I recently received an email from someone with a seemingly pointless question. "Should we go to northern Thailand?" he wrote, without further explanation.

Only when I pressed them did I understand what they actually meant. "We don't want to travel all the way north just to visit Chiang Mai," they explained. "But we don't know if we'll have enough time to do justice to the entire region."

If you're facing a similar dilemma, don't worry – you've come to the right place. My itinerary through Northern Thailand will answer all your questions and much more.

How to get to Northern Thailand (and get around there)

If you're planning a trip through Northern Thailand, you probably already know that you'll need to travel to one of the regional transport hubs, usually Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. While you can take a train (ideally a night train) from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, flying to Chiang Rai is essential. Unless you have a particular interest in trains, I would almost always recommend flying, as it's both convenient and inexpensive.

As for transportation, there are several options. The centers of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Lampang are easily explored on foot, while songthaews (shared taxis) can cover longer distances. Long-distance buses and minivans run regularly between major hubs in northern Thailand, though some travelers prefer private taxis. Along the Mae Hong Son circuit, renting a motorbike or car is essential for getting around.

Travel destinations in Northern Thailand

Chiang Mai

It's no surprise that Chiang Mai is the most popular tourist destination in Northern Thailand. Explore the Old City (including the pedestrianized streets on Sundays) or the surrounding area, for example, Doi Suthep Temple or Doi Inthanon Mountain. Visit an elephant sanctuary, rent a motorbike and ride to waterfalls, or come in November for the Loy Krathong festival.

Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle

Another important part of this guidebook to Northern Thailand is Chiang Rai. Like Chiang Mai, the city boasts both attractions in the city center (the "white," black, and blue" temples Wat Rong Khun, Baan Dam, and Wat Rong Suea Ten) and a peripheral area known collectively as the Golden Triangle. Chiang Rai is also situated close to several coffee and tea plantations.

Lampang

I often say that Lampang feels like how I imagined Chiang Mai would be 50 years ago. This applies to both the city center along the Wang River and the Wat Chalermprakiat, the "Heavenly Temple," located far outside the city. Lampang is connected to Bangkok by plane and can be visited spontaneously from the capital – either for a day trip from Chiang Mai (a 90-minute drive away) or for a few nights as part of a trip to other destinations in northern Thailand.

Mae Hong Son

A travel blog about Northern Thailand would be incomplete without mentioning the Mae Hong Son loop. It's most often traveled by motorbike (although I rented a car myself). The route takes you not only through charming Mae Hong Son itself, but also through the alternative town of Pai, the riverside village of Mae Sariang, and countless other sights. I recommend allowing at least two to three nights for the counter-clockwise drive.

Phayao

Phayao isn't as glamorous as other places in northern Thailand. There aren't many typical tourist attractions; Phayao Lake (in the town center) and places like Wat Nantaram (a Burmese-style temple) and Phu Sang Waterfall are the province's highlights. In fact, it's probably the most relaxed and laid-back place in all of northern Thailand, which is quite special in itself.

Nan

Last but not least, Nan, which I would now call my favorite place in Northern Thailand (sorry, Lampang!). It's hard to say why, perhaps it's certain sights (like the imposing standing Buddha at Wat Phra That Khao Noi) that simply give you an incredible feeling of arrival, or maybe it's the warmth of the people. I did have an unpleasant experience here (maggots actually fell from the ceiling of my otherwise fantastic hotel room), but I hope that these memories will fade with time.

How much time do I need in Northern Thailand?

How much time you need for Northern Thailand depends entirely on how many places you want to visit and how thoroughly you want to explore them. When I lived in Bangkok, I knew many people who flew to Chiang Rai or Lampang for a weekend and were perfectly happy with that. However, if you want to visit all the destinations mentioned in this post, a comprehensive trip could take one to two weeks or longer.

There are two pieces of good news, no matter how many days you spend in Northern Thailand. First, even if you don't visit all the places you want or don't explore the areas you do visit as thoroughly as you'd like, you'll likely be satisfied with your experiences. Second, your current trip to Thailand is almost never your last – discover what you missed next time.

More frequently asked questions about visiting Northern Thailand

Is a trip to Northern Thailand worthwhile?

Northern Thailand is absolutely worth a visit, especially if you take the time to explore the region away from Chiang Mai's city center. While Chiang Mai is also a beautiful place, it's very touristy. The most beautiful spots in Northern Thailand are far from the tourist trails, where locals still make up the majority.

What is there to do in Northern Thailand?

Northern Thailand offers a wide range of activities, whether you travel back and forth between the temples in Nan or Phayao, explore waterfalls on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, visit coffee and tea plantations outside Chiang Rai, learn about the dark history of the Golden Triangle region, relax in Lampang, or admire the scenery along the Mae Hong Son Loop.

Should I travel to the north or the south of Thailand?

Northern and southern Thailand are so different that they almost feel like two separate countries. Ideally, you should visit both regions during your trip! Generally, however, the north is the better choice for travelers who prefer mountains to beaches and value a relaxed atmosphere over parties or revealing beach scenes.

Conclusion

My Northern Thailand itinerary is perfect whether you're splitting a long weekend between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai or have more time and desire to explore this lush region in greater depth. Northern Thailand offers so much more than just street food on Chiang Mai's Walking Street or a day trip to Chiang Rai's Golden Triangle – although both are absolutely unforgettable experiences. From Mae Hong Son to Lampang, and on to Phayao and Nan, the only limit to your exploration possibilities is the time you have available. Need help planning your trip? Request your personalized Thailand itinerary today!