Want to explore the mountainous region and remote hinterlands of Northern Thailand? This epic 2-week(ish) Northern Thailand itinerary is just what you need. I spent over 3 months exploring Northern Thailand, visiting some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It is one of the most memorable trips of my life, which inspired me to come up with this itinerary to help you accomplish the same.
This itinerary will take you across much of Northern Thailand, starting from Chiang Mai, going around the Mae Hong Son Loop, all the way up to the Myanmar border in Chiang Rai. It skirts along the Mekong River, bordering Laos, and takes you to the far-flung northern provinces of Phayao and Nan before going back to Chiang Mai.
We have quite a lot to cover, so without further ado, here is a complete 2-week itinerary for Northern Thailand for solo travelers. Let's first take a look at the route we will be taking on the map below:
- Northern Thailand 2-Week Itinerary Map
- 2 Weeks Northern Thailand Itinerary
- Northern Thailand Travel Video
- When to Visit Northern Thailand?
- How to Get to Northern Thailand?
- How to Get from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal to Your Accommodation?
- How to Get Around Northern Thailand?
- How Much Money Do I Need For 2 weeks in Northern Thailand?
- Is it Safe in Northern Thailand?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Northern Thailand?
- What to Pack for Thailand?
- Further Reading for Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand 2-Week Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1-2: | Chiang Mai |
| ☀️ Day 3: | Doi Inthanon - Mae Sariang |
| ☀️ Day 4-5: | Mae Hong Son City |
| ☀️ Day 6-7: | Pai |
| ☀️ Day 8: | Phayao City |
| ☀️ Day 9: | Chiang Rai City |
| ☀️ Day 10: | Mae Sai and Chiang Saen |
| ☀️ Day 11: | Chiang Khong and Phu Chi Fah |
| ☀️ Day 12: | Phu Langka |
| ☀️ Day 13: | Sapan |
| ☀️ Day 14: | Nan City |
| ☀️ Day 15: | Back to Chiang Mai |
2 Weeks Northern Thailand Itinerary
Day 1 - 2: Chiang Mai
Our itinerary begins in Chiang Mai, where we will be spending the first 2 days exploring the rich history of this old capital city of Lanna and getting acquainted with the culture here before we dive deeper into Northern Thailand. You can also use the day you arrive to organize a car rental or get one straight from the airport.
Once that is sorted, we can start exploring Chiang Mai with a visit to Wat Lok Moli, one of the oldest standing temples in the city, built in the 14th century. The temple is located just outside the city's wall to the north. This temple should give you a glimpse of how rich the history here is.
Located not too far from Wat Lok Moli, within the city's walls of Chiang Mai, you will find another impressive temple called Wat Chiang Man. It is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, dating all the way back to 1296, which was the time of the city's founding.
- Best of Northern Thailand (11 days)
- Northern Thailand Hilltribes Trek (5 days)
- Northern Thailand: Hilltribes & Villages (8 days)
Within the temple, you will find "Chang Lom Chedi" or "elephants surrounding the Chedi", which is built in a beautiful mixture of Lanna-style and the Singhalese style originating from Sri Lanka. This can be seen in the design of the bottom part of the Chedi.
Just a little north of Wat Chiang Man, you will find one of the most iconic landmarks of Chiang Mai, the massive remaining chedi of Wat Chedi Luang, or as it is known, the "temple of the great stupa."
It took almost a decade to complete this chedi. The construction started in 1391 and was completed in 1475, taking almost 85 years to finish. When it was intact, it is said that the chedi reached up to 85 meters in height and 44 meters in width, making it the largest ancient structure in the entire city.
The last temple you will visit within the vicinity of the old ancient wall of Chiang Mai is Wat Phra Singh, a temple built in the 14th Century that proudly displays the stunning classic Lanna architectural style with its blindingly gold chedi and several teak wood temples, all within the temple's courtyard.
By this point, it should be around lunchtime, and if you want to taste the very best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai (recommended to me by a local), you should definitely check out Khao Soi Lung Prakit and try their delicious beef khao soi. It makes me drool every time I think about it.
After spending the first half of the day exploring the temples inside the old city wall, it's time to take your scooter and explore the outside with a visit to Wat Suan Dok, a 14th-century temple known for its numerous beautiful white pagodas scattered throughout the temple grounds.
After Wat Suan Dok, continue west along the road and visit Wat Umong or the Tunnel temple, which is - you guessed it - a temple built inside a system of tunnels deep within a forest on the foothills of Doi Suthep, the looming mountain that you can see towering over Chiang Mai.
After visiting Wat Umong, it's time to head up Doi Suthep for a nice sunset. But before that, there's one forest temple that you should visit. Wat Pha Rat is a lesser-known temple located along the way from the base of Doi Suthep and Wat Pra That Doi Suthep temple.
Nestled in a lush green forest, the temple serves as a great place for monks and people to meditate in solitude, away from the crowdedness of the majority of community temples in the city.
After spending your time at Pha Lat Temple, continue along the winding road up to the top of Doi Suthep mountain, and you will find Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most important temples in Northern Thailand, waiting for you.
Before you reach the temple, you will first have to ascend the 300+ steep steps that lead up to the temple. Once you reach the top, you will find a stunning golden chedi surrounded by 3 halls that house several Buddha images. Enjoy a peaceful evening there before you drive down to the city for dinner.
For dinner, if you are looking for great street food to try, I can recommend Chang Phueak Suki, located near the road that goes up to Doi Suthep.
