definitely one of my favourite spots on the road trip :)

The things you do.. always an epic ending. That’s a lot of km.. and pork! Haha. LOVE IT. Hope your bum’s healing. :)

Hahahahaha, I know, right?! My bum is much better now, thanks! :D

Cool! so many kms in such a short time!You should be completely drained! Congratulations for your picks as they’re so bright and coloured! I love most that of the Monk Gym Temple!

I was absolutely exhausted afterwards, Francy! :) Thanks so much for the compliments on my photos. The monk gym was hilarious!

It does sound like a great trip, but I don’t think I could’ve handled riding a scooter for that long. That sunset photo is amazing! Glad you survived the trip!

At times I felt like jumping off and I spent most of the time whimpering and sobbing quietly on the back. But it was worth it! :D

Wow, what an adventure, and what incredible photos to go with it! Looking forward to hearing more :)

Thanks, Laurence! I’ll be writing about it for weeks!

This sounds like so much fun! What a great experience. I’m going to have to read the post about the scooter ride to Laos now. :/

It WAS so much fun… Apart from when the guys nearly died!

Wow, got agree with everyone else… this sounds & looks amazing. I just finished highlightign where I wanna go in Thailand in my SEA LP & umm yeah I didn’t highlight just about any of these places & now I wanna go. So glad you are seeing off the beaten track over there. A I get jealous when I see you post a beach photo though. I hope you are still over there when i get over there so we can drink buckets & buckets…lol!!!

Yep, I didn’t see another backpacker for the entire time I was there. In fact, I didn’t even see another white person, so it’s REALLY off the beaten track!

I’ll probably still be here when you FINALLY get over here as I’m never leaving haha!

I’m glad that your butt lived to tell the tale! By the way, that first sunset photo is AMAZING! :)

Me too, I’d be lost without it! And thanks :D

Dang, over a thousand kilometers on the back of a scooter?!? My bum hurts just thinking about it. How did you manage to get down that mountain after you hopped off the run-away bike?

We had to sit on the side of it for half an hour waiting for the brakes to cool back down and then slowly rode down dragging our feet on the floor! Scary!

I always thought that I didn’t spend enough time in Northern Thailand and you’ve just confirmed it. I went to the usual backpacker hotspots but didn’t go to any of these amazing looking places – definitely inspired me to go back there some day!

You must go back! I didn’t know anything about Northern Thailand (except there were 5 million travel bloggers in Chiang Mai), but I’ve now realised how amazing it is!

So many great photos but Day 4 is my favourite.

Thanks! Day 4 was one of my favourites :)

What a great way to experience northern Thailand. The open road and freedom to do and see what you want, the best way to travel!

It truly was! I want to go everywhere on a scooter now! You see so much more that way.

That sounds like an epic week – I’m heading to Asia in a few months, so scouting out some ideas at the moment.

Not sure that I can do a week on a bike, but I definitely love the idea of some sort of road trip

You’ll be very sorry if you spend a week on a bike… But you get to see much more that way! :)

Great trip! You’ve definitely introduced me to some Thai towns I had never heard of. On to the travel bucket list ;)

Of course :)

That’s quite a ride. Not sure how you racked up so much milage though. We did a similar tip AND went all the way up into the Golden Triangle and I didn’t think we had that much milage.

The 350 km trip to the Laos border and back added up the miles significantly!

Wow that sounds like an amazing trip!!! Although I don’t know how you managed it…. motorbikes sure arn’t desined with the passengers comfort in mind. Your butt must have been black and blue! lol

I KNOW! Why is it impossible to find scooters that are comfortable at the back?! Damn, it was painful…

Glad everything worked out for you! Seems like such a really fun and beautiful experience. :)

Lauren, what an amazing experience and such beautiful photos! What a great way to see Thailand.

Your adventures are truly amazing, Lauren, and your photography is excellent. Having lived in Thailand for 13 years and Chiang Mai for 7, I can tell you that you were extremely lucky to have the adventure you did on your road trip. This year, particularly, has been really bad with the smog from burning rice fields. I took a similar trip recently (but have a much softer bike seat :-)), and I could hardly see anything. I’ll be doing it again soon.

Best of luck on your continuing adventure. If you ever get back to Chiang Mai, let me know, I have a bigger bike with a better seat.

