12 Wonderful Things to Do in Phayao, Thailand

12 Best Things to Do in Phayao

1. Watch the Sea of Clouds at Phu Langka ☀️ Great Day Trip

Phu Langka is, hands down, one of my favorite places in Phayao. I was completely blown away by just how dreamy and beautiful the landscape around Phu Langka is, especially during the sunrise.

If you are looking at Google Maps, you might find that there is Phu Langka and then there is Phu Langka Forest Park. Don't get confused. The Phu Langka that I am talking about is not inside the Phu Langka Forest Park, which is located a little further up the mountains, but the Phu Langka that is just a small town on the ridge overlooking the incredible landscape around Phu Langka.

From the look of the photos here, you would think that you would have to travel high up in the mountains to get to this dreamy place. But in fact, the viewpoint here is just off the main road that connects Nan and Phayao.

If you visit Phu Langka during the day, you might think that the view is nice and assume that's it. But wait until you see it at sunrise when the low clouds descend from the mountain into the rice paddies. It is quite a sight to behold.

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.

If you want to spend the night in Phu Langka, which I highly recommend, 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.

If you are unable to book accommodation in time, you can also camp at the Phu Langka ridge. There are a few campsites you can choose from, but the campsite right below Route 1148 Cafe seems to be the most popular. It will cost you 100 per person if you bring your own tent and 800 THB for 2 if you want to use their provided tent.

You can also stay on the other side of the ridge, which will be cheaper, and you can walk across the road to see the stunning Phu Langka view at sunrise or just grab breakfast at Route 1148 Cafe or the Magic Mountain and enjoy the view from there.

You could also stay in Phayao City and simply drive up to Phu Langka for the sunrise, but you will have to wake up extremely early to drive the 120 km long road to Phu Langka. Since it will take around 2 hours, you will have to start your trip as early as 4 AM. It's tiring but not impossible.

Where to Stay in Phayao?

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Mee Hug Guesthouse

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Mid-Range

Sabuy Best Hotel Phayao

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Green Hill Hotel Phayao

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2. Relax at Phu Sang Waterfall

Located right at the border between Phayao and Chiang Rai, and just north of Phu Langka, there is a beautiful Phu Sang Waterfall that is worth a stop before heading into Chiang Kham.

Phu Sang Waterfall is not worth a visit on its own, but if you are already in the area, it is a good place to stop and freshen up at the waterfall. The waterfall is part of Phu Sang National Park, but you do not have to enter the park, so there is no need to pay the admission fee except for the 20 THB parking fee.

Near the waterfall, there is also a nature trail that goes inside the National Park, and a hot spring, but you will have to pay 100 THB to get in. When I was there, the trail was closed for some reasons, so I was unable to verify if it is a good trail or not, but you have the option to do so if you wish to hike a bit.

Phu Sang Waterfall's opening hours are between 8 AM and 5 PM, and you will have to pay a parking fee of 20 THB. To hike to the hot spring, you will need to pay an admission fee of 100 THB (10 THB for Thais).

3. Enjoy the sunset at Phayao Lake (Kwan Phayao) ❤️ Must Visit

I was extremely surprised when I arrived in Phayao City and saw Phayao Lake (Kwan Phayao). I had heard that Phayao is beautiful, but I never knew just how extremely photogenic the lakeside city is.

The beauty of Phayao City easily rivals that of lakeside towns in Europe. A city situated by a vast, silver-shimmering lake, as far as the eyes can see, is not a sight I would typically expect in Thailand. This city is undoubtedly one of the prettiest Thai cities I have visited so far.

Situated 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 fly kites, and wait for the golden hour.

As the sun sets behind the looming mountain, painting the sky in hues of orange and transforming it from blue to orange and then to purple, it truly is a breathtaking sight to behold.

Phayao Lake covers an area of around 20 square km and was created by dam construction in the 1940s. In the morning, you will find the locals heading out to fish, and in the evening, people come out to bathe in the low sun, have picnics, exercise, and do aerobics.

4. Hang out at Pho Khun Ngam Muang Monument in the evening

With such a beautiful lake nearby, who wouldn't want to come out in the evening and bathe in the light sun, picnic with friends, and enjoy a nice evening by the lake?

That is exactly what the locals do in the evening in Phayao, and you can see them gathering around Pho Khun Ngam Muang Monument, located just across the recreational area by the lake. It is a good place to go people-watching before you head over to Phayao's Walking Street.

5. Take a Boat to Wat Tilok Aram in the middle of Phayao Lake ❤️ Must Visit

Right in the middle of Phayao Lake, there is a small temple that you should definitely visit when you are in Phayao. 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.

They will leave when there are 5 people or more on the boat, and since the temple is important to the local community, it shouldn't take long for the boat to fill up.

