While not as popular or photogenic as the Mae Hong Son Loop, the Nan Loop provides an alternative route for those looking for a more diverse and varied road trip experience, offering a perfect blend of history and nature.
This loop will take you across six different provinces, including Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Nan, and Phayao, each with its own unique history and culture waiting for you to explore. If you have nine days to spare and are seeking an incredible road trip starting from Chiang Mai, this itinerary is designed for you.
Within this guide, you will find all the information needed to plan the perfect road trip around the Nan Loop, covering the best places to visit, transportation details, accommodation options, and more. Let's first take a look at the route we will be taking on the map below.
- Nan Loop 9-Day Itinerary Map
- 9 Days Nan Loop Road Trip Itinerary
- Northern Thailand Travel Video
- When to Travel the Nan Loop?
- How to Get to the Nan Loop?
- How to Get from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal to Your Accommodation?
- How to Get Around the Nan Loop?
- How Much Money Do I Need For 9 days traveling the Nan Loop?
- Is it Safe along the Nan Loop?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?
- What to Pack for Thailand?
- Further Reading for Northern Thailand
Nan Loop 9-Day Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1: | Chiang Mai |
| ☀️ Day 2: | Lamphun and Lampang |
| ☀️ Day 3: | Phrae |
| ☀️ Day 4: | Doi Samer Dao |
| ☀️ Day 5: | Nan |
| ☀️ Day 6: | Sapan |
| ☀️ Day 7: | Phu Langka |
| ☀️ Day 8: | Phayao |
| ☀️ Day 9: | Back to Chiang Mai |
9 Days Nan Loop Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Chiang Mai
Our itinerary begins in Chiang Mai, where we will spend the first day exploring the rich history of this old capital city of Lanna and getting acquainted with the culture here before we embark on the journey around Nan Loop. You can also use the day you arrive to organize a car rental or get one straight from the airport, so you can hit the ground running the next day.
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.
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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 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 approximately 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 golden 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 to 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 three 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 leads 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.
Day 2: Lamphun and Lampang
On our second day, we are going to begin our journey across the Nan Loop, starting with the historically significant city of Lamphun, located only about 40 minutes away from Chiang Mai. Lamphun used to serve as the capital city of the ancient Mon kingdom of Haripunchai, one of the last and northernmost Mon kingdoms in present-day Thailand.
The city dates back even before the time of the founding of Siam's first kingdom, Sukhothai, making it the oldest city in the country. It is said that the city was founded way back in the 9th Century during the Mon reign of the area when Siam was still part of the Khmer Empire.
One of the most renowned temples in Lamphun that you should visit is Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, situated in the center of Lamphun city. The temple, built in the early 12th century by a Hariphunchai King, was constructed to enshrine another Buddha relic discovered at this site.
There are also several temples in Lamphun that are worth a visit, such as the colorful Wat Mahawan Woramahawihan, Wat Chammathewi, and its ancient 21-meter-high chedi, as old as the city itself. You can spend the first half of the day exploring Lamphun City and all it has to offer before we continue on to our next destination, Lampang.
After you are done in Lamphun, you can continue along the highway heading southwest of the city to Lampang, a beautiful historical city that is often considered to be the gateway province to the ancient Lanna Kingdom.
One of the first places I recommend you check out while you are here is Wat Si Rongmuang, a stunning Buddhist temple built in the early 20th century by a Burmese immigrant. It showcases a beautiful blend of Shan and Lanna architectural styles, reminiscent of the temples in Mandalay, Myanmar.
Another cool temple to visit in Lampang is Wat Chiang Rai. This temple draws inspiration from the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) in Chiang Rai.
Since we won't be visiting Chiang Rai on this trip, you can get a glimpse of its beauty here, featuring a unique and intricate white exterior along with the use of reflective glass in the plaster, which sparkles in the sun. The interior is incredibly beautiful as well, so be sure to check it out while you are here.
Once you're done exploring the southern side of the Wang River, it's time to cross the river and discover the attractions on the northern side. One of the first temples you will encounter there is Wat Pong Sanuk Nua, a stunning Buddhist temple built in the late 19th century with teak wood, in a perfect mix of architectural styles between Lanna and Shan.
Another fascinating place to visit in Lampang is Baan Louise, the former residence of Louis T. Leonowens and the office of the Louis T. Leonowens company. Once a major teak logging company, it is now a museum dedicated to preserving the history of the once prosperous teak logging industry that boomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
If you want to learn more about the history of Lampang, you can also check out Baan Sao Nak, a large traditional house built in the late 19th century by a wealthy family of Thai elites. They have preserved most of the antiques and furniture used back in the day and turned their house into a museum.
