Why Northern Thailand Should Be on Your Bucket List - Ultimate Itinerary

Northern Thailand is an absolute must-see for anyone exploring the Land of Smiles. It’s not just about the temples—although there are plenty of breathtaking ones to admire. What truly makes the north special is its authentic local charm, vibrant culture, and incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences.

From the bustling streets of Chiang Mai to the serenity of tiny hilltop villages, this region offers a deeper, more immersive look into Thai life. Picture yourself wandering through lush green rice fields, sipping tea in a lakeside Chinese village, soaking in natural hot springs, or chatting with locals at colorful day and night markets. Here, you won’t just see Thailand—you’ll feel it.

This ultimate 14-day guide covers everything you need to plan your adventure: how to get there, where to go, what to do, and insider tips to help you make the most of every moment.

Temple in Chiang Mai

Our Road Trip Overview

We spent two and a half months exploring Thailand — with about two months island hopping in the south, and around three weeks discovering the vibrant city life of Bangkok and the beautiful landscapes of northern Thailand. We kicked off our road trip in the charming city of Chiang Mai. To get there, we opted for a sleeper train from Bangkok. Alternatively, Chiang Mai is easily accessible by air, with an international airport that welcomes direct flights from several major cities, making it a convenient starting point for any Northern Thailand adventure.

We aimed to balance iconic must-see spots with off-the-beaten-path hidden gems, and based on our experience, here’s our perfect 14-day itinerary for exploring Thailand.

How to Get Around North of Thailand

There are three main ways to explore Northern Thailand: you can hop on buses or vans to get from one spot to another, or choose to rent a car or a motorbike. We opted for a car—and we have no regrets. It was the perfect choice for us, giving us the freedom and comfort to explore at our own pace. By the end of the trip, we had driven over 1,700 kilometers!

We also considered taking the bus or renting a motorbike. While buses are affordable, they offer less freedom and don’t allow for spontaneous stops to explore hidden spots along the way. Motorbikes sounded tempting, but since we covered long distances, we worried about comfort—plus, dealing with rain and carrying our bags would have been tricky. That’s why the car was the best fit for our adventure.

Road Trip Stops

#1 Chiang Mai – 3 Nights

A vibrant and cultural starting point. Chiang Mai’s charming Old City is packed with temples—over 300, in fact! It’s a great place to wander and soak up the atmosphere, but don’t stress about seeing them all—just pick a few and enjoy the experience.

#2 Doi Inthanon National Park – 2 Nights

Welcome to the rooftop of Thailand. Doi Inthanon is all about nature, waterfalls, and fresh mountain air. There are several scenic trails to explore—many of which you will need a local guide from the nearby hill tribe villages. A peaceful escape into the wild.

#3 Mae Hong Son – 1 Night

A quiet mountain town with a serene atmosphere. It’s a small place, but full of charm. Don’t miss the bamboo bridge—it’s a beautiful and peaceful walk, especially at sunrise or sunset.

#4 Ban Rak Thai – 1 Night

A picturesque lakeside village with Chinese roots, surrounded by lush tea plantations. The food here is unique—be sure to try the local specialties. And yes, there's wine tasting (a surprinsing one)!

#5 Pai – 2 Nights

Hippie vibes, natural hot springs, canyons, and epic sunsets. Pai’s night market is a must—think food trucks with a hipster twist nestled among classic Thai street food stalls.

#6 Chiang Saen (Golden Triangle) – 1 Night

Where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar. It’s a special feeling to stand at the meeting point of three countries. A boat ride along the Mekong is highly recommended.

#7 Chiang Rai – 2 Nights

Home to some of the most striking temples in Thailand. Don’t miss the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the intriguing Black House (Baan Dam). Each one is wildly different and fascinating in its own way.

#8 Phayao – 1 Night

A sleepy lakeside town that still flies under the tourist radar. It was the perfect peaceful stop before heading back to Chiang Mai. We had dinner by the water and reminisced about the past two unforgettable weeks.

Back to Chiang Mai – 1 Night

One last night in Chiang Mai to wrap up the adventure—perfect for some final shopping, a foot massage, or simply one more bowl of khao soi!