For a nice night out, if you enjoy jazz, I highly recommend visiting The North Gate Jazz Co-Op to enjoy some local jazz bands. If you are looking for a place to sit and talk, Ae Te South Gate is also a great option. For dancing your night away, Warm-Up and Zoe are the best places to be.
For the next day, you can go on one of the many day trips you can make from Chiang Mai, such as visiting the Elephant Sanctuary, spend a day in Lamphun and learn the history of the long-forgotten Haripunchai Kingdom, or you can spend the day relaxing and preparing for the epic road trip ahead.
Day 3: Doi Inthanon and Mae Sariang
After Chiang Mai, we are going to begin our journey exploring the famous Mae Hong Son Loop, one of the best road trips you can make in Thailand. Assuming you have already rented your vehicle the day before, you can start your day around 7 - 8 AM from Chiang Mai and visit Pha Chor, a stunning orange rock formation deep in the forest of Southern Chiang Mai, where you can hike for about 1 hour.
The Pha Chor Canyon formed a long time ago when the Ping River, the main river in Chiang Mai, changed its course, leaving behind the eroded canyon we see today. Pha Chor is part of the Mae Wa National Park, and you will have to hike for about 20 minutes to see the Pha Chor Canyon.
After Pha Chor, you can head up to Doi Inthanon National Park straight to the top and hike the easy Ang Ka Nature Trail through the beautiful mossy forest and take a photo with the "Top of Thailand" sign.
After the little hike, you can drive down the summit and visit the Grand Pagodas of Doi Inthanon. Spend around 30 minutes here, walking around the temple grounds and checking out the view of the mountain from the viewing platform.
Next up, you can continue on and hike the Kew Mae Pan Trail, a 2-hour long beautiful "balcony" hiking trail along the Doi Inthanon's mountain ridge, overlooking the Mae Pan River and the surrounding mountains.
It is the highlight of visiting Doi Inthanon for me, so do not miss it. Remember that during the high season (late November to early January), many local tourists will also be doing the hike. There is often a long queue at the trailhead, so the earlier you arrive, the less time you will have to wait.
After hiking the Kew Mae Pan Trail, you can have lunch at the makeshift restaurants by the Kew Mae Pan trailhead before heading down the mountain and visiting all the stunning waterfalls around Doi Inthanon National Park.
The two most beautiful waterfalls you should visit on your way down are the Wachirathan Waterfall, a powerful waterfall where you can witness the rare double rainbow phenomenon. You cannot get near the Wachirathan Waterfall without getting wet.
Another stunning waterfall is the Mae Ya Waterfall located outside of the national park (you can use the same national park ticket). Mae Ya Waterfall is enormous. With its height of 260 meters, cone shape, and all the levels of drops where the waterfall flows, it is quite a sight to behold.
After Mae Ya Waterfall, you can start heading out of Chiang Mai province and into Mae Hong Son, where the Mae Hong Son Loop really begins. It should take about 3 hours to get from Mae Ya Waterfall to Mae Sariang, and depending on how much time you have left that day, you can spend the evening exploring the night walking streets and leave the rest for the next day.
Tranquility is how I would describe my experience in Mae Sariang. The town is small and quiet, and thanks to its remoteness, you won't find as many tourists here as in Chiang Mai, making it the perfect getaway place.
There is not a whole lot to do in Mae Sariang except to embrace the slowness of life here, and there is no better place to witness that than the Morning Market in Mae Sariang. After visiting the morning market, you can learn more about the history of Mae Sariang at the Mae Sariang Museum before visiting all the Burmese and Thai temples around the city.
One of the most popular things to do in Mae Sariang is to visit the 3 "Chom" temples, Wat Chom Thong, Wat Chom Mon, and Wat Chom Kitti. All three temples are built on top of three different high hills that surround Mae Sariang, making them excellent viewpoints to see the town from three different angles. You can visit these in the morning before we head out to Mae Hong Son City, our next destination.
Day 4-5: Mae Hong Son City
Mae Hong Son City, the capital of the far-flung northern province of Mae Hong Son, Thailand, is one of the main cities you will pass through on your way to completing the famous Mae Hong Son Loop. It is also one of the most underrated places in Northern Thailand and by far my favorite place to stay along the Mae Hong Son Loop.
That said, there are several attractions you should not miss on your way from Mae Sariang to Mae Hong Son City. Our first stop is the Khun Yuam town located south of Mae Hong Son City, halfway to Mae Sariang.
In Khun Yuam, there is a museum that praises the Japanese troops during their occupation of Thailand and the surrounding area during World War 2, which is definitely a first for me. They even have an entire museum dedicated to the Thai-Japanese friendship during the war, which praises the fact that, due to Khun Yuam's strategic location by the border of British Myanmar during World War 2, the Japanese were the ones who brought civilization to the almost forgotten Thai town.
One other tourist attraction in Khun Yuam is the sacred Wat Muai To, and that's it. Don't worry, I didn't take you all the way to Khun Yuam to visit only 2 tourist attractions. Khun Yuam is at the crossroads between the north, the east, and the south of the Mae Hong Son province. From here, we can make a side trip to the east with a drive up to the beautiful Thung Bua Tong Fields.
Thung Bua Tong Fields is one of the largest Mexican Sunflower fields in the area, and what you will witness here will be one of the most beautiful sights in all of the Mae Hong Son Loop, provided you are there at the right time.
