Planning a Northern Thailand itinerary and wondering how to plan your route to see as much as possible while maximizing your time?
This itinerary covers all the must-visit places in Northern Thailand as well as some hidden gems!
I’ll also tell you how to travel between each destination and provide suggestions on the best places to stay.
With this North Thailand itinerary, you’ll be able to experience Bangkok’s bustling city vibes, immerse yourself in the local culture of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, learn about the dark history of Kanchanaburi, and explore the ruins of Ayutthaya, all the while sampling the unique local cuisine!
So keep reading to find out how to plan the perfect Northern Thailand itinerary for 7 days, 10 days, or up to 2 weeks.
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Read more about Thailand:
- What to do in Chiang Mai in 3 to 5 days
- Guide to planning a Chiang Rai itinerary
- Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Which is better?
- Kanchanaburi travel itinerary
- Top things to do in Bangkok in 4 days
Northern Thailand Itinerary: Best places to visit
Bangkok: 1-4 days
Your Northern Thailand itinerary begins in Bangkok, famous for its Buddhist temples, shopping malls, and mouth-watering food.
I recommend spending at least 2 to 4 days in Bangkok so you have enough time to get over jet lag and also visit some of the main tourist attractions.
Best things to do in Bangkok:
- Check out the Grand Palace, the former residence of the Kings of Thailand and Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Check price for a guided tour here.
- Temple hopping to Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Suthat, Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat), Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket), and Wat Benchamabophit. Check price for a Bangkok temple tour here.
- Get a bird’s eye view of the city from King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk. Get discounted tickets here.
- Explore Chinatown and indulge in street food at the night market.
- Shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market.
- Check out the shopping malls such as MBK Center, Platinum Fashion Mall, ICONSIAM, Siam Paragon, etc.
- Take a scenic cruise along Chao Phraya River as you feast on a delicious buffet dinner.
- Go on a street food tour and eat at Michelin-starred restaurants and street food stalls.
- Visit Amphawa Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market. Since both are located outside of the city center, it’s recommended to book a guided tour.
Related post: Ultimate Bangkok itinerary for 4 days
Where to stay in Bangkok?
Luxury: Get a taste of luxury at Chatrium Grand Bangkok. The hotel has an outdoor pool and gym and boasts spacious rooms with great views. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of the metro station, providing easy access to the tourist attractions. Check price here.
Mid-range: Amara Bangkok Hotel is also conveniently located near the metro station. It has an infinity pool with one of the best views in Bangkok as well as a sky bar. Check price here.
Budget: Talakkia Boutique Hotel is a budget hotel situated within walking distance of Chinatown. Rooms are small but clean and have a private bathroom. It’s also very quiet a night. Check price here.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN BANGKOK
Chiang Mai: 2-5 days
With an abundance of temples (over 300!), national parks home to stunning viewpoints and waterfalls, and some of the best night markets in all of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a must-visit on any Northern Thailand itinerary!
There’s so much to do in Chiang Mai that you could spend several weeks there and still find new things to do!
But if you’re short on time, 2 to 5 days in Chiang Mai should be enough to get a taste of this incredible province in Northern Thailand.
Best things to do in Chiang Mai:
- Temple hopping around the Old Town – Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Silver Temple, Wat Lok Moli, etc. Check price for a guided temple tour here.
- Check out one of the many Chiang Mai Night Markets. The Saturday and Sunday night markets are the most popular ones.
- Day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park. Check price for a guided tour here.
- Take in the view from Doi Suthep Temple.
- Day trip to Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall. Check price for a guided tour here.
- Check out the waterfalls near Chiang Mai like Montha Than, Huai Kaeo, Mae Sa and Mok Fa.
- Go hiking in Chiang Mai. The best and easiest one is the Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat temple.
- Take a Thai cooking class.
- Visit the underrated Wat Phra That Doi Saket temple.
Related post: Chiang Mai itinerary for first-time visitors
Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
Luxury: 99 The Heritage Hotel is located right in the middle of the Old Town. Rooms are beautifully decorated, plus the hotel has a nice swimming pool. Check price here.
Mid-Range: El Barrio Lanna is great for those looking for a quiet hotel but still want to be near the attractions, restaurants, and cafes. Rooms are spacious and have either a twin or double bed. There’s also an outdoor pool. Check price here.
Budget: Located less than 200 meters from Wat Phra Singh with plenty of restaurants nearby, Sleep Walker Poshtel offers double and family rooms at affordable prices. Check price here.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN CHIANG MAI
How to get to Chiang Mai?
Plane: If you’re planning a 7-day Northern Thailand itinerary, I recommend taking a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai so you don’t waste time. The flight duration is only about 1h15.