Thanks for the insight, am planning my trip for next year…cant wait.. Chiang Mai here I come…

Love it! I’m considering something like this when I arrive early November. But when you “just go out” like this, where do you stay? Did you just happen upon hostels or inns or whatever along the way? Did you do some pre-research? Or perhaps you camped?

Hi Gregory,

We were travelling with Stuart who owns travelfish.org so he knows the region extremely well :) We stayed in guesthouses everywhere, but Stuart obviously knew where there would and wouldn’t be places to stay.

So, Lauren, if I wanted to do something similar, do you think that if I had a tent with me that I could just wing it and be okay? In other words, I could just go (on this route or another) and assume I will find lodging. But, if I don’t, then can I assume it would be pretty likely that I would find a place to bivouac for the evening? (I guess I’m asking if impromptu camping is common or discouraged.)

I don’t think I’m really qualified to answer that question! I can tell you though that I didn’t see a single person camping over the week, so it’s definitely not a common thing to do in Thailand. I’m not sure whether it is discouraged though…

All of the places we stayed and wrote about in this post were reasonable sized cities with a load of accommodation. The only exception was Phu Lang Ka, which was just one hard to find lodge in the middle of nowhere.

Sawatdee Krab, Gregory. I live in Thailand and can tell you that camping is not something Thais do, although it is available in the national parks. You cannot “wing” it and camp along the road or in the woods. Accommodations are cheap and plentiful, but my advice is to get a Lonely Planet guide. Also, advice from people you meet along the way. Outside the main cities, no one speaks English, but they enjoy helping you nonetheless. A few words in Thai will go a long way. Listen to audio pronunciations, don’t try to sound out words from written transliterations because it’s impossible. As one last bit of advice, dress more or less normally, not as a 60’s refugee or wondering guru. No one dresses like that in Asia and everyone just thinks you’re crazy, except other like-dressed Westerners. Choke dee le sabai sabai.

Thank you, Lauren and Stuart; very helpful.

Stuart, I tried running the Thai in your message through Google Translate but it was stumped.

Basically it means, good luck and be happy!

Thank you very much for sharing your experience through this post, which I found accidentally. Me and my spouse are also thinking of an epic travel either through Thailand or Vietnam.

…and I thought our 270 km round trip motorbike ride to and from Pai was a butt killer. Really though, this sounds amazing. I definitely want to do this while living in Chiang Mai. Might need to start planning a trip of our own very soon :) Thanks for the great post!

It was pretty incredible! I can definitely recommend it :-)

Sounds like an epic adventure. There’s some crazy drivers in Thailand, so well done in just surviving ;)

Thank you! Fortunately, the roads were quiet once we left Chiang Mai :-)

Hey Lauren! This trip sounds EPIC and the pictures are amazing. My boyfriend and I are considering doing something similar, but we have our 55L backpacks with us. This may sound like a stupid question, but what did you do with all your stuff while you were away? I’m assuming you couldn’t take all of it with you on a small scooter?

Hi Andrea. We left our bags in our apartment in Chiang Mai. We were renting one for three months when we took this trip. We just took one 15 litre daypack on the scooter.

Heyy, Your photos are really amazing! When did you take this trip to Thailand? We want to go on the 9 on March but I heard there is smog and you can’t see anything. The scooter trip would also be out of question I think.. :(

Thanks so much, Andra! I did this trip in January. There is a lot of smog in March so I’d imagine the views wouldn’t be as pretty when riding.

So awesome!!!!! My favourite part of Chiang Mai was just spending days motorbiking through the mountains. Would rather do that than go on a tour!

Absolutely! There are so many great places to explore outside of the city :-)

I think you did not travel 1500 Km. You have skipped the sidetrip in Nan, so that works out to be 1043 km.

I’m so glad that’s what you got from this post.

What an awesome road trip of Thailand. I must say, the places looks like such an untouched area which makes this more amazing.

It was pretty spectacular to feel so far away from the tourists.

wow this looks amazing! I really have to explore Northern Thailand when I’m back in the country!

It’s such an underrated part of the country.

Wow weeee, amazing inspirational and exactly what i wanted to read before going to bed, so thank you :-) I’m leaving from london tomorow for a cheeky week in northern thailand (booked my flight 5 days ago as found a gap in a project im working on, and been researching ever since!!) I’m going to do a similar trip (just not as far maybe 100-150km per day) Just wondering what bike you were on? I’ve provisionally booked a honda zoomer 108cc or should I upgrade?…..don’t mind going slow!! …i’ve travalled a far bit in asia so fine with getting lost etc :-)

Thanks again

Yep, that’ll be fine! I think we had a 110cc Honda Click and it was all good.