If you visit Thung Bua Tong Fields between mid-November and early December, you will see hills after hills covered in these stunning bright yellow Mexican sunflowers straight from the road. It is quite a sight to behold and probably one of my favorite moments traveling the Mae Hong Son Loop.
Once you are done exploring Khun Yuam and its nearby attractions, you can continue your journey to Mae Hong Son City, check in to your accommodation, and check out the Chong Kham Night Market located around the scenic Chong Kham Lake by the sacred Wat Chong Klang and Wat Chong Kham.
Wat Chong Klang and Wat Chong Kham are also great places to watch the sunset over Chong Kham Lake, so make sure to be there around 5 PM, just in time for the sunset and the night market.
The next morning, wake up around 5-6 AM and head out to the top of Wat Phrathat Doi Kongmu, one of the oldest temples, to witness the stunning sunrise over the foggy city of Mae Hong Son.
Once you are done, you can make your way down to the Morning Market and get yourself an excellent traditional breakfast at The Congee Restaurant, and observe the laid-back life of the people of Mae Hong Son.
On your first day in Mae Hong Son City, you can start and explore all the tourist attractions in the north with a journey to the beautiful Su Tong Pae Bamboo Bridge. This will take you through several rice fields up to Tong Pae Temple. The bamboo bridge is best visited in the morning, so you can do this right after your breakfast at the Morning Market.
After visiting the Bamboo bridge, you can continue and visit Tham Pla or Fish Cave, where hundreds of fish living in the submerged cave can be found. It's pretty unique and not something you see every day.
Tham Pla is part of the Tham Pla and Pha Suae National Park. Since you have to pay to get in, it is also worthwhile to visit the Pha Suae waterfall, which is located on the way to Ban Rak Thai, our final destination of the day, using the same national park ticket.
One of the most beautiful places in Mae Hong Son, in my opinion, is Baan Rak Thai, an old Chinese jade-trading settlement located right at the border between Myanmar and Thailand. It has since become a tourist attraction with its beautiful Chinese architecture, Chinese tea shops, and more.
One of my favorite places to take photos at Baan Rak Thai is the Lee Wine Rak Thai Resort, a tea plantation turned accommodation. They have built bright yellow Chinese-style buildings around their tea plantations where you can stay for about 1200 - 3000 THB a night.
If you still have time, you can also drive south of Mae Hong Son City and visit Huay Pu Keng village, one of the Kayan long neck tribe settlements, where you can walk around their schools and interact with the people of the tribe.
Within the village, you will find the long-necked women selling trinkets. However, what made this place different from the rest was that most people with whom I interacted were simply enjoying the conversation with me and were not pushing me to buy any of their trinkets.
After the entire day exploring the north of Mae Hong Son City, you can return to your accommodation in Mae Hong Son, rest for the day, and prepare to continue our journey along the Mae Hong Son Loop to Pai.
Day 6-7: Pai
Pai needs no introduction from me. It is a once-hidden, laid-back town tucked away in the mountains that has become an infamous tourist trap. However, after the pandemic hit in 2020, Pai has been slowly turning off its money-grabbing machine. Although you can still see some places charging too much for entry into poorly maintained areas, it is definitely an improvement from before.
But before we visit Pai, there are several stops along the way that you shouldn't miss. One of these places is the stunning viewpoint at Ban Cha Bo Hill, which overlooks the rolling mountains around Ban Cha Bo village.
At Ban Cha Bo Hill, you will find a cozy cafe and restaurant where you can have your morning coffee and warm noodle soup while dangling your feet off into the mountains. If you are there early enough, you might even see a sea of fog from the cafe.
Another tourist attraction you should visit on your way from Mae Hong Son City to Pai is Tham Lod, a 1.6 km long cave system with a river running through it. Studies have discovered that Tham Lod was used as a burial ground for the prehistoric people living within this region from the late Pleistocene to the late Holocene period.
You should visit all the viewpoints along the main road to Pai, such as the Pang Mapha Viewpoint and Doi Kiew Lom Viewpoint, as well as the Sai Ngam Hot Spring before ending your day in Pai with a stroll around Pai's Night Market.
The next day, you can wake up early in the morning and travel to Yun Lai Viewpoint for a panoramic view of the sea of fog over Pai before you go and freshen up at the slip and slide Mo Paeng Waterfall.
In the afternoon, you can go and visit the Pai Land Split, a natural phenomenon precisely as the name suggests - a land split where you can walk around, followed by exploring the beautiful Pam Bok Waterfall and its stunning canyon.
Then, you can walk the Buddha Bamboo Bridge through rice paddies, learn about the history of Pai and its struggle during WW2 at the Ta Pai Memorial Bridge, and end your day with a sunset at Chedi Phra That Mae Yen.
Day 8: Phayao City
After spending several days along the Mae Hong Son Loop, it's time to move on to Phayao, a stunning lakeside city that reminds me of those beautiful lakeside cities in Europe. It should take about 5 hours to get from Pai to Phayao, so be sure to start early and prepare for the long drive. You can break the trip down and check out Wat Phra That Mae Chedi and Kwan Phayao (Dinosaur) Viewpoint along the way before you arrive in Phayao City.
By the time you arrive in Phayao City, it should be the afternoon. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the city and visiting Phayao Lake (Kwan Phayao), a vast manmade lake covering an area of around 20 square km due to the creation of a dam in the 1940s.