Once you arrive on the small island, it should not take you longer than 15 minutes to stroll around, do merit, and take photos. It is really small, with one Buddha image and a shrine for people to do merit. You will also get to see a different perspective of Phayao City from the lake, which is pretty nice.

Wat Tilok Aram and the boat operate from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. You can also make merit by offering food and drinks to the monks who often come to the Kwan Phayao Pier at around 7:15 every day, in case you have never experienced that yet in Thailand.

6. Admire the Beauty of Rock Sculptures at Huai Pha Kiang Temple

What seemed like an abandoned temple in the middle of nowhere outside of Phayao City, tucked away within these trees, is some of the most stunning collections of Buddha rock sculptures I have ever seen in Thailand.

Huai Pha Kiang Temple, home to many of these rock sculptures, is a temple in the middle of nowhere that rarely gets any visitors. Not even the local tourists know about this place, which is surprising as I found walking around Huai Pha Kiang Temple to be one of the most exciting things I've done in a temple.

Huai Pha Kiang Temple is located on top of a sandstone mountain, which is the source of all the rocks used to carve these beautiful Buddha sculptures.

The trail starts from the temple's parking lot and goes down the side of the mountain, where you will find several Buddha images carved into the rocks along the trail.

It takes around 15-20 minutes to hike around the temple to see all the rock sculptures. The temple is open 24 hours, and it is free to enter the temple and see the rock sculptures.

7. Stroll Around Wat Ananlayo

Wat Ananlayo is a large temple complex covering about 2800 acres. It is built on top of Doi Butsarakham Mountain, west of Phayao City. The temple offers a range of beautiful sights, from its sylvan settings to the stunning modern Buddhist architectures found all over the temple grounds.

There is plenty to see in Wat Ananlayo, starting with the impressive temple gate built out of red bricks and the naga sculptures that wrap around the stair rails going up toward the temple ground.

The climb takes about 5 minutes, and the trail is shaded most of the time. I did not realize that you can also drive to the temple grounds until I walked up those steps.

Inside, you will find many picturesque architectures such as the giant golden seated Buddha Image that pierces through the trees, the intricately designed ordination hall, and a stupa built in a style I had never seen before.

This grey stupa at the center of the temple has an architectural style that is almost as if it were inspired by the brutalist architectural style that was popular in the Soviet Union back in the day.

Its gray angular shape, piercing in the middle and surrounded by 4 smaller peaks that resemble a spaceship, is in fact an Indian architectural style that is not often seen in Buddhist temples.

Outside of the temple, there are also several other attractions, such as temples on top of Guan Yi Mountain and Praputtaleela Mountain, spread out over the mountain range, and you would need to hire a Song Taew to get to these places.

The Song Taew service is offered at Wat Analayo Service Area. It costs 400 THB per car, and you will need at least 2 - 3 hours to visit all these places. Personally, I only visited the temple ground as I didn't have a lot of time that day. But if you have the time, be sure to spend some time exploring what Wat Analayo has to offer.

8. Drop by Wat Phrathat Chom Thong

Wat Phrathat Chom Thong is a small, old temple (at least compared to what you just saw at Wat Ananlayo) built on a mountain top that is as old as Phayao City itself.

Inside, you will find a Lanna-style golden pagoda that supposedly contains the Buddha relic from Sri Lanka, as the name Phrathat suggests. It is said that the temple was built way back in the 10th Century when the area was under the reign of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, hence the similar style to the pagoda found in Lamphun, the ancient capital of the Hariphunchai Kingdom.

Looking for a complete guide to Lamphun?8 Best Things to Do in Lamphun

It shouldn't take you longer than 15 minutes to stroll around the temple. You can also see some old photos of the temple when it was rediscovered and renovated on the temple walls. Wat Phrathat Chom Thong has no admission fee, and it opens from 6 AM to 6 PM.

9. Check Out the Giant Buddha Statue at Wat Si Khom Kham

Wat Si Khom Kham is known for its impressive 17m tall seated Buddha Image built in the late 15th Century. The design of the Buddha Image is based on the Chiang Saen-Lanna hybrid style, which is why the face of Buddha on this image is somewhat unique.

The Large Buddha Image is worth a visit in itself, but you should also spend some time wandering around the temple. There are many sculptures around the temple, such as the Hell Park, as well as a nice view of the lake behind it. Wat Si Khom Kham is open from 8 AM to 6 PM, and it is free to enter.

10. Visit Wat Nantaram in Chiang Kham

After spending some time exploring Phayao City, it is time to go outside the main city of Phayao and travel to Chiang Kham, which is home to several ethnic groups and several beautiful temples. One of those temples is Wat Nantaram.