Thanks, glad to know I made the right choice :-) Made it to Wiang Pa Pao, to my supprise very easily considering the beers the night before!…..next stop Tha Ton :-) Will definatly make it to Phu Lang Ka, however can’t find a nearby alternative to the concrete bed….probably Rico Resort?

…..the ease of travelling with wifi, smart phones and internet (it’s like they were all designed for travelling!)

Thanks again for such a inspirational blog, you should write a book (with pics!)

Just arrived back in Blighty and thought I’d send an update.

Made it 900km :-) absolutely amazing, Phu langka was magical especially driving in the dark from Chiang kham….

Few top tips….. 1) get a Thai sim, I had 3G 90% of the time, so enabled me to take smaller roads. 2) try and get off the highways, e.g road 3032 was amazing probably one the highlights, but driving through the mountains is hard work and takes a lot longer. 3) getting questioned by the army (not police) is fun (keep telling yourself that!) 4) watch out for snakes and buffalo 5) check your oil every other day if not every day.

So now I’m planning Lima to cusco on a dirt bike (I do a little Moto X) ……any top tips?

Great article! I’m currently in Saigon, Vietnam and soon gonna ride up to Dalat (highlands) when it stops raining!! Keep up the great work.

One of my favourite countries! Enjoy! :-)

Love this article! I’m relatively the same journey in 2 weeks (currently living in Chiang Mai). Do you happen to remember if the scooter was 100, 115, or 125cc? A friend might join me and I’m wanting to make sure my scooter is powerful enough :)

I think ours was 110cc Honda Click.

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Meet Lauren Juliff

Road trip in Thailand: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

Visit thailand by car: the 5 best road trip itineraries.

You’re planning to do a road trip in Thailand ?

Great idea!

Visiting Thailand by car is not very common and yet it’s for sure the best way to discover the country’s must-see attractions.

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared this guide with the 5 best road trips itineraries in Thailand depending on the duration of your stay (7 to 30 days).

For each duration, I will give you a summary of the itinerary as well as the link to read the detailed itinerary article I have written.

And at the end of this guide, I will also give you my list of the best accommodations in Thailand depending on your budget as well as my best tips to enjoy the perfect road trip.

Let’s plan your road trip!

What’s the best airport to start a road-trip in Thailand?

Rent a car for a road trip in thailand, thailand road trip: one week, 1) bangkok (2 days), 2) ayutthaya (1 day), 3) chiang mai (3 days), 4) phuket or krabi (3 days), 3) sukhothai (2 days), 4) chiang mai (3 days), 5) phuket or krabi (3 days), 6) koh lanta or koh yao noi (3 days), 7) return to phuket or krabi (1 day), 1) central thailand (3 days), 2) northern thailand (8 days), 3) south thailand (9 days), 1) central thailand (4 days), 2) northern thailand (9 days), 3) southern thailand (15 days), itinerary for the southern islands, where to stay in thailand during your road trip, when should you go on a thailand road trip, you’re traveling to thailand these articles will help you.

Thailand has several international and national airports. The best serviced are at:

• Bangkok , the capital. There are 2 airports: Suvarnabhumi airport (where all international flights arrive) and Don Mueang airport for domestic flights or border countries such as Cambodia or Vietnam.
• Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand
• Chiang Rai , also in the North
• Phuket , for the South and to visit the islands
• Krabi , also in the South

For each of these itineraries in Thailand, whether for a week or 1 month, I’ve chosen arrival at Bangkok . Simply because it is the most convenient place to start driving through Thailand, going further north gradually.

If you are planning a road trip in Thailand, you will have to rent a car.

I always recommend booking a car from the airport because there you will have the greatest choice of international or national rental agencies and can therefore get the best prices.

A small specific detail about road trips in Thailand: you must rent a car car from Don Mueang airport and not from Suvarnabhumi airport, where you arrive. It is much more convenient to get your car back to Don Mueang when leaving Bangkok as this airport is directly on the way to the next stop.

You must also book your car in advance so that you have a choice of vehicle and prices that are much lower than those you get on the spot.

