A 10-Day Itinerary of Northern Thailand

Culture, Food, and Jungle Trekking

Dreaming of a phenomenal trip around Northern Thailand but feeling a bit overwhelmed on where to begin, the ideal destinations, the budget, or the timeframe? This itinerary will let you take in all of the big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food. Let this be your travel guide, providing everything you need to put together a fantastic 10-day journey around the region.

The reasons to visit Northern Thailand are plentiful. You'll find vibrant culture, delicious food, active nightlife, historical sights, and jungle trekking. Below we'll start with some of the highlights of the area before working through the specifics of the route, budget, things to do, where to stay, and more.

This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:

1. Bangkok (2 days)
2. Kanchanaburi (1 day)
3. Ayutthaya (1 day)
4. Chiang Mai (3 days)
5. Chiang Rai (2 days)
6. Pai (1 day)

The Marble Palace, Bangkok

Itinerary Highlights

• Great for couples
• Family-friendly
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Big City Activities
• Delicious Food
• Historic Sites
• Hiking
• Nightlife
• Beautiful Locations

Northern Thailand is known for its large cities full of sights, attractions, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, and more. By taking some time to explore some of the larger cities, you'll not only have a fun trip, but you'll get a chance to experience the unique culture and vibrant city attractions. With plenty of big city activities, Bangkok and Chiang Mai shouldn't be missed.

Delicious food is one of the main reasons why many people travel, and a trip to Northern Thailand is no exception. You'll find so many amazing restaurants and local dishes worth tasting on this trip, so throw that diet plan away when you come. The food in Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai is especially delicious.

So much history is to be found in Northern Thailand. Don't miss the historic architecture, museums, and charming vibe of the area.

The hiking in Northern Thailand is top-notch, so don't miss it. Be sure to set aside some time to hit the local trails for epic views, fresh air, and plenty of exercise, too. Some of the best hiking trails are found around Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Northern Thailand has plenty of hot nightlife spots that are worth visiting. The nightlife in Chiang Mai and Bangkok is especially festive.

The stunning scenery of Northern Thailand is one of the main reasons visitors come to this region. Bring your camera, as it's even better in person. You don't want to miss Bangkok and Chiang Mai for the beautiful scenery.

Don't want to plan everything yourself? Maybe you should consider an organized tour that takes away all of the stress of planning. Check out our articles for guided tour packages here: The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand.

See All Guided Tours in Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand

When is the best time to visit?

If you're looking to escape the cold weather for a warmer destination, then Northern Thailand is for you. It's a popular getaway with travelers not just because of the great weather, but also for the many activities and attractions. It can get quite popular in the winter, so plan ahead.

Summer is a very popular time of year for a trip to Northern Thailand. While you might experience plenty of crowds, everything will be open and accessible.

Who is this itinerary for?

Let's make sure to talk about the romantic aspects of Northern Thailand. It's known to be such a great couples' destination. If you're traveling with your loved one, you're in for a treat. For romantic charm, Chiang Rai, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai especially should not be missed.

Northern Thailand makes for a terrific family-friendly trip. You'll find a good number of kid-friendly activities on this journey. In the sections below, we'll cover this in more detail so that the entire family has an amazing trip. For example, families love all of the activities in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai.

Plenty of budget-friendly and backpacker-friendly travel options are available in the area, too. From affordable hostels and budget-friendly hotels, to free activities, affordable food options, and a great social vibe, you can have a great trip if you're on a shoestring budget. For example, the range of hostels and low-cost activities in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Ayutthaya tend to favor budget travelers.

Rice Fields near Chiang Mai

Transportation

Getting around between these destinations in Northern Thailand isn't too difficult. Most of these places are around 4 hours apart.

We've planned this as a one-way journey from Bangkok to Pai because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Pai instead of Bangkok. To get to Bangkok, you can see flight prices and schedules here.

While expensive, flights are a quick way to get from city to city with this itinerary. For the most part, it's usually the fastest way to get around, especially for the longest routes. You'll want to plan in advance, so check out the flight schedules, ticket prices, and availability beforehand.

Traveling by train through Northern Thailand is not only easy, but also affordable and efficient. While trains connect major cities very quickly, getting to smaller destinations can sometimes take a little more time. Some smaller towns may even require connecting to local buses. But generally, it's easy to get around if you stick to the main routes, and you'll be able to sit back and admire the views out the window. Check out the ticket prices and schedules ahead of time, too.

Generally speaking, buses are a great way to get around in the area. They are very affordable, quick, and easy. If you're traveling on a budget and don't want to drive yourself, check out the price options and consider this as a great alternative to other methods of transport.

A great way to get around with this itinerary is by car. If you don't bring your own, you'll definitely want to rent a car to get from place to place. This will give you the most freedom and flexibility on your trip through Northern Thailand, as you'll be able to set your own schedule and stop when you want.