Wat Nantaram is a temple built in the Thai-Yai architectural style, resembling those 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.

Inside the temple, there is also a museum dedicated to preserving the tradition of the Thai Yai people, with its beautiful culture on display. Wat Nantaram and the Thai Yai museum's opening hours are between 8 AM and 6 PM, and there is no admission fee.

11. Be Amazed at the Golden Pagoda at Wat Phra Nang Din in Chiang Kham

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 look away from.

The name of the temple, "Phra Nang Din" or "Buddha image seated upon the ground", derives from the fact that this is one of the few temples where the principal Buddha image lacks a support base.

Usually, a Buddha image is often placed on top of a support base, but legend has it that when the temple was being built, they were unable to lift up the Buddha image onto the base despite all attempts. Thus, the name was given to the temple, and its story passed on through the generations.

Wat Phra Nang Din opens daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.

12. Learn the Ways of the Tai Lue People at Huen Tai Lue Mae Sangda 🏛️ Best Museum

If you are interested in learning a bit more about the ethnic groups here, there is a museum called Huen Tai Lue Mae Sangda, which is a museum dedicated to preserving the unique traditions of the Tai Lue people.

The museum resides in this stunning 70-year-old wooden Tai-Lue style house, constructed without using a single nail, a technique mastered by the Tai Lue people for many decades.

You will also find traditional weaving machines, as well as unique decors and handicrafts that you can buy. Huen Tai Lue Mae Sangda's opening hours are between 8 AM and 5 PM. However, sometimes it might be closed for no reason, so be sure to call up 084 483 4188 to see if it's open on the day you are visiting.

What to Eat and Drink in Phayao?

1. Eat Delicious Seafood at Kung Ten Ruean Boran Restaurant

If you are looking for a place to relax by Phayao Lake and eat some seafood, you should drop by Kung Ten Ruean Boran Restaurant and try their delicious dishes.

The restaurant is known for its shrimp dishes, but they serve a variety of other Thai dishes, from grilled fish to sautéed chicken with cashew nuts, with prices ranging from 60 THB to 300+ THB for large seafood dishes.

It is a little pricier than other places, but the location is great, just right off the bank of Phayao, allowing you to sit, relax, and enjoy a good beer near the lake. The restaurant opens from 10 AM to 9 PM every day.

2. Eat your way through Phayao Walking Street (Friday - Saturday)

Last but not least, if you are in Phayao City on a Friday or Saturday, you should definitely go and check out Phayao Walking Street. Starting from 5 PM to midnight, you will find a street full of cheap street food carts and products that you can choose from here.

Looking for a foodie guide to Thailand's street food? Check out:15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

When to visit Phayao?

The best time to visit Phayao is from November to January, when the weather is cold, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors more with cooler temperatures and a beautiful blue sky.

That said, Thailand has also suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, which is extremely prevalent during Thailand's late winter period (January - February). 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 - April is the hottest and most humid period of the year, so if you can't handle the heat well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better during this time, though it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain, which might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality, or vice versa.

How to Get to Phayao?

Phayao is located in Thailand, and in order to get there, you will first have to make your way to either Bangkok, the capital, or Chiang Mai, a northern tourist hub. Depending on your location, here are some of the ways you can reach 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 most European hubs such as London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers like British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. You can also choose Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you don't mind transiting.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering multiple routes from various hub cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Jakarta to Bangkok and Chiang Mai. AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air are excellent low-cost options for this.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok or Chiang Mai, I would recommend you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so that you can compare and pick the best one.

Looking for a travel guide to Bangkok?16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Getting from Bangkok to Phayao

Once you arrive in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, you will then have to find your way to Phayao. Here are some ways to get from Bangkok to Phayao:

By Air: You can't fly directly from Bangkok to Phayao, but you can fly to Chiang Mai, its neighboring province, via low-cost airlines such as AirAsia and Nok Air for around 1,000 THB per person. There are 13+ flights per day from Don Muang Airport to Chiang Mai Airport. You can book the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai here.

Once you arrive in Chiang Mai, you can take a bus to Phayao following the instructions under the Getting from Chiang Mai to Phayao section. This is the fastest way to get to Phayao from Bangkok.

By Buses/Vans: If you are not in a rush, you can also take an overnight bus from Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok to Phayao Bus Terminal, which will take around 10 hours.

There are approximately 6 buses leaving from Bangkok to Phayao, and it costs around 600 THB. You can get the bus ticket from Bangkok to Phayao here.

Getting from Chiang Mai to Phayao

If you are already in Chiang Mai, there are several ways to get from Chiang Mai to Phayao.