If you’ve ever visited my blog to organise your trips, you’ll know that I always recommend using Rentalcars.com for your car rentals. Canada , Greece , Sardinia , I can’t even count how many times I’ve rented cars from this website!

I find it really convenient to compare the prices of all the rentals and see the reviews from previous customers .

Rentalcars’ specific comprehensive coverage insurance system also ensures that you get recompensated for any costs incurred in the event of an accident or even theft of your car. And I can assure you that it works, and that the payouts are given rather quickly, you just have to send an email (They have reimbursed me for more than 1200 Euros to date).

Other benefits: the site guarantees you the best prices (it reimburses you if you find cheaper elsewhere) and the modification or cancellation is very often free until the last moment.

To compare the prices of a car rental in Thailand, just click on the button below:

Choose a rental agency that does not charge a one -way fee in case you take the car from Bangkok and return it at Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.

In Thailand you drive on the left side of the road . If you are unfamiliar with this driving direction, take an automatic car.

No special advice for driving: the roads are in excellent condition , often with several lanes, free of charge and bordered by petrol stations. We had no problems during our whole trip in Thailand .

In this article I will give you a summary of each route in Thailand depending on the duration of your trip .

I will also post a link to the detailed itinerary, which contains all the things to do for each leg , the best hotels to stay at, and all my tips and plans!

For this first example, I have a road trip from Bangkok to explore Thailand by car for a week.

On this 1 week road trip in Thailand: Bangkok , Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai.

Day 1 and 2 – Exploring Bangkok:

• The Grand Palace
• Khao San Road
• The Siam district

I have prepared a 2-day itinerary for Bangkok in this article: Visit Bangkok.

Day 3 – Visit to the Ayutthaya historical park and its ancient temples, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

All the practical information to visit Ayutthaya is in this detailed article: How to visit Ayutthaya.

Days four, five, and six – Exploring the capital of Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai.

• The old town and its many temples
• Warorot market
• The Night Bazaar
• Doi Suthep National Park
• Huay Tung Tao Lake
• A day in an elephant sanctuary
• A Thai cooking class

For more things to do in Chiang Mai, read my post: What are the things to do in Chiang Mai?

Day 7: The end of your trip, head to Chiang Mai Airport for your return flight.

If you would like to go on a week-long road trip in Thailand, please read our detailed article: One week itinerary in Thailand. 

Very practical, you will also find lots of good plans and hotels where you can stay every step of the way.  This is the best way to organise your trip easily! 

Thailand Road trip: 10 days

Second idea for a road trip, this time to visit Thailand by car in 10 days.

For this itinerary, you will leave from Bangkok and finish your stay in the South.

On the agenda for this 10-day road trip in Thailand:

• Phuket or Krabi (choice)

You must start this 10-day road trip in Thailand with the capital, Bangkok . In addition to the day you arrive, you should stay there for 2 days to recover from the flight and jet lag.

Day one: Here’s an idea for your first day in Bangkok:

• Siam Museum or Bangkok National Museum
• Dinner cruise on the river

For the second day , continue your visit with Wat Saket, Chinatown and a walk in the Lumpini park. Then go shopping in the Siam district.

At the end of the day, don’t miss the Bayoke tower (Bangkok’s tallest tower) to admire a view of the city. Tickets can be booked here.

To best organise your exploration of Bangkok, read our article: Top 20 things to do in Bangkok.

The next day (day three) , for the rest of this 10-day road trip in Thailand, visit the historical park of Ayutthaya.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has several magnificent temples that you can see during the day.

If you want more details about Ayutthaya, please read my detailed article: Visit Ayutthaya.

Days four, five, and six shall be devoted to visiting Chiang Mai, the capital of northern Thailand.

The unmissable spots:

• The old town of Chiang Mai where all the temples are located: Wat Phra Sing , Wat Chedi Luang or Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang
• Warorot market, the city’s largest market
• The night market and/or the Saturday or Sunday evening market to buy souvenirs and taste street food
• The Doi Suthep National Park, where the temple of the same name is located, offers a panoramic view of the whole province
• Visit the elephants in a shelter
• Take a cooking class to make delicious Pad Thai and currys.

And for other places to see in Chiang Mai, you will find information here: Chiang Mai: the definitive guide.

Finish this 10-day road trip to Thailand by visiting the South, where you can enjoy the country’s most beautiful beaches.