Is 10 days enough time in Northern Thailand?

Yes, 10 days is generally enough time to see the major destinations of Northern Thailand. We have planned out this itinerary in such a way so that you can take in these destinations in 10 days while having a relaxing and enjoyable trip. You could always spend more time in the area if you want to visit more of the local sights, or spend even more time in each destination. Plenty of day trip options are available, after all. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can modify this suggested itinerary to make it shorter. Cutting out a few places would save you time, although we don't recommended it as you really need around 10 days to see everything.

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

How much does a 10-day trip to Northern Thailand cost?

The estimated budget breakdown for this 10-day trip through Northern Thailand is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.

From these calculations, the estimated cost for this 10-day itinerary of Northern Thailand costs $733 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.

Accommodation Costs

Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Northern Thailand based on calculated averages.

Hotel Prices

For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.

Hostel Prices

If you're looking to save some money on your trip, hostels are a great option for younger travelers or solo travelers. The prices below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel for each place. While you give up privacy in a hostel dorm, the atmosphere is usually very social and offers a great opportunity to make new friends along the way. Many hostels also offer private rooms for higher prices than dorms. Many also offer kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data provided by HostelWorld.

Northern Thailand Itinerary

1. Bangkok

2 Days

Bangkok is the colorful capital city of Thailand. It is filled with temples and religious sights as well as shopping centers and markets. There is a network of canals and the Chao Phraya River is filled with boats. The city has many high end hotels as well as backpacker meccas and everything in between.

Bangkok offers big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.

Travelers visit Bangkok from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. You'll probably have trouble prioritizing what to see with so many options, so it's best to make a plan.

Eat your way through Bangkok, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.

This is one of the most popular destinations in the world for nightlife. It's considered by many to be a fun party-oriented capital city, and is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once to experience.

Since Bangkok is one of the premier shopping cities in the world, make sure you spend some time perusing the local shops.

What to See in Bangkok

How to Spend 2 Days in Bangkok

Day 1:

When visiting Bangkok, you can't miss the Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it.

The delicious food of Bangkok is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this capital city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

Public transit in Bangkok is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the capital city quite easily. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

Day 2:

Bangkok is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

The Royal Barges Museum is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for families and couples. Known for its magnificent collection of ornate royal barges, entry is ฿100.

You'll want to have around 2 hours for MOCA. It's a nice activity for families and is known for its diverse collection of contemporary Thai art. It's ฿280 ($8) with free admission for students.

Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for The Bangkok National Museum, which is ฿200. It's great for any traveler and is known for its extensive collection of artifacts and artworks.

You'll want to have around 2 hours for The Jim Thompson House. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its traditional Thai teakwood houses and extensive art collection. It's ฿200 ($5), or ฿100 for children ages 10-21, and free entry for children under 10 with an adult.

Make sure to set aside around 4 hours for The Grand Palace, which is ฿500. It's great for couples and is known for its stunning architecture and royal history.

You'll want to have around 1 hour for Wat Pho. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its massive reclining Buddha statue and traditional Thai massage school. It's ฿300 ($8) with free entry for children. Massages are also available for a fee, depending on the duration.

Wat Arun is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its striking spires adorned with colorful porcelain tiles, entry is ฿50.

It's worth around 2 hours for Wat Traimit. Entry is ฿40 ($1.25), and appropriate dress is required. It's known for its massive solid gold Buddha statue and cultural significance.

This capital city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

Day Trips from Bangkok

Several terrific day trip options are available from Bangkok to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.

• Amazing Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok ($173)
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• Private Tour: Kanchanaburi Historical Day Trip from Bangkok ($192)
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• Chachoengsao Day Trip Including Bang Pakong River Cruise from Bangkok ($132)
  See Details

More Activities

You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Bangkok. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.

See More Activities and Tours for Bangkok

For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Bangkok, The Best Floating Market Tours in Bangkok, The Best Wat and Temple Tours in Bangkok, and The Best Boat and Cruise Tours in Bangkok.

Bangkok Costs

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Bangkok is $105 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Bangkok here.

Accommodation

Hotels

The average hotel room price in Bangkok is $25 based on the average from 1212 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Bangkok here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Bangkok, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $15. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Bangkok here.

Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi.

Taking a bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.

2. Kanchanaburi

1 Day

Kanchanaburi is a town that is located on the River Kwai. It is the location of the notorious Death Railway Bridge, which was made famous by the movie "Bridge on the River Kwai". The line crosses the river, and visitors may walk or take a train across. There are also museums and cemeteries that allow visitors to learn and reflect on the dark past.