Right off the eastern bank of the lake, the city has created a wonderful recreational area along the waterfront. It's the perfect place to take an evening stroll, enjoy watching people flying kites, and wait for the golden hour.
Right in the middle of Phayao Lake, there is a small temple that you can also visit while you are here. The temple is called Wat Tilok Aram, and it used to be an ancient temple that predates even the lake itself.
Wat Tilok Aram is over 500 years old, but due to the dam construction that flooded the area to form Phayao Lake, the old temple was completely submerged. What remains is this small island temple built on top of the old temple.
Since the old temple sank to the bottom of the lake, in order to get to this newly built island temple, you will have to take a longboat from Kwan Phayao Pier, which will cost you around 30 THB per person for a round trip.
If you have time, be sure to check out Huai Pha Kiang Temple, home to many Buddha rock sculptures, as well as Wat Ananlayo, a large impressive temple complex located atop a mountain covering more than 2800 acres.
You can visit these temples in the morning the next day if you arrive in Phayao late in the evening. After you are done, you can retreat for the night or visit the night markets, find a nice restaurant to eat, and explore the nightlife of Phayao before heading over to Chiang Rai.
Day 9: Chiang Rai City
After Phayao, it's time to explore Chiang Rai starting with Chiang Rai City. It should take you about 1.5 hours to get from Phayao to Chiang Rai, and along the way, be sure to stop by the famous White Temple, or as the Thais call it, Wat Rong Khun.
Wat Rong Khun is the most popular landmark in Chiang Rai for a reason. Its uniquely designed structure is full of extremely detailed sculptures and carvings, and unlike any other temple, it is all covered in glass and painted in blinding white.
Another well-known temple in Chiang Rai that you should definitely check out while you are here is the all-blue temple of Wat Rong Suea Ten. The entire temple is covered in sapphire blue paint, both on the outside and inside, making it one of the most unique temples in the country.
Not too far from Chiang Rai City Center, you will find another unique museum called Baan Dam Museum, also known as the "Black House" in Thai. It is home to stunning wooden architecture designed by Thawan Duchanee, another great artist from Chiang Rai who was prominently featured in the mural at the Art Bridge.
The museum is pretty large and consists of one large structure and several small structures that house all kinds of artwork by Thawan. You will have to spend around an hour to see them all.
Nope, we are not done with temples yet, and I assure you, this is unlike any other temple you have visited in Chiang Rai. Wat Huay Pla Kang, or as the locals like to call it, "The Big Buddha of Chiang Rai", is a Chinese/Thai/Lanna-style temple that was built on top of a hill in the countryside of Chiang Rai.
Wat Huay Pla Kang is home to a massive Guanyin statue that stands over 90m into the sky, and one can climb up to the top for a stunning view of the entire temple complex and the surrounding hills. If you do not wish to climb the Guanyin Statue, you can also opt for an elevator ride for just 40 THB per person.
The temple is massive, and you can expect to spend about an hour exploring all the beautiful architecture within the temple. By the time you are here, it should be evening, so you can watch the sunset here before you head back to Chiang Rai City, check out the iconic Chiang Rai Clock Tower, walk around the night bazaar, and retreat for the day.
Day 10: Mae Sai and Chiang Saen
The next day, you can continue driving north towards Mae Sai and stop by Choui Fong Tea Plantation, a large tea plantation built on the rolling hills of Chiang Rai. It offers an expansive view of the tea-covered hills, as well as a cafe where you can sit and enjoy the view while trying the unique tea-inspired dishes.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation is, in fact, one of the largest tea plantations in Thailand. They have converted parts of the plantation into a tourist attraction where anyone can drive in and take photos of its expansive plantation for free.
In 2018, news of 12 kids who got stuck in a cave in Thailand shook the world. After 18 days of being stuck inside the cave and several rescue attempts, thanks to the international community, the kids finally emerged from the cave alive – all 12 of them and the coach.
Tham Luang Cave is where it all happened, and ever since the event, the place has been turned into a National Park called Tham Luang Khunnam Nangnon National Park. Even though the cave is now permanently closed, the area has been transformed into a museum instead for those who want to get firsthand details of how the cave rescue played out.
The detail you get from the museum is comprehensive, with very well-documented information boards and displays that you can read. You will also see a diagram of the topography of the cave and all its bottlenecks, which made the rescue so deadly. It is very interesting to read it firsthand.
After you are done with the cave, you can continue north until you arrive at Mae Sai, a border town between Thailand and Myanmar, where the cultures of the two countries diverge. You can check out the viewpoint at the top of Wat Phra That Doi Wao, where you will be able to see the surrounding mountain area on both the Thai and Myanmar sides and have lunch by the market near the border before we head over to Chiang Saen.
Located only 35 km away from Mae Sai, Chiang Saen is home to several well-preserved ruins due to the city's history as the seat of power for King Mengrai before he turned west to found Chiang Mai as the capital city of the ancient Lanna Kingdom.
Due to its history and its location being right at the Golden Triangle between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, Chiang Saen has plenty to offer for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
For history buffs, there are places like Wat Pa Sak Historical Site and Wat Phrathat Chedi Luang where you can learn more about the city's past.
You can also visit the Hall of Opium (highly recommended), where they have dug through a mountain to build this huge museum dedicated to educating and preserving the history of opium. It aims to teach the local population about the physical and mental damage caused by using and growing opium within the community.
This museum is dedicated to educating the local population about the negative impact of Opium trading that was prevalent in this region before the monarch stepped in. The museum is massive, and it will take you around 2 hours to see it all.