From Chiang Mai, it is very easy to reach Phuket or Krabi in less than 2 hours.

For days seven, eight, and nine of your itinerary, you can choose between spending 3 days on Phuket Island or in Krabi province.

What are the things to see in Phuket and nearby?

• Phuket Town
• Monkey Hill
• The beaches: Freedom Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Nai Harn Beach…
• Koh Phi Phi
• Similan Islands
• James Bond Island

Details of all these places are in this article: What are the things to see in Phuket?

If you prefer to spend the end of your holiday in Krabi, you can:

• Enjoy Ao Nang beach
• Spend a day on the Railay Peninsula and its 2 beautiful sandy beaches
• Take a boat trip to the 4 islands
• Explore Koh Phi Phi
• Visit the Hong Islands

Information on these activities can be found here: The best things to do in Krabi?

On the day ten , it will be time to take your return flight from Phuket or Krabi airport.

If you want more details about this 10-day road trip in Thailand , please read our detailed article: 10 day itinerary in Thailand.

You will also find our list of the best accommodations for each leg. As you’ll see, planning your 9-10 day trip to Thailand is fast and easy!

Thailand Road trip: two weeks

If you go on a road trip in Thailand for 15 days , you will be able to divide your time between the central/northern part of the country and the south.

This 2-week road trip in Thailand I am suggesting also starts from Bangkok.

You will find all the details to organise this Thailand tour in our article: 2-week itinerary in Thailand.

I’ll summarise the legs of the journey below:

For this two-week road trip in Thailand, we will start by visiting Bangkok for 2 days.

You’ll have time to see many of the places we discuss in our Top 20 places to visit in Bangkok.

Days 1 and 2 – Things to do:

• Bangkok National Museum
• A river cruise
• Bayoke Tower
• Chinatown and Wat Traimit
• The Siam neighbourhood with huge shopping centres

On day three of your 15-day road trip in Thailand, visit Ayutthaya , the ancient capital of the kingdom of Siam.

These ancient temples are now classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The timings, prices, and temples that you should not miss , everything is included in my article dedicated to the historical park: Ayutthaya: the definitive guide.

Day Four: keep one day for travelling the 350 km from Ayutthaya to Sukhothai .

Day five – Visit the historical park of Sukhothai.

Like Ayutthaya, Sukhothai was one of the capital cities of the kingdom of Siam and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here too, the best way to prepare for your visit is to read my article: How to visit Sukhothai.

Day seven of your 15-day road trip in Thailand: Travel from Sukhothai and Chiang Mai , 300 km away.

On day eight, you must visit Chiang Mai Old Town. You should absolutely see all the temples there, including Wat Phra Sing and Wat Chedi Luang . At the end of the day, head for the Night Bazaar to eat at one of the many stands or buy some souvenirs.

Day nine – You have several options to finish exploring the city and its surroundings:

• Explore Doi Suthep National Park, home to a temple, Bhubing Palace (the royal family’s winter residence), a Hmong village and several waterfalls.
• Spend a day with the elephants at a shelter to help the caretakers feed or wash them.
• Take a traditional cooking class, a typical activity to do in Thailand!

You will find all these activities and much more in my dedicated article: The top 20 things to do in Chiang Mai.

Visiting Thailand in 15 days also allows you to devote part of your stay to the South of the country.

From Chiang Mai, you must choose between Phuket and Krabi for the rest of your 2 week road trip in Thailand. To get there, you just have to catch a plane.

On days nine, ten, and eleven , you will have plenty of time to travel around Phuket Island or Krabi province.

For the best things to do in Phuket, be sure to read our article: Visit Phuket.

And to discover Krabi, you can read this article: The must-see spots in Krabi .

After Phuket or Krabi , you can continue your road trip in Thailand with another Southern Island.

For days twelve, thirteen, and fourteen, you must choose between staying for 3 days at:

• Koh Lanta to enjoy the beaches and go on beautiful trips around the 4 islands or Koh Rok .
• Koh Yao Noi experience the authenticity of Thailand on an island which is still free of mass tourism.

You can find the detailed itinerary of each island by clicking on the name of the islands.

You know that now we are on day fifteen , and that means we are at end of your holiday.

For the return trip, you can catch your plane in Phuket or Krabi.