What to See in Kanchanaburi

How to Spend 1 Day in Kanchanaburi

You'll want to maximize your time in Kanchanaburi by spending as much time as you can at the Death Railway Bridge ("the Bridge on the River Kwai"), so plan your schedule accordingly. It's known for its dark history during World War II as well as the many nearby national parks, and you don't want to miss it.

The easiest way to get around town is by tuk tuk or songthaew (pick up truck).

There is a Walking Street in the town that has restaurants and nightlife.

While food isn't the first thing that comes to mind here, you'll find markets with great street food as well as interesting riverside and floating restaurants. A local specialty that you should try is the gaeng paa pla khang (jungle curry). There are also western style restaurants if you need a break from the curry. Many visitors head to Mae Nam Khwae Road for most of their meals.

The backpacker scene keeps the nightlife active. You'll find locals and tourists mingling along Maenam Kwai Road. You'll also find several clubs along Song Kwae Road.

More Activities

You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Kanchanaburi. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.

See More Activities and Tours for Kanchanaburi

For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Kwai Bridge Tours in Kanchanaburi, The Best Waterfall Tours in Kanchanaburi, The Best Death Railway Train Tours in Kanchanaburi, and The Best Cycling Tours in Kanchanaburi.

Kanchanaburi Costs

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Kanchanaburi is $58 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Kanchanaburi here.

Accommodation

Hotels

The average hotel room price in Kanchanaburi is $29 based on the average from 79 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Kanchanaburi here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Kanchanaburi, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $11. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Kanchanaburi here.

Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya.

Taking a bus from Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.

3. Ayutthaya

1 Day

Ayutthaya is a city near the Ayutthaya Historical Park. It is only about 80 kilometers from Bangkok and makes and great day trip. It's a very popular tourist attraction, as the city served as the capital of Siam from 1350 until 1767. Today you'll find the impressive ruins of temples, palaces, and monasteries.

What to See in Ayutthaya

How to Spend 1 Day in Ayutthaya

You'll want to maximize your time in Ayutthaya by spending as much time as you can at Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park, so plan your schedule accordingly. It's known for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok, and you don't want to miss it.

There are organized tours and private tuk tuks for hire that will take you to the various temples. There are also bicycles available for rent, but roads can be crowded.

The local cuisine makes use of the area's freshwater fish, green vegetables, and river prawns. Dishes often include rice noodles and a spicy sauce. There are many restaurants that cater to the tourist crowds but still serve high quality dishes.

There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Ayutthaya Temple Tours, Ayutthaya Historical Park, The Ayutthaya Floating Market, and Bang Pa-In Royal Palace.

Ayutthaya Costs

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Ayutthaya is $86 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Ayutthaya here.

Accommodation

Hotels

The average hotel room price in Ayutthaya is $27 based on the average from 69 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Ayutthaya here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Ayutthaya, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $9. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Ayutthaya here.

Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai.

Taking a bus from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.

4. Chiang Mai

3 Days

Chiang Mai is a cultural city that's located in the mountainous part of northern Thailand. The city has many temples, a famous night market, and a unique cuisine that is among the best in the country. Many visitors book treks into the countryside from Chiang Mai and the city has become a popular destination for digital nomads.

Chiang Mai offers museums, hiking, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.

Travelers visit Chiang Mai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. You'll probably have trouble prioritizing what to see with so many options, so it's best to make a plan.

Eat your way through Chiang Mai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.

Hiking in the area is world-class, and people come from far and wide to explore the area's many trails and views. Set aside some time while you're here to hike.

Since Chiang Mai is one of the premier shopping cities in the world, make sure you spend some time perusing the local shops.

What to See in Chiang Mai

How to Spend 3 Days in Chiang Mai

Day 1:

Chiang Mai is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

It's worth around 3 hours for The Chiang Mai National Museum. Entry is free. It's known for its cultural heritage exhibits and archaeological finds.

You'll want to have around 2 hours for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its panoramic views and sacred relic of Buddha's shoulder bone. It's ฿ (less than $1) for foreigners.

Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for Wat Pha Lat, which is free. It's great for couples and is known for its lush jungle setting and tranquil atmosphere.

It's worth around 2 hours for Wat Umong. Entry is free. It's known for its unique underground tunnels and serene forest setting.

You'll want to have around 1 hour for Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its massive ruined chedi and historical significance. It's free.

You'll want to have around 1 hour for Wat Phra Singh. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for its elegant Lanna architecture and revered Buddha image. It's free.

The culinary scene in Chiang Mai is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

The public transit in Chiang Mai is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

Day 2:

Known for it's hiking, Chiang Mai sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

Day 3:

Shopping in Chiang Mai is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

The Saturday Night Market is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its lively atmosphere and diverse range of goods, entry is free.

The Sunday Walking Street is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for backpackers. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, handmade crafts, and street food, entry is free.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for backpackers. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of goods, entry is free.