There are also several temples that are worth visiting, such as Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao and Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, where you will find nice viewpoints to see the river that divides Laos and Thailand from above.
After you are done, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing by the Mekong River in Chiang Saen, strolling around and watching the sunset at Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area, and retreating for the day.
Day 11: Chiang Khong and Phu Chi Fa
Next up, we will continue our journey along the Mekong River and visit Chiang Khong, another border town, this time sharing its border with Laos. There is not a whole lot to do here except the Mekong Viewpoint, Cafe De Lao where you can enjoy a cup of Lao coffee, and Pad Thai Baan Yim, one of the best Pad Thai places I have ever come across. Be sure to try out the Pad Thai here!
You can spend the first half of the day relaxing in cafes in Chiang Khong and start driving towards Phu Chi Fa Forest Park in the afternoon so that we will be there for sunset. It should take about 1.5 hours to get from Chiang Khong to Doi Pha Tang, our next destination.
There are several peaks you can hike in Phu Chu Fa Forest Park. One of the best peaks to explore easily is Doi Pha Tang, a beautiful bald mountain peak situated right at the border between Thailand and Laos. It offers a fantastic vantage point overlooking the Mekong River, allowing you to see into Laos, creating a surreal experience.
This area is full of mountains that naturally form a border between the two countries. One of the most iconic mountains here, which gives the forest park its name, is Phu Chi Fa, which translates to "the mountain that points to the sky". You will see exactly why they called it that the moment you start hiking Doi Pha Tang.
Doi Pha Tang is the perfect place to hike if you want to see Phu Chi Fa from afar. There are other peaks, but I found Doi Pha Tang to have the best vantage point overall. Plus, it is more accessible than other peaks with very little actual hiking involved.
Getting to Doi Pha Tang is also very easy. All you have to do is drive to the parking lot and start hiking. The road is well-paved, and you can drive up here with your own car or motorbike, no problem. You do not need a 4WD to get here, despite what other guides have said.
For the best light, I recommend you hike Doi Pha Tang in the evening, before sunset. The hike takes around 1 hour one-way, including the time spent at the first viewpoint, so plan your time accordingly.
I recommend that you start hiking around 3 PM, and you should have plenty of time to watch the sunset at the top of Doi Pha Tang. Expect to spend around 2-3 hours at Doi Pha Tang, and once you are done, you can make your way to Phu Chi Fa, find a place to spend the night and prepare for the Phu Chi Fa sunrise hike.
Now that we have seen Phu Chi Fa from afar, it is time to hike the iconic peak. It is recommended to do it at sunrise, which means that you will have to spend the night somewhere near Phu Chi Fa before going up the mountain at around 5:30 AM.
NOTE: If you are using the GPS to get to Phu Chi Fa, DO NOT take the route from the north as I did. Instead, first get to this intersection and drive up from the west side.
The road from the north isn't advisable to drive through as it includes a very steep section. Trust me, I went up there at night, and it was scary as hell 😅. Do not make the same mistake as I did!
Once you wake up, you can drive to the Phu Chi Fa Parking Lot, where you will then have to hike for another 20 minutes to reach the viewpoint. If you are hungry, there are small shops in the parking lot that sell coffee, instant congee, and noodles so you can buy some before you start the hike.
Beware, especially if you are hiking at night, as the trail has no railing until you reach the top, and you will be walking on the ridge most of the time. So, prepare a flashlight for the hike.
The hike only goes uphill, but not for too long, so you should have no trouble hiking it if you are in good shape. If you are not, you can take it slow, and you will reach the top in no time.
Once at the top, you will have a stunning view of the valley at the bottom in Laos, with the Mekong River cutting through mountains and ravines, while the sun rises right at the center of the valley. It is quite a sight to behold.
The mountain can be extremely cold and windy in the morning, so I recommend that you prepare layers. If not, you can buy some at the shops in the parking lot. Once you are done with Phu Chi Fa, you can hike down the same way and drive down the mountain.
Day 12: Phu Langka
After you are done with Phu Chi Fa, you can drive down the mountain, cross the provincial line into Phayao again, and make your way towards Phu Langka, one of my favorite places in Phayao.
Be sure to stop by Chiang Kham on your way to Phu Langka. Chiang Kham is a small town in Phayao, home to several ethnic groups and many beautiful temples. One of those temples is Wat Nantaram.
Wat Nantaram is a temple built in the Thai-Yai architectural style, resembling that of the Shan people in Myanmar. Its multi-tiered roof, constructed on top of a wooden structure, is a great example of the diversity found in Northern Thailand.
Another impressive temple to visit in Chiang Kham is Wat Phra Nang Din, where you will find an elegantly decorated golden stupa that is hard to take your eyes off of.
If you are interested in learning a bit more about the ethnic groups here, there is a museum called Huen Tai Lue Mae Sangda that is dedicated to preserving the unique traditions of the Tai Lue people.
After your visit to Chiang Kham, you can proceed to Phu Langka and stay overnight. The true beauty of Phu Langka reveals itself in the morning when you can often witness a captivating sea of fog blanketing the dreamy landscape.
Like most beautiful and easily accessible places in Thailand, Phu Langka attracts a ton of local tourists, especially during the wintertime. With such a small ridge area, there are only so many areas to build accommodations. Consequently, what you often find here is a high demand for places to stay but very few options available.