As evening approaches, you can drive over to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, located 17 km southwest of Lampang. This temple, built in the 13th century in a Lanna architectural style, is one of the most revered temples in Lampang and is surrounded by a beautiful ancient wall, where you can stroll around before heading back to the city to spend the night.
If you are looking for a great place to have dinner, consider checking out Aroy One Baht Restaurant. It's an old-style restaurant located inside a two-level wooden house, offering a variety of delicious dishes that you can enjoy with Thai-style rice soup. For nightlife, locals like to gather at Rgong Garden, an open-space area surrounded by pubs, restaurants, and a beer garden for you to choose from.
Day 3: Phrae
On your third day, before leaving Lampang, make sure to drive over to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, also known as the "temple in the sky", and check it out. This incredible temple is built on top of a mountain peak, offering breathtaking views of Lampang's countryside.
What is amazing about this temple is all the white pagodas they have built that are scattered throughout the limestone jagged peaks, which totally live up to its name.
Once you arrive at the temple's parking lot, you will first need to take a Song Taew up the steep road. Afterward, you'll face a climb of roughly 300 steps, taking about 30 minutes, from the base to the summit of the mountain.
It is one of the most beautiful temples in Lampang, so be sure not to miss it. Expect to spend around half a day here, including the long drive there and back, before we continue our journey to the next province, Phrae.
As you make your way to Phrae, one of the first attractions I recommend visiting is the Emperor's Cave (Tham Chakapat). This temple cave is situated on top of a sandstone mountain, tucked away in the rolling hills of Phrae.
To reach Emperor's Cave, you'll need to ascend the sandstone mountain on foot, climbing about 700 steps to reach the top. Once there, you'll find a place of worship inside a cave, a large Buddha image, and a 360° panoramic view of the surroundings. Trust me, the view is worth the effort.
Another impressive temple in Phrae to visit is Wat Phrathat Suthon Mongkhon Khiri, a newly-built temple full of stunning architecture inspired by traditional styles, with a mix of Lanna and Burmese influences, teak wood usage, and delicate sculptures.
The highlight of Wat Phrathat Suthon Mongkhon Khiri is its collection of small Mandalay-style gold pagodas, forming a large and impressive spiraling pagoda that shines brightly during the day.
There are also several other tourist attractions you can check out as you approach Phrae city, such as Wat Chom Sawan, an old temple with a unique blend of Lanna and Burmese architectural styles.
Khum Chao Luang, an impressive and grand 19th-century residence, was the home of the last ruler of Phrae. It is a must-visit, especially if you want to learn more about the history of Phrae over 120 years ago, before it became part of Thailand.
Before calling it a day, be sure to check out Pae Muang Pee Forest Park, a newly designated national park home to beautiful red-brown rock columns created naturally through erosion, just like the Grand Canyon but way, WAY smaller. It's the Grand Canyon of Phrae.
Day 4: Doi Samer Dao
On your 4th day, we are going to spend some time and explore Phrae before we cross over into Nan and spend a night camping under the stars at Doi Samer Dao, one of the best places to stargaze in Thailand.
First thing in the morning, I highly recommend you take the 1024 mountain road and drive around the countryside of Phrae, before taking the 1342 highway back down and merge with the main highway to get to Nan.
This small loop takes you around the mountainous region of the province, allowing you to visit places such as the Golden Rock Temple, a replica mountain temple sharing the same name as the original temple found in Myanmar.
Another great place to drop by along the way is Wat Na Khu Ha, a temple known for its bamboo bridges and a Buddha image surrounded by lush green rice paddies.
The temple is, in fact, an ancient monastery built almost a hundred years ago as a spiritual center for the agricultural community of Baan Na Khu Ha. Here, you can climb the sandstone mountain for an incredible view over the rice paddies or simply stroll along the bamboo bridges and admire the scenery from below.
After spending some time at Wat Na Khu Ha, continue driving on the 1024 highway through the beautiful scenic road until you arrive at a 3-way intersection that merges with the 1342 highway. Turn left onto the 1342 highway and continue until you arrive at Mon Me Thang. Rest here and enjoy the view for a bit before you continue on.
As you merge with the main highway, drive north for about 30 minutes, and you will come across Pha Nang Khoi Cave, a 1.6 km long cave illuminated with colorful lights that guide you through stunning stalactites and stalagmites until you reach a cavern with a Buddhist shrine in the middle. To be honest, I didn't have high expectations, but the place completely blew me away, so make sure to check it out on your way to Doi Samer Dao.
From the cave, it should take you about 2 hours to get to Doi Samer Dao campground where we will be spending the night. Be sure to book the campground beforehand. Doi Samer Dao is a bald mountaintop with an astounding 360° panoramic view that will allow you to see the Milky Way stretch across the sky in a way that you can't see elsewhere in Thailand.
