Northern Thailand – 2-Week Itinerary – TREKwithBECK
Northern Thailand was the second stop of my world tour in 2023, and I spent a little over 2 weeks exploring this area. It was not enough, (is it ever enough?) I would recommend spending about a month here to really explore all the sights but if you are short on time and just want a taste of what Northern Thailand has to offer,then this itinerary is for you.
This itinerary also does follow the Banana Pancake trail, which is a popular backpacking route through Asia. You can follow this itinerary, head to Chiang Khong and then head into Laos via the Slow Boat.
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How to get to Northern Thailand
The best way to start exploring Northern Thailand is to either fly into Bangkok or Chiang Mai. If you are travelling internationally, you are most likely going to fly into Bangkok – which is why this is where this itinerary starts!
To find cheap flights to Bangkok, I always use Skyscanner – it’s the best way to find cheap flights!
How to travel around Thailand
Internally travelling through Thailand is extremely easy, it is probably one of the easiest countries to travel round. There is a really good bus and train system, which makes it easy for travellers to hop around the country. There is also a good flying network, where you can catch domestic flights easily.
I mainly used buses and Mini Vans on my travels as this was the cheapest and most convenient way. Majority of this type of transport (and trains), can be booked through the 12go Asia website. This is the website I use to book all my transport from trains to ferries while in Southeast Asia.
I also recommend downloading the Grab App, which is what I use for internal transport in cities. Grab is like Uber, except you can catch cars or scooters! I love catching scooters as its much quicker (sorry mum).
You can also rent a scooter to travel around Thailand, however, just keep in mind that it is illegal to drive a scooter over 50cc in Thailand without a motorcycle license and international license. This doesn’t mean people don’t do it, just something to keep in mind (and insurance won’t cover you!).
Day 1-3 Bangkok
Photo by Arnie Chou on Pexels.com
You’ll start off this Northern Thailand itinerary by flying from your home country to Bangkok. Once you land in this vibrant city, make your way to your hotel – depending on your flight time, rest tonight or head out and explore.
There is so much you can do in this city from rooftop bars with extortionary views, street markets, world class restaurants and mouth-watering street food. Massive shopping centres, nature parks, temples and much more. Head down to Khao San Road for an eventful night or to the Wang Lang Market for a more authentic experience.
I spend my 3 days in Bangkok eating my through the street vendors, it was marvellous – I highly recommend.
Day 4-6 Chiang Mai
The next few days will be spent in Chiang Mai, somewhere I wish I had more time as there is so much to do! Here you can visit temples, get lost in the many street markets, eat street food, shop, go hiking and much more. There is so much to do, you could easily spend a week here!
My top recommendations over the next 3 day are to visit an elephant sanctuary (an ethical one) – I recommend Chai Lai Orchid, where you can stay overnight and have a wakeup call by elephants! You can get a Sak Yant tattoo, a spiritual tattoo completed by a holy person. I highly recommend this place. Get out of the city and explore the outskirts! This is something I wasn’t able to do, but I wish I did because there looks like there’s a lot of beautiful sights.
There are 3 ways you can get to Chiang Mai, Bus, plane, or train. I personally flew because it was the shortest option and reasonably cheap. For the best flight deals, check out Skyscanner.
The bus and train can both be booked on 12go Asia. I will warn you; they are about 12-14hrs in duration. You can catch them during the day or night, and they are bout $50 AUD each. The flight was $70 and took 1.5hrs – the decision is yours!
Day 7-9 Pai
Photo by Bruno Bueno on Pexels.com
Pai is a beautiful small town that is worth a short visit, if you don’t like having a lazy morning or doing Muay Thai – maybe skip this. I was in Pai for a one-week Muay Thai bootcamp, but if you come here just to visit, there isn’t that much to do. I spent a lot of my time training or eating. The food scene in Pai is amazing and I recommend eating as much as you can, the walking street is also amazing!
There are a few waterfalls and things to see around Pai, but it is a very laid-back place. This can actually be nice, as a lot of other places in Thailand can be buzzing with energy (sometimes it’s over stimulating).
You can read my blog about the best places to eat in Pai here.
There are two ways to get to Pai, bus or taxi. Bus is the way cheaper option and will only cost $15-20 AUD. Head down to Chiang Mai bus terminal 2 and catch a minivan headed to Pai. The main company that operates these transfers are Prem Pracha and can be booked online. You will be allocated a seat on your ticket, and I recommend motion sickness tablets. It is an extremely windy road, and the drivers drive fast. I don’t usually get motion sickness, but this bus ride got me – both times.
If you are travelling in peak season, make sure you book your bus tickets in advance! Or you might have to wait around at the bus station for a spot to open. These tickets can be booked on 12go Asia.
Day 10 -11 Chiang Mai
Today is simply here to split up travel days and give a bit of a rest, or else you would be travelling for 8-9hrs to get to Chiang Rai. If you want another day in Chiang Rai, you can make this a complete travel day!
You will catch the minivan bus back from the ‘Pai Bus Station’ where you were dropped off, in the centre of town. You will need to show your online ticket to the counter, and they will tell you what bus you are one.
I do recommend booking your bus tickets to and from Pai in advance on 12go Asia.
Day 12 – 14 Chiang Rai
The final stop on this Northern Thailand itinerary! Chiang Rai is a small town filled with the most incredible temples. Surrounded by lush nature and mountainous regions, it’s worth a visit. I highly recommend visiting the White Temple and Blue Temple, as well as heading to the mountainous regions if possible!
You can read my guide about what to do in Chiang Rai here.
From Chaing Rai it is extremely easy to continue your journey into Laos. You can easily catch a bus to Chiang Khong to catch the slow boat the following morning, or straight to the border to cross in the same day.
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Chiang Rai, is by bus. Again, these can be booked on 12go Asia and its best to book in advance. There are multiple buses you can choose from, basic to VIP. I caught a VIP bus which cost me $17 AUD and was luxurious. The bus ride should take 3-4 hrs.
You can also fly to Chiang Rai from Ching Mai, but this includes a stop over and will take about 4-5hrs.
Conclusion
Is two weeks enough time to see the beautiful sights of Northern Thailand? Definitely not. However, it is enough to get a taste! This allowed me to pick my favourite spots, places I’d love to go back and visit and places I probably wouldn’t visit again. This itinerary is great for first timers or people who just want to get a taste of what Northern Thailand has to offer. Happy travelling!
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