I suggest you book accommodation before you arrive. Unfortunately, you won't find any listings on any booking platforms, so you would have to search on Facebook and call them up. I can recommend Phu Langka Resort located right off the ridge, overlooking the east side where the iconic lone mountain you see here is located. The room should cost around 1000-1500 THB for 2 people.
Day 13: Sapan
After a night in Phu Langka, you can drive east into Nan, another stunning province with a rich history and a ton of cool things to do. As you make your way to Sapan, a place where we will be spending the night, be sure to drop by Pua, a small town located on the foothill of the mountainous region of Nan, home to cool temples like Wat Phuket.
The temple is located on top of Ket Hill, which is how it got its name (not to be confused with the southern province of Phuket). It offers a stunning view of the rice paddies and the mountains of Northern Nan hovering over the horizon.
Right below the temple, you will find a fish pond where you can feed the fish from the top of the mountain using PVC tubes that extend all the way to the pond from the platform. There's also a nice local market at the pond, so don't forget to check it out. Spend about an hour here before we continue on to Sapan.
While you are in Pua, be sure to check out Lamduan Woven Shop, where you can buy some really cheap traditional dresses and attires, which is what Nan is famous for.
After spending some time exploring Pua, it's time to drive into the mountains of Nan and discover the beautiful nature of this far-flung province with a drive along one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Northern Thailand.
From Pua to Bo Kluea, it should take about 1 hour before you arrive at Sinthao Salt Pond or Nan's Natural Rocksalt Pond, one of my favorite places in Nan.
Sinthao Salt Pond is an old local community that has made a living as salt makers out of the sources of rock salt found here and in the surrounding mountains for many centuries. Nan was a significant source of salt production, so much so that many kingdoms fought over Nan to control the natural salt ponds found right there.
And you can still see these salt makers in their element, drying their products, and adapting the salt to several modern products such as bath scrubs and soaps, etc., that you can buy straight from the source.
After you are done at Sinthao Salt Pond, it should be another 20-minute drive until you arrive at Sapan, a beautiful, small, quiet town surrounded by mountains and rice paddies, with a calm river that runs through the village. This place is like Pai back in the good old days, which is the perfect place to spend the night.
Keep in mind that this place attracts quite a lot of local tourists, and the demand doesn't match the supply when it comes to accommodation. So, I highly recommend you book a hotel here in advance and avoid visiting during the public holidays. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in Sapan before retreating for the night.
After spending the night, you can get up early in the morning and head over to Yood Vale Cafe to have a cup of coffee while enjoying the foggy morning. Then, go for a walk to Sapan Waterfall and drive up to Sapan Viewpoint via Khun Nan National Park.
Day 14: Nan City
After you are done with Sapan, it is time to head over to Nan City and see what this historical city has to offer. It should take about 2 hours before you arrive in Nan City. First and foremost, I highly recommend you visit Wat Phumin, the city's most famous landmark.
It is located in the middle of Nan Old Town, right by the night market. It is renowned for its well-preserved murals that depict the Buddha's life cycle, as well as scenes of local life at the time.
As you enter the temple, you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most beautiful and well-preserved murals in Thailand. The murals were painted by Thai Lue artists during the restoration of the temple in the 19th century.
The most intriguing aspect of this mural lies in its portrayal of the everyday life of the Thai Lue people in Nan from the past. Among the notable paintings in Wat Phumin's murals is one that depicts a man flirtatiously whispering to a local woman. That man, as it turned out, was one of the artists who decided to paint himself into the scene, creating a charming and humorous touch, the greatest troll of that generation 😂.
As you can see, Nan is incredibly rich in history, and to truly grasp the city's origins and the story of its people, there is no better place than the Nan National Museum.
The museum contains all kinds of historical artifacts, from royal regalia to a rare collection of Lanna-style Buddha statues spread across 2 floors with several rooms dedicated to telling the history of Nan and preserving the simple lifestyle of the people of Nan back in the day. It will take you around an hour to check out all the rooms in the museum, so make sure you have some time to spare.
If you are looking for a great viewpoint of Nan City, Wat Phrathat Khao Noi's Viewpoint is what you are looking for. The temple was built in 1487 and is located at the top of Khao Noi hill, west of Nan's city center.
From there, you will enjoy a stunning view of the city and the surrounding hills and mountains of Nan. As the platform faces west, it has become a popular spot for locals to gather and watch the sunset. So, if you want to watch the sunset, be sure to time your visit carefully.
After exploring all the temples within Nan's Old Town all day, there is no better way to end a day in Nan City than to go on an eating spree at Nan Night Market.
Although smaller than most night markets, Nan Night Market has a charming seating area where you are surrounded by several street food trucks for you to choose from. You will find all kinds of local food, from mushroom salads to delicious grilled pork neck. You can never go wrong with these dishes.
Once you are done with the market, you can spend the rest of the night relaxing and preparing for the long drive back to Chiang Mai the next day.
Day 15: Back to Chiang Mai
On the last day of this itinerary, you will embark on a 4.5-hour drive back to Chiang Mai, so make sure you are well-rested. Upon your arrival in Chiang Mai, you can return the car, find a nice cozy cafe, relax, and reflect on all the beautiful moments you've experienced in Northern Thailand before heading home the next day. Congratulations on completing this jam-packed itinerary!
Northern Thailand Travel Video
Watch it on Youtube or other videos here: Chiang Mai, My Home and Timeless Thailand.
When to Visit Northern Thailand?