The place is extremely popular among local tourists, so you will find that it is well-serviced. Perhaps a little too much, in my opinion, with makeshift restaurants offering full hotpot-style meals, boxed-up food, and other convenient options. I would suggest avoiding camping here during weekends or public holidays, as the place can get extremely crowded during those times.
That said, Doi Samer Dao is truly one of the best places to stargaze in Thailand. Thanks to its easy access to the viewpoint from the campsite and bald ridge, you'll enjoy an unobstructed 360° view of the surrounding mountains, making it perfect for stargazing.
Since the ridge is bald, Doi Samer Dao is also a great place to watch both the sunset and sunrise at the same location. You can see the view from both sides of the mountain, so be sure to get there before sunset.
One thing to note is that you won't be allowed to park at the campsite overnight, so you will need some time to unpack your camping gear, move your car to one of the 3 designated parking spaces below the hill, and walk around 5 minutes to get to the ridge and finally enjoy the sunset. So, be sure to spare some time.
Doi Samer Dao is situated within Sri Nan National Park, requiring an admission fee of 100 THB (20 THB for Thais), along with an additional 30 THB for parking. Retreat to your tent for the night and make sure to wake up as early as possible in the morning to witness the incredible sunrise and the sea of clouds.
Where to Stay at Doi Samer Dao?
You will be camping inside the national park. You can rent a tent from the park or you can bring your own and set up at the designated campground. You can reserve the tent online from the official website here.
Day 5: Nan
After you are done with Doi Samer Dao, it is time to head over to Nan City and see what this historical city has to offer. It should take about 1.5 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 19th century restoration of the temple.
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 to drive to Sapan the next day.
Day 6: Sapan
After a night in Nan City, you can head north and make your way to Sapan. Along the way, 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 attire, 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.
Day 7: Phu Langka
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.
There is no need to rush today as Phu Langka is only around 3 hours away, and we will be spending overnight here because the true beauty of this place is in the morning when you can witness the beautiful sea of fog blanketing the dreamy landscape of Phu Langka.
Once you are done in Sapan, you can drive the same way back to Pua and head west until you cross the provincial line into Phayao, and make your way towards Phu Langka, hands down one of my favorite places in Northern Thailand.
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 booking 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 8: Phayao
After spending several days in nature, it's time to move on to Phayao City, a stunning lakeside city that reminds me of those beautiful lakeside cities in Europe. It should take about 2 hours to get from Phu Langka to Phayao, so again, there's no need to rush in the morning. Take in the scene at Phu Langka before you head out to Phayao.
Be sure to stop by Chiang Kham on your way to Phayao. 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.
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.
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 fly 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 back to Chiang Mai.
Day 9: Back to Chiang Mai
On the last day of this itinerary, you will have to drive back from Phayao to Chiang Mai, which shouldn't take you more than 3 hours. You can break the trip down and check out Wat Phra That Mae Chedi and Kwan Phayao (Dinosaur) Viewpoint as you make your way back to Chiang Mai.
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 along the Nan Loop 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 Travel the Nan Loop?
The best time to travel the Nan Loop 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 is 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 the Nan Loop?
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 the Nan Loop?
By Motorbike: One of the cheapest ways to get around the Nan Loop 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 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 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 roads along the Nan Loop.
By Car: Renting a car from Chiang Mai and driving around the Nan Loop 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 for the Nan Loop, you can book through here:
How Much Money Do I Need For 9 days traveling the Nan Loop?
From this two-week rough itinerary, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending along the Nan Loop as follows:
Accommodation: For 9 days traveling the Nan Loop, you can expect to pay a minimum of around 180 USD for accommodations.
Food: Food costs about 60 THB minimum in Thailand on average, so you can expect to pay around 1,620 THB (46.3 USD) for 9 days.
Transportation: For this itinerary, you can expect to pay approximately 11,000 THB (314 USD) for transportation, which includes car rental and gas for 9 days. This cost 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 1,000 THB (29 USD) for most activities you might do along the Nan Loop in 9 days.
Total budget for 9 days traveling the Nan Loop: 569.3 USD (19,924.64 THB)
Is it Safe along the Nan Loop?
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 motorbike, 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 drive a car around the Nan Loop. The roads in Northern Thailand can be extremely curvy and dangerous, 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 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.
- 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.
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 are 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.
- Want to get off the beaten track and really explore Northern Thailand? Check out: 2 Weeks Northern Thailand 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.
1 Comments
Your post is super helpful! Is it hard to find car parking at all of the locations you mentioned?