Train: If you’re on a budget or spending more days in Northern Thailand, you can instead take a sleeper train to Chiang Mai. The train takes on average 10-13 hours and tickets cost about 700-1400 baht depending on the cabin class, time of the day, and whether you choose the lower or upper bed.
Bus: Buses are also available and cost about 650 baht. The journey takes about 9 hours.
BOOK A TRANSFER FROM BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI HERE
Chiang Rai: 2-3 days
The next stop on your itinerary for Northern Thailand is Chiang Rai.
This underrated province is home to unique temples, waterfalls, mountains, scenic rice fields and tea plantations. There are also a few night markets that are worth visiting.
Most people visit Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai but I would actually recommend spending at least 2 days in Chiang Rai so your itinerary doesn’t feel too rushed.
Best things to do in Chiang Rai:
- Visit the Chiang Rai temples – White Temple, Blue Temple, Wat Huay Pla Kang, and Wat Phra That Doi Khao Kwai.
- Go on a hike to Khun Korn Waterfall.
- Sample street food at the night markets in Chiang Rai.
- Have lunch with a view at Choui Fong Tea Plantation.
- Day trip to the Golden Triangle to check out the Thailand-Laos-Myanmar border.
Related post: Ultimate itinerary for Chiang Rai Thailand
Where to stay in Chiang Rai?
Luxury: Conveniently located in Chiang Rai city center, Le Patta Hotel offers spacious rooms and a beautiful outdoor pool. Check price here.
Mid-Range: Sleepy House is located within walking distance of the bus station and Chiang Rai Night Bazaar. Rooms are cozy and clean and free breakfast is included in the room rate. Check price here.
Budget: Also located in the city center, Baan Mai Kradan Hostel is great for budget and solo travelers. Free breakfast is included in the room rate. Check price here.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN CHIANG RAI
How to get to Chiang Rai?
Bus: Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai depart every 30 minutes from 7 a.m to 6 p.m and the total journey takes about 3.5 hours. Tickets cost about 270 baht or more depending on the time. Make sure to book a few days in advance as they may sell out.
Taxi: If you’re traveling with a group, you can instead book a private taxi.
Note that there are no direct flights between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Ayutthaya: 1 day
Established in 1350, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam and one of the most important trading ports in Asia.
Ayutthaya is best visited as a day trip from Bangkok and is the perfect place to visit for history and architecture lovers.
Temples to visit in Ayutthaya:
- Wat Mahathat (Buddha head)
- Wat Phra Si Sanphet
- Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
- Wat Phra Ram
- Wat Lokaya Sutharam
- Wat Kasattrathirat
- Wat Chaiwatthanaram
How to get to Ayutthaya?
After you’re done exploring Chiang Rai, take a flight back to Bangkok.
Once you arrive in Bangkok, take the local train to Ayutthaya which should take about 2 hours. You can also get there by train, bus, taxi, or guided tour.
I’ve written a comprehensive guide on how to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, so make sure to read it for more details.
Related post: Guide to planning an Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok
Kanchanaburi: 2-3 days
Located about 140 km west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi was by far the highlight of my Northern Thailand itinerary!
Kanchanaburi offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and culture.
There are so many things to do here – from learning about the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway link to walking across the River Kwai Bridge, hiking at the beautiful Erawan Falls, or exploring the many temples, so I recommend staying at least 2 days in Kanchanaburi.
Best things to do in Kanchanaburi:
- Walk along the River Kwai bridge and watch the train pass by.
- Take a day trip from Kanchanaburi to Erawan Falls.
- Visit the Kanchanaburi temples – Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple), Tham Kaew Kanchanaphisek, Wat Ban Tham, Wat Tham Khao Pun, Wat Thaworn Wararam.
- Have lunch with a view at Meena Café.
- Sample street food at JJ Night Market.
- Learn about the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway link at the Death Railway Museum and War Cemetery.
- Ride along the Death Railway by train to visit Tham Krasae Bridge & Cave.
Related post: Ultimate Kanchanaburi itinerary
Where to stay in Kanchanaburi?
For those on a budget, I highly recommend Thyme Xeriscape Hostel which is located within walking distance of the train station. They offer both private rooms and dorms. Water, tea, and coffee are provided free of charge.
Alternatively, you can stay at Good Times Resort or Natee The Riverfront Hotel.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN KANCHANABURI
How to get to Kanchanaburi?
Train: The most popular way to get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok is to take the local train. 3rd class tickets cost 100 baht per person. The train departs only twice a day at 7.45 a.m and 1.55 p.m from Thon Buri station (check the timetable here). The journey takes about 3 hours.