The best time to visit Northern Thailand is from November to January when the weather is cooler and less humid due to Thailand's northern climate, making it much more enjoyable to explore the beautiful outdoors of Thailand.
That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - March). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.
March and April are the hottest and most humid periods of the year, so if you can't handle the heat, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be slightly better during this period, but it's not guaranteed.
All the other months are considered to be part of the rainy season. Although the weather is more manageable than in the summer months, you can expect a significant amount of rain, which might limit your enjoyment of outdoor activities. However, it's worth noting that the air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.
As you can see, the traditional best time to visit Thailand was during its wintertime. However, with the worsening air quality, travelers now face a choice between good weather with poor air quality or vice versa. If you're looking for the best of both worlds, November to December is probably your best bet.
How to Get to Northern Thailand?
Getting to Bangkok
This itinerary begins in Chiang Mai, the largest city in Northern Thailand. In order to get here, you will have to first travel to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Thankfully, Bangkok is a large travel hub in the region, so you should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muang International Airport (budget airlines only) in Thailand.
From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Chiang Mai or Bangkok. So, you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.
From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. Then, you can fly domestically to Chiang Mai. You can also choose to go with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you don't mind transiting.
From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering various routes from many hub cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Jakarta to Chiang Mai that transit through Bangkok. AirAsia and Thai Lion Air are excellent low-cost options, and they also provide direct routes from places like China to Chiang Mai.
To find a cheap flight to Bangkok, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.
Getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
By Air: The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is to fly from Don Muang Airport to Chiang Mai International Airport using one of the many low-cost airlines in Thailand.
For AirAsia, there are over 13 flights per day and they can cost as low as 492 THB, which is even cheaper than taking a bus or a train. Thai Lion Air and Nok Air also offer this route, so be sure to check them out too. You can book the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai here.
By Bus: If you are not in a rush, you can also take a bus from Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, and it will take approximately 10 hours to reach Chiang Mai Bus Terminal Arcade 2. The bus departs from Morchit Bus Terminal every hour from 5:30 to 22:00, and the cost is expected to be around 400 - 800 THB per person.
If you are looking to reserve a seat for your bus to Chiang Mai, you can book here: Book a bus ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
By Train: You can also take a train from Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train Station, which can take anywhere from 11-15 hours. It is a long ride, and you are not even saving that much as the price for a ticket is about 400-500 THB. There are 7 trains running between the two stations from 08:30 to 22:00 every day.
To book a train ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you can book here: Book a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Thailand.
How to Get from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal to Your Accommodation?
Chiang Mai is massive and extremely crowded, so the easiest way to get from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal Arcade 2 to your accommodation is to hail a taxi with Grab, a ride-hailing app in Thailand, available on both Android and iOS.
It should cost around 100-120 THB to get from the bus terminal to the city center, and depending on the traffic, it could take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to arrive.
How to Get Around Northern Thailand?
By Air: This is the fastest way to get from anywhere in Thailand to Northern Thailand. There are many low-cost airlines, such as AirAsia and Nok Air, that operate across the country via Bangkok, and they are often very affordable and fly frequently every day. If you are in a rush, I recommend flying straight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and beginning this itinerary from there.
To book a flight in Thailand, you can do so with the link here: Book a flight in Thailand.
By Bus/Train: The bus and train coverage in Northern Thailand is pretty abysmal, with buses only connecting between big cities and the train only going as far as Chiang Mai. Therefore, you won't be able to rely on them for this itinerary.
By Motorbike: One of the cheapest ways to get around Northern Thailand is to rent a motorbike from Chiang Mai for the entire duration of this itinerary and drive all over the region. It is not as expensive as renting a car, and you get the freedom of being able to visit the tourist attractions you might come across along the way.
That said, I do not recommend this unless you are a strong motorbike driver and you know what you are getting yourself into. Northern Thailand is extremely mountainous, and you will often be driving up and down mountains along some of the curviest roads in Thailand. Additionally, you will be covering great distances every day, and you might not enjoy it as much after the first few days.
To rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai, I recommend you rent it from Mr. Mechanic, a motorbike rental shop that offers a wide range of motorbike options for you to choose from.
For a 150 cc motorbike, the rent should be around 500 THB per day. You can also get a 200-250 cc motorbike for 700 THB or more from Mr. Mechanic. I highly recommend getting a motorbike with a 150 cc engine or higher to tackle the mountain roads in Northern Thailand.
By Car: Renting a car from Chiang Mai and driving around Northern Thailand is the best way to go, in my opinion. You can cover long distances, allowing you to visit more remote places, safely, and much more comfortably than renting a motorbike.
You can rent a car directly from Chiang Mai Airport for around 700 - 1500 THB per day. A regular car is sufficient. There is no need to rent a 4WD car as the road is in good condition and we won't be going off-road in this itinerary. To rent a car in Northern Thailand, you can book through here:
How Much Money Do I Need For 2 weeks in Northern Thailand?
From this two-week rough itinerary, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending in Northern Thailand as follows:
Accommodation: For 14 days in Northern Thailand, you can expect to pay a minimum of around 280 USD for accommodation.
Food: Food costs about 60 THB minimum in Thailand on average, so you can expect to pay around 2,520 THB (72 USD) for 14 days.
Transportation: For this itinerary, you can expect to pay approximately 18,000 THB (515 USD) for transportation, including car rental and gas for 15 days. This does not include a flight/train/bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Activities: Depending on how many day trips and activities you want to do, you can expect to pay around 1,500 THB (43 USD) for most activities you might do in Northern Thailand in 14 days.