Just a reminder, I have explained this road trip in detail in my article: 2-week itinerary in Thailand.

You will also find plenty of tips and my selection of the best accommodation depending on your budget.

Thailand Road trip: 3 weeks

For a 3 week road trip in Thailand , you can divide your holiday into 3 main parts:

• Central Thailand with Bangkok and Ayutthaya
• The North , to discover Sukhothai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
• The South , and its heavenly islands: Phuket , Koh Lanta , Koh Yao , Krabi .

To help you organise your three-week road trip in Thailand as best as possible, I explained everything in detail for each day in my article: 3-week itinerary in Thailand.

To know everything: the legs of the journey, places to visit, travel times and hotels , just click on the link above!

To give you an idea, I’ll give you a summary of the planned visits during these 3 weeks:

Start your 21-day road trip in Thailand by exploring the central part of the country for the first 3 days. This allows you to start slowly, recovering from jet lag and getting used to the climate.

Days 1 and 2 : Bangkok

Day 3 : Ayutthaya

Continue your three-week road trip in Thailand by heading north.

Days 4 and 5 – Visit to Sukhothai Historical Park

Days 6, 7 and 8 – Explore Chiang Mai and its many temples

Days 9, 10 and 11 – Explore Chiang Rai and its surroundings, with the unmissable white temple, THE spot to see during a 3 week road trip in Thailand!

After these 11 days in the centre and North, it’s time to continue your 20-21 day road trip in Thailand by heading South.

Days 12, 13 and 14 – Stay at Phuket , one of the most famous islands of the Andaman Sea. Not only will you explore this island, but you’ll also take boat trips to Koh Phi Phi or the Similan Islands.

Days 15, 16 and 17 – Take a boat to Koh Lanta . The island has very beautiful sandy beaches and turquoise waters. And be sure you go on one of these trips, with snorkelling and swimming stops, to the 4 islands or Koh Rok.

Days 18, 19 and 20 – For the last 3 days, you can choose between 2 places to end your holiday:

• Krabi and Ao Nang
• Koh Yao Noi

In both cases, the schedule is not too busy: enjoy the beaches and work on your tan in relaxation mode.

Day 21 – End of your 3 week road trip in Thailand. If you are in Krabi, head for the city’s airport. If you are on Koh Yao Noi , you can choose to fly to Krabi or Phuket.

To read the full version of our 3 week itinerary, with advice and suggestions for accommodation, click here!

Thailand Road trip: 1 month

The last itinerary for the lucky few who can take a lot of time off: a month long road trip in Thailand!

For around thirty days, you can visit Bangkok and Ayutthaya in the centre but also much of the North with Sukhothai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Not to forget the other major part of this 1-month road trip in Thailand, exploring the South and its piucturesque islands. I mentioned Phuket, Koh Lanta , Krabi and Koh Yao Noi.

All the details to organise your stay in Thailand can be found in this article: Itinerary for visiting Thailand in 1 month. For each day, you will find the places to see , travel times and the best hotels to stay for each leg of the journey .

It has everything!  Preparing for your 1 month road trip in Thailand has never been easier!

Here is the summary of each leg of the journey to give you an overview:

For the first part of this month long road trip in Thailand, you must start with the central part of the country for 4 days.

Days 1 and 2: Explore Bangkok  and visit the main monuments such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun.

Day 3: Trip to the Damnoen Saduak floating market or to Kanchanaburi and the Kwai river bridge.

Day 4: Admire the beautiful ancient temples of the historical park of Ayutthaya.

The second leg of this 1 month long road trip in Thailand takes us North.

Days 5 and 6: Visit to the temples of the ancient capital of the kingdom of Siam, Sukhothai

Days 7, 8, 9 and 10: Cover the Chiang Mai Province

Days 11, 12 and 13: Finish your stay in the North with the town of Chiang Rai.

The last leg of your 30-day road trip in Thailand takes place entirely in the South of the country.

During these 15 days, you will be able to spend time on Phuket, Koh Lanta, Krabi and Koh Yao Noi.

Days 14, 15, 16 and 17: start with one of the mythical islands: Phuket! The whole itinerary for visiting Phuket in 4 days is in this article: What are the things to see in Phuket?

Days 18, 19, 20 and 21: Continue to another beautiful island: Koh Lanta. To visit Koh Lanta, just read this article: The best things to do in Koh Lanta?