Chiang Mai is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It is famous for it's beautiful surrounding countryside where visitors often enjoy trekking and getting out in nature. The city is also filled with historic temples, night markets, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Day Trips from Chiang Mai

Several terrific day trip options are available from Chiang Mai to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.

• City Escape: Doi Inthanon & Karen Village Private Day Trip ($223)
  See Details
• Chiangrai day trip Private Tour ($145)
  See Details
• Inthanon Day Trip from Chiang Mai with Lunch - Group or Private ($76)
  See Details

More Activities

You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Chiang Mai. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.

See More Activities and Tours for Chiang Mai

For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Doi Inthanon National Park Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best Waterfall Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best Temple Tours in Chiang Mai, and The Best Thai Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Costs

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Chiang Mai is $60 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Chiang Mai here.

Accommodation

Hotels

The average hotel room price in Chiang Mai is $22 based on the average from 563 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Chiang Mai here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Chiang Mai, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $10. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Chiang Mai here.

Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

Taking a bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.

5. Chiang Rai

2 Days

Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, is surrounded by mountains and filled with beautiful temples. It sits on the borders with Laos and Myanmar and it is a gateway to the Golden Triangle.

Chiang Rai offers museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples and families due to all of the activities.

Travelers visit Chiang Rai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. You'll probably have trouble prioritizing what to see with so many options, so it's best to make a plan.

Eat your way through Chiang Rai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.

What to See in Chiang Rai

How to Spend 2 Days in Chiang Rai

Day 1:

Chiang Rai is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. The Old City is filled with breathtaking temples and cultural sites. Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is an iconic sight, but you should also visit the Black House, and Wat Rong Seua Ten (the Blue Temple). Wat Tham Pla is the Monkey Temple and has a dramatic effect with its steep staircase. It's a short drive from Chiang Rai, but worth the trip as it's overrun with monkeys.

Make sure to set aside around 1 hour for The Clock Tower, which is free. It's great for families and couples and is known for its elegant design and nightly light shows.

It's worth around 3 hours for The Blue Temple. Entry is free. It's known for its vibrant blue exterior and elaborate artwork.

You'll want to have around 3 hours for The White Temple. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for its stunning white architecture and intricate design. It's free.

Wat Phra Kaew is worth visiting for around 2 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its sacred statue of the Emerald Buddha, entry is free.

The culinary scene in Chiang Rai is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The regional cuisine is famous for its unique dishes and flavors. It's slightly less spicy than the southern Thai cuisine and the dishes are rich in flavor. Northern Thai sausage is a must-try dish, as is Khao Soi Curry, and Khao Soi Gai Nong (coconut curry and chicken soup).

Chiang Rai is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The old city is easy to explore on foot.

Day 2:

Don't miss Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) during your trip to Chiang Rai, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The small city has a laid back nightlife scene with a number of bars and cafes along Jetyod Road. You'll find a mix of expats and locals, without the usual backpacker crowds that are common in some cities.

Day Trips from Chiang Rai

Several terrific day trip options are available from Chiang Rai to nearby destinations. This is a great chance to see some nearby sights in a convenient way. Booking a day-trip tour is an easy and affordable way to experience one of these destinations, although it's usually possible to do it on your own if you like.

• Day Trip to Chiang Rai & White Temple from Chiangrai ($112)
  See Details
• Chiang Rai Day Trip from Chiang Mai Golden Triangle & Long Neck Tribe with Boat ($96)
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More Activities

You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Chiang Rai. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.

See More Activities and Tours for Chiang Rai

For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Golden Triangle Tours from Chiang Rai, The Best Market Tours in Chiang Rai, The Best Temple Tours around Chiang Rai, and The Best Trekking Tours from Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai Costs

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Chiang Rai is $53 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Chiang Rai here.

Accommodation

Hotels

The average hotel room price in Chiang Rai is $19 based on the average from 126 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Chiang Rai here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Chiang Rai, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $9. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Chiang Rai here.

Transportation

If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Chiang Rai to Pai.

Taking a bus from Chiang Rai to Pai is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.

6. Pai

1 Day

As the lush green mountains adorn the blue horizon amidst its creamy clouds, Pai, in northern Thailand, works as one of the many hubs for some of the world's most exciting cultural adventures and natural wonders. Within this small town just north of the Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, Pai lays on the Pai River and holds a population of no more than 2,500. Despite its geographical insignificance, this town attracts a wide array of tourists. From breathtaking waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, you will find yourself astonished at how much this little city holds within its borders.

Pai Costs

Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Pai is $91 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Pai here.

Accommodation

Hotels

The average hotel room price in Pai is $23 based on the average from 110 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Pai here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Pai, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $7. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Pai here.

Final Transportation

As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.

Next Steps

So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your 10-day trip in Northern Thailand, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!

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