One Week in Northern Thailand Itinerary

Bangkok and Chiang Mai are two of the most famous cities in Thailand. Bangkok, the bustling capital, is the heart of central Thailand and the starting point for many Thailand itineraries. So what’s going on in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand?
Chiang Mai is the cultural capital of Thailand and home to incredible temples, jungles, and a more laid-back pace of life. With a population of only 131,000 people, it’s dwarfed by the masses of Bangkok (8.2 million). Neighboring towns in the mountains, Pai and Chiang Rai, are also home to amazing natural wonders and breathtaking temples.
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, don’t just visit Bangkok and southern Thailand. Spend one week in Northern Thailand to experience jungles, sunrises, temples, and trekking!
Because of the contrast between northern and southern Thailand, it’s worth spending time in both parts of the country. There are several ways to get between the two hub cities: Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
If you have less than one month in Thailand, I recommend flying between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Flights run frequently from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and back, and if you book ahead, they’re pretty cheap! Pack all of your belongings into a 7kg carry-on (no check-in luggage), and it’s even cheaper.
If you’re island-hopping in southern Thailand and trying to get to Chiang Mai from Phuket or Surat Thani to Chiang Mai, your best option is definitely to fly. Overland transit will be a pain in the ass (literally), and you’ll lose two days on busses or trains. But if you’d like, set an example for traveling sustainably and take overland transport all the way!
To get around Thailand, I use 12GoAsia’s online portal to search for the best transport options.
Your one week in Northern Thailand itinerary is bound to start (and probably end) in Chiang Mai. This town is the capital of Northern Thailand, and the former capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom. Comparing Chaing Mai to Bangkok is like comparing Kyoto to Tokyo in Japan. It’s the cultural capital, where you can’t walk five minutes without seeing a beautiful Thai temple or a barefoot monk dressed in orange robes.
If you look at Chiang Mai from above, you can tell immediately where the Chiang Mai Old City is. On a map, it’s the perfectly square section in the middle of town. The Old City is the perfect place to stay, eat, and explore Chiang Mai’s best temples. Chiang Mai is also a great place in northern Thailand to rent a scooter and explore the surrounding tranquil countryside.
For first-timers to Chiang Mai, I recommend staying in the Old City. That way, you’re walking distance to many famous attractions and markets. The Old City is filled with traveler amenities as well, like health-food restaurants and coffee shops, 7-Elevens, tourist information desks, and tour operators.
An amazing hostel I recommend is Sherloft Home & Hostel. Not only is it aesthetically amazing, the dorm beds are comfortable, there are plenty of bathrooms, and the free breakfast every morning is incredible!
Read my post about staying at Sherloft Home & Hostel here.
Pai is a little hippy community located a three-hours drive northwest of Chiang Mai. It’s popular with both the vegan backpackers community and with motorcyclists – what a combination! The road between Pai and Chiang Mai is famous for its many twists and turns in the mountains. Beware, this road is a struggle for those who easily get carsick.
Search for transport between Chiang Mai and Pai online here, or you can easily book a minivan through your accommodation in Chiang Mai.
There are countless nice backpacker hostels in Pai, and many cheap but luxurious private cabins or guesthouses for couples too. It’s best to stay somewhere within walking distance from Pai’s Walking Street, which livens up every night with a night bazaar.
I stayed at the very basic but super friendly Paimanee Hostel. Although the dorm rooms are outdated, the owner, Mama Su, has to be the sweetest lady in all of Pai. Other backpacker hostels include the Juno Hostel Pai and Pai My Way Hostel.
Along the river that cuts through Pai are many nice mid- and upper-range accommodation options too. For a medium budget, see The Nest House or Pai Smilehouse bungalows.
For those looking for luxury, you can’t go wrong with the Pai Island Resort.
Scooters can be rented from 100 baht ($3 per day) in Pai, to explore the region. For about 300 baht per person ($10), you can also have a tour take you around to Pai’s highlights. Popular destinations include:
Chaing Rai is another beautiful town that shouldn’t be missed during your one week in Northern Thailand itinerary. It’s located to the northeast of Chiang Mai, and east of Pai. Unfortunately because of the hilly geography of the region, it’s not really possible to go directly between Pai and Chiang Rai without back-tracking through Chiang Mai.
If you’re not a fan of long days in transit (my van from Pai, through Chiang Mai, to Chiang Rai took 7 hours), plan on spending an extra day in Chiang Mai between Pai and Chiang Rai in your Northern Thailand Itinerary.
Chiang Rai is famous for its colorful temples, namely the White Temple and the Blue Temple. There are also several night markets here and a night bazaar. If you don’t have time in your North Thailand Itinerary for two whole days in Chiang Rai, taking a day-trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is an option too.
I recommend Mercy Hostel for backpackers and budget travelers as a place to stay in Chiang Rai. It’s another wonderful hostel that really cares about its guests. There’s a gym, a pool, and two common areas on site, and spacious bathroom facilities. It’s also close to Chiang Rai’s city center, so walking distance from the bus station, night bazaar, and many restaurants.
Other impressive budget places are Backpack Hostel, with a whopping 9.9 rating on Booking.com, and the trendy Busket Hostel.
Highly rated options for private rooms include the medium-budget Sabai Chiang Rai and Kanlaya Place. For luxury options, check out Nak Nakara Hotel and Le Patta Hotel Chiang Rai.
Similar to Pai, it’s easiest to see all of Chiang Rai’s highlights if you rent a scooter or join a group tour. Most sites can be visited if you have one whole day here.
Chiang Rai is the largest town in the northeast close to both Thailand’s neighbors, Myanmar and Laos. Where the three countries meet is called the “Golden Triangle”, and it’s located about an hour’s drive north of Chiang Rai (I don’t recommend scootering that far).
At the Golden Triangle is also an Opium Museum, which delves into the history of this drug crossing the three countries’ borders.
Wanting to stay longer than one week in Northern Thailand? There are various other amazing places you can visit here.
One of the most popular multi-day activities away from Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai, is trekking in the mountains. Immerse yourself in the jungles and forests that Northern Thailand is famous for. Tours can be booked from either of the three towns.
For the nature-loving travelers to Thailand, why not stay at The Mothership, a unique Eco-Resort in the mountains near Chiang Mai where you stay in dome-shaped accommodation. It’s also listed on Workaway.info if you’re looking at a long-term volunteer opportunity!
An under-the-radar town near Chiang Mai to stay in is Chiang Dao. It’s known for its nature and tranquility, with a large Chiang Dao cave complex to explore, and some hot springs. Find a place to stay in Chiang Dao here!
If traveling to Laos after your one week in Northern Thailand, there are several ways for backpackers to get between the two countries. From Chiang Mai, Pai, and Chiang Rai, there are tour operators offering bus rides to the Laos border, or even further to Luang Prabang. Taking the slowboat to Laos is a popular option with backpackers, which takes two days and includes an overnight stay in a local Laos village.