Bus/Mini-van: If the train schedule doesn’t work for you, you can instead take a bus from Mochit van terminal in Bangkok. Buses depart every hour and tickets cost about 140 baht per person. The journey takes about 3 hours.
Ratchaburi: 1 day
For those planning to spend 2 weeks in Northern Thailand, I also recommend visiting Ratchaburi. There isn’t a lot to do here, so one day should be enough.
Best things to do in Ratchaburi:
- Visit the Maeklong Railway Market which is literally set along a railway track! When the train passes, vendors have to quickly remove their goods from the train track.
- Take a walk around Hin Khao Ngu Stone Park.
- Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites bathe in colorful lights at Khao Bin Cave.
- Admire the view from Wat Nong Hoi temple.
- Visit Wat Khao Chong Phran temple at sunset to see thousands of bats flying.
Where to stay in Ratchaburi?
If you’re on a budget I recommend staying at Happy Home. The hotel is located within walking distance of the train station with plenty of restaurants nearby. Rooms are very spacious and clean with large bay windows overlooking the city.
Alternatively, you can stay at Hotel Wisma or Navela Hotel.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN RATCHABURI
How to get to Ratchaburi?
Bus: To get to Ratchaburi, take a local bus from Kanchanaburi bus terminal. Tickets cost about 70 baht and the journey takes about 2.5-3 hours.
Day by Day Northern Thailand Itinerary Ideas
Now that you know about the best places to visit in Northern Thailand, I’m going to share 3 suggested itineraries for 7 days, 10 days, and 2 weeks.
Feel free to follow the exact route or modify the itineraries according to your interests and travel style.
7 Day Northern Thailand Itinerary
Day 1 – Bangkok: Arrive in Bangkok. If you’re not too jet lagged, check out the Grand Palace or Wat Arun and Wat Pho. In the evening, take a night train (13 hours) or flight (1h15) from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Day 2 – Chiang Mai: Wander around Chiang Mai Old Town and visit the temples or explore further out to Doi Suthep Temple. Check out a night market in the evening.
Day 3 – Chiang Mai: Take a day trip from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park or Sticky Waterfall.
Day 4 – Chiang Rai: Take a bus to Chiang Rai (3 hours). Take a walk around town to visit some temples and then check out the night market in the evening.
Day 5 – Chiang Rai: Visit the Blue Temple, White Temple, Khun Korn Waterfall, and Wat Huay Pla Kang temple.
Day 6 – Golden Triangle: Take a day trip from Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle. Check out Choui Fong Tea Plantation along the way.
Day 7 – Bangkok: Morning flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok (1h25) and then fly back home. If you have time before your flight, visit King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk.
10 Day Northern Thailand Itinerary
Day 1 – Bangkok: Follow day 1 as above but stay the night in Bangkok.
Day 2 – Bangkok: If you’re visiting on a weekend, check out Chatuchak Market. If not, explore Chinatown or visit the temples. In the evening, take a night train (13 hours) or flight (1h15) from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Day 3 & 4 – Chiang Mai: Follow day 2 and day 3 as above.
Day 5 – Chiang Mai: Take a morning cooking class. In the afternoon, visit Wat Pha Lat temple and Montha Than Waterfall or Huai Kaeo Waterfall.
Day 6, 7 & 8 – Chiang Rai: Follow day 4, day 5 and day 6 as above.
Day 9 – Bangkok: Flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok (1h25). Visit King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk for sunset or check out the shopping malls.
Day 10 – Bangkok: Explore more of Bangkok before flying back home.
2 Week Northern Thailand Itinerary
Day 1 to 9 – Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai: Follow day 1 to day 9 as above.
Day 10 – Ayutthaya: Take a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok to visit the temples (the train takes 2-3 hours one-way). Stay the night in Bangkok.
Day 11 – Kanchanaburi: Take the morning train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi (3 hours). check out the temples and the River Kwai Bridge.
Day 12 – Kanchanaburi: Day trip to Erawan Falls by bus (2 hours one-way). In the evening, take a bus to Ratchaburi (2.5-3 hours).
Day 13 – Ratchaburi: Check out Maeklong Railway Market in the morning. For the rest of the day, visit Hin Khao Ngu Stone Park, Khao Bin Cave, and Wat Nong Hoi temple.
Day 14 – Bangkok: Take the morning train from Ratchaburi to Bangkok (3 hours) and then fly back home.
I hope you’ve found this Northern Thailand itinerary guide helpful and got some ideas on how to plan your trip. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.