By Buses/Vans: You can take the daily bus/van operated by the Green Bus Company from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3, and the bus will take you to Phayao in about 3 hours for 185 - 271 THB per person.

There are around 5 buses per day. The number of buses may vary depending on the day you want to travel. Check out the official Green Bus timetable for more details. You can book the bus from Chiang Mai to Phayao here.

By Car: Renting a car from Chiang Mai to travel to Phayao is also a great option if you are already in Chiang Mai and looking for an easy and comfortable way to get to Phayao.

There are several car rental companies operated right from the Chiang Mai airport, with a price range of around 700 - 1500 THB depending on how big the car is. You can rent a car in Chiang Mai here.

By Motorcycle: You can also rent a motorbike from Chiang Mai and drive to Phayao in about 6 hours. To rent a motorbike from Chiang Mai, I recommend you rent it from Mr. Mechanic, a motorbike rental shop in Chiang Mai that offers a wide range of motorbike options for you to choose from.

For a 150cc motorbike, the rent should be around 500 THB per day. You can also get a 200-250cc motorbike for 700 THB or more from Mr. Mechanic. I highly recommend getting a motorbike with a 150cc engine or higher to tackle the mountain road in Phayao.

How to Get Around Phayao?

There are many things to do within Phayao City, as well as out in the countryside. In order to see these further away attractions, you will need a vehicle. Here are ways you can rent a vehicle to explore Phayao:

By Motorcycle: You can rent a motorcycle in Phayao from Phayao Car Rental Shop, located at Phayao Bus Terminal in the city center. They have a fleet of motorcycles with varying prices starting from 200 THB per day.

In order to rent a motorbike here, you will have to provide an ID or a valid driving license (don't leave your passport with them as you will likely need it; give them a photocopy version instead), a deposit of around ~1000 THB, and you are off to explore Phayao.

By Car: If you would rather explore Phayao with a car, Phayao Car Rental Shop also has a selection of cars available, with prices starting at 800 THB per day.

To rent, you only have to pay a deposit of 3,000 THB and provide a copy of your passport, a driving license, and a credit card. You can contact the car rental shop for more information via their Facebook Page and you can call them at the telephone numbers provided there.

How Many Days Do I Need For Phayao?

To truly experience Phayao and all that it has to offer, I recommend staying for at least three days (two nights) in Phayao. Here's a rough three-day itinerary for Phayao:

Day 1: Spend the night in Phu Langka.

Day 2: Spend the morning watching the sunrise at Phu Langka and then go and explore Chiang Kham and Phu Sang Waterfall before driving to Phayao City for the sunset and spend the night there.

Day 3: Explore all the temples around Phayao City and relax for the rest of the day.

How Much Money Do I Need For Phayao?

With the 3-day itinerary above, we can calculate roughly how much you would spend on this trip as follows:

Accommodation: For 3 nights in Phayao, you can expect to pay around 21 USD for accommodations.

Food: For 3 days in Phayao, the food costs around 50 THB per meal, so you will be paying 450 THB in total for food.

Transportation: For the 3-day motorbike rental (200 THB per day) plus gas (~300 THB), you can expect to pay around 900 THB for transportation.

Activities: Most of the activities in Phayao are free except for a 30 THB boat ride to Wat Tilok Aram temple. If you wish to walk the nature trail at Phu Sang National Park, you will have to pay the 120 THB admission fee plus parking. So, in total, you will be paying around 150 THB per person in Phayao.

Total Budget for 3 days in Phayao: 2,129.37 THB (71 USD).

Is Phayao Safe?

Like most off-the-beaten-path destinations in Thailand, Phayao is extremely safe to travel to. The locals are extra friendly as they don't usually get a lot of tourists, and you will unlikely find scammers or touters like in other places in Thailand.

That said, since you will be driving on Thai roads, 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 do drive like maniacs, so make sure to be extra careful when you are on the road.

Which tourist SIM card is best for 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 Phayao, 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 Phayao, Thailand:

There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True. All of them offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages and coverages. 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 how long your trip to Thailand will be, you can pick one of these 3 packages that fit your itinerary the most.

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 Phayao?

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 Phayao, 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.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• 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.
• 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.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

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:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

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 are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a comprehensive travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• Not convinced by my words? How about looking through these photos I took in Thailand? 25 Beautiful Photos from Thailand.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai street foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
• Don't have a lot of time in Bangkok? Check out our One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend that you spend at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
• For the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, check out: 7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok.
• First time in Northern Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand.
• Want to get off the beaten track and really explore Northern Thailand? Check out: 2 Weeks Northern Thailand Itinerary.
• 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, located 60 km north of Sukhothai, and there are many less-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 is a list of 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 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.
• 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 Fa, 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 Fa.
• 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.
• 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 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.