Days 22, 23, 24 and 25: Head to the Krabi province, famous for the Railay peninsula, a splendid place to go to the beach. The itinerary is right here: Visit Krabi.

Days 26, 27 and 28: We will end with Koh Yao Noi, an island where you can relax and finish your holiday in peace and quiet. To know what are the things to do in Koh Yao Noi, click here: The most beautiful places in Koh Yao Noi. 

I have also prepared 2 itineraries exclusively for the Southern islands.

I won’t include them in the “road trip” category because you won’ t necessarily need a car to travel around the islands and you can get from one island to the other by boat.

You can find them here:

• 7 day itinerary in South Thailand with 2 versions: one from Phuket and the other from Krabi.
• 15-day itinerary in Southern Thailand with no less than 4 islands on the agenda: Phuket, Koh Lanta, Krabi and Koh Yao Noi.

These itineraries are similar to the road trips with the day-to-day plans and the sights to see.

Now you know how to organise your Thailand road trip, but there is another important point to address: accommodation.

Where to stay during each leg of your itinerary in Thailand?

Easy, I have prepared a selection of the best hotels to stay in Thailand, sorted by city and budget , for all the road trips I mentioned earlier.

You can find those by clicking on the links below:

For central and Northern Thailand:

• Best hotels in Bangkok 
• Where to stay in Ayutthaya?
• Accommodation in Sukhothai
• Best accommodation in Chiang Mai
• List of hotels in Chiang Rai

For Southern Thailand:

• Best hotels in Phuket
• Where to stay in Koh Lanta?
• Accommodation in Krabi
• Best accommodation in Koh Yao Noi

For a road trip in Thailand , the best time is from November to February . These months are the “cold” season.

When I say “cold”, you should expect between 25 to 30° on average towards Bangkok or the South, and a little less towards the North, where temperatures can drop quickly, especially at night. Generally, the climate is hot and humid any month of the year.

The months of December and January are particularly popular among Europeans who come to Thailand to spend the holiday season and get away from the grey skies. If you are going to Thailand during this period, I strongly recommend that you book your accommodation as soon as possible as prices increase quickly.

If you want to avoid peak tourist season while enjoying the most favourable climate, I would say that February is the best month to visit Thailand by car.

Between March and May , it is the summer . If you can’t stand the heat, exploring the country can be challenging. Not to mention that the vegetation tends to dry out very quickly and the landscapes are less beautiful.

But if you like the heat and especially if you have a hotel with a swimming pool or on the seafront , you can still have a great holiday!

Between June and October, there’s the rainy season. It may rain every day on your road trip but good news it usually lasts only a few hours and not all day. However, it is difficult to withstand the combined heat with that much humidity. 

It is better to avoid the islands located on the west coast of the Andaman Sea (Phuket and Koh Lanta for example) which face heavy rainfall that can lead to flooding. Some islands can also be inaccessible as boat connections are cut off. 

Choose the islands on the East coast of the Andaman Sea that are less affected at that time, like Koh Samui.

However, on the other hand, it rains more in the East between September and December and at that time it will be better to plan a stay to the West of the Andaman Sea to visit the islands.

So what have you planned to see on your road trip in Thailand?

Thailand travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Thailand : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Thailand are listed there.

The 25 Best Things to Do in Thailand

• Itinerary: One week in Thailand – Perfect to visit Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai!
• Itinerary: 6,7 or 8 days in Thailand – 2 itineraries to the southern islands, starting from Phuket or Krabi
• Itinerary: 10 days in Thailand – The perfect itinerary to discover the best of Thailand!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Thailand – Discover Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, + Best Southern islands!
• Itinerary: 15 days in Thailand – The best itinerary to visit the most beautiful Southern islands
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Thailand – Discover the best of Thailand in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Thailand – The most complete itinerary to visit Thailand!
• Road trip in Thailand: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days
• Ayutthaya: The definitive guide to visit the archaeological park
• Bangkok: The 30 best places to visit
• Chiang Mai: The 20 best things to do
• Chiang Rai: The 17 must-see attractions
• Koh Lanta: The 15 most beautiful places to see on the island
• Koh Yao Noi: All the things to do on this paradise island!
• Krabi: Top 17 best places to visit
• Phuket: The 23 best things to do
• Sukhothai: How to visit the historical park?
• 3 days in Bangkok – The best itinerary to visit the Thai capital in 72h!
• 3 Days in Chiang Mai – The perfect itinerary to visit the Chiang Mai in 72h!

