I got an email the other day from someone who asked what seemed like a pointless question. “Should we go to northern Thailand?” they wrote, without much other explanation.
It was only after I followed up with them that I realized what they had actually meant. “We don’t want to head all the way up north just to visit Chiang Mai,” they explained. “But we don’t know if we have enough time to do to the broader region justice.”
If you find yourself faced with a similar quandary, not to worry—you’re in the right place. My northern Thailand itinerary will answer all the questions you have, and then some.
How to Get to (and Around) Northern Thailand
If you’ve started planning a north Thailand itinerary, you probably know that you need to transport yourself to one of the region’s hubs, likely either Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. While you can take a train (ideally a night train) from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, it’s really essential to fly to Chiang Rai. In fact, unless you have a particular interest in trains, I’d almost always recommend flying, given that flights are both convenient and cheap.
In terms of getting around, there’s a hodgepodge of ways. The centers of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Lampang are walkable, while songthaew (shared pick-up truck taxis) can take you longer distances. Long-distance buses and minivans make regular journeys between major hubs in northern Thailand, though some travelers opt for private taxis. Along the Mae Hong Son Loop, renting a motorbike or car is essential for getting around.
Where to Go in Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai
Not surprisingly, Chiang Mai is the most popular destination in northern Thailand. Explore within the walled Old City (including the Sunday Walking Street) or just outside it, at Doi Suthep temple or atop Doi Inthanon mountain. Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, rent a motorbike and drive between waterfalls or come in November for the Loy Krathong festival.
Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
Another essential part of this northern Thailand travel guide is Chiang Rai. Like Chiang Mai, it’s home both to city center attractions (the “white, black and blue” temples of Wat Rong Khun, Baan Dam and Wat Rong Suea Ten) as well as a peripheral destination, collectively known as the Golden Triangle. Chiang Rai also sits in close proximity to various coffee and tea plantations.
Lampang
I often tell people that Lampang feels like what I imagine Chiang Mai to have been 50 years ago. This is true both in the heart of town along the Wang River, and also far outside it at the Wat Chalermprakiat “sky temple.” Connected to Bangkok via air, Lampang is a place you can visit à la carte from the capital, for the day from Chiang Mai (which is 90 minutes away by car) or for a couple nights alongside other northern Thai destinations.
Mae Hong Son
This wouldn’t be a proper northern Thailand travel blog without mentioned the Mae Hong Soon Loop. Most commonly accessed via motorbike (even if I rented a car), this not only includes charming Mae Hong Son itself, but also the “hippie” town of Pai, riverside Mae Sariang and countless amazing sights between each of them. I generally suggest spending at least 2-3 nights driving counter-clockwise along this route.
Sukhothai
Last up is Sukhothai—which, to be fair, some people consider to be part of central Thailand, rather than the North. Regardless, it’s a standout destination, having served as Thailand’s first capital—before Bangkok, and even Ayutthaya. I find that a night or two makes an amazing coda to a longer trip through northern Thailand, though it’s also excellent enough to merit visiting all on its own.
How Long Do I Need in Northern Thailand?
How long you need in northern Thailand depends entirely upon how many places you plan to visit, and how deeply you plan to explore them. When I lived in Bangkok, I know many people who would fly up to Chiang Rai or Lampang for the weekend and be totally satisfied with that. On the other hand, if you want to visit every destination listed in this post, a comprehensive trip could take 1-2 weeks, or longer.
There are two pieces of good news, no matter how many days in northern Thailand you spend. The first is that even if you don’t go everywhere you want to see, or go as deep in the places you do visit, you’re unlikely to leave dissatisfied with the experience you do have. The second is that your current trip to Thailand is almost never your last—see what you missed this time next time.
Other FAQ About Visiting Northern Thailand
Is it worth going to northern Thailand?
Northern Thailand is absolutely worth going to, particularly if you can commit to exploring the region outside of central Chiang Mai. Which is a fine place, mind you, but very touristic. The most special places in northern Thailand are those far off the beaten path, where locals still outnumber foreigners.
What to do in northern Thailand?
Northern Thailand offers a wide range of activities, whether you hop between temples in Sukhothai, chase waterfalls on the periphery of Chiang Mai, visit coffee and tea farms outside of Chiang Rai, learn the dark history of the Golden Triangle region, chill out in Lampang or marvel at scenery along the Mae Hong Son Loop.
Should I go north or south in Thailand?
Northern and Southern Thailand are so different that they might as well be different countries. You’ll ideally visit both during your trip! However, in general, the north is a better choice for travelers who prefer mountains over beaches, and for whom a slow-paced culture is more important than parties or baring beach bodies.
The Bottom Line
My northern Thailand itinerary is perfect, whether you have a long weekend to split between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, or have the time and bandwidth to dig deeper into this lush region. Indeed, Thailand’s north is so much more than street food along the Chiang Mai Walking Street or a day trip into Chiang Rai’s Golden Triangle, even though both are deservedly iconic experiences. From Mae Hong Son, to Lampang, to Sukhothai, opportunities for exploration are limited only by the time you have to spend. Need personalized help putting your trip together? Commission a custom Thailand itinerary today!