Total Budget for 14 days in Northern Thailand: 910 USD (31,805 THB)
Is it Safe in Northern Thailand?
Although Thailand is generally safe and the people are friendly, it is always a good idea to second-guess people who approach you and try to offer something that seems too good to be true, as it probably is. That is a sure way to avoid any scam attempts from tuk-tuk/taxi drivers or other scammers who might approach you. It often happens in big tourist cities like Chiang Mai, so please keep that in mind while you are there.
And, as always, please exercise precautions like you would when traveling in any foreign country. Do not leave your belongings unattended and watch out for your belongings at all times.
Also, if you are planning to ride a scooter around in places like Chiang Mai or Pai, always wear your helmet and, ideally, cover yourself because accidents do happen. And when they do, they are never pretty, especially if you wear tank tops and shorts.
Be extra careful if you plan to ride a motorbike or a car around the Mae Hong Son Loop, which also includes Pai. The road is notoriously dangerous with more than 1,800 curves, going up and down mountains, so please be extra careful there.
And, since this is the Thai road we are talking about, it is my duty as a Thai to warn you that we are not the best drivers in the world. The roads are great throughout, but we sometimes drive like maniacs, so make sure to be extra careful when you are on the road.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Northern Thailand?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Thailand:
There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True. All of them offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. Personally, I use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone. They have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand, and their coverage hasn't failed me yet. So, if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.
There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on the length of your trip to Thailand, you can choose one of these 3 packages that best suits your itinerary.
With these three packages, you can top up more if you need additional data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.
For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
What to Pack for Thailand?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Thailand:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northern Thailand
Looking for more information for your trip to Northern Thailand? Here is a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find helpful:
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
- Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
- First time in Northern Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand.
- Looking for another great road trip to get you off the beaten path in Northern Thailand? Check out: 9 Days Nan Loop Road Trip Itinerary.
- Not sure where to begin your journey in Northern Thailand? How about an old capital with a Complete Backpacking Guide to Phitsanulok?
- Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
- Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
- As a gateway to the mountains of Phetchabun, Lom Sak is the perfect place to stop by before you head into the mountains. For a complete travel guide, check out: A Complete Travel Guide to Lom Sak.
- Did you know that the cradle of Thailand began in the ancient city of Sukhothai, north of Bangkok, in the 13th Century? If you are interested in the history of Thailand, here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Sukhothai.
- Sukhothai has a twin city that has prospered together since the first founding of the Siam Kingdom. The ancient city is called Si Satchanalai, 60 km north of Sukhothai, and there are many lesser-traveled ancient ruins there waiting for you to explore. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Si Satchanalai.
- Kamphaeng Phet, which translates to "The Wall of Diamond," was an outpost town that played a role in protecting the Siam Kingdom from invasion for several decades, and you can still see the remnants today. Here is A Complete Backpacking Guide to Kamphaeng Phet.
- Lampang is low-key, one of the most laid-back places in the north with a northern vibe similar to Chiang Mai but much quieter and more authentic. If you are looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand, check out The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Lampang.
- Spending a few days relaxing in Lampang? Here are 9 Best Cafes and Restaurants to Try in Lampang.
- There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here are the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai, according to the locals.
- Chiang Mai is a big city. How does one find the best restaurants and cafes, you asked? Check out 25 Absolute Best Restaurants and Cafes in Chiang Mai.
- Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, and in order to travel there, you will need a complete travel guide. Here is The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Doi Inthanon.
- Have only 3 days in Chiang Mai? Check out the 3 Days Backpacking Itinerary for Chiang Mai.
- Have a day to spare in Chiang Mai? How about going on a day trip to Lamphun? Here are 7 Best Things to Do in Lamphun.
- Looking to go off-the-beaten-path in Chiang Mai? How about visiting the untouched nature of Doi Ang Khang and the Chinese-influenced towns of Arunothai and Chai Prakan? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Doi Ang Khang.
- One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here's a complete backpacking guide and a 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
- Looking to start the Mae Hong Son Loop but not sure where to start? How about the city of Mae Sariang? Here are 8 Best Things to Do in Mae Sariang.
- Mae Hong Son City is one of my favorite cities on the entire Mae Hong Son Loop road trip. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Mae Hong Son City.
- Pai has become a tourist hotspot ever since it was discovered and featured in many travel blogs, but what is there to do in Pai? We have the answer. Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Pai, Thailand.
- Chiang Rai is home to not just stunning temples like the White and Blue Temples, but also the beautiful mountains of Pho Chi Fan and Doi Pha Tang. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai.
- One of the most iconic peaks in Thailand is Phu Chi Fai, and you can hike to the top of it among other hiking trails around Chiang Rai's highlands. Here is A Complete Hiking Guide to Phu Chi Fah.
- Chiang Saen is an ancient walled city, full of history and beautiful scenery waiting for you to explore. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Saen.
- Phrae is so much more than a stopover destination. Here are the 14 Best Things to Do in Phrae.
- Nan is the upcoming trendy tourist attraction in Thailand that is still pretty much unexplored by foreigners. If you want to travel to Nan, here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Nan.
- Phayao is a beautiful hidden gem of Thailand's north that is waiting for you to explore. It rarely gets any tourists, all the more reason to visit Phayao before it is discovered! Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Phayao.
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Central Thailand or Southern Thailand?
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all of my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.