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Related Stories

3 Days in Chiang Mai: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

3 Days in Bangkok: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

1 month in Thailand: The Ultimate 30 Days Itinerary + My Best Tips

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The Best Road Trips in Thailand You Need to Take This Year

Driving in Thailand has its obstacles – not least that many drivers don’t stick to the rules of the road. However, the Land of Smiles is often best explored by car. So start your engines as we reveal the best road trip s in Thailand . And remember, you’ll need your driving licence to rent a car here.

Ayutthaya to chiang mai.

Bid farewell to the ancient city of Ayutthaya and take to the roads to reach the northern capital of Chiang Mai. The seven-hour journey is a relatively easy one, passing through national parks, including the Doi Khun Tan, Wiang Kosai and Si Satchanalai.

Bangkok to Phetchabun

The five-hour drive from Bangkok to Phetchabun offers amazing countryside views. Leave the bustling capital behind with nothing but mountains, farms and a few petrol stations to see along the way. The journey is not a windy or steep one, so you don’t need to fear the treacherous stretches found elsewhere. Upon arrival, head to Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, a temple made almost entirely of colourful mosaic tiles.

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Hop in a rental and make the four-hour journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. The mountainous region in northern Thailand has a few noteworthy stops along the way, including hot springs where you can cook an egg in the boiling water. One of the most popular attractions in Chiang Rai is Wat Rong Khun, otherwise known as the White Temple.

Chiang Mai to Pai

This four-hour journey is one of the most treacherous, the road seemingly twists and turns throughout. Because of this, make the trip during the day and only if you are comfortable driving on hilly, narrow roads. At the end, however, awaits Pai, offering a laidback vibe, plenty of things to see and do and excellent restaurants .

You can visit both Chiang Mai and Pai as part of Culture Trip ‘s 10-day small-group Northern Thailand trip .

Rayong to Pattaya, Bangkok and Hua Hin

The drive from Rayong to Pattaya only takes about an hour – spend a night on Walking Street before making your way to Bangkok. It takes a little over two hours to get to the capital; stay for the day and explore the temples , watch a Muay Thai fight or get a traditional massage . End your journey in the beachy city of Hua Hin, about three hours southwest of Bangkok.

Bangkok to Kanchanaburi

Only got a little time in Thailand ? The drive from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi should only take a few hours, but there’s still plenty to do upon arrival. Make your way to the city centre to see the Khwae Yai River Bridge and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. About 40 minutes outside the city is the Erawan National Park, home to one of the most famous waterfalls in Thailand . Also make a pit stop at the Thailand -Burma Railway Centre, just outside the city.

Bangkok to Mae Sot, Sukhothai, Phetchabun and Lopburi

Start your journey in the capital and make the six- to seven-hour drive to the western city of Mae Sot – one of the least visited cities in the country. Spend your time in the Burmese-influenced city swimming in waterfalls and visiting hot springs, before heading to historic Sukhothai, a little over two hours away.

From there, head southeast to Phetchabun and continue to Lopburi. Here you’ll discover amazing ruins, including Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat and the King Narai’s Lopburi Palace. The city is also home to thousands of crab-eating macaques – visit on the last Sunday of November to catch the Lopburi Monkey Festival . Your journey back to Bangkok will take about two hours.

Prefer to sit back and let someone else do all the planning for you? Join our 10-day trip to Northern Thailand – carefully planned by our team of travel experts and led by trusted local insiders to bring you a hassle-free, 100% authentic experience.

Did you know – Culture trip now does bookable, small-group trip s? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic trip s, compact and action-packed Mini trip s and sparkling, expansive Sailing trip s.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Guides & Tips

The best long trips to take in 2024.

The Best Trips and Tours in Thailand

Restaurants

The best waterside restaurants in thailand.

The Best Private Trips to Book in Thailand

The Best Two-Week Itineraries Around the World

The Best Places to Travel in 2024

The Best Tours for Visiting Multiple Countries in One Trip

See & Do

The solo traveller’s guide to northern thailand.

The Best Private Trips to Book for a Relaxing Retreat

How Much Does a Trip to Thailand Cost?

A Guide to Sailing in Thailand

Top Tips for Travelling in Thailand

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